Month: March 2023

Renewed growth in Scottish private sector activity

  • Headline Business Activity Index at 51.0 in February, up from 47.1
  • Recovery in growth of new orders as firms cite greater demand
  • Price pressures continue to cool

The Scottish private sector registered the first rise in private sector activity for seven months in February according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland PMI® data.

The Business Activity Index – a measure of combined manufacturing and service sector output – moved back within in the expansion territory, printing 51.0, up from 47.1 in January, as growth resumed across both the manufacturing and service sectors, with the former leading the expansion.

Panel members reported an improvement in demand conditions and growth in new clients helped boost activity. New orders also rose, following seven consecutive months of decline.

The upturn in new orders helped with the first rise in workforce numbers in three months. Furthermore, despite remaining stubbornly high, cost pressures continued to diminish. All in all, the positive performance of the Scottish private sector fed into higher levels of confidence.

Inflows of new business rose across Scotland in February, ending a seven-month period of decline. Upturns were similar across the two sub-sectors. Panel members noted growth in sales and new projects and clients helped revive growth.

New orders also rose at the UK level. However, the pace of increase was stronger than that observed for Scotland.

Sentiment was firmly positive and improved further from December’s recent low across Scotland in February. Expectations were largely pinned on new product launches, increased marketing and projected growth in customers and sales.

That said, optimism across Scotland remained muted when compared to the UK as a whole.

Employment rose across Scotland, following back-to-back months of decline. The respective seasonally adjusted index ticked up to a five-month high, signalling a rate of job creation that was firmer than the long-run average. According to anecdotal evidence, employment increased to meet order intakes and replace leavers.

The pace of job creation across Scotland was faster than the UK-wide average, which also recorded a rise in employment for the first time in three months.

Private sector companies across Scotland continued to reduce their backlogs during February, stretching the current sequence of reduction to nine months. Improved efficiency and previous months of fewer orders allowed firms to complete unfinished orders. That said, the pace of depletion was the weakest in the aforementioned sequence, reflecting only a fractional decline at service providers.

In contrast, backlogs of work rose across the UK as a whole for the first time in four months.

A rapid rise in input costs was registered across Scotland in February. Respondents blamed the latest increase in private sector expenses on energy prices, higher costs from suppliers and inflation generally. While historically elevated, the rate of input price inflation was the softest in 21 months and weaker than the UK-wide average.

Scotland registered one of the slowest increases in input prices among the 12 UK regions, ahead of the North West and East of England.

Charges levied for the provision of Scottish goods and services rose sharply in February. Inflation, Brexit and higher costs from suppliers continued to push charges up, according to anecdotal evidence. However, the pace of increase slowed notably to the weakest since April 2021.

Of the 12 monitored regions, Scotland reported the weakest incline in output charges.

Continued…

Source: Royal Bank of Scotland, S&P Global.

Judith Cruickshank, Chair, Scotland Board, Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Private sector output registered growth mid-way through the first quarter of 2023.

“The headline index signalled a mild expansion in output and marked the first month of increase since July 2022. Firms reported that a revival in customer demand and growth in new clients helped boost sales and activity.

“Growth in business requirements resulted in higher intakes of staff across both goods producers and service providers, while backlogs fell for the ninth month running.

“Furthermore, with inflationary pressures continuing to cool off, the Scottish private sector reported a modest performance overall, a change from the contractions seen since last August. Additionally, with confidence strengthening to an 11-month high, we hope that the upturn across Scotland will continue in the coming months.”

Public urged to follow new flat-faced dog national plan to protect welfare

The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations, has launched a new three-point plan that calls on the public to play their part in protecting the health of flat-faced dogs.  

The launch of the plan comes during Crufts – which offers a platform to talk about the serious health and welfare issues of some flat-faced dogs and the opportunities there are to drive improvement – and follows the recent announcement from online card retailer Moonpig that Pugs and French Bulldogs will no longer feature on its products.  

Many flat-faced dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, especially those bred for profit and for extreme features like very flat faces or excessive wrinkles, can face serious health and welfare issues related to breathing difficulty, eye problems, skin fold infections, spinal problems and difficulty giving birth. 

Endless exposure that portrays these dogs as ‘cute’ looking in the media has resulted in an explosion in their popularity in recent years, with high demand being met by poor quality breeding both within the UK and via illegal importation from the EU. 

The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners are highlighting the public’s shared responsibility to protect dogs from the health and welfare harms that can result from breeding for the flat-face ‘look’.

