Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed US President Joe Biden to the United Kingdom for a meeting in Belfast today.
The Prime Minister welcomed US President Biden to the United Kingdom for a meeting in Belfast today.
The leaders reflected on the legacy of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, which was signed 25 years ago this week. They agreed that this anniversary is a moment to celebrate the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and to recommit to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.
The Prime Minister thanked President Biden for the role the US people and businesses have played in Northern Ireland’s prosperity, with billions of pounds of investment creating tens of thousands of jobs.
The Prime Minister and President Biden both expressed their sincere hope that the institutions in Northern Ireland will be restored as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister and President Biden discussed the wider relationship between the UK and the US.
They agreed that manipulation of global markets by authoritarian leaders demonstrates, more than ever, the need for likeminded partners to work together to support the economic health and security of our nations.
The leaders said that the thriving trade relationship between the UK and US demonstrates we are doing just that.
They looked forward to discussing the issue of economic security further during the G7 Summit next month and the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington DC in June.
They also agreed on the importance of using global forums like the G7 and G20 to challenge economic coercion and market manipulation, and promote the economic well-being of our countries.
National builders’ merchant Jewson has announced its new official charity partner for Scotland and the North, as Whiteleys Retreat in Ayrshire.
Whiteleys Retreat provides free therapeutic respite breaks and extended support for children, young people and their families with cancer or life altering illnesses and was selected by Jewson employees who have a close connection with the cause.
To launch the new partnership and begin its fundraising efforts for Whiteleys Retreat, members of Jewson’s branches across Scotland and the North will don their walking boots and kilts to join the Kiltwalk in Glasgow on 30th April – and walk up to 23 miles through the city, finishing in the idyllic surroundings of Loch Lomond.
As well as regular fundraising events and activities, the builders’ merchant will also assist with construction projects at the retreat, lending its expertise and working with suppliers to source products and services. Collection tins have been installed at every Jewson branch in Scotland and a new 7-a-side football competition is being organised, which will be hosted at Ayr United’s Somerset Park stadium.
Allan Davidson, Regional Director for Scotland, North East and Lakes at Jewson, said: “We support several good causes across Jewson’s national branches, and we are thrilled to welcome Whiteleys Retreat as our new charity partner in Scotland. It’s a fantastic cause which has touched the hearts of many people in our team and provides a vital facility to local families.
“We have set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target, but we are pulling together as a team and with our partners to make sure we reach it. We are committed to supporting Whiteleys Retreat in every way possible, helping them to continue making a huge difference to those who need it most.”
Maxine Allan, CEO of Whiteleys Retreat, said: “We are extremely delighted to be the chosen charity partner of Jewson, who will help us to raise awareness of our cause across Scotland with collection can distribution in all stores and with vital fundraising events throughout the year.
“They are an energetic and enthusiastic team who really believe in helping their local community. Additional thanks must go to Ayr United for introducing us to Jewson. We are looking forward to a very successful year ahead.”
For more information and to make a donation, visit:
A team of Edinburgh Napier University students have triumphed at a UK-wide game design competition with a creative and original depiction of life in fascist-occupied Italy.
Drawing visual inspiration from Guillermo del Toro’s movie adaptation of Pinocchio, their game concept ‘Aging Like Buildings’ takes the player through a story narrated by a grandfather reliving his harsh experience during the 1940s. Using morally nuanced tales told to his grandchild, a player called Cielo explores ruins and works with partisans to reclaim territory taken by occupying fascist forces.
Developers Jacopo Santarossa, Jakub Mazurek, Keir Bailey, Mitchell MacPherson and Ellie Black chose their concept as a way of demonstrating the horrors of war in an empathetic way.
Jakub said: “We were drawn to the idea of creating a game based on under-explored conflict stories – which led us to the Italian partisans.
“The title ‘Aging Like Buildings’ refers to how during times of conflict, people deteriorate the way structures do after being bombed. The scars left behind by a traumatic event are a visible burden, similar to the outside of an old building.
“Even if buildings and people are injured by conflict, they always remain close by to support whoever needs assistance the most.”
Each team member seized the chance to take part in the IWM Games Jam as a way of adding to their skills, with an eye on working in areas like video game development, 3D modelling, sound design and virtual reality.
Judges praised their creative and original approach to storytelling around conflict – as well as twists and complexities that set it apart from the field.
