Scotland’s ability to prevent and respond to the growing cyber threat will be increased with the creation of a new Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre (SC3).
The £1.5 million central coordination function will strengthen Scotland’s resilience to withstand the highest level of cyber threat.
The Scottish Government’s Covid Recovery Strategy commits to establishing a recognised, authoritative and collaborative function to combat the accelerating threat of cyber attack.
This has led to the creation of the SC3, which will pool expertise to: share intelligence; provide early warning of cyber threat and attacks; manage incidents and lead recovery. Recruitment for a head of the centre is already underway, with SC3 set to be formally launched later this year.
SC3 was announced ahead of the start of CyberScotland Week (Monday 28 February – 6th March), which will feature over a hundred events and activities across Scotland, focusing on building the cyber resilience of individuals, businesses and organisations.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “At times of heightened international tension, it is more important than ever to ensure that Scotland is ready to defend itself against cyber attacks.
“Sustaining and increasing Scotland’s cyber resilience requires us to continue harnessing the power of working in partnership, and stepping it up at all levels.
“Establishing a new dedicated cyber co-ordination centre is a bold and ambitious development for Scotland.
“By providing a central coordination function that pools expertise from across a number of existing or developing Centres of Excellence, we can maximise our ability to work together to address cyber threats and attacks – whether that is sharing intelligence, providing early warnings, managing incidents or leading recovery.
“During CyberScotland week, I would urge individuals, businesses and organisations across Scotland to reflect on what they can do to keep themselves and others safe from emerging threats. The National Cyber Security Centre has trustworthy and up-to-the minute guidance on keeping safe and secure online.”
PM Boris Johnson announces £40 million of further humanitarian aid to Ukraine
£40m more aid released to provide vital medical supplies and other help to Ukraine
Assistance in addition to wider economic and military support bolstering the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion
Announcement follows PM discussions with President Zelenskyy and meeting with Ukrainian community leaders in London this weekend
The UK has stepped up its support to the people of Ukraine again today (Sunday) with the announcement of £40 million of further humanitarian aid to the country.
The funding will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and medical supplies such as medicines, syringes, dressings and wound care packs.
UK Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
On Saturday evening the Prime Minister spoke again to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy who updated him on the critical need for humanitarian assistance as people are forced to flee their homes and seek safety.
This evening he met Ukrainian community leaders at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London to hear their stories about the impact of Russian violence on the people of Ukraine.
In response to the growing concern of Ukrainians living in the UK about their welfare of their families back home, today the Prime Minister also confirmed that any person settled in the UK will be able to bring their Ukrainian immediate family members to join them here. This will benefit many thousands of people who at this moment are making desperate choices about their future.
The UK also continues to support those Ukrainians who wish to remain close to home through logistical and humanitarian support to Ukraine’s neighbours.
The Prime Minister said: “In the last days the world has witnessed awe-inspiring displays of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people in response to those who seek to obliterate their freedom by force.
“The UK will not turn our backs in Ukraine’s hour of need. We are providing all the economic and military support we can to help those Ukrainians risking everything to protect their country.”
This latest assistance package brings the total amount of UK Government aid pledged to Ukraine this year to £140 million. Last week the Prime Minister also announced the UK would guarantee up to $500 million of loans to Ukraine through Multilateral Development Banks.
The UK also continues to supply defensive military equipment to the Ukrainian military to bolster their resistance against invading Russian forces.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Putin’s regime has undertaken an illegal and violent assault against the people of Ukraine.
“The UK will provide £40 million in aid to help our Ukrainian friends, more funding to tackle what is becoming a humanitarian crisis.
“We stand with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, in its hour of need”.
Scotland also sends aid to Ukraine
Scottish Government to provide financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following Russian invasion
The Scottish Government will provide both financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia.
Firstly, an initial £4m in humanitarian aid will be provided. As part of the global humanitarian efforts, this will help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter.
Officials are in discussions with humanitarian aid agencies to identify the best route to get this aid most quickly to those affected by the Ukraine crisis, including to those displaced by the invasion.
In addition to financial aid, the Scottish Government will provide medical supplies to Ukraine.