The new BWG plan lays out how dog owners and the wider public can help protect the health of flat-faced dogs. The new national plan comes at a critical tipping point when growing evidence suggests that the UK dog-buying public may finally be beginning to ‘Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’ as the BWG recommends.  

BWG has been working for the past seven years to reduce public demand for flat-faced dogs in the UK, and this work now appears to be taking effect. 

Figures from the UK’s largest canine welfare charity, Dogs Trust, show a significant decline in the importation of flat-faced breeds over the last five years*, while results from classified advertising website Pets4Homes suggests similarly decreasing interest in flat-faced dogs from buyers to their site**.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), says: “Maximising good health, welfare and temperament overrides all other considerations for dogs. Our new three-point national plan sets out how everyone in the UK can play their part in ending the flat-faced dog crisis.

“The BWG national plan asks prospective dog buyers to ‘Stop and think’ before buying breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs or before promoting images of flat-faced dogs publicly, for current owners of flat-faced dogs to be prepared for the extra health needs that can come with these body shapes, and finally in the future to only buy dogs with non-extreme body shapes.  

“The recent decision by Moonpig to cease selling products with imagery of Pugs and French Bulldogs is a welcome move that reflects growing public sentiment about the serious health issues of many flat-faced dogs. However, there is still plenty of work to be done and we need everyone in the UK to pitch in and help turn the tide on the flat-faced dog crisis for good.”

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Crufts and The Kennel Club – a founding member of the BWG – added: “We all have shared responsibility to flatten the demand from the general public for unhealthy extremes in dogs which has been driven by popular culture.

“Whilst some flat-faced dogs lead healthy lives, some have severe respiratory disease and we must tackle these serious health concerns, which is why we have developed a test for this condition – the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme – offered free at Crufts.

“It’s so important that educational platforms like Crufts highlight these issues, provide resources to drive health improvements and signpost people to make responsible decisions when it comes to dog ownership.”

BWG-National-Plan-Our-shared-human-responsibilities-Infographic-230308Download

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Dr Justine Shotton says: “The news that Moonpig will remove Pugs and French Bulldogs from its cards, following years of campaigning by vets and animal welfare groups, shows how powerful collective action can be in bringing about positive change.

“It underscores the importance of our shared responsibility as advertisers, owners, breeders and vets to improve the health and welfare of dogs.

“We’re now calling on dog lovers across the country to play their part, to ‘stop and think’ before buying these breeds of dog and help share the painful truths about the extreme health issues they can suffer. Together we have an opportunity to make a real difference to these terrible breed-related welfare problems.”  

BWG’s three-point plan suggests:  

1.‘Stop and think’ if you’re considering getting a flat-faced dog or breeding from a current pet. 

If you’re planning to breed your dog, make sure it has passed the official Kennel Club/University of Cambridge respiratory function testing and other breed-specific veterinary health checks first. Avoid sharing social media posts that feature imagery of flat-faced dogs and encourage big brands to do the same. These steps can contribute to dramatically reducing the numbers and popularity of flat-faced dogs.

2. If you already own a flat-faced dog, help protect their health or welfare by learning to recognize the problems that these breeds can commonly suffer from.

For example, audible breathing and/or snoring at rest is never normal or acceptable. If you have any concerns, always consult your veterinary practice and don’t rely on advice found or given on the internet or on social media. 

3. If you still plan to buy a flat-faced dog in the future despite awareness of their health and welfare risks, make sure the puppy and its parents have passed all relevant health tests for their breed.

Use the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme and the Puppy Contract to help protect you and your puppy from unscrupulous and low-welfare sellers. Only get a dog that has been bred away from extreme body shapes, such as extreme flat faces, skin folds and lack of tail, all of which are linked to poor innate health. 

Visit the BWG website at  http://www.ukbwg.org.uk/?page_id=513 to view the full National Plan statement and to download the associated infographic.

Unique Assembly to produce Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals 2023/24

Councillors have confirmed UniqueAssembly will deliver both Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay festivals for 2023.

Following an update on performance of the 2022/23 editions of the festivals on Tuesday (7 March), the Culture and Communities Committee recommended the one-year extension for Edinburgh’s Christmas which was considered and ratified by Finance and Resources Committee on Friday.

UniqueAssembly already has a contract to produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2023/24 and Councillors today approved the continuation of this contract.

Councillors discussed the levels of success for both festivals including lessons learned, noting the short turnaround time UniqueAssembly had to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas.