Over the course of a week, competing teams were tasked with basing their entry around an IWM item, with a violin carved from trees growing on former Western Front battlefields inspiring the makers of Ageing Like Buildings.
Fiona Stewart, Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, said: “Game Jams are a great opportunity for our students to gain experience working in teams and learning new skills.
“We’re very proud that the team have produced such a strong piece of work and know they will go on to even greater things in the future.”
Fellow lecturer Iain Donald, who helped judge the competition, said: “I was thrilled to see teams from across the country creating novel and engaging ways of exploring the IWM objects and how these were used to challenge our expectations of war and conflict.
“I think all the judges were impressed by how so many entries embraced their creativity, evoked empathy and encouraged diverse stories that you wouldn’t necessarily expect of when you think of war games. It was incredibly difficult to judge!”
Another team of ENU students, from the BSc in Games Development, placed 10th in the Best Playable category with their demo entitled Prisoners Dilemma.
Scotland’s largest conservation charity welcomed 23,822 children to take part in its Easter Egg Trails
Events took place across 32 Trust places throughout the country, with Crathes Castle welcoming 3,363 children, Newhailes 3,251 and Brodie Castle 2,261
The National Trust for Scotland welcomed 23,822 children to its places over Easter weekend, as people flocked to sites such as Crathes Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Glencoe National Nature Reserve, to take part in its Easter Egg Trails and enjoy the country’s nature, beauty and heritage.
Following the popularity of last year’s Easter Egg Trails, which saw nearly 20,000 children take part in activities at 21 National Trust for Scotland places between Good Friday and Easter Monday, this year even more events took place across Scotland to encourage more families to get outdoors and enjoy some fun-filled activities in the beautiful surrounds of the Trust’s properties. This resulted in an increase in participants of almost 20%.
This year’s Easter trails took place across 32 Trust properties, from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April, where the family-friendly events tasked visitors with collecting clues dotted around the gardens, grounds, hills and woodland owned and cared for by the conservation charity, before solving the puzzle and winning some tasty chocolate prizes.
Certain places across the country saw a remarkable increase in participants this year, with figures at Hill of Tarvit up 155% to 846 children, meanwhile Crathes Castle welcomed 3,363 children (up 51% on last year), Newhailes 3,251 and Brodie Castle 2,261. House of the Binns, which recently re-opened its doors to the public on 1 April, participated for the first year and sold out in advance, with 478 children taking part.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of National Trust for Scotland, said: “Easter is one of the highlights of the National Trust for Scotland’s calendar, giving people and especially families the chance to enjoy nature, beauty and heritage at our fantastic places.
“All over the country, our places were alive with people from across generations spending time together outdoors, while the sun mostly shone. What a great start to spring for everyone who loves Scotland’s special places. This support means so much to our charity and allows us to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland’s rich heritage, now and in the future.”
The Easter Egg Trails are just one example of the events and activities the National Trust for Scotland has made available this year, as part of its commitment to making Scotland’s heritage more accessible, as outlined in the charity’s 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.
Focused on caring for, sharing, and speaking up for Scotland’s heritage which doesn’t have a voice, the Trust offers its members and visitors the opportunity to explore over 100 sites, while learning about some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and landscapes in the country.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit www.nts.org.uk.
Array currently tested before deployment this year
Scotland’s first array of floating solar panels will be installed this year as part of a move to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
First Minister Humza Yousaf toured the manufacturing facility of Nova Innovation in Leith yesterday where the panels are being tested before their launch.
The company installed the world’s first offshore tidal turbine array in Shetland in 2016 and subsequently received £6.4 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank in September 2021 to boost production of innovative renewable energy generators.
It has since established project sites in Canada, France and Indonesia. Its floating solar panels build on its expertise in tidal energy and an official launch of the installation will take place later this year with a multi-megawatt international order already in the pipeline.
The First Minister said: “These panels give a fascinating glimpse into the opportunities for Scotland’s future energy system and are the first step towards harnessing our significant potential for floating solar.
“The investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank in Nova Innovation helped expand its manufacturing base here in Leith and aligned strongly with the Scottish Government’s priority of supporting innovative technology that will help us achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
“Scotland is already one of the most advanced hubs in Europe for the testing and demonstration of marine energy technology and I look forward to seeing where the panels will be launched in the near future.”
Chief Executive of Nova Innovation Simon Forrest said: “With record-high energy prices and growing concerns over security of supply, there is an immediate need for Scotland to focus on homegrown energy from our abundant natural resources.
