#WomenSupportingWomen are celebrating the longest day
join us for some warm chat and maybe a dip! See you on Granton beach 4pm on Wednesday 21 June
Summer Solstice Swim with Women Supporting Women
Day: June 10, 2023
UK to provide £16 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine
- In recognition of growing needs FCDO to provide £16 million to enable aid partners to help civilians, including 32,000 people directly affected by flooding, as well as at the frontlines and displaced communities.
- UK funding will assist aid organisations with their response and includes £10 million to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and £1m to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
- To bolster rescue efforts and manage impact of ongoing flooding the FCDO is sending boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to Ukraine.
The UK has today (10 June) set out an additional £16m in humanitarian support as Ukraine deals with the aftermath of flooding caused by the destruction of Nova Kakhova dam, which has affected 42,000 people in the Kherson area, and continuing Russian attacks.
This builds on our existing humanitarian support of £220 million which is allowing partners, such as the Ukraine Red Cross, to help evacuate civilians affected by the flooding.
Alongside this the UK-led Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine has already delivered two specialist rescue boats, search and rescue equipment, and trauma medicine to Kherson to assist the ongoing rescue operations by the State Emergency Services.
The additional £16 million is given in recognition of mounting needs across Ukraine, including in the areas affected by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam.
Funding will support aid organisations in the area who are currently assisting people affected by the flooding with rapid response equipment, shelter and essential supplies, as well as in areas affected by fighting and communities who have been displaced.
Beyond the immediate rescue efforts, this funding will help to respond to the ongoing impacts from flooding, including waterborne infectious diseases, loss of livelihoods and risks from landmines.
The funding will consist of £10 million of support to the Red Cross Movement, £5 million to OCHA and £1m to IOM.
The UK is also providing a package of rescue boats, community water filters, water pumps and waders to help State Emergency Services of Ukraine responders deal with the ongoing impact of the flooding. Equipment is expected to start arriving in Ukraine by next week.
Today’s announcement comes as water levels in Kherson continue to rise, with flooding spreading to other towns along the Dnipro River. The UK has moved quickly to bolster its support to Ukraine as it deals with severe flooding from the dam, which is expected to last for weeks and leave many in need of food, water and basic supplies.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary James Cleverly said: Flooding from the destruction of Kakhovka dam is having an untold impact on over 32,000 people living in Kherson, and thousands more in the surrounding area.
“The UK is leading the way in providing support to those desperately in need. Our funding is playing a vital role in helping Ukrainian services and aid organisations evacuate people and get help to those in need.
“We will continue to stand by Ukraine in dealing with this terrible incident.”
This aid package is part of the UK’s total support for Ukraine which so far totals £1.5billion in economic and humanitarian support, which has paid for the delivery of more than 11 million medical items as well as food supplies, ambulances and shelter kits.
Earlier this week the Foreign Secretary visited Ukraine to highlight the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its recovery. During his time there he met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and discussed how best the UK will continue to support Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.
The UK is also set to host the Ukraine Recovery Conference later this month, which will bring together governments and industry leaders to develop a concerted multi-sector plan to help Ukraine to recover from Russia’s illegal invasion.
Water Safety Scotland produces series of advice codes for water users
Water Safety Scotland (WSS) has produced a series of safety codes that offer important advice pertaining to a number of popular water-based recreational activities. Five activities were selected by examining data from the Water Incident Data (WAID) and are designed around the same three-steps as the more general water safety code.
Experienced and casual users can examine the advice given and hopefully make wiser and more informed decisions when undertaking the activities of angling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking/canoeing, sub-aqua diving and open water swimming. Each code is available to view and download from the WSS website.
A spokesperson for WSS said: “It is vitally important for water users to be well-informed before undertaking recreational activities in or on the water.
“Our activity-specific advice codes will be promoted throughout Scotland to try to ensure that the advice is seen by those who would most benefit from learning it. Our hope is that this will reduce the number of incidents that we see each year”
With summer now upon us, WSS also want to raise awareness of cold water shock (CWS). While it can be tempting to enter the water in warmer weather, the temperature of Scotland’s open water remains very cold and sudden immersion can lead to CWS.