The supplies provided are based on a list of urgently needed medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals provided by the Ukrainian Government via their Edinburgh consulate.
The supplies to be provided will include anaesthetic machines, syringe pumps and bandages.
However, further work is underway to identify what further supplies can be provided and in what quantities, in order that they can be shipped to Ukraine as quickly as possible.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has given its unqualified support for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the people of Ukraine as they bravely resist the unprovoked and illegal aggression of the Russian regime.
“As a responsible and compassionate global citizen we will help with an initial £4 million in financial aid to provide essential help to those in desperate need.
“And we are also working with the Ukrainian government to provide medical supplies from stocks we hold. We are coordinating with other UK nations to ensure that these supplies get to where they are desperately needed as quickly as possible.
“There will be much more that we need to do in the days to come. But one thing is already clear. Words of support are not enough. Ukraine needs our active help and support now, and we will provide as much practical support as possible, starting immediately.”
Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Fund is currently assessing the response capacity on the Ukraine crisis.
Further Economic Sanctions Targeted at the Central Bank of the Russian Federation
The UK government has announced its intention to take further restrictive economic measures in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).
Following already announced sanctions measures aimed at imposing severe consequences on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in coordination with the Governor of the Bank of England, yesterday announced the UK Government’s intention to take further economic action against Russia by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).
This action is taken in concert with the US and the European Union, to prevent the CBR from deploying its foreign reserves in ways that undermine the impact of sanctions imposed by us and our allies, and to undercut its ability to engage in foreign exchange transactions to support the Russian rouble.
The UK Government will immediately take all necessary steps to bring into effect restrictions to prohibit any UK natural or legal persons from undertaking financial transactions involving the CBR, the Russian National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation.
The UK Government intends to make further related designations this week, working alongside our international partners.
The Chancellor said: “These measures demonstrate our determination to apply severe economic sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We are announcing this action in rapid coordination with our US and European allies to move in lock step once more with our international partners, to demonstrate our steadfast resolve in imposing the highest costs on Russia and to cut her off from the international financial system so long as this conflict persists.
The Governor of the Bank of England said: “The Bank of England continues to take any and all actions needed to support the Government’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We welcome the steps taken today by the UK Government, in coordination with EU and US authorities, as an important and powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the international rule of law.”
The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill is due to reach its final stages in Parliament on 7th March 2022. If passed, it will require the UK Government to consider the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings when making and implementing policies, and animal sentience will once again be enshrined in UK Law.
Sir,
As we are a nation of animal lovers, it’s hard to believe that UK law doesn’t currently recognise animals as being able to feel joy, pain, fear and excitement. No one who has ever seen a cow going outside for the first time after a winter indoors, a hen dust bathing, or a pig wallowing in a fresh patch of mud would be in any doubt that animals are sentient. I am shocked that we even find ourselves in this position.
During the 1990s, Compassion in World Farming – a charity I have long supported – campaigned tirelessly on this issue, resulting in the recognition of animal sentience becoming enshrined in EU law and for this to be given full regard by governments when making and implementing policy.
However, for the past year, following the UK’s departure from the EU, this important protection has been lost. As a vet, I just cannot comprehend that farm animals are currently only seen as ‘goods’ in the eyes of the law. It’s nonsensical.
Thanks to Compassion and other NGOs, MPs are currently debating the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill in Parliament. This will ensure that animals are once again legally recognised as sentient, thinking beings. The Bill has just passed its Committee Stage in the House of Commons, but we aren’t over the finish line just yet, so it’s vital MPs vote in support of the Bill when it has its final stages (7th March).
We don’t need any more dither or delay. What we need is to reinstate the important principle of animal sentience in UK law.
Dr Emma Milne BVSC FRCVS, vet and Supporter of Compassion in World Farming
TV presenter, vet and author Emma Milne is well known for her love of animals. Emma is passionate about animal welfare and advocates better standards of care for pets, conservation of wildlife and an end to factory farming. Emma starred in eleven series of BBC’s Vets in Practice programme (1996 – 2003).
