The Scottish Parliament voted last night (Wednesday 23 February) to support the Government’s proposed delay to Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme.
The 16-month delay until August 2023 means many bottles will go unrecycled and littering of our beaches will continue for longer than expected, and concerns remain over whether this new date will be met.
Progress towards a national Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland has been hampered by delays since the powers to create it were first created in 2009.
The industry-led scheme and past government overseers had made little progress when Lorna Slater, Minister for the Circular Economy, was given responsibility for the project in September last year.
Despite assurances from the Minister that the scheme can be delivered to this new date, the Scottish Government’s own assessment of the project suggests serious challenges still remain, leaving the successful delivery of the project in doubt.
A report written by civil servants in December 2021 cited several risks, including the need to resolve a battle with HMRC on VAT for the scheme and Circularity Scotland Limited securing resources to develop its corporate and operational systems.
Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “Lorna Slater was given little choice but to delay the scheme, however if she fails to hold industry to this new deadline the political legitimacy of the Greens in government will be severely damaged.
“The Deposit Return Scheme is the biggest test of industry’s commitment to a circular economy in Scotland so far. Failure to deliver, after they have been granted every request to delay, will prove that stronger persuasion is required to ensure industry embraces a more sustainable future.”
Scottish comedian Paul Black is working with Royal Bank of Scotland as part of a new campaign aiming to raise awareness of the rising prevalence of money muling – an activity where targets are recruited to channel illicit funds through their personal bank accounts.
On Tuesday, 1st March, Paul will be taking to the streets of Edinburgh as the “money mule man” and approaching people to look after money. If they simply say no, they will be rewarded with a £100 cash prize, while those who say yes will go home empty handed.
The new campaign from Royal Bank of Scotland aims to raise awareness of money muling and support people in being vigilant about the ways criminals might try and exploit them by making use of their bank account.
The number of money mules has increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic and over 17,000 suspected cases involving 21- to 30-year-olds were recorded in 2020 according to Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention body.
Rising social media usage during lockdown is thought to be linked to the spike, with criminals using apps such as Snapchat and Instagram to recruit targets.
Money muling often involves criminals recruiting young people to use their bank accounts to move cash which has been illegally stolen or transferred from another account.
Despite the upsurge in money muling, many young people are unaware of the consequences of allowing criminals access to their accounts – with those caught facing up to a fourteen-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding a bank account.
Cifas research has found that the number of 14–18-year-olds charged with money muling offenses to have risen by 73% since 2020.
Commenting on the campaign, Paul Black said:“To be honest, I’d never heard of money muling until recently, but I think that’s the key issue – people are letting criminals channel money through their bank accounts with no idea that what they’re doing is actually against the law.
“Hopefully, this new campaign will encourage people to think twice if they’re approached by a random and offered cash to let money sit in their bank for a few days. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“On Tuesday, I’ll be out and about in Edinburgh to see if members of the public are clued up on money muling and find out who’s smart enough to win 100 quid!”
A Royal Bank of Scotland spokesperson, said: “The message is simple: if approached to be a money mule, always say no.
“The consequences of becoming involved in this type of crime are severe, your bank account will be closed down and you could end up in prison.”
The positive role that art and creativity plays in enhancing our mental health and well-being is at the heart of activity taking place in communities across Scotland and backed by £800,000 of National Lottery and Scottish Government support in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.
Forging connection through music making and storytelling is central to Acorn Shed Music’s approach. In their latest project with partners Ceartas Advocacy and The Village Storytelling Centre, Songs from Here will bring together people living with dementia in East Dunbartonshire to create songs and stories based on lived experience.
Set up in 2017 with the aim of finding ways to use group songwriting to explore difficult conversations, Acord Shed Music’s Co-Founder, Carol Beckwith said: “Writing songs that emerge from individual and shared stories provides opportunities to take a more creative approach to exploring the experience of dementia and dementia care.
“We anticipate that as people begin to reveal their creative identities in this way they begin to understand that ‘voice’ is more than just the words that we say.”
In Edinburgh, Artlink is about to roll out a new programme of workshops, discussions, performances, installations, exhibitions and artist placements for people with complex disabilities.
Jan-Bert van den Berg, Director at Artlink, said: “Over the last two years amazing new creative relationships have formed between people with complex disabilities, their supports, and artists.
“As we emerge into a post lockdown world, we want to make sure that those people who have been hardest hit are included in influencing and shaping the new cultural landscape.
“Being Human supports a programme of creative work that harnesses the strengths and passions of all involved to make the most of what has been learnt.”
