Day: January 10, 2023

PDSA issues safety advice for pet owners in the wake of flood warnings

The UK’s largest veterinary charity, PDSA, is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe as stormy weather and flooding sweeps the nation.

The MET Office has issued 90 weather alerts and the Environment Agency has put out 29 warnings regarding heavy rainfall over the coming days, potentially putting the lives of people and pets at risk.

While floods can occur at any time of the year, particularly in areas near rivers, large lakes or the sea, winter time is a particular pinch point, so pet owners should keep a close eye on the weather forecast and act quickly if necessary.

According to the Environment Agency, 5.9 million properties (one in six homes) across England are at risk of flooding. Flood water rises rapidly, so if there is a warning in your immediate area, don’t just hope for the best – act early.

PDSA Vet Claire Roberts said: “Being well prepared is the best way for owners to protect their pets when bad weather hits.

“Make sure pets are microchipped and that the contact details registered on the chip are up to date. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure you have a litter tray available for them to use if needed. Should you and your pet be separated, having the correct contact details means you are more likely to be reunited. Pack a bag of emergency pet supplies, including a week’s worth of sealed pet food, fresh water, collapsible food bowls, poo bags, bedding, a lead, medication, and proof of vaccinations.

“Create an emergency flood plan and escape route and keep your supplies in one place for ease of access, and always have a pet carrier in your home for cats or small animals. It is important to make sure they are desensitised to being in a carrier and to never leave them unattended while inside one during a flooding situation.

“Remember, flood water is often contaminated and could seriously harm your pet if swallowed. Dog vaccinations protect against Leptospirosis, a disease caused by bacteria found in and around water, and can be fatal so, it is important to check that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations.”

Claire continued: “If your home is at risk of flooding, bring any pets that live outdoors, inside and shut them in an upstairs room with plenty of access to food and fresh water, but try to keep different species of pets separate if possible as they are naturally territorial.

“Don’t take dogs outside until it is safe to do so as hidden objects within the water could injure them, and prevent cats from becoming stranded, lost, or hurt by keeping them inside with access to a litter tray.

“If your home is a potential flood risk, you may need to leave quickly if you are told to evacuate. If possible, arrange to stay at a friend or relative’s home that is on higher ground, taking your pets, emergency supplies, dog’s collar and ID tag with you. Insurance companies may move you to temporary accommodation and it might not be possible to take your pet with you. In this instance, be prepared to use a boarding kennel or pet sitter. If you are unable to leave your home, stay in an upstairs room with your pets.”

Steps that owners are advised to take include:

  • If you live in a high-risk area, consider getting life jackets for your pets as well as you and your family
  • Make sure your pet insurance is up to date and you have your vet’s contact details to hand in case your pet needs veterinary care
  • Check your home insurance policy to see if you’re covered for the cost of pet accommodation if damage to the home means you cannot stay there
  • Put important documents (e.g. microchip paperwork, vet details, insurance policies) in a sealed waterproof bag, along with a photo of your pet in case they get lost
  • Know what pet sitters or boarding kennels are available locally – ideally outside of flood zones – in case you need to find temporary accommodation for your pet.

“If the worst happens and you have no choice but to leave your pet behind, put them in a safe room upstairs with plenty of food and water, leaving a note on the door or window to inform the emergency services that there are pets inside the property,” added Claire. “Once you are safe, contact the RSPCA or a local flood warden to let them know that there are animals in your home that need rescuing.”

Other advice to help owners stay safe:

  • Sign up to receive flood warnings – you can choose to be notified through a telephone call, text message, or email
  • Visit the MET Office or Environment Agency website for the latest information on the weather or any warnings in your area
  • Keep up to date with local news and weather reports
  • Find out if your home is one of those at risk of flooding

For further advice of keeping your pet safe visit pdsa.org.uk 

NSPCC Scotland needs YOU in 2023

As we begin a new year, many people will be reflecting and looking ahead to what the coming weeks and months will bring (writes Adeniyi Alade, Service Head of Helplines (Childline) .

Often New Year’s resolutions focus on healthy living, learning a new skill, supporting a cause, or giving up a bad habit.

This year, NSPCC Scotland is appealing for people to resolve to donate some of their time to one of the charity’s many services for children and young people.

At NSPCC, we are lucky to have a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time week-in week-out to help children and families when they need us the most.

However, to help ensure that we are here for all children, all day, every day, all year round, we need more people of all ages, and from all walks of life, to become volunteers and help us be there for young people.