MUSSELBURGH sees property demand soar with the hope of offering a viable alternative for house hunters seeking a home in Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh EH21 region – Musselburgh – has experienced a strong recovery in the wake of lockdown restrictions being lifted mid-2020, with sales exceeding £24million in March 2021 – more than £18m above pre-pandemic levels.
Despite increasing popularity, 90% of homes in the area sold for under £400,000, with apartments concentrated at under £160,000, more than £100,000 less than the average flat in the capital.
The new report by property experts Rettie & Co. has revealed that areas previously considered suitable for buyers with lower budgets such as Leith are on the up, with EH postcodes still considered the most expensive in the country.
It comes after the firm’s latest 140 home development in Musselburgh, The Wireworks, in partnership with independent property developer Dundas Estates, has received more than 600 enquiries in just nine months.
Director of New Homes at Rettie & Co., Calum Miller, said: “Musselburgh is becoming increasingly popular as it offers a viable alternative to Edinburgh within a reasonable price range.
“Typical buyers that, two or three years ago, could have afforded a two-bedroom apartment in Leith, would now be struggling to purchase a one bedroom for the same budget. Musselburgh offers a lot more value for money, still within easy reach of the draw of the capital.”
The average house price in Edinburgh in December 2022 was £312,000, up 9.7% on the previous year according to the Office of National Statistics.
In contrast buyers in East Lothian are paying £285,000 for the average home, which has led to an increase in demand within the region.
Calum said: “We’re currently seeing a spate of enquiries in the EH21 postcode, and for good reason.
“Being a commuter town just outside of Edinburgh, Musselburgh offers the best of both worlds; city convenience with an abundance of green space and amenities such as the River Esk, nearby beaches and the Musselburgh Racecourse, as well as the renowned Luca’s Ice Cream parlour.”
Head of Sales & Marketing at Dundas Estates, Craig Fairfoull, said: “It is important that we meet the demand for housing in what is becoming an ever-popular destination in the east of Scotland.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Rettie & Co. to help deliver reasonably priced, high-quality homes to meet demand in Musselburgh.”
Dundas Estates, through a partnership with Tesco, East Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, acquired The Wireworks site after receiving planning permission to regenerate the former Brunton Wireworks site and neighbouring land in 2008.
The development will have the capacity to store 140 bicycles in internal and external bikes stores.
Electric car charging facilities will be available throughout the development, and private gardens and balconies will also be available at various apartments.
The Livingston-based firm is committing, through Section 75 payments, to contribute up to £400,000 along with the other partners which will be invested into local schooling and infrastructure.
To learn more about Dundas Estates’ Wireworks development visit:
Sweet or savoury? Short stack or pile them high? With Pancake Day just around the corner, we’ve come up with four tasty ways you can celebrate Shrove Tuesday (1st March) at Fort Kinnaird.
Tuck into an American classic at Frankie & Benny’s
If you’re a fan of brunch, then look no further than Frankie & Benny’s this Shrove Tuesday. Tuck into classic American-style pancakes topped with maple syrup and bacon, or why not sweeten things up with banana and chocolate sauce?
Visiting with the whole family? Kids are also catered for, with their breakfast stacks including apple juice, orange juice or milk in the price. View Frankie & Benny’s full menu here.
Get your quick fix at McDonald’s
Looking for a quick and easy option that the whole family will enjoy? McDonald’s is renowned for its McMuffins, but did you know it also serves pancakes for breakfast too?
Diners can enjoy three golden pancakes drizzled with syrup and served with a classic pork sausage patty. Available to sit-in and savour or devour on the go.
Preparing your pancakes at home? Marks & Spencer at Fort Kinnaird has all the essentials you need to create your dream stack. Along with the key ingredients of eggs, caster sugar, lemon juice, flour and milk, shoppers can also pick up various fruit, syrups and sauces. Kids will love the Percy Pig dessert sauce!
Short on time? Pick up a pack of buttermilk pancakes or try a pre-made shaker mix. Available in classic or vegan varieties, simply add your milk of choice, shake, pour and cook.
Browse in-store or visit Marks & Spencer’s website for more Pancake Day recipe ideas.
Perfect your flip with ProCook
For those looking to show off their skills at home, ProCook has a variety of quality crepe pans to help you flip the perfect pancake.