“Scotland is at the heart of the tidal energy revolution and Nova continues to lead the sector with proven technology and unrivalled reliability. With the addition of floating solar to our portfolio, we are ideally placed to help drive the race to Net Zero.
“We were honoured to welcome the First Minister to discuss the economic benefits, job creation opportunities and the part Scotland can play in the global supply for renewable energy.”
Guests invest in good causes with every stay at Ten Hill Place
GUESTS at a forward-thinking Scottish hotel will have the chance to make a meaningful contribution towards improving the environment, simply by forgoing housekeeping visits mid-stay.
Ten Hill Place Hotel in Edinburgh will contribute towards ecological initiatives every time a guest opts out of room cleaning during a two-or-more night stay.
Contributions made by the hotel, which is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, when guests abstain from housekeeping will offset half a tonne of CO₂e a night.
The new collaboration with Ecologi has already resulted in 100 tonnes of CO₂e offset through a verified carbon avoidance project in Thailand, generating electricity from wind. 100 tonnes of CO₂e is roughly equivalent to 55 round-trip flights from London to New York.
The next project set to receive support will be a small-scale onshore wind power project in Sri Lanka – with projects set to change every four months.
The new initiative follows a major carbon audit on every aspect of the hotel’s operations by Carbon Futures Ltd and Business Energy Scotland which has already resulted in rolling out daylight sensors and set the plans for plant equipment upgrades that would help the Old Town hotel introduce its own energy sources.
Mark McKenzie, General Manager at Surgeons Quarter which operates the 129-bedroom hotel, said: “It’s very important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment and ensure this is at the heart of all of our operations – while also actively encouraging guests to minimise their effects on the environment.
“Ten Hill Place Hotel is a good choice for conscious consumers as we are committed to doing our bit for the planet. With more and more people looking to live a greener life at home –it makes sense to stay at a hotel with similar ambitions.
“However, we’re still mindful of the effects that travel and the tourism industry have on our planet which has been reflected into how we fulfil all our green commitments and continue the highest standards possible.”
A doorhanger has been designed for all guest rooms explaining the initiative with a QR code linking to the venue’s Ecologi profile so guests can learn about the various projects supported to date.
Linda Adams, Head of Partnerships at Ecologi, said: “When businesses put sustainability in their plans, the list of wins really does go on and on. It is great to be working with Surgeons Quarter and see organisations stepping up and taking climate action to make a positive difference.”
The venue’s commitment to sustainability has been ongoing for many years. In 2019 the hotel joined a Scottish Water campaign and removed single use bottles of water in the 129 bedrooms to reduce plastic waste. This has already saved around 80,000 plastic bottles and £22k per year.
Six electric EV points are available for use by guests staying at Ten Hill Place, with more than £20,000 invested into the Garo charging ports with an ambition that the Hill Place hotel car park will, in the near future, only be accessible to electric vehicles.
Surgeons Quarter Brand ambassador, Sandra Carruthers, added: “Working in partnership with Ecologi has enabled us to identify creative ways to be more sustainable while positively influencing and adhering to legislation at local and national levels.”
The 129-bedroom hotel is operated by Surgeons Quarter– the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – with profits put back into advancing surgical standards and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
Surgeons Quarter has also retained Gold Green Tourism Award since 2008 for the efforts to minimise its impact on the planet.
TICKETS REDUCED TO £3 FOR ALL FILMS, ALL DAY, ONLY IN IMAX
OFFER VALID ACROSS ALL 27 IMAX CINEMA SITES IN THE UK & IRELAND
Cineworld, the UK’s leading cinema chain, will be holding its sixth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 22nd April 2023.
To celebrate the world’s most immersive viewing experience, this exclusive one-day event will give movie buffs all across the country the opportunity to watch a film of their choice in IMAX for only £3.00 a ticket.
Cineworld is bringing back some of the biggest blockbusters from the last year including: Avatar: The Way of Water, Top Gun: Maverick, Academy Award Best Picture-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, and residents can also exclusively catch Ponniyin Selvan: 1 on the day, one week ahead of its sequel release.
The festival will give guests the chance to experience the IMAX difference, with the clearest images on the largest screens and heart-pounding audio that puts you in the middle of the action.
Stuart Crane, VP of Film Cineworld Group, said: “We look forward to offering guests the chance to escape to other worlds in IMAX for only £3.