Our two Childline bases in Glasgow and Aberdeen have a team of amazing volunteers who talk to children about a range of issues including mental health, abuse and neglect, family relationships, loneliness grief, and sexuality.

Childline bases across the UK held over 200,000 Childline counselling sessions with children and young people last year and need more volunteers to enable them to continue being there for children.

Could you be that person?

Our Schools Service volunteers also play a vital role, protecting a generation of children by helping them understand abuse and giving them the confidence to speak out if they need help. 

Could you help children feel empowered to know who they can speak out to if they are worried?

If you aren’t able to commit to a weekly or monthly volunteer role, why not consider joining as a fundraising and events volunteer, or you could even support NSPCC Scotland with your own fundraising event throughout the year.

No matter how much time you have to give, NSPCC has a volunteering role for you. It can be a great way to give back to the community and also learn new skills.

At NSPCC, we give you all the training needed to get you ready for your role, as well as a hugely supportive team of volunteers and supervisors to guide and help you on your volunteering journey.

You can get more information at: www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer

Could you help us be there for all children?

Motorists warned over stopping distances in the wet


Drivers have been warned that stopping distances will be at least double during the wettest months of the year posing a serious threat to all road users.

Motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have urged motorists to follow six simple steps when driving in wet conditions to reduce the risk of accidents from occurring.

October to January are typically the wettest months in the UK and motorists should be aware that the highway code advises drivers to drive according to the road conditions as tyres will have less traction in wet conditions.

Image credit: Pexels

Drivers can more easily feel the lack of grip in the ice and snow of winter but in the wettest autumn months modern car tyres will grip the road effectively in the wet until they lose grip under hard braking often taking drivers by surprise.

Stopping distances are worked out by adding the thinking distance and the braking distance, which can vary depending on the road conditions and the condition of the car.

At 60mph total stopping distance is around 75 metres but in the wet this doubles to 150m – approximately the height of the Blackpool Tower.

Checking parts of the vehicle such as the condition of the brakes and tyres can help reduce stopping distances while managing the space to the car in front will make sure drivers have room to stop safely in the wet.

A spokesperson from LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s important for drivers to be aware that stopping distances will at least double in the wet.

“As we enter the wettest months in the UK it’s vital that motorists manage their speed and distance to the car in front to prevent any serious accidents.

“Motorists only need to visualise the height of the Blackpool Tower to better understand the distance they will need to safely stop their vehicle during the wettest months.

“Drivers should regularly check the condition of their vehicle paying particular attention to the brakes and depth of tyre tread as stopping distances will increase significantly in the wet if either are in poor condition.”

Here are the six simple measures drivers should take to reduce the risk of having an accident in the wet as recommended by LeaseCar.uk:

  1. Monitor tyre tread

Not only do stopping distances double in the wet, but threadbare tyres will grip the road even less meaning even greater distances before drivers can safely stop their vehicles. Tyre tread can easily harden in cold weather which can lead to further loss of control.

  1. Regularly check brake condition

If you’re noticing a delay in the car slowing after pressing the brake pedal there’s a high chance that the car has worn brake pads or the brakes have developed a fault. In the wet it’s crucial that the brakes work as they should otherwise already large stopping distances increase further.

  1. Manage the distance to the car in front

 
One good guide to follow is the two-second rule in the dry which involves picking a stationary object by the side of the road and counting the seconds between the car in front passing the object and you passing it. In the dry two seconds is the minimum time recommended. In the wet this increases to four seconds. If you are within four seconds in the wet, then give yourself more space to brake safely.

  1. Cautious driving

Wet conditions means less grip on the road. Driving at slower speeds and braking in a controlled way will help keep the car balanced in the wet and you in control. It’s also best to not press too hard on the accelerator to prevent the likelihood of the car skidding and the wheels from spinning on the wet tarmac.

  1. Check headlights are working

One of the most important checks to make is ensuring the headlights are in full working order. During the darker months having faulty lights can make it more difficult to calculate a safe stopping distance to the car in front.

  1. Take regular breaks

With the weather getting darker earlier during the autumnal months driving requires greater levels of concentration and can be more draining. It’s important to regularly rest at services to keep energised while driving as tiredness can increase the chances of an accident due to delayed reaction times.

New domestic abuse powers ‘better reflect experience of victims’

Research finds extending laws to include emotional and psychological abuse has had beneficial impact

Scotland’s ground-breaking domestic abuse legislation better reflects victims’ experiences, according to new research.