CWS can affect even the strongest swimmers as it overwhelms the ability to breathe and to swim, which can lead to drowning.
With more hot weather on the way, it is important to learn how to keep safe around water, follow local safety guidance and to avoid alcohol on and near waterways.
Last year, 45 people sadly lost their lives to accidental drowning in Scotland; the majority of which were in inland open waterways such as rivers, canals and lochs (62 per cent).
To help reduce drowning fatalities, WSS is highlighting the three-step water safety code:
· Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers
· Stay Together, Stay Safe
· In an Emergency, Call 999.
On 25 July, in recognition of World Drowning Prevention Day, WSS will be hosting a free Water Safety Open Day at Helix Park, Falkirk between 11am – 3pm.
Visitors to the event are invited to visit information and activity stands and watch various demonstrations. The Helix Park lagoon will offer opportunities for the public to watch the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) as well as Newfoundland water rescue dogs in action.
The water safety code can be accessed online here and has been translated into the seven most widely-spoken languages in Scotland. The five activity-specific codes can be accessed here.
Strategy to drive innovation and growth published
A strategy to make Scotland one of the most innovative small countries in the world has been published.
The National Innovation Strategy sets out plans to align Scotland with European leaders such as Denmark, Finland and Norway over the next decade by placing innovation at the heart of the economy.
It outlines new approaches to develop world leading excellence in key sectors – turning research into successful products and businesses, encouraging more businesses to innovate, and improve productivity while maximising targeted investment from Government and industry.
Key proposals include:
- encouraging European-style clusters of similar businesses by focusing on developing key strengths in advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, net zero, and data and digital technologies
- adopting a new approach to investing in innovative companies by reviewing existing public sector funds and improving signposting towards other sources of finance
- supporting Scotland’s world class universities to become better at turning research into successful products and businesses
- taking a new approach to monitoring Scotland’s performance and benchmarking this against similar nations
The strategy has been developed in consultation and close collaboration with business and academia, including a steering group chaired by Sir Jim McDonald, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.
Unveiling the strategy during a visit to the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre in Glasgow, Innovation Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This strategy sets out our vision to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next decade. This is key to our efforts to transform the economy and drive a lasting improvement in Scotland’s economic performance.
“It also sends out a wider message – that we are determined to become a world leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. Scotland will use all the powers we have to create an economy which supports businesses to thrive. We will do this by harnessing the skills and ingenuity of our people and seizing the economic and social opportunities provided.
“Scotland is famous the world over for invention and innovation and today we have many strengths, including emerging and potentially game changing advances in areas like biotechnology and data. So we build from strong foundations.
“I am very grateful to Sir Jim and to all those from business, academia and across the public sector who contributed to the development, and will be key partners in the delivery of this strategy.”
Sir Jim said: It has been a privilege to have co-chaired the Steering Group of entrepreneurs, industry experts, academics, business leaders and investors that has played a key role in shaping this strategy.
“Scotland is already home to a number of globally competitive research intensive universities and some of the most exciting and innovative companies in the world and this strategy focuses on actions required to scale, accelerate and further unleash the potential of innovation across the country.
“Countries that can show agility and harness the power of new ideas and new technologies will thrive and become magnets for talent and investment over the next decade and beyond.
“We must also support the development of a much more diverse and inclusive community of entrepreneurs, researchers and business leaders which in itself will create a more innovation-led ecosystem.
“I believe that this strategy will help Scotland regain its position as an international innovation leader.”
Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy is available on the Scottish Government website.
Rural education charity RHET secures Scottish Government funding to inspire young people about food and farming
The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) has secured £200k of funding from the Scottish Government to provide a farming and rural learning experience for a minimum of 80,000 pupils across Scotland.