While the simple carbon steel crepe pan (£7.99) is ideal for little ones having their first attempt, ProCook’s Professional Granite crepe pan (£34) will allow budding chefs achieve the perfect flip. With a non-stick coating and a cast iron body, this pan comes with a 25-year guarantee – making it a great investment for Pancake Days to come!
Pop in store to view the full cookware range or visit ProCook’s website for more inspiration.
For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit:
The next 10 years will be decisive in building a more resilient, entrepreneurial and fair economy, according to Economy Secretary Kate Forbes.
Speaking ahead of the expected publication of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, Ms Forbes said the Scottish Government will work with businesses, trade unions, third sector and public bodies to seize Scotland’s economic potential.
The publication later this week follows the recent announcement of the updated Strategic Framework that sets out how Scotland can move forward whilst managing the risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ahead of the launch the Cabinet Secretary will tomorrow chair the Green Finance Taskforce to help transition Scotland in to a global leader for Green and Sustainable Financial Services.
Building on the legacy of COP26, the group will develop an action plan to cement Scotland’s position as a world leader in green and sustainable financial services, helping to build capability and create new greener jobs.
Ms Forbes said: “From the television to the telephone, penicillin to steam engines, Scotland has a rich history of innovation and invention. In the next decade, Scotland faces a choice to either lead or to lag behind other successful economies all whilst we recover from Covid, deliver net zero, tackle structural inequalities and grow our economy. We choose to lead.
“Over the next ten years, we aim to deliver economic growth that significantly outperforms the last decade, so that the Scottish economy is more prosperous, more productive and more internationally competitive.
“To do that, we must be a country in which the public, private and third sectors respect each other’s strengths, draw on each other’s talents and work together to create and sustain an economy that works for all.
“This strategy is about delivering the best economic performance possible for Scotland within the current constitutional constraints.
There is much more we would do with greater powers, however this strategy takes decisive steps towards the creation of new, well paid, green jobs and will drive an economic recovery that will meet our climate and nature targets while ensuring we maximise the benefits of a just transition.
“We want the Scotland of tomorrow to be a more resilient and more entrepreneurial economy – in which everybody can share in our success.
“As we look beyond the pandemic we must be ready to seize the economic opportunities that come with achieving net-zero and becoming a fairer country.”
Edinburgh has a new, Stockbridge-based community radio station. Launched on Friday in the heart of the Bohemian village, Edinburgh’s Mix1 Radio will serve its listeners with entertainment and local information.
Stockbridge, Comely Bank and other neighbouring villages have a fabulous community spirit. You only have to walk along Stockbridge main street to find that out. So, with the community in mind local broadcaster, musician and designer Sam Hinks decided the time was right to start a station.
Sam said: “Experience is very important in the radio industry, although enthusiasm and ability to learn are just as important.
“We want to attract the best people to entertain and inform the local communities as well as align ourselves firmly with the individuals, businesses and organisations that make up the surrounding area.”
Mix1 Radio’s most important job is to engage with its listeners and be involved as much as possible with the communities. To that end they have set up a basement studio in the heart of Stockbridge, with a meeting area and admin facilities for the station to grow.
Local events will also be a part of the station’s community role. They will be available to engage in outside broadcasts and live entertainment in Stockbridge and surrounding Edinburgh. Contact the station for details.
Training is an aspect that will be very much embraced by the station. Local schools, colleges and individuals will be encouraged to get in touch.
If you feel you want to be involved with local radio, get in touch with Mix1 Radio. They are an all-encompassing company that will welcome you with open arms.
Look for the station on the internet, broadcasting via its website, mobile portal apps and on smart speakers (local Edinburgh city DAB to come soon).
New TUC analysis reveals Women’s Pay Day – the day when the average woman starts getting paid compared to the average man – was Friday 25 February.In Scotland, the date was 11 February.
In parts of the country where the gender pay gap is wider, women work for free for longer. And in finance and insurance, women wait until 27 April for their Women’s Pay Day
TUC calls on ministers to boost rights to flexible working, and for cash injection for childcare sector
The average woman effectively works for free for nearly two months of the year compared to the average man, according to new analysis published by the TUC.