The decision for UniqueAssembly to produce Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 was taken at a special meeting of the Council’s Finance and Resources committee in October, convened following the request to withdraw from the contract by original producers Angels Event Experience (AEE).

Over the 39 days of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the market stalls and funfair rides in East Princes Street Gardens and Mound Precinct, Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens, and Lidl on Ice (ice rink) on George Street saw an overall footfall of 2.4 million.

Edinburgh’s Christmas provided a number of community benefits to citizens. Over 6,000 tickets were given to 30 local charities and community groups and 82,200 20% discounted rides and attractions across all the sites for residents.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay welcomed over 65,000 people to events across the three days of the festival which included a Night Afore Concert at the Ross Bandstand, headlined by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Street Party and Concert in the Gardens headlined by Pet Shop Boys and large programme of free live events and family entertainment on 1 January 2023.

City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker said: “Edinburgh’s Christmas 2022/23 proved to be more challenging than usual to deliver, and my thanks to UniqueAssembly for taking over the contract last year with just seven weeks to deliver such a successful event in addition to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“Today’s decision not only confirms our satisfaction with the 2022/23 Winter Festivals, it gives our support to UniqueAssembly to realise more of our shared ambitions for even better events this year, including a greater spread across the city and ensuring that our greenspaces are used sensitively.

“There’s no questioning the popularity of our Winter Festivals or the benefits they bring to the Capital – the enjoyment and wellbeing of our residents, but also the economic impact for our businesses and the city as a whole.

“Following the termination of our contract with the original Christmas provider it was our absolute priority to ensure that we provided high-quality festive celebrations for the city – and that these were delivered in the spirit of the feedback received in our consultation with residents, businesses and stakeholders. The update report shows this was achieved and I’m looking forward to this year’s offering.”

Directors of UniqueAssembly said: “The Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations are so important not only for visitors to the city, but also for our fellow residents, local businesses and city economy.

“The confirmation of the contract for this year means we can build on the success of 2022, and with longer lead-time realise our ambitions for Edinburgh’s festive celebrations.”

KER-CHING!
 

Chancellor to end ‘prepayment meter penalty’

– Chancellor declares “prepayment meter penalty over from July”, cutting energy bills for over four million families.
– Families on prepayment meters will no longer pay more compared to people on direct debts.
– Follows support this winter which has already cut the typical household bill by almost half.

OVER FOUR MILLION families are set to save £45 a year on their energy bills from July as the Chancellor ends the prepayment premium.

Households on prepayment meters pay more on average compared to direct debit customers due to extra costs firms take on managing meters – such as supplying vouchers and collecting payments – being passed on to users.

The vast majority of households who rely on prepayment meters are typically vulnerable or low income, which means the higher tariff and inability to spread the cost is hitting those who can least afford it.

At his Spring Budget next week, the Chancellor is expected to announce fairness reforms to energy bills, bringing the bills of families on prepayment meters in line with average direct debit energy bill under the Energy Price Guarantee.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: “It is clearly unfair that those on prepayment meters pay more than others. We are going to put an end to that.

“From July four million households won’t pay more than those on direct debits. We’ve already cut energy bills by almost half this winter, and this latest reform is proof again that we’re always on the side of families.”

Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Charging prepayment meter customers more to receive their energy is a tax on some of our most vulnerable – this change will stop that.

“It’s even more important at a time Brits are faced with high energy costs and when we’ve seen vulnerable households wrongly forced onto them. While actions I’ve pushed for have meant forced installations are on pause, warrants aren’t being waved through and Ofgem is toughening up its reviews, our changes will make sure families aren’t penalised simply for how they heat their home.”

The change is expected to come into effect from July 1 through updates to the Energy Price Guarantee at a cost of £200 million.

From April 2024, when the Energy Price Guarantee ends, the Chancellor has tasked energy regulator Ofgem to report back on additional regulatory options to permanently end the premium and bring fairness to bill payment methods in the long term.

The move is the latest government intervention to help families with their energy costs after the average family bill was cut by £1300 this Winter.

Have you seen Nancy?

Police are appealing for information to help trace 76-year-old Nancy Bremner, who has been reported missing.

Nancy was last seen in the Torrance Park area of the city around 3pm yesterday (Sunday) and there is significant concern for her welfare.

She is described as being white, 5ft 1 and slim build, with should-length greying hair. When last seen, she was wearing a pink puffy coat, black jeans and black boots. She is known to frequent the Corstorphine area, including shops at Drumbrae, Glasgow Road and Corstorphine Road.