The funding secures the future of rural education events for children and young people, covering core costs such as infrastructure, bus transport, coordination and safety requirements.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, went to see for herself how funds awarded to the Scottish rural education charity The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) spend award funding to education Scotland’s young people.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon joined over 100 P5 and P6 pupils from the Brechin schools cluster, who were meeting local farmers, growers and rural businesses running a variety of sessions to learn about how Scottish food is produced.
At today’s event pupils were learning about dairy and making butter, see seeds, sheaves and growing crops, grinding wheat seed into flour, pressing oil seed rape into oil, beekeepers demonstrating how they look after their bees as well as hedge demonstrations, getting up close to John Deere machinery – all linking to the learning outcomes of the curriculum.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, said: “I am delighted to be here to see first-hand the benefits of the Royal Highland Education Trust’s Food and Farming education programme.
“Since 2017 the Scottish Government has given over £700k to the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) in order to support their programme of school farm visits and associated educational resources for schools. This has allowed them to educate and inspire thousands of children and young people on how Scottish food is produced.
“This fresh support will allow RHET to reach even more children, many of whom are from deprived areas. The programme provides an opportunity for young people to visit a farm and offers a hands-on educational experience which highlights the importance of farming and food production to our society.
“One of the aims of our Good Food Nation Act is to improve access to, and understanding of, the benefits of healthy local foods for everyone in Scotland. It is clear that this ambitious project is contributing massively to this wider vision.”
RHET Chairman Alistair Marshall said: “We are very grateful to the Scottish Government for this award which helps support our aim of getting pupils and their teachers out into the working countryside, to get wellies on the ground and ignite their curiosity.
“We offer all our visits, talks and events for free and this is important to us all in the RHET national network, to make food and farming fun and accessible for all.
“Through using event spaces creatively, and working in collaboration with Angus Show, as we have today, we can offer more schools the chance to get hands. Brechin show is open tomorrow for the public so today we are using the big marquee for workshops, keeping us out the rain or sun!”
RHET Angus chairman Bruce Christie said: “Every one of Ms Gougeon’s constituents need a farmer three times a day. The support from the award from Scottish Government means we can keep events like this in the school calendar, helping Scotland’s young people get better connections with their local food and farming industries.
“Listening to their questions and seeing the penny drop as they see seeds ground into flour is part of the reason I love volunteering with RHET.
“I’m an arable farmer and visit many schools during the year, explaining how we grow crops, how we care from them, the machinery and science we use and link it straight back to the food they eat on their plate.
“Helping them to see Scottish agriculture, like the event here today, gives them a chance to ask questions and provides unbiased information so they can make their own food choices as they grow up.”
Drylaw Telford Community Council AGM date announced
WEDNESDAY 29 JUNE at 7pm in DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Come along to our AGM on June 29 @DrylawNC at 7pm and hear from @greenspacetrust about our consultation on parks and open spaces and have your say on how these can be improved.
We are also looking for new members so if you want to help improve the local area please get in touch.
Edinburgh youngsters honoured at Holyrood in inaugural Inspire Awards
Glittering Ceremony Celebrates Success of UK’s Top Talent
Young people across Britain gathered at the Scottish Parliament (Tuesday 6th June) to attend the Inspire Awards which celebrate the talents of young people aged 5 to 17 who excel in whatever they love to do.
The local youngsters from Edinburgh are:
- Taran Vignesh, aged 9, who attends Kirkliston Primary School, won the Young Trailblazer Award,
- Anoushka Kinalekar, aged 10, who attends George Watsons College, won the Martial Arts Champ Award, and
- Anaya Malpur, aged 10, who attends ESMS Junior School, who won the Energy Conservation Award.
The Inspire Awards 2023 is a new initiative from the British Youth International College (BYITC), which was founded in 2015 by Glasgow-based academic and educator Dr Rashmi Mantri to help young people learn and improve their abilities in maths.
In total, 37 awards were given out and after the awards, the winners, their families, judges and all other attendees, were treated to dinner at nearby German Donner Kebab, one of the sponsors of the event.
“I am so proud of all these marvellous young people and the range of abilities in the room is truly humbling. We had so many high-quality entrants that the judges had a very tricky job picking the winners.