The gender pay gap for all employees is 15.4 per cent. This pay gap means that women wait 56 days before they start to get paid on Women’s Pay Day today.
Industrial gender pay gaps
Despite the introduction of gender pay gap reporting, the analysis published by the TUC today shows that there are still big gender pay gaps in many industries.
Even in jobs that tend to be dominated by female workers like education and social care the gender pay gap persists.
In these sectors women get paid much less per hour on average than men, both because they are more likely to be in part-time jobs or are in lower-paid roles.
In education the gender pay gap is 25.4 per cent, so the average woman effectively works for free for more than a quarter of the year (93 days) and has to wait until Saturday 2 April 2022 before she starts getting paid compared to the average man.
In health care and social work jobs, where the gender pay gap is 18.3 per cent, the average woman waits 67 days for her Women’s Pay Day on Monday 7 March 2022.
The longest wait for Women’s Pay Day comes in finance and insurance. The gender pay gap (32.3 per cent) is the equivalent of 118 days, meaning it’s nearly a third of the year before Women’s Pay Day finally kicks in on 27 April 2022.
Generational gender pay gaps
The TUC analysis shows that the gender pay gap is widest for older women, so they have to wait longer for their Women’s Pay Day.
Women aged between 40 and 49 have a pay gap of 21.3 per cent and work for free until Friday 18 March 2022.
And women aged 50 and 59 have the highest gender pay gap (21.8 per cent). They work 80 days of the year for free before they are paid on Sunday 20 March 2022.
Regional gender pay gaps
The analysis also shows that in some parts of the country gender pay gaps are even bigger, so their Women’s Pay Day is later in the year.
The gender pay gap is largest in the south east (18.9 per cent). Women in this region work 69 days for free and their pay day isn’t until Wednesday 9 March.
And women in the south west (16.6 per cent) and the east midlands (16.8 per cent pay gap) have to wait until next week (Tuesday 1 March and Wednesday 2 March) for their pay days.
Regional variations in the gender pay gap are likely to be caused by differences in the types of jobs and industries that are most common in that part of the UK, says the TUC.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It’s shocking that working women still don’t have pay parity. At current rates of progress, it will take nearly 30 more years to close the gender pay gap.
“It’s clear that just publishing gender pay gaps isn’t enough. Companies must be required to explain what steps they’ll take to close their gender pay gaps – and bosses who don’t comply with the law should be fined.
“The last two years have shown us that employers can do more to help women balance caring responsibilities and work. Flexible working is vital to mums keeping their jobs and progressing at work and is our best chance of closing the gender pay gap.
“All jobs must be advertised with the possible flexible options clearly stated, and all workers must have the legal right to work flexibly from their first day in a job.”
Childcare and parental leave
Frances added: “The gender pay gap widens dramatically once women become mums. We need more funding for affordable, good quality childcare to support working parents – along with better wages and recognition for childcare workers.
“And both parents need to be able to share childcare more easily. Without better rights to well-paid leave, mums will continue to take on the lion-share of caring responsibilities – and continue to take a financial hit.
“We need a complete overhaul of the shared parental leave system. It’s not an affordable option for most working families. Dads need leave they can take in their own right. It shouldn’t rely on mums giving up some of their maternity leave.”
Councils have now provided more than 1,000 Housing First tenancies across Scotland, helping tackle homelessness by offering settled homes to those with multiple and complex needs.
Housing First is aimed at people with high support needs – such as alcohol or drug dependency or significant mental health problems – who are experiencing homelessness. It provides them with settled housing and intensive, individually tailored support.
The Scottish Government has invested £5.5 million since 2019 in the Housing First pathfinder programme, which has worked to set up Housing First schemes in areas with the most people sleeping rough or at risk of doing so. This is part of a £52.5 million investment in rapid rehousing, aiming to ensure people spend the shortest amount of time possible in temporary accommodation, giving them a settled place to live as soon as appropriate.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “We know that providing long-term housing to people experiencing homelessness is crucial to helping them rebuild their lives, which is why we’re investing £52.5 million in projects that move people on from temporary accommodation as soon as possible.
