‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer’ is back with new kitchenware in Cancer Research UK shops
BAKERS from Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to grab their mixing bowls and whip up some cash, as ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer’ returns to Channel 4 tomorrow (March 22).
Everyone from baking beginners to patisserie pros are being asked to don their aprons in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, the joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
Getting started is a piece of cake with a free fundraising kit to download full of tips, recipes and ideas for getting friends and family involved in raising some serious dough for life-saving research.
Fans of the show can also support the cause with striking new Star Baker themed kitchenware available from Cancer Research UK shops in Edinburgh and the Lothians or online, as well as via retailer Next.co.uk.*
The range features everything foodies and fundraisers need to create their signature bakes in style including an apron, oven gloves, a trio of tea towels and a mug.
In Scotland, around 32,200 people are diagnosed with cancer a year.**
Stand Up To Cancer aims to get new cancer tests and treatments to people who need them the most. Since its launch in 2012, the campaign has raised more than £93 million to fund 59 clinical trials and research projects across the UK.
These include the development of new treatments that use viruses to fight cancer, clinical trials testing potentially more effective ways to deliver radiotherapy and improved surgical techniques for bowel cancer.
Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Scotland, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime***, but all of us can play a part to help beat it. That’s why we need people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to help us turn up the heat on this devastating disease.
“We hope these special episodes for Stand Up To Cancer will encourage viewers to host their own baking fundraiser. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a whizz in the kitchen, you can look the part with our new Star Baker range. The most important thing is raising money to help speed up research and save lives. Every last crumb will make a difference.”
The celebrity contestants putting their skills to the test in the Bake Off tent and hoping to inspire some show-stopping fundraising results include Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah; singer-songwriter Example; singer-songwriter and UN Environment Ambassador Ellie Goulding; TV presenters Sophie Morgan and Emma Willis; actor, Blake Harrison; comedian, writer and TV presenter Ruby Wax and judge, presenter and dancer Motsi Mabuse.
‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer’ will return for five special episodes on Channel 4 on Tuesdays at 8pm, from March 22.
We’re inviting outdoor enthusiasts among your readers to join charity Meningitis Now on an exhilarating but scenic adventure to take on a Three Peaks Challenge and help us beat the deadly disease.
The Three Peaks Challenge between Friday 10 and Sunday 12 June entails climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland over just 36 hours.
It is not for the faint-hearted, but those taking part will take an enormous amount of satisfaction from the challenge whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery and supporting our fight to beat meningitis in the UK within a generation.
Sadly, meningitis and septicaemia continue to affect thousands of people in the UK and kill more under-5s than any other infectious disease. Help us to fund research to eradicate this devastating disease, raise lifesaving awareness and support those affected.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America Until 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed, £0-£10
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and largest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Until 27 Mar 2022 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions.
On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Opening Hour 27 Mar 2022 10:00-11:00 Free entry
The monthly Relaxed Opening Hour at the National Museum of Scotland is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.
The Edinburgh Science Festival brings two weeks of science-fuelled exploration to the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.
The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum get-hands on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease.
Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups. Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00
National Lottery Open Week
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 10:00 – 16:00 Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply)
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit.
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued.
They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.
In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books.
Museum Socials are inspired by Meet Me at MoMA. They are programmed in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland.
Join an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Scotland’s monthly rate of 1.2% is highest since August
Fife sees £4 million sale
Shortage of housing stock continues to support prices
Average Scottish house price now at £215,388, monthly rise of 1.2%, 7.6% up annually
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments:
“Our report this month shows that the average house price in Scotland has increased by some £15,200 – or 7.6% – over the last twelve months, to the end of January this year. This is an £800 increase over the revised £14,400 growth in prices we witnessed to the end of December last year. Of equal significance is the fact that this heralds a reverse to the slide in the annual rate which had started over the previous three months. While the growth rate here in Scotland trails that of Wales by 1.4%, it is still higher than the average 7.3% in England and Wales overall. The Scottish market is continuing to perform well.
“What we are seeing in this return to growth is that people are still living, moving, buying and selling in the aftermath of the pandemic and the “lifestyle” changes it brought about. Working from Home has encouraged many homebuyers to move to larger premises which can accommodate a different way of living and working. Many have been in search of more outdoor space too – the so-called “Race for Space”. The issue here is that while there is a high demand for such homes, the supply is limited, so there continues to be strong competition for the properties that do come onto the market, with robust price increases as a result.”
Commentary: John Tindale, Acadata Senior Housing Analyst
The January housing market In January 2022, the annual rate of house price growth increased to 7.6%, from 7.3% in December 2021. This represents an increase of £15,200 over the average price of a property at the end of January 2021. The increase in the growth rate brings about a halt to the downturn in rates observed over the previous three months.
