Month: March 2023

Over a quarter of women have no pension savings

  • Male pension pots are two thirds larger than women’s on average
  • Only 23% of women are confident they will be able to retire comfortably

Fewer women than men have pensions, and those who do are saving less than their male counterparts, reveals independent research conducted on behalf of Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management. 

Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management’s report, Can we solve the gender wealth gap? highlights the disparity in retirement savings between men and women, revealing that over a fifth (26%) of women have no formal pension savings at all, compared to just 16% of men.

Women’s pension pots were found to be substantially smaller too. The average pension across amounts for all respondents stood at £103,037. However, male respondents’ pension pots were found to be significantly higher, averaging at £142,234, while women’s came in at just over a third of this, at an average of £51,384.

It is therefore unsurprising that only 23% of women surveyed stated they are confident that they will be able to retire comfortably, with over a third (35%) believing they won’t be able to.

However, there are signs that things could be turning around for the next generation. While women over the age of 40 are generally less likely to have a pension than men of a similar age (63% vs 80%), men and women in their 30s were found to be equally likely to have a pension (77%). For adults under 30, women were found to be more likely to have a pension than men (76% vs 59%).

The research also revealed that most people tend to leave the management of their pension to their workplace pension provider (45%). Men were slightly more likely than women (43% versus 37%) to manage their own pensions, such as via a self-invested personal pension scheme (SIPP).

However, more than half (56%) of those who self-manage their pensions admitted that they seldom check their retirement savings – of which 64% were female.

Christine Ross, Head of Private Office (North) & Client Director at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, said: “Women on average continue to remain a long way behind men in pension savings, with the problem at its most acute among older generations who are closer to retirement.

After decades of gender disparity, it’s encouraging to finally see clear evidence of change, with pension take up reaching parity among thirtysomethings, and women in their twenties ahead of their male counterparts.

The recent steps taken at a government level have the potential to further close the gender pensions gap, including the free childcare scheme expansion announced at the Spring Budget, which should allow more working mothers to return to the workplace and build their pension savings.

“But despite signs of progress, there is still considerable work to be done. Education around pensions needs to be improved, as does women’s confidence in financial products. We strongly encourage seeking advice on long-term financial planning where possible, to ensure that the plans you have in place are fit for purpose on an ongoing basis.

“Generally, it is important to review your pension regularly and to top up your workplace pensions where possible. If you’re unable to pay into a formal pension, there are plenty of other options to consider, including ISAs, which offer tax-free savings.”

Divestment Day of Action

Climate campaigners in Edinburgh join national protests against fossil fuel investment

– Demonstration took place in Edinburgh yesterday (24 March) as part of UK-wide divestment day of action
– More than 30 groups across Britain joined “Divest from Crisis, invest in our future” events to call for an end to council investments in fossil fuels
– Climate campaigners highlight the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds’ investment in big polluters by staging a theatrical depiction of the love triangle between the Pension Funds, fossil fuel companies and green investments outside City Chambers

Climate justice campaigners from Edinburgh and Falkirk staged a theatrical demonstration outside Edinburgh City Chambers today (24 March) to call on the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds to stop investing in fossil fuels.

Local campaigners from Divest Lothian, Friends of the Earth Falkirk and Stop Rosebank staged a short period-costume drama, taking inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s classic film ‘The Age of Innocence’, to depict the love triangle between the Lothian and Falkirk pension funds, big polluters and green investments.

The Edinburgh protest is one of over 30 demonstrations taking place across the UK today as part of a “Divestment Day of Action” to urge councils, pension funds, and financial institutions to take action to address the crises of fuel poverty, climate breakdown, and energy security by removing investments from fossil fuels.

The Lothian Pension Fund, administered by the City of Edinburgh Council for the four Lothian councils, invests an estimated £229 million in fossil fuel companies which are driving climate breakdown, including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil and Equinor.

The Falkirk Pension Fund, which is run by Falkirk Council, invests an estimated £123 million in some of the world’s biggest polluters, including BP and Shell.

Joan Forehand, campaigner with Divest Lothian, said: “All paths to a livable and economically viable future start with ending the exploration for, and development of, new sources of fossil fuels and instead investing in the rapid development of clean energy.

“The last year has shown fossil fuel companies doubling down on further expansion of oil and gas whilst continuing to distract the public with greenwashing. All responsible investors have a part to play in recognising that they hold great power, via divesting, to signal to policymakers that these companies are on a path that is no longer morally or economically supportable.”