“Housing First is a key part of that, aimed at people with multiple and complex needs – be that addiction, mental ill health or repeated interactions with the justice system.
“The best way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation is to stop homelessness from happening in the first place, which is why we are consulting on plans to place legal duties on public bodies to prevent people losing their homes. This stems from the principle that preventing homelessness should be a shared public responsibility.”
CPRE, the countryside charity, is calling on people to take part in Star Count, the country’s biggest annual citizen science project of its kind, which takes place from 26 February to 6 March
A clear view of the night sky helps balance our mental health and boost emotional wellbeing – but light pollution is blotting out the stars and obstructing our ability to connect with nature
Lockdown produced clearer, darker skies but experts fear it was a temporary reprieve
People are being asked to take part in an annual Star Count to record how clear our view is of the night sky. CPRE, the countryside charity, is working with the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies to map light pollution levels across the country.
In the biggest citizen science project of its kind, people are being asked to count the number of stars they see in the Orion constellation to help map the best and worst places in the UK to enjoy a star-filled night sky.
The results will be compared with 2021’s findings, gathered during lockdown, which revealed a notable drop in the number of people experiencing severe light pollution given urban areas were much quieter and fewer large buildings were in use.
A clear view of a star-filled night sky has a hugely beneficial effect on our mental health and, like access to other forms of nature, helps reduce stress and increase a sense of peace and wellbeing. Research has even shown that regularly spending time looking at the stars can lower blood pressure and reduce depression. Yet, the night sky, which is a hugely significant part of our natural environment, has no legal protection.
Tom Fyans, deputy chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said: ‘The night sky is one half of our experience of nature; but we don’t often think of it like that. In and of itself, it helps balance our mental health and boost our emotional wellbeing. Recollect that experience of a starry sky and you instinctively know it soothed you.
‘But our view of the night sky – and all the benefits it undoubtedly brings – is being blotted out by light pollution. Like all forms of pollution, it is damaging our mental and physical health, and also having a severe impact on wildlife. Yet, it is a form of pollution that is allowed to increase year on year without any effort being made to control the damage it is causing.’
In 2021, over 7,000 people took part in CPRE’s Star Count. The proportion of people reporting ‘severe light pollution’, defined as ten stars or fewer being visible to the naked eye in the Orion constellation, had declined from 61% to 51%.
The proportion of ‘truly dark skies’, defined as over 30 stars being visible within the Orion constellation, had increased from 3% to 5%. This was likely due to the count taking place during lockdown, with reduced levels of artificial light leading to a clearer view of the night sky.
Now people are being urged to once again come together for one of the nation’s biggest citizen science projects to help discover if light pollution has increased since the end of lockdown – and where the best views of the stars can be found.
Emma Marrington, CPRE dark skies campaigner, said:‘We need your help to find out if light pollution has increased over the past year and if more people are experiencing darker night skies.
“The results from Star Count will help us create a map of where star-spotters are enjoying deep, dark star-filled skies. By showing on a map where light pollution is most serious, we can work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it.
‘Star Count is a great way to switch off from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with nature – and by taking part as a citizen scientist, you can help us protect and improve everyone’s view of a clear, sparkling night sky.’
Light pollution means many people only experience a limited view of the night sky, and it also disrupts wildlife’s natural patterns. By showing where views are most affected by light pollution, the evidence can be used to help protect and enhance the nation’s dark skies, improving our health, wellbeing, wildlife and the environment.
Bob Mizon, of the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies, said:‘The night sky is a great antidote to the stresses of modern life; you go out, look up and suddenly everything is calm. The stars made every atom in our bodies; they are our chemical parents. They’re intimately connected to us and even in these light polluted days people have a real desire to see the stars.
‘Just as we have an affinity with trees and the rest of nature, we have a connection to the night sky. It is literally 50 per cent of our environment – from east to west – and it is the only part of our environment that has no protection in law.
People are very rapidly coming to the conclusion that what we do to the environment has a direct impact on our wellbeing. The same as coral reefs dying off and rivers clogged with plastic bags – one more aspect of our impact on the environment is our pollution of the night sky and yet it is completely unprotected.’