“Whether that’s immersing yourself with Avatar: The Way of Water or going Mach 10 and beyond with Top Gun: Maverick, the stunning images and powerful, heart-pounding audio in our IMAX auditoriums will give customers a chance to experience films to the fullest.
“There really is no better way to experience a blockbuster than with IMAX at Cineworld.”
David King, VP, Distribution EMEA & Film Development at IMAX: “We are delighted that Cineworld is hosting the IMAX film festival for the sixth year in a row to celebrate the world’s most immersive cinematic technology.
“With crystal clear life-like images and powerful audio to the highest quality, these auditoriums are made to bring the film to life and transport audiences into their favourite blockbusters – take advantage of the reduced rate while you can, you’re in for a treat!”
Tickets for this unforgettable experience can now be purchased from the Cineworld website or the Cineworld app.
It’s a battle for breakfast as TWO new shows launch onHeart Scotland and Capital Scotland.
Des Clarke is Back on Breakfast, and Tallia cooks up a storm for Capital!
Next month listeners to Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will be waking up to a brand new schedule and exciting new voices – live from Scotland – seven days a week.
Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland yesterday (11 April) revealed all-star line-ups and fresh new shows. Both Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland will broadcast live from Global’s Glasgow Broadcast Centre on West Regent Street in the heart of the city from next month (May).
On Heart Scotland there will be a brand-new breakfast show, Heart Breakfast with Des Clarke & Jennifer Reoch, which will broadcast live weekday mornings, 6.30am to 10am. The move sees Des Clarke return to breakfast radio in Scotland, having most recently been entertaining audiences on Heart Drive. Des is no stranger to the early alarm clock, having previously hosted Breakfast for 13 years on Capital, Galaxy and Beat 106.
Meanwhile going head-to-head with Heart Breakfast is Capital Scotland’s brand-new breakfast show hosted by Fat Brestovci & Tallia Storm, 6am to 10am. Singer and social media star Tallia Storm has signed her first radio presenting gig, and joins broadcaster Fat to wake up Scotland every morning.
Heart Scotland’s New Schedule – Live from Glasgow!
In addition to the breakfast show there is a fresh new schedule across the whole day for Heart Scotland which also sees broadcaster Amy Irons joining to present a new mid-morning programme, live from Glasgow 10am to 1pm. Cat Cubie also joins to present a new afternoon show.
The new Heart Scotland Drive programme – 4pm to 7pm – will be presented by leading Scottish broadcaster David Farrell, who joins from BBC Scotland. At the weekend, Grace Nicoll will present a new afternoon show 12 noon to 4pm.
Capital Scotland’s Brand New Schedule – Live From Glasgow!
Alongside the fresh new sound of Capital Breakfast with Fat Brestovci & TalliaStorm, Robyn Richford joins to host mid-mornings 10am to 1pm, Ryan Borthwick presents the new afternoon show 1pm through to 4pm and Katy J stays at the helm of Capital Scotland Drive, 4pm to 7pm. At the weekend, exciting new talent Jonny Campbell completes the Capital Scotland line-up 9am to 12 noon.
This is part of a major investment in Scotland, with an expansion of Global’s broadcast centre in Glasgow including a new creative hub that will produce live radio, visualised content and podcasts for Global Player, as well as housing Global’s Scotland Tech Hub.
Ashley Tabor-King OBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said: “I’m delighted that we are bringing listeners more choice with shows coming live from Glasgow, hosted by a combination of our much-loved presenters and exciting new talent.
“What’s more, the broadcast centre will be significantly upgraded to become a creative hub in Scotland, with fully visualised studios and a production centre for creating podcast, social and digital content.”
James Rea, Director of Broadcasting & Content at Global, said: “This is an amazing team of presenters with brilliant personalities and these changes will make what we do even more relevant to the lives of audiences in Scotland.
“It’s great to see Des Clarke return to breakfast radio alongside Jennifer Reoch on Heart and I’m certain Fat and Tallia Storm will bring great energy to the Capital team.”
Capital Scotland is owned and operated under a brand licence by Communicorp UK. Mark Lee, Communicorp UK’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our new Scottish talent will bring new and exciting content within an already fantastic station.
“Combined with the best hit music from the Capital brand, our place as the Official Radio Partner of the OVO Hydro, and our existing relationships within live music, it will further cement our position as Scotland’s Number 1 Hit Music Station.”