Inspector Kris Harvey said: “As time passes, our concern for Nancy continues to grow and we are asking for anyone who may have seen her, or has any information on her whereabouts to please come forward as soon as possible.

“You can contact police on 101, quoting incident 2160 of 12 March, 2023.”

UPDATE

We can confirm that Nancy Bremner has been found safe and well.

Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal.

Tony Delahoy: Things Remembered

MOVING ON

AFTER some years of working as a tram conductor with London Transport buses took over from tram operation and the general working conditions were not so good.

I applied for a job with the London County Council, as Helen’s uncles and brother had joined LCC’s Schoolkeeping service after the war, and Helen’s stepfather Alf (who was himself working at LCC’s County Hall) suggested that I might try Schoolkeeping as a future occupation.

After discussion with Helen and consideration of the prospects of remaining with London Transport or trying something different, I applied to work for the London County Council and was appointed as an assistant Schoolkeeper at Catford Secondary School.

There I learnt the business of caring for and managing the upkeep of a large and busy school which also had annexes for infants – and a Foot Clinic!

Each had coal fires in every room and larger ones in the hall which had to be kept alight and attended to throughout the day. It was hard worked but rewarding and held the prospect of advancement.

Edinburgh jobs boost as QA Scotland opens over 15 new positions

Key highlights:

  • QA Scotland has opened over 45 positions nationally.
  • Over 15 of those are in Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
  • The roll out of these new apprenticeship opportunities are to align with Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 6-10, 2023).
  • Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.

Ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week last week QA Scotland announced the opening of over 30 new apprenticeship positions across Edinburgh and the surrounding area, available for immediate start.

Working in partnership with numerous local businesses including George Watson’s College and Computershare Investor Services, QA is promoting a range of roles, with salaries of up to £19,000 a year and a wide choice of job opportunities. The openings range across the spectrum from digital marketing and project management to IT support and administration.

Scotland’s largest provider of tech, digital and IT apprenticeships, QA Scotland places around 1,300 candidates every year with some of Scotland’s most exciting tech employers.

Lawrie Fraser from Falkirk found his apprenticeship completely life changing. Struggling in the travel industry he decided to reskill and is now head of marketing in his new career.

Of his apprenticeship journey, the 20-year-old said: “I wasn’t in the right industry for me during my first apprenticeship and that lead me to contacting QA, where I felt more naturally in the correct industry for me.

“Work gets me flying around left, right and centre. It’s good to see the world and see different places of business and cultures.

“It does build your character, it does build your career and it does make you a stronger person.

“The advice I’d give to people that want to change their career pathway would be: don’t be scared, back yourself 100%.

“Even if it’s taking that leap to contact QA just to get the conversation and the ball rolling, I would do it a million times over.

“QA’s changed my life and I know a lot of ambassadors that have changed their lives as well.”

QA apprenticeship ambassador Lawrie Fraser

Marston Holdings have taken on apprentices through QA and have been delighted with the “fresh outlooks” brought to their business.

Michael Fraser-McGinness, Operations Manager at Marston Holdings, said: “It’s been great to have apprentices as part of our company, fresh outlooks and new experiences allow organisations to increase diversity and, in turn, creativity”

Of his apprenticeship journey with Marston Holdings, accountant apprentice Zak Bowker said: “Since the start of my apprenticeship, I’ve received constant support from both my managers, and other members of the business.

“Everyone has been eager to offer training sessions on other areas of finance which has given me invaluable knowledge and understanding.”

Lorne Blyth, founder of Flavours Holidays, has been delighted with her “fantastic asset”, apprentice Amy Canfield.

She said: “We would highly recommend hiring an apprentice, especially after the great experience we’ve had bringing Amy Canfield our digital marketing apprentice, who plays a major role in helping us to promote our holidays online, into the business.

“Whether it’s creating social media videos or helping with the website, she has a natural creative ability to curate exciting and engaging content which helps to showcase the Flavours adventures – she really is a fantastic asset to the team.”

Chris Shekleton, Director – Scotland QA, said: “If you left school at Christmas and have not yet decided on your future, or if you are in an interim job, waiting for the right opening, then it may be that an apprenticeship is the way forward. There are lots of opportunities out there.

“And if you think you don’t have any relevant qualifications or experience, that is not a barrier, with an apprenticeship you learn on the job and you earn while you learn.”