Over the last 12 months, there are six Local Authority Areas which between them have accounted for just under 50% of the £15,200 increase in the average price, on a weight-adjusted basis. (A weight adjusted basis takes into account both the change in the authority’s own average price as well as the number of sales involved.) The six areas are – in order of prominence – Fife, the City of Edinburgh, Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire, Highland and West Lothian.
On a monthly basis, prices in January 2022 rose by 1.2%, or £2,572, with Scotland’s average house price now standing at £215,388. This is the highest increase in a month since August 2021, and sets a further record average price for Scotland – providing an additional indication of the general upward pressure on prices.
Figure 1. The annual rate of house price growth in Scotland over the period January 2020 to January 2022 with trendline
So what is causing the ongoing upward movement in prices? In general terms, we are still living with the effects of the pandemic and the “lifestyle” changes this has brought about – in particular the “Work from Home” edict has encouraged many to move to larger premises with outdoor facilities – the so-called “Race for Space”. There is high demand for such homes, but supply is limited, so there continues to be strong competition for the properties that do come onto the market, with resultant price increases.
Last month we showed that the highest rise in property prices over the last ten years had taken place during the pandemic, with the Lothians being the top three authorities in terms of price growth. We suggested this was due to many purchasers looking for a home with plenty of space outside of Edinburgh city centre, but still remaining within reasonable commuting distance of the capital.
Transactions analysis
Monthly transaction counts
Figure 2 below shows the monthly transaction count for purchases during the period January 2015 to January 2022, based on RoS (Registers of Scotland) figures for the Date of Entry. (January 2022 figures are based on RoS Application dates.)
The fall in the number of transactions at the onset of the pandemic in March/April 2020 is clearly visible – the March 2020 property sales that actually took place would largely have been agreed prior to the commencement of the first lockdown in Scotland on 24 March 2020. However, what is also clear is the recovery in sales during the summer of 2020, followed by an acceleration from August 2020 to a peak of 13,055 transactions in October 2020 – the highest number in a single month since November 2007.
It can be seen too that sales per month from September 2020 to March 2021 were at higher levels than the previous five years, as the market played ‘catch-up’ with the transactions lost during the spring and early summer months. It also benefitted from the LBTT tax reductions available from 15 July 2020 to 31 March 2021 (inclusive).
Noteworthy as well is the spike in sales in March 2021 – as the tax reduction expiry date approached – as is the fall in sales in April 2021, indicating the extent to which buyers had managed to bring forward their purchases into March 2021 to take advantage of the LBTT tax savings.
Sales volumes from May to December 2021 look roughly on a par with, or slightly ahead of, previous years, perhaps suggesting that the market has now returned to its pre-pandemic transaction levels.
Comparing total sales in 2020 with those of 2019, there was a 13% fall in the overall size of the market. However, looking at the total number of transactions in 2021 and comparing them to 2019 (2020 figures are distorted by the lockdown in the early stages of the pandemic), sales are up by 10%. 2021 had the highest number of transactions in a year since 2007
Figure 2. The number of sales per month recorded by RoS based on entry date (RoS applications date for January 2022), for the period 2015 – 2022. (Source: Registers of Scotland.)
Scotland transactions of £750k or higher
Table 2. The number of transactions by month in Scotland greater than or equal to £750k, January 2015 – January 2022
Table 2 shows the number of transactions per month in Scotland which are equal to or greater than £750k. The threshold of £750k has been selected as it is the breakpoint at which the highest rate of LBTT becomes payable.
Table 2 shows that there were 54 sales in excess of £750k during January 2022, and we anticipate that this number will increase as further sales for the month are processed by the Registers of Scotland.
In 2021, total sales in excess of, or equal to, £750k amounted to 1,097 in number – and we expect this total to reach 1,100 as RoS continues to process late registrations for the year. This is the largest number of high-value sales that we have recorded in a year.
The reasons for this dramatic increase in top-end sales in 2021 are, as previously discussed, partly to do with the change in preference for larger properties. During the pandemic the nation was instructed to “work from home”, which established an appetite for larger properties with areas which could be used as offices and ideally with outdoor facilities – the “race for space”. Home movers and office workers were thus encouraged to look for premises which better suited their updated needs.
The process of moving home was additionally assisted by the existence of the record low interest rates, which made the purchase of a top-end property more affordable, as well as the tax savings associated with the LBTT holiday, available up to the end of March 2021, which encouraged the whole market to be more adventurous in its outlook.