Becoming a dynamic hub of creative activity, Glasgow’s Good Vibrations supports people through communal music making, with a focus on the gamelan and Indian tuned percussion orchestra.
Hekate Papadaki, Executive Director of Good Vibrations explains: “Through communal music-making and other creative activities we support people who may have more limited access to participating in arts and culture – those from deprived areas and those with disabilities and mental health needs – to develop personal, social and music skills, self-confidence and positive self-identities.”
Paul Burns, Interim Director, Arts and Engagement Creative Scotland said: “The arts and creativity make an invaluable contribution to our health and wellbeing – both physically and mentally.
“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, and funding from the Scottish Government, these awards continue to address issues of mental and emotional wellbeing while also enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.”
A full list of Open Fund recipient awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.
Almost 4,500 people have signed up to learn how to save someone’s life in the event of an opioid overdose.
A nationwide awareness campaign, launched in August last year, encouraged the public to go to the ‘Stop The Deaths’ website to learn how to recognise the signs of a drug overdose, receive training in the use of the life-saving medication naloxone and get a free naloxone kit.
The joint initiative by the Scottish Government and Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) used TV and radio adverts and billboards at transport hubs and shopping centres to promote the message. While the campaign has finished, people can still register their interest in receiving training and getting a kit.
The campaign livery can also be found on a Glasgow Taxi cab and more than 20 of the firm’s drivers are among those who have volunteered to carry naloxone.
Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance said: “The response to this joint initiative with Scottish Drugs Forum is really encouraging and it emphasises how everyone can get involved in learning how to save a life.
“The campaign raised awareness of how to respond to an overdose and provide an early intervention which could save a life and is therefore a vital part of the national mission on the drug deaths crisis.
“We hope that the campaign has also helped reduce the stigmatisation of people at risk of overdose and people with a drug problem more broadly.
“Naloxone is one of a wide range of measures being used to address the public health emergency of drugs deaths, but it plays an important role and I hope as many people as possible will visit the “Stop The Deaths” website to find out more.”
Kirsten Horsburgh, Strategy Coordinator for Drug Death Prevention at Scottish Drugs Forum, said: “The ‘How to Save a Life’ campaign has demonstrated that people in Scotland are keen to assist efforts to prevent drug deaths.
“Naloxone is an emergency treatment that can help save someone’s life and it is essential that people are equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to provide help to someone experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
“Taxi drivers may also find themselves in this position and we are grateful to Glasgow Taxis for helping to share this important message.”
Glasgow Taxis chairman Dougie MacPherson said: “Glasgow Taxis is proud to support this very important initiative.
“On a personal level, during the 1980s – before entering the taxi trade – I worked in the north of Glasgow in some of the city’s worst affected areas like Possilpark.
“Heroin and HIV destroyed a generation back then and it left an indelible impression on those who experienced it including me.
“The current drug death figures serve as a stark reminder that the problem has not gone away and any way of reducing the number of deaths is worth supporting.”
The British Dental Association Scotland has greeted the unanimous support of opposition parties, while accusing the Scottish Government of failing to take needed action to halt an exodus from NHS dentistry and restore access to millions.
In a debate in Holyrood today Scottish Government MSPs voted against a motion on support for NHS dentistry tabled by the Scottish Conservatives and backed by both Scottish Labour and Liberal Democrats.
Ministers have been planning to cut pandemic support from April. While the Government has recently indicated that there will be no “cliff edge”, the BDA has consistently warned that the plans to end Covid support payments and return to a low margin/high volume model of care would devastate dental services across the country.
Morale in the profession is at an all-time low, with more than a third of dentists saying they intend to leave the profession in the next 12 months, and 80% planning to reduce their NHS commitment if the Government reverts to pre-pandemic arrangements. Failure to act risks sparking an exodus from the workforce which would mean families across Scotland losing access to NHS dentistry for good.
Over 3.5 million NHS dental appointments were lost in Scotland as a result of the pandemic. As infection prevention and control measures continue to limit the number of patients dentists can see, this unprecedented backlog continues to grow and will likely take years to clear.
The BDA has warned the SNP’s 2021 election pledge of free NHS dentistry for all will be unrealisable without meaningful support and real reform. It is pressing for a workable interim funding model, and long-term change to a system that prioritises prevention, is patient-centred and reflects modern dentistry.
David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said:“NHS dentistry in Scotland is facing crisis, but sadly Ministers seem asleep at the wheel.