By recognising abuse as a pattern of behaviour, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 closer matches victims’ accounts of psychological and physical harm over time, according to three small scale research studies from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Edinburgh and the Scottish Government.

Responses from 69 domestic abuse victims and witnesses also found most women felt that engaging with the criminal justice system on domestic abuse was ‘the right decision’ to take.

However, respondents also said improvements could be made to how such cases are handled to provide victims with a greater voice in proceedings and better support through the process. Other areas of improvement included making judicial processes quicker and more efficient and providing better training for justice professionals.

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 was passed by Parliament on 1 February 2018 and was brought into force in April 2019.

The Scottish Government published, in February 2022, the Vision for Justice, which set out that urgent action is required to ensure women and children are better served by Scotland’s justice system.

Measures that have already been taken include:

  • establishing a Victim-Centred Approach Fund, awarding £48m to provide practical and emotional support to victims, including £18.5m for specialist advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence
  • establishing a £53.2m Justice Recovery Fund, including £26.5m for courts, helping reduce the case backlog by 13,000 between January and November 2022
  • funding the Caledonian System, a programme which seeks to change the behaviour of domestically abusive men
  • increasing use of Police Scotland’s Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse, helping to safeguard more people who have been harmed or are at risk

The Scottish Government also intends to introduce a Criminal Justice Reform Bill this year to bring forward recommendations from Lady Dorrian’s review on improving the management of sexual offence cases – including introducing a statutory right to anonymity for victims of sexual offences. The Bill will also abolish the ‘not proven’ verdict.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I know it takes incredible courage for those who suffer domestic abuse to come forward and I am grateful to everyone who took part in this research. We are committed to putting victims at the heart of Scotland’s justice system and the purpose of this work is to use their experiences to make improvements for all.

“I am absolutely resolute that we must treat all domestic abuse victims appropriately and with compassion – the vast majority of whom are women.

“We are already making significant improvements and it is very encouraging that this report found our new laws have better reflected victims’ experiences.

“Given that domestic abuse is an under-reported and often hidden crime, it is also very positive that women who suffered such crimes reported that their engagement with the justice system was the right thing to do.”

One of the report authors, Claire Houghton from the University of Edinburgh said:  “It is reassuring that victims and witnesses welcomed the expanded scope of the domestic abuse law.

“However, our study found that it has yet to reach its potential – adult and child victims and witnesses are still experiencing trauma and delays within the justice system and perpetrators are not adequately held to account for the harm to the whole family.

“We look forward to working with our justice partners, alongside victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, to improve people’s experiences of the system and support the vital work of specialist agencies.”

Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith said: “This legislation was a significant step change in how Scotland’s criminal justice system deals with the full range of abusive behaviour.

“Every officer in our service has been trained, and new recruits are trained, to identify these behaviours and to apply Domestic Abuse Scotland Act.

“Every instance of domestic abuse is unique and we seek to tailor our response to the needs of the victims, including children who often witness abuse.

“We know we don’t always get it right, but we are listening and we recognise how crucial hearing the experience of victims is in helping us improve our response and deliver a service that meets their needs.”

Read the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, Interim Reporting Requirement

domestic-abuse-scotland-act-2018-interim-reporting-requirementDownload

Cost of Living Crisis: The worst is yet to come, says Which?

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “Which? research has found that millions of households are missing or defaulting on essential payments – such as mortgage, rent, loan, credit card or bill payments – every month and it’s hugely concerning that families are predicted to suffer even more hardship over the next financial year.

“As families across the country struggle to make ends meet, Which? is calling on businesses in essential sectors like food, energy and broadband providers to do more to help customers get a good deal and avoid unnecessary or unfair costs and charges during this crisis.”

The consumer champion has launched a campaign calling on businesses in essential sectors – supermarkets, telecoms and energy – to do more to help their customers through the cost of living crisis.

More information on the campaign is available here.

UK government unveils new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses, charities, and the public sector

  • Scheme will provide a discount on high energy costs to give businesses certainty while limiting taxpayers’ exposure to volatile energy markets
  • Businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity will receive a higher level of support.

A new energy scheme for businesses, charities, and the public sector was confirmed yesterday (9th January), ahead of the current scheme ending in March. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.

This will help businesses locked into contracts signed before recent substantial falls in the wholesale price manage their costs and provide others with reassurance against the risk of prices rising again.

