The new head of the European Movement in the UK (EMUK) will on Saturday mark the seventh anniversary of the disastrous vote for Brexit by urging Scots to boost the campaign to Rejoin the European Union.
Scotland voted 62-38 to Remain on 23rd June 2016, with current polls showing an even bigger majority – more than 70% – in favour of rejoining the EU and viewing Brexit in the words of Nigel Farage as “a disaster.”
Dr Mike Galsworthy, EMUK’s new chair, will urge a public meeting in Glasgow organised by the European Movement in Scotland to join in a “society-wide, cross-party campaign to propel Scotland towards its European future.”
Dr Galsworthy, founder of Scientists for EU and a leading grassroots campaigner, is spearheading a EMUK drive to expand its membership base, including in Scotland, as the scale of the economic and political damage wrought by Brexit visibly grows with each passing day.
“As European Movement grows at pace, I’m keen that we start building up local groups and membership all over the UK.
“Scotland has always been passionately pro-European and I am delighted to be visiting European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) to meet its team and promote its campaigning across an array of EU-related issues.
“Scotland has its own society-wide cross-party campaign to drive the country forward towards its European future. I’ll be talking about how we can extend and expand that.”
Dr Galsworthy’s visit comes in the immediate aftermath of MPs’ overwhelming vote – 354-7 – to back the privileges committee findings that Boris Johnson, Brexit’s architect, deliberately misled (lied to) the House of Commons – showing utter contempt for the body whose sovereignty he claimed to be restoring.
It also follows the publication by the Scottish Government of a new paper showing the scale of damage seven years on from the Brexit referendum.
These include:
· An expected loss of £3 billion every year in public revenues for Scotland.
· Food price inflation at a 45 year high with Brexit responsible for an estimated one third of it.
· Damaged trade with 44% of businesses in Scotland naming Brexit as the main cause of difficulties trading overseas.
· Staff shortages reported by 45% of tourism businesses in the Highland and Islands, as a result of the loss of freedom of movement.
The European Movement is growing. Membership has tripled in the last four years, reaching almost 20,000 and growing every day.
The EMiS meeting is at Strathclyde Business School, 199 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0QU, at 6pm.
Further details, including for registration, can be found here.
This summer at Cats Protection we’re inviting cat lovers to hold a Pawsome Tea anytime, anywhere. Whether you choose to hold a casual coffee morning or a yummy bake sale at work, any funds raise will then be put towards our vital cat welfare work.
By taking part you’ll be truly ‘baking a difference’ for cats in need and you can choose whether to donate to your local branch or centre or to the charity as a whole.
With every pot of tea poured, biscuit dunked and cake cut you will help give our feline friends a chance at finding their furever home. A £10 donation could feed a cat in care for 50 days, while £50 would cover neutering a cat or kitten.
At Cats Protection we help an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through our national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres. Our vision is to help people see the world through cats’ eyes and your cat-themed tea will help us achieve that goal.
Anyone wishing to take part can sign up by visiting:
where you will also find plenty of resources to make planning your event a piece of cake – from DIY bunting and invitations to recipe ideas and advertising posters. We can’t wait to have a cuppa with you!
A joint position paper created by One Parent Families Scotland and Close the Gap sets out principles for a childcare system that works for women, children and families, including those on low incomes:
The availability of accessible, affordable, and flexible childcare is critical to the realisation of women’s equality, and to improving children’s outcome in Scotland.
This position paper, produced in partnership with Close the Gap, presents a set of principles which should drive the next stages in the development of Scotland’s childcare offer.
These principles describe a system of childcare that promotes women’s socio-economic and labour market equality, advances children’s rights, and addresses child poverty.
Considering the future of qualifications and assessment
The views of teachers will be key to Scotland’s education reform journey, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has said, as a major report on qualifications and assessment is published.
Professor Louise Hayward’s report following her Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) recommends reform of the current senior school phase, including the creation of a new Scottish Diploma of Achievement (SDA).
The report, along with the recent Withers Review of the Skills System and National Discussion on Education, sets out the case for significant change across the sector. The Scottish Government will now consider the recommendations made in these reports and respond in due course.
Ms Gilruth said: “I am very grateful to Professor Hayward and members of the review group for the time and effort they have given to bring this report together.
“These recommendations for reform could amount to a radical shift in Scottish education. As Cabinet Secretary I need to be certain that these changes are the right ones for Scotland’s young people – and I am determined that the voices of teachers will be central to this process.
“Scotland has a proud educational tradition – the challenge now is to build on that success and deliver reform which ensures we have a coherent education and skills system that supports children and young people to reach their potential.
“Ultimately we must judge everything we do by those criteria. I will work together across parties to improve educational outcomes – this is a prize worth striving for, to ensure we get this right for the next generation.”