In 2022, both the City of Edinburgh Council and East Lothian Council passed motions calling on the Lothian Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuel companies, but the fund has not yet changed its policy.

Sally Clark, divestment campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The spiralling cost of living and the breakdown of the global climate are both symptoms of an unstable and unjust fossil fuel energy system that is devastating communities around the world.

“By continuing to invest in big polluters like BP and Shell, the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds are literally gambling with our futures. It’s time for both funds to end their investments in climate-wrecking fossil fuels and instead invest in warmer homes and renewable energy that can help ensure we have a liveable planet for future generations.”

Luke Henderson, Chair of Unison West Lothian Branch, said: “More and more public sector and private sector pension funds are making the switch to fossil free investments. The Lothian Pension Fund needs to catch up with them.

“Fossil fuel companies are not effectively responding to the fact that they need to move to renewable energy in the future and currently invest only a tiny fraction of their investments in green energy. History is littered with once dominant companies that did not respond to changes and who suddenly disappear.

“Companies like Olivetti refused to move from typewriters to computers or Kodak who refused to move to digital photography. We should switch our investments before it is too late and the fossil fuel companies stock value plummets.

“Furthermore, in the face of extraordinary economic challenges ahead, we need to reset and create a new economy that places the health of us all above the wealth of a few. Local government pension schemes can play a part in this by mobilising the money they move out of fossil fuels into socially useful investments in the local economy.”

Easter boost for Make 2nds Count

Dalkeith Country Park raises funds for Edinburgh-based charity 

Breast cancer charity Make 2nds Count is set for a bumper Easter boost courtesy of Dalkeith Country Park. 

The organisation, which supports patients with secondary breast cancer, is the visitor attraction’s charity partner for 2023 and benefits from a range of fundraising initiatives through The Park’s activities and the generosity of visitors. 

Easter provides the latest chance to support the work of Make 2nds Count, which raises awareness of, and funds research into, the little-known form of incurable cancer which claims 1,000 lives each month in the UK and is currently affecting 61,000 people. 

And Dalkeith Country Park, just outside Edinburgh, has a cracking Easter calendar of events including a fashion show, Easter cookie decorating workshops and its first Duck Race. 

Fashionistas can get an exclusive preview of the Restoration Yard’s new spring and summer collection on the evening of March 30. The boutique shopping event, featuring fizz, a goody bag and styling tips straight from the catwalk, also includes a charity raffle for the Karen Henderson Charity Fund, in aid of Make 2nds Count. 

A couple of days later, April 1 sees the staging of the inaugural Duck Race when a flock of yellow birds will vie for position on the River Esk, and throughout April 2-14 kids can take part in a hands-on Easter biscuit decorating workshop. 

Then on May 4, the Inception Art Show returns to Dalkeith Palace, showcasing a curated collection of artists until May 14. This year, Dalkeith Country Park is delighted to have Anderson Strathern on board as the headline sponsor. The exciting, sales-led contemporary art exhibition launched in 2021. This year 35 modern and contemporary artists, sculptors, photographers and painters have been invited to ‘take over’ The Palace. 

As part of the 10-day programme, an online charity art auction will run in partnership with The Auction Collective creating an enticing event when buyers have the chance to bid for works from many of the Inception artists, painters & photographers, whilst supporting Make 2nds Count.  

Also known as metastatic, advanced or stage IV breast cancer, which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, secondary breast cancer is incurable, although it can be treated. Make 2nds Count patient champion, the late Karen Henderson, was a visitor to The Park and is fondly remembered there.   

Remko Plooij, Managing Director of Dalkeith Country Park says: “Make 2nds Count was chosen as our charity partner in recognition of the connection between Dalkeith Country Park and Karen Henderson, who was a dearly loved visitor.

“The tireless work that the charity does to support patients and families living with secondary breast cancer is outstanding, and we are thrilled to be part of their efforts for this coming year.” 

Emma Hall, Head of Operations for Make 2nds Count: “We rely so heavily on fundraising and donations and are thrilled that Dalkeith Country Park is supporting us.

“It’s wonderful that, at this special time of year, visitors to The Park can also share their fundraising ethos and help make such a difference in the lives of patients and their families.” 

Host regions confirmed for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – Gran Fondo

Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships have confirmed the regions of Scotland that will host the Gran Fondo road race and time trial, as part of the biggest ever cycling event in history, taking place from 3 – 13 August.