“We wanted to create a special night to celebrate diversity and inclusion and recognise young people from all backgrounds who are making all of our futures’ brighter by learning and excelling in whatever they choose to do.
“We’ve had everything from solar powered fans to content creators on YouTube and outstanding singers and dancers, not to mention the STEM stars. Well done to everyone who won as you have set the bar very high for next year’s awards.”
A Rubik’s Cube ace as well as a talented young writer, Taran crafts short stories from his vivid imagination and narrates the stories to his friends in school and enacts them to his sister.
At just nine years old, he has mastered the Rubik puzzle and can solve it in record time. Not only that, but he has also shown a real talent for mathematics.
Anoushka participated in World ITF Taekwion-DO Council’s World Championship in Glasgow in 2022, where she won the Bronze Medal in Sparring under Blue Tag Belt. She also participated in her club – United Kingdom Taekwondo Club, winning Silver Medal in patterns for Blue tag belt and Bronze medal for Sparring under Blue tag Belt in 2023. She has also registered for participating in European Taekwon-Do Championship to be held in Dublin in June 2023. Anoushka would like to encourage girls to take up sports.
Anaya take parts in lots of environmental activities and regularly conducts small science projects in her free time. Her experiments include a solar cat, solar turbo air and an electric bell.
She recently made a solar fan using recyclable materials which works well and helps to conserve energy. Anya believes it’s every individual’s responsibility to save energy by turning off the lights when they are not needed, and putting solar panels around your house if you can.
Her mantra is: “Save Energy for a better future!”
The awards were overseen by a high-profile judging panel including Professor Eleanor Shaw OBE, Associate Principal of the University of Strathclyde, and entrepreneur Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, Chief Executive of PG Paper, an international paper company based in Inverclyde, Scotland.
Dr Mantri said: “I would like to thank all the judges for their time and commitment to the awards and also to the sponsors – Whitebridge Financial Limited, Poddar Care Homes, Dupont Associates and Solicitors, and German Donner Kebab who were kind enough to invite all attendees to its Leith restaurant for dinner afterwards.
“I have seen first-hand how achievement in learning and skills can fill young people with confidence and show them how amazing they really are. Through BYITC, we have helped thousands of students excel in maths, English, programming and cyber security.”
Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Member of the Scottish Parliament, Anas Sarwar, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome all of these high-achieving young people to the Scottish Parliament on this special occasion.
“The Inspire Awards are in themselves an inspirational concept that highlight the outstanding achievements of young people in their chosen specialities across the United Kingdom and I congratulate each and every one of them on their awards.
“I would like to congratulate especially the work of Dr Rashmi Mantri and BYITC in conceiving, organising, and bringing to a magnificent conclusion the Inspire Awards 2023. Dr Rashmi’s is a wonderful achievement for which she deserves high praise.”
Inspired by the success of the College, the BYITC Inspire Awards recognises young ‘Super Achievers’ from all backgrounds who have excelled in fields including the environment, sports, media, art and creativity, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
There were nine categories and 37 prizes in total. The winners were:
ENVIRONMENT
- Global Warming Crusader – Samarth Raghu Badoni, Linlithgow, aged 8, who attends Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow.
- Planet Ranger – Varesh Karthik, Dudley, aged 7, who attends Russell’s Hall Primary School.
- Energy Conservation – Anaya Malpur, Edinburgh, aged 10, who attends ESMS Junior School.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS (STEM)
- Best Innovator – Namra Sayyed, Glasgow, aged 9, who attends Mearns Primary school.
- Rubik’s Hero – Aarush Naik, Falkirk, aged 10, who attends Kinnaird Primary School.
- Rising Star – Thembalenkosi Cox, London, aged 8, who attends Rockmount Primary.
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
- Best Orator – Vrati Desai, Leeds, aged 16, who attends The North Halifax Grammar School.
- Emerging writer – Zoya Ansari, Glasgow, aged 7, who attends Knightswood Primary School.
- Young Author – Vidhi Chanyal, Glasgow, aged 15, who attends St. Luke’s High School.