Key recommendations of the Hayward report include:
adopting the SDA (Scottish Diploma of Achievement) as a graduation certificate for all senior phase educational settings
the end of exams in S4 and a wider range of assessment methods used in Highers and Advanced Highers
a digital profile for all learners which allows them to record personal achievements, identify and plan future learning
Professor Hayward said: “This report offers the potential to provide learners with a more valuable senior phase experience, teachers with the resources to do the job properly and colleges, employers and universities with better information about learners’ achievements.
“It would not have been possible without the support and hard work of the Independent Review Group and the vital contributions from schools, colleges, universities, employers, parents, and young people from across the county.
“I’d like to thank them all for their assistance and taking the time to support the work.”
The Scottish Government’s detailed response to the IRQA will be considered alongside wider reform activity being taken forward following the National Discussion , the Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape , the forthcoming Purpose and Principles for Post-School Education, Research and Skills, and establishment of the new national education bodies.
The SDA would be awarded to school leavers when achievements are recognised in each of three elements. The Programmes of Learning element would focus on individual courses, while the Project Learning would focus on learning in practice and may look at areas such as climate change, migration or artificial intelligence while the Personal Pathway would allow a learner to reflect on learning through social, cultural, economic and well-being perspectives.
Legislation to establish new education bodies will be introduced only after Ministers have considered the findings of recent reviews, though work continues in this area. Recruitment for a new chair of the Scottish Qualifications Authority will begin shortly. Recruitment for a independent HM Chief Inspector of Education will also be progressed.
The IRQA was commissioned and announced in October 2021 by the then Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Shirley-Anne Somerville.
Part of the River Esk area in Dumfries and Galloway is the second in Scotland to reach the highest water scarcity level in the most recent report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It joins Loch Maree in the Highlands, which remains at Significant for a third week.
While heavy, thundery showers across the country have led to some very localised recovery of rivers and groundwater, they have not been enough to sufficiently replenish levels and conditions continue to get worse.
The Conon river area in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides have now been escalated to Moderate Scarcity, where the southwest and much of central Scotland remain. Without further rainfall, these areas risk reaching Significant. The rest of the country is in Alert level.
Protecting our water environment
Authorised water abstractors in Loch Maree and River Esk areas already have conditions as part of their permits to protect the environment against low river flows, and no additional restrictions are required by SEPA.
However, as further areas reach Significant water scarcity, action will be required to protect the sustainability of local water environments. SEPA understands the impacts on businesses facing these challenging conditions and is working to avoid full suspensions on abstractions; where possible, measures to significantly reduce the volume of water taken from rivers and lochs will be implemented.
Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton said: “We know the pressures facing Scottish businesses right know, including Scotland’s farmers, and the importance of the food and drink they produce.
“That’s why we’re determined to protect our environment whilst supporting Scotland during prolonged dry periods such as this.
“Our approach is proportionate, aiming to help those businesses using the least water and whose activities are most efficient to continue operating.
“This is a temporary position, recognising the impact suspensions can have on businesses, but it’s important abstractors understand the need to work with us now and in future years to adapt to water scarcity.”
SEPA is liaising with all sectors that abstract water from the environment, including agriculture, food and drink and leisure. Businesses are expected to put in place additional mitigation now to minimise the impacts of continued abstraction.
Guidance has been issued on which abstractors may be excluded from restrictions or have the volume of water they can take reduced rather than stopped. This will not be possible for all abstractors. SEPA will be in direct contact with businesses affected to provide additional advice.
Abstractors and irrigators are asked to manage water wisely, check SEPA’s water scarcity reports regularly and be aware of the situation in their area. They should regularly check abstraction equipment to make sure it’s in good condition and fix any leaks straight away. During dry periods, the volume and rate of abstractions should be reduced where possible.
It is also crucial for businesses to have a contingency plan for if restrictions are put in place by SEPA on abstractions. This can include using an alternative source if available within current authorisations.
More information, guidance and advice can be found at:
New dining hospitality package provides a gastronomic experience with the Michelin Starred Chef
Two world class icons of Edinburgh are joining forces to create a culinary extravaganza as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo partners with Michelin Starred Chef Tom Kitchin to offer an exclusive, intimate, and exquisite dining experience.
Guests to this year’s Tattoo, Stories, can enjoy it in the lap of luxury with spectacular entertainment intertwined with the finest food and drink. Diners will be able to celebrate before, during and after the Show with a spectacular package to showcase the very best of Scotland’s land and sea.