Final event locations to be announced as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Perth and Kinross have been confirmed to host the Gran Fondo road race on Friday 4 August and Dundee and Angus to host the Gran Fondo time trial on Sunday 7 August.

Gran Fondo (which translates as “Big Race”) is a long-distance, mass participation event that celebrates competitive cycling, with the top 25% percent of riders from 27 qualifying events held around the world being invited to compete in Scotland as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

The Gran Fondo is one of 13 UCI World Championships to take place in Glasgow and across Scotland this summer. The Gran Fondo event alone is expected to attract thousands of participants from more than 50 nations, providing significant economic impact for the host regions, with many participants, their friends and families expected to stay in the area for several days.

In both the road race and the time trial, riders of varying ages and abilities will take on beautiful but challenging courses, that will pass through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, encompassing historic cities, towns and villages as well as unrivalled coastal and countryside settings, creating a memorable event for all who ride. 

From a sporting point of view, it is a fantastic opportunity for riders to measure up against the best in their age group from around the world, with the very best eying up a spot on the podium.

Organisers have appointed the experienced sports events company Golazo Cycling as the event delivery partner, who will manage the details and plans associated with the event. Details of the specific routes will be announced at a later date.

The Queen’s View in Highland Perthshire which overlooks Loch Tummel.

Commenting on the host regions, Trudy Lindblade, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling Word Championships said: “We are excited to welcome Gran Fondo participants and their families to experience the wonderful scenery, landscapes and of course, fantastic Scottish hospitality across Perthshire, Dundee and Angus.

“They will be cycling through absolutely stunning spots which will showcase the region to the world. Events of this nature generate significant economic and social engagement impact and we’re delighted to be working with our partners at Golazo, Perth & Kinross, Dundee City and Angus Councils to deliver a unique and memorable event for participants, local businesses and residents.”

Councillor Andrew Parrott, Convener of Perth & Kinross Council’s Environment, Infrastructure and Economic Development Committee said: “The Gran Fondo will be an unforgettable event that showcases Perth and Kinross to a global audience.

“We have a fantastic track record of delivering large-scale events like this and I am looking forward to welcoming thousands of cyclists and spectators in August.”

Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “We are delighted to be involved in what is a major event in the cycling calendar and with it the opportunity to showcase some of Dundee’s beautiful, engaging and sometimes challenging parkour to the top 25 per cent of the world’s non-professional competitive cyclists.

“Events such as the Gran Fondo prove that competitive cycling isn’t just for the pros and I am sure that the city’s backdrop will offer not just the riders a unique opportunity, but also encourage spectators from across the world to come back to Dundee and join local people on their bikes!”

Communities Convener of Angus Council, Cllr Mark McDonald, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the Gran Fondo to Angus.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to stage a high-calibre sporting event in our county, which offers some of the best cycling opportunities in Scotland and where the sport is extremely popular with both residents and tourists.

“The beautiful Angus landscape will undoubtedly prove to be a fitting backdrop to this international event and will help to further enhance Angus as a first- class cycling destination.”

Malcolm Smith of Golazo Cycling said: “We are excited and honoured to be able to organise such a prestigious event.

“Our experience organising the Tour of Cambridgeshire over the past eight years means we are uniquely placed to stage the best event possible, and we have been working with many stakeholders behind the scenes to ensure all riders have an amazing racing experience.

“We have some excellent and challenging routes for thousands of riders to enjoy. We can’t wait to see their emotions and reactions when they return after racing over such beautiful terrain.”

To find out more about the Gran Fondo and how to take part, visit:

https://granfondo.cyclingworldchamps.com/ 

A message of hope and a call to action

Edinburgh Science Festival’s major outdoor photography exhibition Cherish: Shaping our Planet opened yesterday, a week ahead of the Festival taking over the Scottish capital


www.sciencefestival.co.uk 

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2022 saw the United Nations announce that our global population has now reached a staggering 8 billion people and continues to rise. And our desire to consume – energy, food, water, minerals – grows too.

Alongside this story is another tale: of innovation, of revolution and of a growing global awareness of the critical need for action to protect these environments.

Edinburgh Science Festival’s annual free, large-scale outdoor photography exhibit opens today on Portobello Promenade. Cherish: Shaping our Planet (on until 4 May) contains a global message of hope and a call to action: here is our planet. Cherish it.