The government provided an unprecedented package of support for non-domestic users through this winter, worth £18 billion per the figures certified by the OBR at the Autumn Statement. This is equivalent to the cost of an increase of around three pence on people’s income tax.

The government has been clear that such levels of this support, unprecedented in its nature and huge scale, were time-limited and intended as a bridge to allow businesses to adapt. The latest data shows wholesale gas prices have now fallen to levels just before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and have almost halved since the current scheme was announced.

The new scheme therefore strikes a balance between supporting businesses over the next 12 months and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion. This provides long term certainty for businesses and reflects how the scale of the challenge has changed since September last year.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “My top priority is tackling the rising cost of living – something that both families and businesses are struggling with. That means taking difficult decisions to bring down inflation while giving as much support to families and business as we are able.

“Wholesale energy prices are falling and have now gone back to levels just before Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. But to provide reassurance against the risk of prices rising again we are launching the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme, giving businesses the certainty they need to plan ahead.

“Even though prices are falling, I am concerned this is not being passed on to businesses, so I’ve written to Ofgem asking for an update on whether further action is action is needed to make sure the market is working for businesses.”

From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill, except for those benefitting from lower energy prices.

A substantially higher level of support will be provided to businesses in sectors identified as being the most energy and trade intensive – predominately manufacturing industries.

A long standing category associated with higher energy usage; these firms are often less able to pass through cost to their customers due to international competition. Businesses in scope will receive a gas and electricity bill discount based on a supported price which will be capped by a maximum unit discount of £40.0/MWh for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.

Energy Bill Discount Scheme summary

For eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier, the government is announcing the following support:

  • From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, all eligible non-domestic customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their gas bill and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh applied to their electricity bill.
  • This will be subject to a wholesale price threshold, set with reference to the support provided for domestic consumers, of £107/MWh for gas and £302/MWh for electricity. This means that businesses experiencing energy costs below this level will not receive support.
  • Customers do not need to apply for their discount. As with the current scheme, suppliers will automatically apply reductions to the bills of all eligible non-domestic customers.

For eligible Energy and Trade Intensive Industries, the government is announcing:

  • These businesses will receive a discount reflecting the difference between a price threshold and the relevant wholesale price.
  • The price threshold for the scheme will be £99/MWh for gas and £185/MWh for electricity.
  • This discount will only apply to 70% of energy volumes and will be subject to a ‘maximum discount’ of £40.0/MWh for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.

The Chancellor has also written to OFGEM, asking for an update in time for the Budget on the progress of their review into the non-domestic market. He has asked for their assessment of whether further action is action is needed to secure a well-functioning market for non-domestic customers following reports of challenges certain customers are facing, including in relation to the pricing and availability of tariffs, standing charges and renewal terms, and the ability of certain sectors to secure contracts.

Businesses in England will also benefit from support with their business rates bills worth £13.6 billion over the next five years, a UK-wide £2.4 billion fuel duty cut, a six month extension to the alcohol duty freeze and businesses with profits below £250,000 will be protected from the full corporation rate rise, with those making less than £50,000 – the vast majority of UK companies – not facing any corporation tax increase at all.

Journeys to net zero that don’t cost the earth

Share your net zero transport pledge for a chance to win £2,500 towards an electric bike, cargo bike or adapted cycle

The cost-of-living crisis and climate change are both urgent problems.

In Scotland, the average household spends 14% on transport costs and transport accounts for 36% of all greenhouse gas emissions, with over a third of these emissions coming from cars. Changing transport choices can help our bank balances whilst helping Scotland reach our target of net zero by 2045.

During winter, it’s important to focus on our wellbeing, including physical and mental health. Saving on transport could free up some money for essentials, and travelling more actively – by walking, wheeling or cycling – can help tackle the season’s effect on our mood and health.

This time of year is a great time to take stock, plan ahead and think about starting new positive habits. Here are some solutions and support to help you on your net zero journey to save money and the planet.

Small steps for immediate savings

The sustainable transport hierarchy ranks the travel modes by their sustainability impact, including environmental, social, and economic. It can be a good visual guide for choosing small, manageable goals.

For shorter journeys especially, it is useful to be thinking about active travel to get from A to B, carbon free. Whilst public and shared transport is often a more sustainable choice for longer journeys, the running costs of active travel can be free or very low cost compared to driving. For shared transport, you mostly only pay for the journeys you take, and all operating costs are included in your ticket. Citizens Advice Scotland has information on concessionary fares and free travel.