However, the peak of the “pandemic market” appears to have occurred in September 2021 (see Figures 1 and 2). As a result, it can be seen that in each month subsequent to that date, the number of homes purchased with a value of £750k or above, has been less than that recorded in the same month of the previous year.
Local Authority Analysis
Table 3. Average House Prices in Scotland, by local authority area, comparing January 2021, December 2021 and January 2022
Table 3 above shows the average house price and percentage change (over the last month and year) by Local Authority Area for January 2021, as well as for December 2021 and January 2022, calculated on a seasonal- and mix-adjusted basis. The ranking in Table 3 is based on the local authority area’s average house price for January 2022. Local Authority areas shaded in blue experienced record average house prices in January.
Annual change
The average house price in Scotland has increased by some £15,200 – or 7.6% – over the last twelve months, to the end of January. This is an £800 increase over the revised £14,400 growth in prices seen to the end of December 2021, but importantly stops the slide in the annual rate which had been evident over the previous three months. Scotland’s growth rate now trails the Wales rate of 9.0% by 1.4%, but in percentage terms is still higher than the average 7.3% in England and Wales overall.
In January 2022, 30 of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland saw their average prices rise over the previous twelve months. The two areas with price falls compared to one year earlier were East Renfrewshire and Aberdeen City. In East Renfrewshire, prices of detached homes have fallen from an average £440k in January 2021 to £415k in January 2022. Part of this reduction in the average price of detached homes in East Renfrewshire was due to a fall in the number of homes that sold for more than £750k – there were five such properties purchased in January 2021, but none in January 2022. As we reported last month, this is symptomatic of a general reduction in the purchase of high-value homes in Scotland during the final quarter of 2021, which is now extending into the first month of 2022.
In Aberdeen City the average price of flats has fallen by £5k over the last twelve months. However, in Aberdeen, there is a strong correlation between house prices and the price of crude oil, so we anticipate that property values will begin to increase following the recent dramatic rise in oil prices.
The area with the highest annual increase in average house prices in January 2022 was the Orkney Islands, where values have risen by 19.6% over the year. On the mainland, the highest rise in prices occurred in Fife, where average prices rose by 14.8%. Sales in the month included a magnificent apartment in the Hamilton Grand, overlooking the final hole of the Old St Andrews Golf Course, which changed hands for a reported £4 million. If you are an avid golf fan there is probably no better place in the world to live.
Monthly change
In January 2022, Scotland’s average house price in the month rose by some £2,500, or 1.2%, which is the highest increase of the last five months. The average price of a home in Scotland now stands at £215,388, which sets a new record level for the nation for the eighth time in the last twelve months.
In January, 21 Local Authority areas in Scotland experienced rising prices in the month, compared to 19 in December. The largest increase in average prices in January, of 5.6%, was in Na h-Eileanan Siar. However, as often stated on these pages, Scotland’s Island groups tend to see volatile price movements, due to the low number of sales that take place each month (in this case 18).
On the mainland, West Lothian saw the largest increase in prices in the month, of 4.4%. All property types saw an increase in prices in West Lothian, with the largest contribution to the increase coming from detached homes. The increase in the average price of detached homes was helped this month by the purchase of a resplendent four-bedroom property for £835k, located in Westfield, Bathgate, some fifteen miles to the west of Edinburgh. As mentioned earlier, the Lothians tick all the boxes in terms of ‘pandemic living’, with plenty of space, large properties and a relatively easy commute, if required, into Edinburgh.
Peak Prices
Each month, in Table 3 above, we highlight in light blue the local authority areas which have reached a new record in their average house prices. In January there are 15 such authorities, one more than in December. We can also add that Scotland itself has set a new record average price in January 2022 – the first of the year.
Heat Map
The heat map below shows the rate of house price growth for the 12 months ending January 2022. As reported above, all but two of the 32 local authority areas in Scotland are reporting an increase in their house values over the last year. The two areas with negative growth are East Renfrewshire and Aberdeen City, where prices over the year have fallen by -2.5% and -1.4% respectively. The highest increase over the twelve months to January 2022 was in the Orkney Islands at 19.6%, followed by the Shetland Islands at 16.6% – on the mainland it was Fife that was top with price growth of 14.8%.