It considers how we can cherish its wonders, strive for change and tread more lightly. Featuring the work of eight photographers, Cherish: Shaping our Planet uses stunning aerial photography to take audiences on a journey across the world, capturing a birds-eye view of our impact on the landscapes that support all life on Earth.

The artists featured are: Kieran Dodds and Kate Stevenson of Scottish Sisters Photography depict the rugged landscapes of Scotland while Daniel Beltrá captures one of the world’s worst environmental disasters, the oil spill from BP Deepwater Horizon which extended over 149,000 square kilometers across the Gulf of Mexico.

George Steinmetz showcases human agricultural processes in action ranging from grape harvesting in Lanzerote to Kopper Cress Greenhouses which grow microgreens in the Westlands area of the Netherlands.

Dr Jennifer Davis of the British Ecological Society and Leah Kennedy capture the ancient landscapes of Western Australia which is home to some of the oldest geological features in the world.

Jassen Todorov takes audiences to the USA, depicting the desert landscapes of Utah and Nevada. Sharyn Coffee shines the light on the utopian architecture of Super Tree Grove nature park in Singapore, an innovative example of ‘urban greening’ which seeks bring some nature back into urbanised spaces.

The opening of the exhibition also marks a week until Edinburgh Science Festival 2023 (1-16 April) takes over the city.

Known for producing world-class live events, this year’s Festival invites everyone to get hands-on with science and embrace the concepts of experimentation, innovation, creativity, curiosity and invention that lie at the heart of its 2023 theme – Let’s Experiment!

Amanda Tyndall, Festival and Creative Director at Edinburgh Science Festival said: “Our large-scale, outdoor photo exhibitions have become something of a tradition, showcasing images that are both visually arresting and thought-provoking.

“Cherish provides a birds-eye view of our impact on the landscapes that support all life on Earth, taking audiences on an incredible journey exploring how human activity is shaping our planet.”

Crack your Easter childcare costs with tax-free top ups 

With the Easter school holidays nearly here, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families in Scotland not to miss out on UK Government help to pay for childcare. 

Tax-Free Childcare can pay for any approved childcare for children aged 11 or under, or 16 if the child has a disability. More than 26,000 families in Scotland used the scheme in December 2022.

Working families, where each parent or carer earns up to £100,000 can use it, meaning for every £8 paid into an online account they will receive an additional £2 from the government. This means parents and carers can receive up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year for each child), or £1,000 (£4,000 a year for each child) if their child is disabled.  

Whether children go to nursery, a childminder, attend breakfast, after school or holiday clubs, as well as out of school activities, Tax-Free Childcare could be used.

Opening a Tax-Free Childcare account is quick and easy and can be done at any time of the year. Families who have not yet signed up should check their eligibility and apply online today.

Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to The Treasury, said:  “Tax-Free Childcare provides extra help with childcare costs which could make all the difference to working families and make childcare expenses more manageable.

“I would urge families to go online today to find out how it can help you.”  

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:  “Childcare is so important for working families, especially during school holiday time. Tax-Free Childcare provides financial support when it’s needed the most.

“Search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK to find out how it could help you.”  

A Tax-Free Childcare account can be opened online in just 20 minutes. Money can be deposited at any time to be used straight away, or whenever it is needed.

Unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Go to GOV.UK to register and get started.  

Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:    

·         have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they can receive support until 1 September after their 16th birthday  

·         earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average  

·         each earn no more than £100,000 per annum  

·         do not receive tax credits, Universal Credit or childcare vouchers .  

A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on GOV.UK.  

The UK Government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support, including help with childcare costs, families could be eligible for.  

Royal Bank of Scotland & Code First Girls partner to offer displaced Ukrainian women opportunities in Coding & Software Engineering 

Royal Bank of Scotland has partnered with Code First Girls, the largest provider of free coding courses and linked employment opportunities for women in the UK, to launch a bespoke recruitment drive for displaced female Ukrainians.

The programme is a first-of-its-kind in Scotland and will provide valuable career opportunities for displaced women in coding and software engineering. 

Opportunities for up to 60 women will be available from Wednesday, 22nd March with recruitment centres taking place at the Ukrainian Community Centre, Royal Terrace Edinburgh as well as the Leith Ukrainian refugee accommodation aboard the MS Victoria cruise liner.  

The programme will provide training and skills development over an initial 8 week period, with the opportunity for trainees to study for a full Code First Girls degree and secure permanent roles with Royal Bank of Scotland. 