SPORTS
- Chess Maestro – Supratit Banerjee, London, aged 8, who attends Cheap Park Farm Primary Academy.
- Martial Arts Champ – Anoushka Kinalekar, Edinburgh, aged 10, who attends George Watsons College.
- Badminton Champ – Tushara Rajaram, Broxburn, West Lothian, aged 12, who attends Linlithgow Academy.
- Cricket Champ – Ojas Sunil Maniyar, Glasgow, aged 9, who attends St Patrick’s Primary School.
- Adventure Champ – Aadi Chavan, Glasgow, aged 6, who attends Mosshead Primary School, Bearsden.
- Gymnastics Champ – Amber Nayyar, Paisley, aged 10, who attends Todholm Primary School.
CULTURAL & SOCIAL
- Dance Superstar – Rhythm Khokher, Glasgow, aged 15, who attends St. Ninian’s High School.
- Singing Sensation – Riya Kumar, Leicester, aged 9, who attends Krishna Avanti Primary School.
- Best Youth Icon – Iqra Khan, London, aged 13, who attends St. Catherine.
- Super Nova – Yat Lok FUNG, Manchester, aged 8, who attends Oldfield Brow Primary School.
- Shining Star – Mahisha Mayurathan, Middlesbrough, aged 11, who attends Archibald Primary School.
- Best Performer – Dhyaana Haria, London, aged 10, who attends Glebe Primary School.
MEDIA
- Young YouTuber – Vihaan Mendiratta, Glasgow, aged 13, who attends High school of Glasgow.
- Young Influencer – Aashnah Bedi, London, aged 14, who attends The Green School for Girls
- Young Role Model – Tharani Maria Somanathan, Sutton, aged 13 who attends Sutton High School.
ART AND CREATIVITY
- Creative Designer – Ashley Tandon, Glasgow, aged 13, who attends Kelvinside Academy.
- Master Chef & Best Bookworm – Eashna Chackravarthy, Birmingham, aged 6, who attends Acocks Green Primary School.
ACADEMICS
- Versatile Achiever – Krithik Gopinath, Cambridge, aged 15, who attends Godmanchester Community Academy.
- Rising Superstar – Alexander-George Rusu, Birmingham, aged 5, Mere Green Primary School
- Master Achiever – Arjun Kapoor, Slough, aged 7, who attends Castleview School.
- Whiz Kid – Jitendriya Dhinesh, Larbert, aged 7, who attends Kinnaird Primary School.
Share your problem-solving and decision-making skills
ALL ROUNDERS
- Yoga Champion – Ishwar Vishwanath Sharma, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, aged 13, who attends Whitgift School.
- Young Philanthropist – Jevindu Senyuth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, aged 5 who attends Darras Hall Primary School.
- Young Trailblazer – Taran Vignesh, Edinburgh, aged 9, who attends Kirkliston Primary School.
- High Flier – Mitali Peecha, Glasgow, aged 11, who attends Kelvinside Academy.
- Powerhouse Performer – Advik Mittal, Glasgow, aged 11, who attends St. Patricks Primary School.
- Wonder Kid – Vishruth Sai Keshettivar, Basingstoke, aged 9, who attends Oakridge Junior School.
- Young explorer – Eivaan S Lamba, Jersey, aged 7, who attends St. Saviour Primary School.
The other award judges were Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, Professor of Applied Cryptography at Edinburgh Napier University; Rohini Sharma Joshi OBE, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant; Derek Timpany, Education Management Consultant; Jai Aenugu, Founder of Aberdeen-based cyber security consultancy TechForce, and Harminder Berman, a former Arts Development Officer with culture and sports charity, Glasgow Life.
Dr Mantri set up BYITC after using an abacus to teach her son basic arithmetic. The college now runs global franchises, including Dubai and Sri Lanka, and recently launched its first UK franchise in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Further UK franchises are anticipated in the coming months.
To find out more about the awards and the stories of each individual winner, visit the BYITC Inspire Awards 2023 page.