David Cunningham, QA Scotland Youth Engagement and Communications Manager, added: “No matter what your background or qualifications, we are confident we can match you with an apprenticeship scheme that will kick start your future.

“With vacancies available across over 50 employers throughout Scotland, it is aptitude and interests that count, and we will point you in the direction you need.”

To take a look at what is on offer, visit QA.com, pop in your postcode and get in touch.

Edinburgh, join Mary’s Meals on a 7,000-mile journey

School feeding charity is asking people to clock up miles this April to feed hungry children  

Mary’s Meals is calling on people in Edinburgh to help feed hungry children in some of the world’s poorest countries by signing up to its new fundraising challenge, From Dalmally to Malawi. 

The charity feeds more than 2.4 million children every school day in 18 countries including Malawi, Kenya and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for a brighter future.  

This April, people can join its virtual challenge from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded, to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals in 2002. 

Participants can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose from walking, running to swimming. The money raised by sponsorship from friends and family will help to feed desperately hungry children in school.     

Those signing up to the challenge will receive a free Mary’s Meals T-shirt and will be invited to join an exclusive From Dalmally To Malawi online community where they’ll receive inspirational video messages and stories from Mary’s Meals.  

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “With Spring around the corner, April is the perfect time for setting a personal active challenge.  

“Whatever miles you pledge, taking part in From Dalmally to Malawi allows you to follow the Mary’s Meals journey while helping us to reach the next hungry child. I hope as many people as possible join our challenge this April to show the true generosity of people in Edinburgh!” 

By signing up to the challenge, people in Edinburgh will be helping children like Prisca from Malawi. Thanks to Mary’s Meals, she eats a mug of vitamin-enriched porridge every day that fills her empty stomach and gives her energy to learn.  

Prisca says: “Mary’s Meals porridge helps me to excel in my studies and realise my dream of becoming a teacher. I do not feel hungry when in class and I listen attentively during lessons.” 

To sign up to the From Dalmally to Malawi challenge, please visit: 

https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/from-dalmally-to-malawi 

Edinburgh and Lothian groups invited to apply for community initiative

Back by popular demand, Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, has launched its 2023 Helping Your Community Grow campaign across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Designed to enhance communities local to its stores, this initiative will see community groups receive gardening product, support and expertise from the Dobbies’ team.

Helping Your Community Grow has sustainability at its core and encourages people across the country to care for, nurture and protect their green spaces and urban communities.

Both the Stockbridge little dobbies and Edinburgh Dobbies store are calling on local groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians that want to help their community space thrive in a sustainable way to get in touch.

Whether it’s a school allotment project that allows kids to learn about the health and environmental benefits of growing fruit and vegetables; a community garden or space, looking to bring the outside in; or a charity looking to create a sensory garden to encourage everyone outdoors, Dobbies wants to positively impact communities through its love of gardening. 

This year, Dobbies will offer advice, gardening products and tools to a community group to help them transform their space.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies said: “Community is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud of our Helping Your Community Grow campaign. Entries are now open for this year and we’re especially interested in hearing from projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians with sustainability at their core.

“Riding for the Disabled Association in Glasgow is just one of the many projects we supported in 2022 and highlights the diversity of the projects we aim to collaborate with.”

Lynda McKeeman, Yard Manager at Riding for the Disabled Association Glasgow, was thankful for the support. She said: “Dobbies’ support and funding allowed us to create a bright and fragrant sensory trail through the woodland area and out into the pond circuit which has been great for stimulating the senses of the riders and horses. 

“We support over 80 people with disabilities and give them the opportunity to learn to ride or spend time with a horse. Our youngest participant is just 2 years old, and our most senior is in their 70s. Many of our attendees have physical disabilities, psychological problems or just need a confidence boost, and horsemanship is a great way to help rehabilitate them.”

Taking part couldn’t be easier and applications are now open.

Eligible groups must be located within 20 miles of Dobbies’ Edinburgh or Livingston stores or five miles of little dobbies Stockbridge. A shortlist of community groups for each store will be made and Dobbies will call on members of the public to vote for their favourite project.

Based on the public vote, there will be one winner per store, with the project receiving the most votes securing the national winner title. They will receive additional funding and support.

In addition to Helping Your Community Grow, there will be further opportunities for community groups looking for support, with small grants available from their nearest Dobbies or little dobbies.

For more information about how to take part in Dobbies’ Helping Your Community Grow campaign, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres

GREY2K USA Worldwide welcomes recommended moratorium on greyhound racing in Scotland

Scottish Animal Welfare Commission reports an end to greyhound racing in Scotland would be ‘desirable’ 

GBGB ‘disappointed with conclusions’

GREY2K USA Worldwide, the world’s largest greyhound protection organisation, has given a cautious welcome to a report on the welfare of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland, published on Wednesday by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.

The report, which is thought to be the most comprehensive review of dog racing in Scotland for decades, concludes that the risks of poor welfare outweigh any likely positive aspects, and on average, a dog bred for racing in Scotland currently has poorer welfare than the average of other dogs in the population. It also states that its desirable outcome would be for no organised greyhound racing to take place in Scotland. 

Most significantly, the report recommends a moratorium on any new dog tracks. It further recommends that greyhound racing should only continue at the last remaining track, Thornton, if a veterinarian is present when dogs are racing, and all injuries are reported. The continued operation of Thornton would be subsequently reviewed after a period of three to five years.

Christine A. Dorchak, President of GREY2K USA Worldwide said: “While we welcome the effort which has gone into to compiling such a comprehensive report, sadly it only serves to confirm what we already know – that greyhound racing is a cruel and inhumane industry which has precisely zero regard for the dogs bred into a life of racing misery. 

“We are pleased the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has underscored a number of significant problems within the industry including the risk of injury or death at the track; the over breeding of puppies; and that a significant part of a dog’s life may be spent in kennels with little or no social interaction along with the increased risk of neglect and poor veterinary care.

“The recommendation that no further tracks be opened in Scotland would be a significant development, and the requirement for a vet to be present, even at unregulated tracks, is something we welcome. This in our view could spell the end for dog racing at Thornton.”

The report also calls into question whether the Greyhound Board of Great Britain is fit for purpose as a regulator, citing serious concerns about its highly touted “Greyhound Welfare Strategy.” Finally, the report concluded that the Commission “did not find any evidence that the industry was prepared to make the radical changes that would be required to achieve improved dog welfare.” 

Ms Dorchak added: “We urge the government to follow these recommendations and pass legislation implementing a moratorium on greyhound racing, a new requirement that a veterinarian be present at Thornton and all injuries be reported, and a requirement that that continued operation of Thornton be dependent on a parliamentary review in 2026.

“That is a responsible policy that will help countless dogs.

“This is an industry which is inherently cruel, existing only on the exploitation of gentle dogs which are viewed as no more than collateral damage for the misguided entertainment of a very small minority.”

Research carried out by Panelbase on behalf of GREY2K USA Worldwide at the end of 2022 shows that six in ten Scottish people think the Scottish Parliament should vote to phase out greyhound racing, while 63% of respondents said they have an unfavourable view of the sport. 

Welfare of racing dogs is among the biggest concerns for the Scottish public with 58% believing dogs bred for the tracks have a bad quality of life. Further to this, three quarters of the public think dog racing isn’t important to the Scottish economy.  

Responding, Mark Bird, CEO of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), said: “Despite engaging fully and transparently with the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s (SAWC) research, we are disappointed by some of their conclusions, which depend on the unproven testimony of certain animal welfare charities and the lobbying campaign funded by American activists.

“We share a common goal with SAWC of protecting and promoting greyhound welfare in Scotland. But we are clear that strong and effective regulation is the only way to do this successfully and have therefore been working with Holyrood officials to support Scotland’s one unregulated track to be licensed.

“Under our remit, racing greyhounds receive far more protection than domestic dogs. We have over 200 Rules governing those within the sport, including the requirement that a veterinary surgeon is present before, during and after any racing, and setting strict standards on the care of greyhounds at tracks, during transportation and at home in their trainers’ residential kennels.

“SAWC has been bounced by the animal rights lobbyists to conclude that domestic dogs already have better welfare protection than this, but this is clearly untrue, and it is frustrating that they have fallen foul of the activists’ agenda.

“Those groups who have campaigned against the sport in Scotland have continued to propagate misleading, inaccurate and unevidenced facts about the regulated sector of the sport. This has been supported by significant funding from animal activists Grey2K USA – something which should concern everyone who believes policy and politics should be dictated by those who live here.

“We are disappointed that this activism has influenced SAWC’s ultimate report, in which anecdote has been prioritised over data, accuracy and transparency. We will, however, continue to engage with members and officials in Holyrood to support greater regulation, as what we know to be in the best interests of racing greyhounds.”