The partnership with Code First Girls is an extension of Royal Bank’s commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians. The war in Ukraine has created an urgent need to support thousands of displaced families and individuals.

Throughout the past year, the bank has partnered with Edinburgh City Council and the Scottish Government to open a Welcome Centre within their headquarters. To date, the site has distributed over 10,000 welcome packs and will typically see up to 2000 children’s toothbrushes, 4,000 books and 2,000 sanitary packs handed out in one month alone. 

Code First Girls is dedicated to reducing the gender diversity gap in tech globally by giving more women the opportunity to learn new skills and pursue great careers in tech. To date, they have delivered £75 million worth of free technology education in the UK and have provided free education and employment opportunities for more than 110,000 women. 

Wincie Wong, Head of Workforce Technical Capability, Digital X at Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As a bank we recognise that we have a unique opportunity to utilise our resources and influence real change to improve lives in Scotland.  

“Our latest partnership with Code First Girls allows us to continue our commitment to helping displaced Ukrainians and empowering women in their careers. Through the programme, we will provide bespoke coding and software engineering as well as opportunities to gain work experience and be supported into employment. 

“We’re a relationship bank in a digital world and we recognise the need to continually attract and retain a talented and diverse technology workforce. Building Scotland’s coding and software engineering sector will be vital to reach our full potential as a nation and we can’t wait to see what our inaugural group will achieve”. 

Anna Brailsford, CEO of Code First Girls, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Royal Bank to offer this new opportunity for displaced Ukrainian women to learn new skills and embark on a career path in coding and software engineering. 

“We believe that by empowering women in technology, we can help to build a more diverse and inclusive industry that is better equipped to meet the demands of today and innovate for the future.”

Film addressing stigma of mental health in Scotland’s Armed Forces community premiered at Holyrood

‘These people are going to bend over backwards to get you to the point where you can stand straight and walk down the road with a bit of pride in yourself again’

On Tuesday (March 21), Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH) of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity held an event – sponsored by Paul Sweeney MSP – in the Scottish Parliament.

The event celebrated the unique holistic service GHH, which a two-year long independent service evaluation, funded by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) and conducted by the University of Stirling, identified as “vital” and “life changing” to Glasgow’s Armed Forces community.

The report found that GHH produced a Social Return On Investment (SROI) of £6.63 for every £1 spent during the evaluation period.

As the evaluation was conducted during the Covid pandemic, and included the multiple lockdowns where several of the measures in SROI generation such as employment and housing were effectively shut for all of society, the researchers estimate that in “normal circumstances” the SROI for GHH would exceed £11 for every £1 spent.

During the evening, guests heard from Paul Sweeney MSP, Chairman of SSAFA Sir Gary Coward, GHH’s Manager Rachel Tribble, and FiMT’s Chief Executive Tom McBarnett.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the launch of short film, Courage, which addresses the stigma surrounding mental health challenges for Armed Forces personnel.

The film focuses on the strength it takes to seek help and also how once a person walks through the door at GHH, they will find a team that will, as one of the beneficiaries says in the film says:

“These people are going to bend over backwards to get you to the point where you can stand straight and walk down the road with a bit of pride in yourself again.”

The film features two GHH beneficiaries, Patrick, and Joe, who were among the guests at Holyrood as well as Alan, their GHH peer support worker. Once the film ended and the audience erupted into applause, Alan was heard to say to both men how proud he was of them. The bond between them was palpable.

More than 65 guests were in attendance and the evening was hailed a success.

Project unlocks Scotland’s missing millions

Foundation Scotland’s release of over £2.3 million from dormant trusts is the “tip of the iceberg” windfall for communities 

Trusts formed over a century ago to help boys with the surname Stewart, supply pensions to women of good character or provide medical assistance pre-NHS will now be used to fund current day needs thanks to a partnership project that has already unlocked over £2.3 million from lost and forgotten charitable accounts.

Foundation Scotland has revealed they have identified nearly 300 dormant charitable trusts through the project run in collaboration with The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Charitable trusts typically provide public benefit by making grants or donations to other charities, voluntary groups or individuals as laid out in their original constitution.

Launched in May 2021, Scotland’s Revitalising Trusts Project was set up to identify charitable trusts that appear to be inactive and support them to reactivate.  For a trust to be classed as inactive, they either had no income or expenditure or donated less than 30% of their total income over the last five years. 