Here are eight simple commitment ideas that can help you to shift journeys up the sustainable transport hierarchy and closer to net zero for the benefit of your wallet, health and the planet.

1. Walk, cycle or wheel once a week this year

Starting with a regular, small commitment can help you build confidence and fitness to get ready to travel more actively in the spring – this isn’t just great for your physical health, it can also help reduce the risk of depression by 30%, manage stress and improve sleep.

2. Ditch the car for short trips to help us on the journey to net zero

Try to replace journeys with shared transport, combining them with active travel or using park and rides. Reducing your car use by a quarter could save up to £273 in fuel costs and 508kg in CO2e a year.

3. Get out and about with a daily walk

Paths for All have resources to support and motivate you to walk once a day this winter, including a 12 Week Walking Programme. There are over 800 accessible and social led health walks in every local authority across Scotland.

4. Join a group cycle or explore local options to build confidence

If you don’t quite feel confident enough to cycle on your own on the road, why not explore your local national cycle network off-road routes or Cycling Scotland’s Essential Cycling Skills Guide? A local group may also be able to provide training or led rides.

5. Research cycle options or try an electric bike for net zero journeys

If you’re not quite ready to make a change, use the winter to plan and research. Cycling UK found that after the initial purchase owning an average bike compared to an average car could save you £771 a year.

eBikes, (electric assisted pedal bikes), can help you tackle those longer or more challenging routes. Cargo cycles can help you carry a load such as heavy shopping or children. It can be a great cheaper alternative to a car for families. If you have specific mobility needs, read our guide to inclusive cycling and adapted cycles to explore cycle options and the support available. You may be able to access a cycle through a local group or public bike share.

If you already have a bike, you may be eligible for Cycling UK funding to get it road ready.

6. Sign up for a bus pass or rail card to use public transport in your area

Traveline Scotland is a great resource for exploring journey planning. It includes routes in your area, specialised services, fares and ticket options and accessible travel information.

If your closest public transport option is too far to walk, could you reach it by cycle or ebike? Check out Sustrans’ guide to combining cycling and rail travel.

7. Explore liftshares or car clubs as an option to reduce your costs and help Scotland achieve net zero

For immediate savings, you can explore the benefits of sharing your journeys, on average liftshare members save over £1,000 a year!

CoMoUK have great shared transport resources, including a map showing car club vehicles near you. Car club vehicles use 37% less CO2 than the average UK car and 60% of car club fleets are electric or hybrid.

8. Explore funding available to support your journey to net zero

Way to Work’s funding page lists support from Energy Saving Trust and partners. Their website can help you and your workplace plan your shift to cheaper and greener journeys.

How will you start your journey to net zero?

How will you start your net zero journey? Share your sustainable transport pledge for 2023 on social media. Use #NetZeroJourney23 and tag @HomeEnergyScotland on Facebook or @HomeEnergyScot on Twitter and Instagram, or comment to enter our competition to win £2,500 towards an electric bike, cargo or adapted cycle. Two runners-up will win a £100 gift voucher for the Sustrans online shop. 

To enter, tag us in your pledge around your journey to net zero. Tell us about something you’re already doing, planning to do or committed to trying!

The competition will run until midnight, 31 January. You can read further details and the campaign terms and conditions here.

Entries open to find Scotland’s top tech innovators in Edinburgh

Applications are now open for the thirteenth annual ScotlandIS Digital Technology Awards

Scotland’s tech cluster organisation is calling on people in Edinburgh to nominate the sector’s most innovative individuals in tech for the 2023 Digital Technology Awards.

Led by ScotlandIS, the awards celebrate the strength of the industry and talent Scotland has to offer from businesses of all sizes.

This year’s awards will focus on celebrating the vast achievements of the tech sector over the last year by rewarding individual and team commitments to causes that are prolific in today’s climate.

At the forefront of the application criteria are categories to recognise those creating technology solutions for good, organisations tackling climate change and those putting the wellbeing of their workforce at the core of the business.

The Unsung Hero Award also returns – an award which commemorates local community champions for their contributions to improving all things digital in their respective fields.

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS, said: “The Digital Technology Awards deliver a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the very best in Scottish technology.  It is an evening our members look forward to all year round to recognise the extensive achievements and talent in our industry.

“I’m looking forward to spending the evening honouring the sector’s best minds, and I encourage everyone to nominate both individuals and businesses that deserve recognition for achievements and dedication to helping our industry continue to flourish.”

To nominate a business or individual for the Digital Technology Awards, please visit the website here. 

Applications close 5pm on Wednesday 22nd February 2023.


The categories this year are as follows:

  • Tech For Good
  • Service / Product Innovation
  • Data Trailblazer
  • Best Wellbeing at Work
  • Most Sustainable Workplace
  • Open Technology Contribution
  • Public Sector Innovation
  • Unsung Hero
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Start-Up
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Scale-Up
  • Digital Tech Business of the year – Enterprise


Some of last year’s winners include Fyne Labs, xDesign and Good-Loop.

The 2023 Digital Tech Awards will take place on Thursday 27th April at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.

Friends of the Earth: Energy strategy must set end date for oil and gas

Ahead of the publication today of the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, environmental campaigners have called for Ministers to set an end date for fossil fuels and chart a just and clear path to a renewable powered future.

The plans will be revealed as continued burning of fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency and 2022 was officially declared Scotland’s hottest ever year. The United Nations warned in October that the world was on course for a catastrophic 2.8C of climate warming by the end of this century.

Oil companies declared tens of billions in profits in 2022 as millions of households struggled to pay their energy bills. Campaigners say that the Scottish Government must reduce overall energy demand through mass home insulation and public transport investment and ensure that our remaining energy needs are met with reliable, affordable renewables instead.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “The new Energy Strategy must chart a just and clear path away from our broken fossil fuel energy system that is hurting people and the planet, and transition Scotland to a climate-safe future with clean, affordable renewable energy for all.

“This is a crucial decade for action on the climate crisis so Ministers must ensure that the plan sets an end date for fossil fuels and commits to phasing out oil and gas.

“Through a mass rollout of  home insulation and boosting public transport we can reduce our overall demand for energy, improve people’s lives and help tackle the cost of living crisis.

“The Scottish Government must reject the dodgy technology of carbon capture and storage and fossil hydrogen which is being pushed by the profiteering oil and gas industry who want to keep us locked into this harmful system. By putting workers and communities at the heart of planning the transition to renewables we can ensure that we create a fairer, healthier Scotland that can meet its climate commitments.”

Energy strategy to shape next 25 years of energy production

There is a clear imperative to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said ahead of the publication of a new strategy for the energy sector.

The draft Energy Strategy, being published for consultation on Tuesday 10 January, will set out the Scottish Government’s policies on domestic production of energy, alongside a plan to reduce demand and build a resilient and secure future net zero energy system.

Also published will be the first Just Transition Plan to ensure that, as the energy sector grows and changes, it benefits citizens, workers and communities.

It provides a route map of actions, with a particular focus out to 2030, for the Scottish and UK Governments and is central to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets, as well as boosting jobs and improving wellbeing.

Speaking ahead of a visit to energy technology research and test site, PNDC, in Cumbernauld, the First Minister said: “The imperative is clear. In this decade we must set Scotland on the path to an energy system that meets the challenge of becoming a net zero nation by 2045, that supplies safe, secure and affordable energy for all and that generates economic opportunity through a just transition.

“The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.

“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland. It provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas – as both generators and consumers – there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.

“Scotland is already at the forefront of the clean energy transition and our green jobs revolution is underway. By continuing to make the most of our vast renewable energy resource, we can deliver a net zero energy system that also delivers a net gain in jobs within Scotland’s energy production sector.”

Police appeal following targeted attack in Gilmerton

Detectives are appealing for information following an assault in Edinburgh on Saturday (7 January 2023).

Around 8.35pm, a 36-year-old man was approached by a man, who attempted to strike him with a weapon. The attack took place in Cumnor Crescent.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing to help trace the man responsible.

The suspect is described as white, in his mid to late teens, around 5ft 6in tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a tracksuit, with a black balaclava, black gloves, and possibly a black body warmer.

Following the assault the suspect was seen entering a brown Mitsubishi Outlander which drove off towards Glenvarloch Crescent.

Enquiries have revealed the vehicle was stolen from Brighouse Park Close in the early hours of Saturday, 7 January, 2023.

A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, at around 12.10am on Monday, 9 January, 2023.

The vehicle is quite distinctive with roof bars and a tow bar at the rear.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who might have information to help trace those responsible.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait, from Edinburgh CID, said: “Thankfully the man was not injured but it is vital we trace those responsible.

“This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“A brown Mitsubishi Outlander was discovered on fire in Foxglove Close, Edinburgh, and we believe it may be linked to the incident.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle and may have information about its movements over the past few days.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 3142 of 7 January, 2023.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.