Presented in the newly refurbished Tattoo’s Ramsay Garden Apartments, the intimate venue can host up to 12 guests who will be treated to an exquisite Scottish tasting menu from the world-renowned chef Tom Kitchin, with the added privilege and unique opportunity to meet and discuss the food with the man himself. Wines will be specially selected to pair with the food and diners will enjoy a special, pre-Show, private performance by some of the members of the Tattoo Cast.
Guests will then be escorted by their host to seats in the exclusive Royal Gallery to enjoy the best view of the Show set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. A post-Show drinks reception in The Royal Gallery will complete the package.
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “This truly is a unique experience and offers guests the occasion to enjoy world-class performance, paired with world-class food.
“Tom’s menu explores and features the very finest Scottish produce, inspired by his ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy, with all dishes expertly matched with wines chosen by his Sommelier, which makes for a taste journey which celebrates the best of Scotland’s land and sea.
“The pre-dinner, up-close performance from members of our Tattoo cast will be unforgettable and something guests will treasure. I expect tickets for this dining experience will be snapped up quickly so I’d urge anyone interested to get in touch with us soon.”
Tom Kitchin said: “It’s an honour to be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in this way and create this exclusive dining experience.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching and admiring the Tattoo from afar for a number of years, so the chance to partner with such a world class organisation and combine our two worlds is incredible.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming guests to Ramsay Garden to share my own culinary story on what is sure to be a host of memorable evenings.”
Tickets for The Tom Kitchin Dining Experience are priced at £1,200 per person and are available on Friday 18, Saturday 19, Friday 25, and Saturday 26 August at 6.00pm for a 9.30pm performance.
The hospitality packages are on sale from Saturday 24 June 2023.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo also offers a range of other hospitality packages to enhance and elevate the overall Tattoo experience.
Located moments from the arena, Cannonball House is one of 10 hospitality packages on offer. Other packages include dining in Edinburgh Castle, sampling the finest Scotch Whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience and a VIP dining experience in The Royal Gallery overlooking the Castle Esplanade.
All hospitality tickets include a prime seat in the outdoor arena with exceptional views of the performance, a dedicated host for the evening and a Tattoo Souvenir programme.
The 2023 Show, Stories will be staged between 4-26 August, and will be a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage.
Building on last year’s successful return show, Voices, the 2023 performance, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, will showcase performers from around the globe, telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages. Pre-order is available now at edintattoodrinks.co.uk.
More information on the hospitality packages available and tickets for Stories can be found online at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188.
Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers, five of Scotland’s biggest and most successful football clubs have joined together to support and aid Homeless World Cup Member Country Ukraine’s journey to the Sacramento 2023 Homeless World Cup.
Working alongside the Homeless World Cup Foundation, a recent donation from the five clubs has meant that Ukraine can send a team to this year’s tournament under difficult and challenging circumstances.
The donation will cover travel for Ukraine to compete in the 18th edition of the Homeless World Cup, being held in the US for the first time in its 20-year history.
‘The Way home’ has been a partner and worked alongside the Homeless World Cup for many years and have been an inaugural part of the tournament since 2004 and were winners of the Homeless World Cup in Milan 2009.
The Sacramento 2023 Homeless World Cup will take place from Saturday 8th July – Saturday 15th July 2023 at California State University, Sacramento. As well as the venue for the games, being played at the Hornet Stadium, the university will also accommodate the visiting countries from across the globe and their players on campus.
From Paris to Cardiff, Glasgow to Milan, Edinburgh to Mexico City and Melbourne to Cape Town, this world class tournament has been played in some exceptional cities and venues to bring awareness and understanding to this global issue – homelessness.
The Homeless World Cup is an annual, world-class, international football tournament. Every year, teams of men and women who are homeless or have experienced homelessness get the chance to represent their country during the tournament.
Mel Young, co-founder, and Homeless World Cup President, said:“It’s fantastic news that the five Scottish clubs have come together to ensure Ukraine, one of our key partners can get to and compete in Sacramento, The Way Home has continued to work in extremely difficult conditions in Odessa.
“The Homeless World Cup always look to support our Member Countries however we can, and we look forward to welcoming Ukraine, who have fielded a team every year at the tournament since 2004 to Sacramento and the US for the 18th edition of the Homeless World Cup.
“All five clubs didn’t hesitate when asked to help our Ukrainian partner with their journey and we are incredibly grateful for their support in making this dream a reality to those players who will represent Ukraine on the international stage in Sacramento this July.
“I’m proud of the five Scottish clubs and the generosity they have shown by coming together to support Ukraine. This demonstrates how impactful football and sport can be in making a difference to the lives of so many.”
Aberdeen’s Chief Executive, Alan Burrows. said:“Football is a game for all and as a club we were delighted to play our part in supporting Ukraine’s journey to Sacramento to participate in the 2023 Homeless World Cup.