“Opposition parties are all seeing the plain facts that Scottish Government plans could devastate services millions depend on and widen already unacceptable health inequalities.
“Promises have been made to the voting public that simply that can’t be kept unless we see meaningful support and real reform as we head out of the pandemic.”
Following Russia’s announcement that it would conduct a military campaign in Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has issued a statement
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state. The UK and our international partners stand united in condemning the Russian government’s reprehensible actions, which are an egregious violation of international law and the UN Charter.
“Over recent weeks, the Russian government have repeatedly denied their hostile intent towards Ukraine. At the same time, they have massed troops, launched cyber-attacks, and staged false pretexts and provocations. Today, the Russian government has shown that it was never serious about engaging in diplomacy – focussed only on deceit and furthering their territorial ambitions.
“We are urgently convening discussions with our allies and partners to coordinate our response. Together we will hold the Russian government to account.
“We have always been clear there would be massive consequences and a severe cost for any Russian military incursion into Ukraine. As a result of their actions, we will today launch an unprecedented package of further sanctions that we have developed with our international partners.
“To ensure the security and defence of all our Allies, we will continue to work together to make sure that Russia cannot further undermine European stability.
“We will continue to support the Ukrainian government in the face of this assault on their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The UK and the international community stand against this naked aggression, and for freedom, democracy, and the sovereignty of nations around the world. We hold the people of Ukraine in our hearts and minds at this terrible moment in their nation’s history.“
Thirteen ‘emerging leaders’ from the Scottish Parliamentary Service (SPS) staff were recognised yesterday at a certification event hosted by the Presiding Officer.
The staff were the first group to attend a new course created by Edinburgh College and the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators (SAMEE). The course supports minority ethnic employees in achieving their full potential now and in the future.
The scheme also aims to ensure the Parliamentary Service more closely reflects Scotland’s population by developing existing minority ethnic talent within the organisation.
While the 2021 election saw a more diverse group of MSPs elected, diversity monitoring within the Parliament as an employer found an ethnicity pay gap caused by a lack of minority ethnic staff in more senior positions.
Speaking after the certification event, Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP said:“Diversity matters, and I am proud to recognise the achievements of our first intake of colleagues participating in this innovative and progressive scheme.
“I am very pleased to encourage them as they advance their careers at the heart of Scottish public life.”
People across Edinburgh are being urged to make 2022 the year they stop wasting food, for good.
Around 600,000 tonnes of household food waste goes to landfill every year and only one third of adults understand the link between food waste and climate change. The Scottish Governments Food Waste campaign has launched again this week with a new message encouraging people to save food, save money and save the earth.
When food waste isn’t recycled, and ends up in landfill, it decomposes and produces methane – a greenhouse gas that is more harmful than carbon dioxide. But if recycled, food waste can be turned into green energy and used to power Scotland’s homes.
More people than ever planned and managed their food better in 2020 during the pandemic with searches for ‘Food Waste’ by Scots increasing by 89% on last year. This new drive aims to show that more action is needed to reduce and recycle food waste to help Scotland reach net zero and stop contributing to climate change.
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater and Iain Gulland from Zero Waste Scotland launched the campaign today with Rachel Green at The Ripple Community Café, a hub that offers freshly made, nutritious and affordable meals to the local community using redistributed food in partnership with Edinburgh Community Food and the Cyrenian’s Fareshare.
Together they showed how simple it can be to reduce your food waste and cook up a tasty and low cost meal by using up the leftover food which otherwise would end up in landfill.
“We can all do more to reduce and recycle food waste, cutting emissions and helping Scotland on our journey to net zero.
“Community hubs such as The Ripple Community Café play a vital role in utilising food which would otherwise go to waste while also providing a welcoming space to for locals. By utilising and supporting hubs like this we can drive home the message that each one of us can help save our food waste from ending up in landfills and ensure that it is recycled properly.”
Rachel Green, Director, The Ripple Community Café, said:“We’re delighted to welcome The Minister and Iain along to the hub to showcase the fantastic work our staff and volunteers are doing to help tackle the fight against food waste.
“Not only does the Community Café provide a comfortable space for locals to come along and enjoy delicious food and good company, it also plays a bigger role in the community by educating people about what we do and why it’s so important that we all play a part in preventing food waste and doing our bit for the planet.”
As part of the campaign, a new handy guide has been created, 22 Food-Saving Wins to inspire and help people take action on food waste in 2022 and beyond. The guide includes top tips, information and advice and is available on netzeronation.org.