There are different reasons why a trust can lie dormant.  It can be difficult to recruit new trustees, find time to run the charity or as times change, it can be impossible to identify beneficiaries befitting the original deeds of the trust. 

Foundation Scotland has over 25 years’ experience distributing funds which provide long-term benefit for communities.  As part of this national project, they are supporting trustees to release inactive funds so that they can be redistributed to good causes across Scotland.

Alternatively, Foundation Scotland will support trustees to breathe new life into the charity, for example by changing their charitable purpose to help address new needs in local communities.

Among the funds was The Ronnie Williamson Trust, formed by Mrs Betty Williamson in 2005 in memory of her husband, Ronnie, a Royal Marine Commando, businessman, and long-standing elder and member of Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh. 

The original purposes of the Trust were outlined as supporting voluntary project work of young people from the age of 16 to 21 who were members or adherents of Palmerston Place Church. Unfortunately, this very specific remit proved difficult to fulfil and the Trust had not made an award for over eight years.

The Trust had therefore fallen into years of inactivity because the deed prevented the Trustees from altering the purposes rendering the Trust stuck. The Trustees worked with Foundation Scotland to ‘revitalise’ the trust.

The Trust now has new wider purposes in place – extending the upper age limit to 25 and increasing the catchment of the church membership to now include other Church congregations in the North and West of the City.  

Gregor Innes, Trustee said: “The support we’ve received from Foundation Scotland will prove life-changing for local young people who have the desire to make a difference to others locally, nationally or globally. 

“It was a frustration that we had funds that could be helping others sitting in the bank – but due to the original limited scope we had not been in a position to attract and help young people with voluntary projects. 

“The Ronnie Williamson Trust was created to encourage young people to make a difference to others and I am confident he and his late wife will be happy with the changes that we have now made to make sure we can fulfil the original wishes. 

“Foundation Scotland guided us through the process easily, and thanks to their invaluable support we have increased the age limit so we can help those up to the age of 25, and we can support young people from other linked congregations.

“The other massive benefit to us has been their support to help us bring new people onto the board. With three new Trustees already in place we are excitedly looking ahead to relaunching and publicising the Trust in the coming months. We look forward to receiving applications from local young people in the future to help them to make a difference in voluntary work which will have a positive educational, religious, medical, or societal impact.” 

Steff Bell, Revitalising Trust Project Advisor at Foundation Scotland said: “In the current climate it’s more important than ever that charitable funds are being put to good use.

“Communities the length and breadth of the country suffered through covid and now they are struggling with the cost of living crisis. It’s good to know that we’ve been able to assist in reactivating these funds and putting them to good use, when they’re needed most.  

“We’re delighted that we’ve already unlocked over £2.3 million for good causes across Scotland but we know this is just the tip of the iceberg.  We are making great progress; overall, the trustees we have approached have received the offer of support positively, with several indicating that the trustees had been stuck for a number of years, unable to find appropriate support to distribute the funds.  

“We will continue to work collaboratively with more trustees, alongside OSCR, to help these trusts maximise their funds and reach for public good.  We know trustees want to make a real and positive difference to those who need it most. If you think your charity could benefit from support to spend its funds, please do get in touch with us and we’ll help you work out the best next steps for your charity.”

Steve Kent, Policy Manager at OSCR said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Foundation Scotland on this important Project and to see our joint effort to reach out to inactive trusts starting to bear fruit.

“We want public trust in charities to remain strong and never more so than in the present challenging times. It is vital that every pound of charitable funds is seen to be working hard for good causes but, even with best intentions, it is sometimes a challenge for trustees to make that happen.

“This Project is an excellent example of what can be achieved by offering trustees a little support and encouragement at the right time.”

For more information about the project visit:

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/revitalise-trust

£50m to improve Scotland’s play parks

Children will have access to high quality play areas, which will remain free of charge, as a result of new investment.

The Scottish Government and COSLA have agreed £50 million in funding to local authorities over the next three years for the refurbishment of children’s play parks.

Play parks identified for refurbishment by local authorities are expected to be revamped thanks to the additional funding.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey visited Figgate Park with pupils from Duddingston Primary School yesterday. She said: “Playing outdoors has huge benefits for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, and play parks ensure children can access high quality safe environments free of charge as families grapple with the cost of living crisis.

“This funding will support local communities to take forward their plans to improve play parks for children in their area.”