“The ongoing conflict in Ukraine shouldn’t be a barrier for those looking to participate in sport and the Homeless World Cup is the perfect example of how football can inspire and change lives for the better.
“We wish them all the best in the tournament.”
Chief Executive of Hearts, Andrew McKinlay, said:“We’re delighted to have supported the Ukrainian team at this year’s Homeless World Cup. Everyone connected with Hearts knows well the power of football and how it can be a truly positive force in our lives.
“The conflict in Ukraine, and the widespread homelessness seen across the planet, affects us all. Initiatives like the Homeless World Cup are vital in raising awareness and supporting this global issue.
“Everyone at Heart of Midlothian wishes the teams, organisers and all participants the very best when the tournament begins in California next month.”
Hibernian FC’s Non-Executive Chairman Malcolm McPherson, said:“The relationship that our club and supporters have with Ukraine is quite unique.
“Whether that’s through the work done by the Hibernian Community Foundation or through Dnipro Kids, we have all been committed to helping Ukrainian people through this incredible difficult time.
“We’re proud to be able to continue that support by backing the Ukrainian team at this year’s Homeless World Cup, which shines a light on two great issues that affect everyone worldwide; the conflict in Ukraine and global homelessness.
“Football is an incredibly powerful sport, and initiatives like the Homeless World Cup can inspire, enforce change, and raise awareness of these global issues.
“Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes everyone taking part in the tournament great success.”
Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said:“Working with the homeless community is a regular feature of what we do here, and we are delighted that we can assist with this in some small way.
“Football is universal and the Homeless World Cup is everything good about the game that we all love. I hope this year’s event in the USA is a great success for everyone involved.”
Connal Cochrane, Rangers Charity Foundation Chief Executive, said:“What a wonderful way to come together for a common cause. I hope the Ukrainian team create powerful memories and many new friendships in Sacramento.”
PY has been working away completing our LGBT Charter with LGBT Youth Scotland and last week we got the fantastic news that we have officially achieved our Silver Award! Pretty great Pride Month news if you ask me!
This has been a lot of work over the last 18 months-ish and we are all really proud of the team and our young people who have embraced it. Attached is a document sharing this news – please feel free to share with your staff, young people and any other contacts!
Our Family Supporters in Edinburgh project offers practical and emotional support to families across the city of Edinburgh, empowering them to face a range of life challenges.
We recruit, train and match dedicated, local volunteers to help families every step of the way, spending 1-1 time together on a personalised set of goals chosen by the family, for the family.
We can help in many ways, such as improved living standards, budgeting, healthier eating, better school life and behaviour, access to health and wellbeing aid, as well as introducing parents to community resources, to name a few.
We are urgently looking for volunteers as we have families who are in crisis and in need of support.
Brexit has limited economic growth, restricted trade, increased food costs and diminished opportunities for young people, according to Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson.
Marking seven years to the day since the majority of people in Scotland voted to remain in the European Union, a paper has been published detailing the impact of Brexit, drawing from reports and official statistics.
These include:
an expected loss of £3 billion every year in public revenues for Scotland
food price inflation at a 45 year high with Brexit responsible for an estimated one third of it
damaged trade with 44% of businesses in Scotland naming Brexit as the main cause of difficulties trading overseas
additional estimated costs of up to £600 per consignment for some shellfish exporters as a result of trade barriers
staff shortages reported by 45% of tourism businesses in the Highland and Islands, as a result of the loss of freedom of movement
loss of access to supporting funds like the €96billion Horizon research programme and Common Agriculture Policy
less efficient law enforcement co-operation, without access to instant EU-wide alerts and intelligence and civil justice co-operation measures
more costly and difficult travel arrangements, with long transit delays, more obstacles for touring artists, and roaming charges reintroduced by most operators
Mr Robertson said: “Seven years after people in Scotland resoundingly rejected Brexit, the Scottish Government has published a paper that lays clear the damage it has inflicted.
“Brexit means Scotland has now left the world’s biggest single market and no longer enjoys freedom of movement, resulting in labour shortages across the NHS, agriculture, and our hospitality sector.
“Consumers and businesses continue to face a cost of living crisis driven by rampant food inflation, while produce rots in the ground, and obstructive trade barriers that are making it harder to import and export goods from the EU.
“Scotland’s rural and research sectors have lost out on hundreds of millions of pounds worth of EU funding, which the UK Government has been unable to match. A generation of young Scots have been deprived of life-changing exchange opportunities to study abroad.
“While we will continue to do all we can to mitigate this damage through our long-standing ties with European neighbours, the fact remains that the only way to meaningfully reverse this damage and restore the benefits Scotland previously enjoyed, is for an independent Scotland to re-join the European Union.”
PY AT PRIDE 