Comparisons with Scotland
Figure 3. Scotland house prices, compared with England and Wales, Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005-January 2022
Figure 4. A comparison of the annual change in house prices in Scotland, England and Wales, Wales, North East and North West for the period January 2005–January 2022
Scotland’s Seven Cities
Figure 5. Average house prices for Scotland’s seven cities from November 2020–January 202
Figure 6. Average house prices for Scotland’s seven cities January 2022
Scotland’s Finance Secretary writes to Treasury ahead of Spring Statement
People and businesses need urgent UK Government support to mitigate the rising cost of living, says Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak ahead of the Spring Statement, Ms Forbes called on UK Ministers to match the 6% uprate on social security benefits which the Scottish Government is delivering on eight of the benefits it delivers, and for further payments to be made to low income households through the Cold Weather Payment
The letter to the UK Government also calls for:
more targeted funding to business sectors directly affected by the conflict in Ukraine
relief to business on National Insurance Contributions
the removal of VAT from energy efficient and zero emission heat equipment and products
greater powers for the Scottish Government to work with employers to implement flexible working
full replacement of EU funding lost to Scotland as a result of Brexit, as promised by the UK Government
The Scottish Government ‘stands ready’ to work with the UK Government, which holds the powers to tackle the most pressing issues, to put a package of support in place.
Ms Forbes said: “In Scotland we are doing all we can to ensure people, communities and businesses are given as much support as possible to deal with the rising cost of living and the potential economic implications of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“However, many of the powers required to really tackle these issues are reserved to the UK Government, which is why I am calling on the Chancellor to take much needed action in his Spring Statement.
“The Scottish Government is uprating eight Scottish benefits by 6% from 1 April as well as doubling our Scottish Child Payment from £10 per week per eligible child to £20. We are using our powers to help those who need us most in these difficult times and it is time for the UK Government to follow our lead and uprate social security benefits by 6%.
“I would also ask for further immediate support to be delivered through the Cold Weather Payment, with an additional payment now and another next winter when we know energy bills will have risen again.”
Edinburgh health and wellbeing charity, Thistle, has launched a pilot ten-week training course for those looking to start or return to work in social care at a time when many are questioning their career choice as we recover from the pandemic.
The Thistle Academy is a first in Scotland and has been launched in response to the growing need for long-term social care support and will provide vital training and guidance for those looking for a career in social care.
Successful applicants will benefit from an intensive training course, as well as a £500 welcome payment and full pay from day one.
Thistle, which employs just under 500 people and supports over a hundred people with disabilities or long term health conditions to live independently across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife, has seen a significant demand for services throughout the pandemic. Many of its employees have come from different sectors looking to move into a role supporting others.
A national Aviva survey* found that three in five UK workers wanted to make changes to their careers because of the pandemic, with those aged between 25 and 34 most likely to want to retrain or pursue a completely different career.
The launch comes as part of the charity’s ongoing recruitment drive and commitment to employee training and development. The in-depth, people-focused course will allow successful applicants to fully develop their confidence before embarking on their social care career.
Heather Simmons, Thistle Academy Lead, said:“We want to ensure the highest standard of support is available for people living with disabilities and long-term health conditions, which is why we are so pleased to be launching our Thistle Academy for the first time and to be helping those looking to take an important next step in their career.
“Our trainees will work alongside a supportive cohort of like-minded people who have a passion to make a difference to the lives of others, encouraging those with disabilities or long-term health conditions to live life to the fullest.”
Mark Hoolahan, Chief Executive of Thistle, commented:“The social care industry is full of highly skilled people who draw on their own experience and natural empathy with others to deliver the best support possible.
“I hope the programme will help attract people who might be looking to make a significant career change and give them the support and confidence they need to progress.
“The last two years have demonstrated the vital role of social care in so many people’s lives. The Thistle Academy is our way of showing how much we value our employees and believe in the real difference they can make.
“I hope we will be able to offer further courses later in the year and that the academy will become a permanent part of our recruitment process going forward.”
Applicants should send in a personal statement and a ‘best selfie’ that demonstrates their values, strengths, interests, and why they would be the best fit for the academy. The closing date for applications is Friday 8 April and the course starts on Monday 25th April.
Finalists will go through to the recruitment day at the Thistle site in Craigmillar, giving them the chance to meet and chat to those supported by the charity, as well as the chance to talk to existing employees.
Case study – Tracey and Emma’s story
Tracey is a mum, runs her own travel consultancy business, and lives some distance away from Emma, who she supports on a one-to-one basis.
Tracey works part-time supporting Emma, including sleepovers in case Emma needs support during the night, which fits well into Tracey’s routine.
Tracey acknowledges being a mum to three boys as being good preparation for her role at Thistle. She said: “You’re always having to listen, think ahead, adapt plans and deal with the unexpected. That gave me confidence.
“I still work as a travel agent and learned from my Thistle experience. One specialism I have added is that I now can offer accessible holidays for people with disabilities.
“The most rewarding aspect of my role at Thistle is helping Emma live the life that she wants. We really do have lots of fun and laughs together.”