The national marketing campaign includes activity across TV, radio, digital and social media and is running until 20th March.
The new ‘Save Food. Save Money. Save the Earth.’ initiative showcases quick and simple steps people can take to reduce their food waste and recycle the waste they cannot avoid from banana skins to eggshells. Not only can Scots help save the earth, but each household could also save approximately £440 per year.
Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive Iain Gulland, said:“Scottish households continue to throw away a staggering amount of food waste, totalling £1.1billion in unnecessary food and drink purchases each year.
“We can all play our part by making simple, sustainable, changes – such as meal planning, storing food correctly, checking the cupboards for ingredients before hitting the shops, and getting inventive with leftovers.
“Getting food onto our plates is a resource intensive process – so, when food is thrown out, all the raw materials are also wasted. We can have a huge, positive, impact on the climate by stopping perfectly edible food from going to waste in the first place.”
For tips to save food, save money, save the earth, go to netzeronation.scot
Today Leith-based charity, Venture Scotland, is celebrating receiving nearly £100,000 in funding over 3 years from The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.
Since 1989, Venture Scotland has used the outdoors as a vehicle to transform the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of Young People across the Central Belt of Scotland. Every year, their small team delivers four, progressive outdoor-based personal development programmes, known as the “Journey”, to over 50 Young People who are facing challenges to their mental health.
Venture Scotland utilise Scotland’s natural environments to deliver group-based outdoor activities, such as gorge walking, kayaking and hill climbing, alongside groupwork, 1-to-1 support sessions and remote bothy residentials.
Venture Scotland’s ethos is to use the outdoor experience to help our Young People gain confidence, overcome challenges, and discover their potential – all of which they can channel into their daily lives.
The National Lottery Community Fund has made it possible for their graduate Young People to give back to Venture Scotland and has ensured that Young People are at the heart of our organisation.
Venture Scotland’s innovative Ambassador Programme has embedded four of our graduate Young People at all levels of Venture Scotland:
They attend and offer feedback at our Board meetings;
Support our fundraising team;
Help our Outreach Worker engage with new Young People;
Volunteer with our delivery team on activity days;
And have helped recruit new staff and trustees.
Most importantly, Venture Scotland’s Ambassadors bring their “lived experience” to motivate and inspire the project’s young people and ensure that their wellbeing is at the heart of everything VS we does.
Jo graduated from Venture Scotland’s Journey Programme in 2019. Before Venture Scotland, Jo was stuck in a cycle of self-destruction and experienced crippling anxiety, eating disorders and isolation.
After completing our Journey Programme, Jo became a Venture Scotland Ambassador; she has this to say about the Programme:
“The Ambassador Programme has given me a purpose and structure in these turbulent times, a chance to connect with people, learn new skills, keep up old ones and a chance to give back to a place and people that changed my life. It has given me hope; something to hold on to.”
The National Lottery Community Fund will allow us to officially launch our Ambassador Programme to a whole new generation of Young People and will ensure that Venture Scotland is the best it can be.
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.
“This project delivered by Venture Scotland is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and to help communities thrive.”
Venture Scotland’s CEO, David Brackenridge added: “Our Ambassador programme has put the voices of young people at the heart of our organisation and this has already had a transformational effect.
“So often, our Ambassadors have given us a whole new perspective on the work we do and the decisions we make and this has changed the way we operate, govern ourselves and has shaped our strategy going forward.
“I already can’t imagine them not being an integral part of Venture Scotland. A massive thanks to the National Lottery for funding this programme and for ensuring we can grow and develop it with young people.”
Police Scotland has released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries in connection with a serious incident which occurred in the early hours of 27 August 2015 at Newmills Road in Balerno.
Officers are keen to speak to a man who was on the number 44 bus travelling west from Edinburgh City Centre towards the Balerno area late in the evening of 26 August, 2015.
CCTV footage has shown that the man alighted from the bus at Newmills Road, Edinburgh, shortly before midnight and detectives believe he may have vital information relating to the incident.
Detective Inspector Jon Pleasance, of Edinburgh CID, said: “This man may have witnessed something that could assist with our investigation and therefore it is vital we speak to him.
“There is no reason to believe he was involved in the incident itself, and he may have not realised that what he potentially saw or heard could assist police.
“I would ask if you are this man, or you recognise this man, please get in contact with police.
“Although this incident took place in 2015, we are determined to bring the offender to justice and are appealing for any information that can help with our enquiries.”
Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident 0080 of 27/08/2015. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