The new line-ups for Heart Scotland and Capital Scotland* will be available on FM and DAB, across the central belt alongside Heart UK and Capital UK on DAB. Listeners will also be able to tune-in from anywhere on Global’s entertainment app, Global Player, via smart phone or smart speaker.
Hiring activity across Scotland falls again in March
Permanent placements fall for second month running
Further marked drop in supply of permanent labour
Pay pressures moderate but remain strong overall
The latest data from the Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs survey signalled a fall in permanent staff placements across Scotland for the second consecutive month in March.
The reduction was fuelled by ongoing economic uncertainty, which resulted in increased hesitancy among companies to commit to new hires. Additionally, temp billings fell for the sixth month running.
In terms of labour supply, there was a further sharp fall in the number of candidates for permanent vacancies, while temp staff availability fell at the weakest pace in the current 25-month period of contraction. At the same time, growth of demand for permanent staff moderated in March, with vacancies rising at the slowest pace in just over two years.
Furthermore, demand for temp workers contracted for the third consecutive month. In terms of pay, pressures on starting salaries and wages remained marked, partly due to the cost-of-living crisis, but also competition for workers amid ongoing labour shortages.
Downturn in permanent staff hires softens from February
Permanent placements across Scotland fell for the fifth time in the past six months in March. According to recruiters, the latest downturn was largely driven by economic uncertainty and hesitancy to commit to new hires.
While the rate of contraction across Scotland moderated notably from February, it was stronger than that recorded for the UK as a whole.
A sixth straight monthly decline in temp billings was reported across Scotland in March. That said, the respective seasonally adjusted index picked up from February’s 32-month low, indicating the softest decrease in billings since December last year.
However, at the UK level, temp billings continued to increase and at the quickest pace since September 2022.
Marked contraction in permanent staff supply
A further drop in permanent labour supply was recorded across Scotland in March, thereby stretching the current run of contraction to 26 months. The pace of decrease was broadly similar to that seen in February and stronger than the series average. According to anecdotal evidence, fewer permanent candidates were available partly due to economic uncertainty and the subsequent reduction in active job seekers.
In contrast, the UK as a whole recorded the first rise in permanent labour availability in over two years, albeit one that was mild overall.
March data revealed a fractional drop in temp staff availability across Scotland. Notably, the pace of contraction moderated further from December last year and was the weakest seen in the current 25-month sequence of reduction. A preference for permanent positions and hesitancy to switch roles reportedly weighed on availability. However, fewer work opportunities and the completion of projects helped to improve short-term labour supply in some areas.
Meanwhile, the availability of candidates for temporary vacancies at the UK level increased for the first time in 25 months.
Growth in starting salaries moderates, but remains rapid
Salaries for new permanent hires rose rapidly across Scotland in March. Competition for skilled staff, the cost-of-living crisis and labour shortages were said to have driven up salaries. While the rate of inflation was stronger than the historical and UK-wide averages, the pace of growth was the softest seen in 23 months.
March data pointed to a sharp rise in hourly wages for temporary workers across Scotland, thereby extending the current run of growth to 28 months. While the pace of temp wage inflation intensified from February, the upturn was among the weakest in the aforementioned sequence, and broadly in line with the historical average.
The pace of wage growth across the UK as a whole was quicker than that seen for Scotland.
Softer upturn in demand for permanent staff
Permanent job openings grew solidly across Scotland in March. However, the latest upturn was the softest seen for just over two years and weaker than that at the UK-wide level.
Of the eight monitored sectors, Nursing/Medical/Care saw the strongest upturn in permanent staff demand, with IT & Computing ranking second.
Demand for temporary workers across Scotland fell for the third month running in March. The rate of contraction was marked overall, and contrasted with a modest increase in temp vacancies across the UK as a whole.
The steepest drop in temp staff demand was seen for Blue Collar roles, followed by Executive & Professional.
Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “March data revealed a further decline in hiring activity across Scotland, as ongoing economic uncertainty weighed on firms’ appetite for new staff.
“Moreover, with growth in permanent vacancies weakening further, and temp vacancies falling for the third month running, it appears unlikely that recruitment trends will improve much in the coming months. Nevertheless, despite the slowdown in hiring, pay pressures remained acute.
“This was in part fuelled by the cost-of-living crisis, but also increased competition for scarce candidates.”