Case study – Garry’s story
For more than 30 years, Garry was an engineer and enjoyed the variety he found in this role. He started in Naval defence, working on the design of ships and travelled regularly for work, and then moved to the oil and gas sector where he was able to work locally in Fife.
Garry had begun to feel the motivation he once had for his job disappear, and when the pandemic hit and the option for voluntary redundancy came about, he took it, and started to reflect on what he wanted his working legacy to be.
Garry’s personal experience led him to consider support work as the next step in his career. After losing his aunty, his uncle moved into sheltered housing, and Garry became aware of how isolated his uncle was during the pandemic and the many challenges he was faced. Garry soon realised that there were many people like his uncle in the same situation and started looking for job adverts in social care.
Garry said: “The number of jobs advertised for social work made me realise how much of a need there is, but I felt my chance of getting my foot in the door, given my background, was slim.
“Christine, a coach at Thistle, was great, explaining that Thistle would provide training and that the right person was more important than previous experience.”
Garry has now been working with Thistle for nearly a year and works closely with a visually impaired man to help him make the most out of life, taking him on day trips all over Scotland and supporting his passion for music.
Garry continued:“Since I’ve started working at Thistle, I’ve realised the amount of people from every walk of life who need support.
“It’s an important role, and it’s rewarding knowing you are making a difference.”
Scotland’s first Road Safety Week (21st – 27th March 2022) – a new initiative from The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland – was launched today to encourage road users to take greater personal responsibility and work together to make Scotland’s roads safer.
In its inaugural year, Scotland’s Road Safety Week will urge organisations throughout Scotland to pledge their support on social media by posting the message – Working together to make Scotland’s roads safer. #ScotRoadSafetyWeek.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to making Scotland’s roads safer for everyone, and our Road Safety Framework sets out a long-term goal where no-one is killed or seriously-injured on our roads by 2050.
“The launch of Scotland’s first Road Safety Week provides a platform for organisations to work together to improve safety on our roads and help achieve this ambitious goal.”
Organisations across Scotland – including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, CoSLA and Good Egg Safety will mark the week by hosting a series of road safety events, from child car seat checks to community action campaigns.
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Head of Road Policing, said: “This week will serve as an important reminder that safety on our roads is a shared responsibility. Police Scotland divisions across the country are getting behind this important new initiative by hosting road safety events with a focus on drink and drug driving, vulnerable road users and older drivers.”
Scotland’s Road Safety Week forms part of the Road Safety Framework to 2030, which sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030, and an ambitious long-term goal where no-one is killed or seriously-injured on our roads by 2050.
Michael McDonnell, Road Safety Scotland Director, said: “Scotland’s Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for organisations to work together and spark a national conversation about making our roads safer.
“Every road user has a part to play by keeping themselves and others safe on the roads. We’d like to encourage organisations across Scotland to get involved this week and join us in pledging their commitment to help make Scotland’s roads safer.”
The Framework has adopted the Safe System approach to road safety, with five pillars interacting to create this: Safe Road Use; Safe Vehicles; Safe Speeds; Safe Roads and Roadsides; and Post-crash Response.
For more details about Scotland’s Road Safety Week, visit:
The Department for Work and Pensions is laying emergency regulations today (Monday 21 March 2022) so those arriving in the UK from Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion can access Universal Credit and jobs support immediately.
Ukrainians will also be eligible for Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Child Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance, and Attendance Allowance. Contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) are also available for those Ukrainians who meet the criteria.
Translation services are available to help new arrivals with phone applications, with Work Coaches in DWP Jobcentres on hand to support people making claims online.
DWP staff are also delivering additional face-to-face assistance to those who need it – including tailored support to find work and advice on benefit eligibility – and will continue to do so.
Without the emergency legislation people arriving from Ukraine would be subject to the Habitual Residence Test, meaning they would have to wait up to three months before being able to receive income-related benefits, including Universal Credit.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said: “My priority is that people fleeing the unimaginable horrors in Ukraine to seek safety here get the support and help they need from day one to move forward in their lives immediately.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Frazer said: “It is vital that families coming from Ukraine can support their children from the moment they arrive, and by adjusting child benefit rules and ramping up our support, the tax system is pivoting to ensure this happens.
Salvation Army Refugee Response co-ordinator Major Nick Coke said: “We welcome the news that Ukrainians coming to the UK will be able to access benefits immediately and for those who are able, help to find suitable work.
“With offices on the ground in Ukraine and the border countries providing emergency food and shelter, The Salvation Army sees first-hand the trauma those displaced by war have experienced.
“It is fitting that they receive targeted help when seeking refuge in the UK.”
