Day: July 11, 2022

Festival of Politics: Holyrood 2022 programme unveiled

The big issues facing people in Scotland will feature at the Festival of Politics, with the programme for the event being unveiled today.

Taking place over three days from Thursday 11 until Saturday 13 August, the Festival features a number of online and in-person events taking place in the iconic surroundings of the Scottish Parliament.

Themes such as end of life choices, the state of the UK union, cost of living crisis, our climate, migration and equality will all feature. Alongside distinguished panel guests drawn from all walks of life across Scotland and beyond, sessions will allow festivalgoers to share their own experiences and ask questions. 

The Debating Chamber will also see well-known figures address the audience in a series of ‘in conversation’ style events.  On Thursday, philosopher Professor A.C. Grayling will talk about the three most urgent challenges facing the world today: climate change, technology and justice. On Friday, well-known footballer John Barnes will talk about his experiences of racism and what needs to be done to tackle this in modern society. 

This year the Festival will also feature a rehearsed reading of Holding / Holding On from the National Theatre of Scotland scripted by Nicola McCartney in collaboration with care-experienced people and those within the care system.  A powerful reading that has, at its heart, the intersection where care, class and poverty meet. 

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said: “This programme that has been unveiled today captures the topics of conversations that are happening all over Scotland with family and friends around kitchen tables, on social media, in newspapers and on television. 

“We wanted to bring together those issues that are important to people and allow them to hear different perspectives drawn from people across civic society about how we can make a difference. 

“I really do hope that there is something for everyone in this programme and I’m delighted to be welcoming people back into the Parliament for this event.” 

Book tickets now at www.festivalofpolitics.scot  

In partnership with Scotland’s Futures Forum

Living Streets: Cluttered pavements turning Scots off walking

  • Research finds one in four Scots (28%) would be more likely to walk locally if their streets were clutter-free.
  • Parked cars, bins and badly placed lampposts or signs are the most common obstructions.   
  • Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking is urging councils to take action to make streets accessible to all during #CutTheClutter week (11 – 17 July 2022)
  • The campaign is supported by Guide Dogs, RNIB and Transport for All.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking is calling on councils to take action to clear pavements of poorly placed bins, A-boards and excessive signage, which make it difficult for people to walk and wheel their everyday journeys.  

It comes as new YouGov research finds that over one in four Scottish people (28%) would want to walk more if their local streets were clutter-free.

The research also revealed the worst offenders for blocking up our pavements, with respondents citing parked cars/ vehicles blocking pavements (58%), bins (50%) and badly-placed lampposts and signs (19%) as the three most common obstructions in Scotland.

As well as impacting on people’s desire to walk their short journeys instead of driving them, cluttered pavements also prevent people with wheelchairs, buggies or Guide Dogs from getting around easily and safely.

Scotland made history in 2019 by introducing a nationwide ban on pavement parking. However, guidance on how local authorities should implement the ban is still being drafted by the Scottish Government’s Road Policy Team.

During Living Streets’ #CutTheClutter Week (11-17 July 2022), the charity is calling on councils to implement a series of measures to clear streets of other clutter and make them more accessible, including banning advertising boards (A-boards) on the pavement; putting in place plans and budget to remove excess or unused street furniture; and providing guidance to businesses on using pavement space for outdoor entertainment to ensure at least 1.5m pavement width remains.

Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Street clutter clogs up our pavements and makes it hazardous for people to get around. It forces people with wheelchairs and buggies onto the road and into the path of oncoming traffic.

“We need to make sure walking and wheeling are attractive options. Streets cluttered with obstructions fly in the face of that.

“We want councils to take action on these issues to make our streets accessible to all. In return, our streets will become safer, our communities more active, and the air we breathe cleaner.”

Living Streets’ Cut the Clutter campaign is being supported by Guide Dogs, RNIB and Transport for All.

Find out more at livingstreets.org.uk/Clutter