Local SNP politicians visit new anti-flooding bridge
Edinburgh Central MSP Angus Robertson and Inverleith Ward Councillor Vicky Nicholson visited the newly completed bridge crossing the Water of Leith at Bell Place, which can be raised during high water periods. The bridge was completed recently by the City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team.
Increased incidences of high water in recent years have caused stress for residents and damage along the Water of Leith, including to the old bridge. The new rising bridge forms one part of the flood prevention team’s work to bolster defences.
Levels in the Water of Leith can rise from ankle-deep to 5 metres in a matter of hours.
Along with the rising footbridge, Edinburgh Council’s flood prevention team have been installing removable flood barriers that can be inserted on top of existing walls to prevent water breaching.
Angus Robertson MSP said: “The work City of Edinburgh Council flood prevention team are doing is really impressive. The rising footbridge means water will not be caught and diverted over the side by the bridge and, having spoken to a constituent on our visit, I know the insertable walls are giving peace of mind to residents.
“Councillor Nicolson and I have been working hard with locals, the council and other groups to ensure the risk of flooding is reduced all along the Water of Leith in our constituencies and I am very thankful we have such an expert and dedicated flood prevention team to help tackle the issue.”
Councillor Nicolson said: ‘We are seeing more and more bouts of heavy rain and, consequently, there is an increased risk of flooding in many areas along the Water of Leith.
“Gordon McOmish and the whole flood prevention team are doing a brilliant job making sure the City is better prepared for these events, and I can’t thank them enough for the work they do.
“Angus Robertson and I remain available to constituents who are concerned about water level risk and we will continue to work with all to ensure no one has to go through the awful experience of being flooded and our public areas are better protected from damage.”
Scotland to mark Coronation of The King and Queen
One lavish Coronation ceremony just isn’t quite enough …
Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Royal Week in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.
The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.
The Honours will be collected from Edinburgh Castle by a ‘People’s Procession’, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life.
It will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland , Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.
The Royal Procession will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral. There will be opportunities for the public to view the People’s Procession and the Royal Procession along the Royal Mile.
A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh.
“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.
“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”
Background Information
The Stone of Destiny will be in St Giles’ Cathedral for the service. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.
The People’s Procession will include representatives from a wide range of organisations in Scotland including:
- Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- The Robert Gordon’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Pipes and Drums and the Army Cadet Force Military Band
- The High Constables (Edinburgh & Leith)
- Scottish Youth Parliament
- Guide Dogs
- Enable Scotland
- Scottish Wildlife Trust
- The College of Master Kilt Makers
- Duke of Edinburgh Awards
- Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
- Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh
- Robert Burns Federation
- Royal and Ancient Golf Course in St Andrews
- The Scottish Tartans Authority
- The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
- The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
- The Princes Foundation
- The Princes Trust
- CHAS
- RNLI
- Samaritans
- Girl Guides
- Scouts
- Boys and Girls Brigade
The Royal Procession will include musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).
The Honours of Scotland will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers (known as the Royal Company) and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.
There will be public viewing opportunities along the pavements of the Royal Mile and outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Details of the Order of Service and further information of exact locations and timings will be issued in the coming weeks.
Ukrainian families supported into own homes with £150m funding
Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation.
The funding will be divided across the UK according to the number of Ukrainians in each nation: c.£109 million for England, c.£30 million for Scotland, c.£8 million for Wales and around c.£2 million to Northern Ireland.
Funding can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.
Local authorities are best placed to understand the support needed for local communities and, within England, this funding will be used to help people remain in their current accommodation or find alternative housing, including in the private rented sector.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.
The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in the UK on their home country driving licence, from one year to three, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said: “The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.
“Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.”
Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: “Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.”
The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
The government is keen to ensure that Ukrainian guests receive the support they are entitled to while they are in the UK, and are helped into employment and long-term suitable accommodation, as soon as possible.
Hosts in the UK will continue to receive a monthly £350 thank-you payment during guests’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month during the following 12 months.
To check how to apply to be a host, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine