Day: June 30, 2023

Project aims to speed up delivery of treatments for motor neuron disease

A new project by researchers in Edinburgh aims to identify combinations of existing drugs that could be used together to treat motor neuron disease (MND).

Led by Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and Director of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, both at the University of Edinburgh, the £3.3 million project is funded by the medical research charity LifeArc, as part of an ongoing partnership between the charity and the UK DRI.

The partnership brings together the strengths of UK DRI’s research into discovery science with LifeArc’s translational expertise to take exciting lab discoveries forward and translate them into tangible benefits for patients.

MND is a life-limiting condition that causes progressive weakness of the muscles due to the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. There is currently only one drug approved to treat the disease in the UK, riluzole, which has only a modest effect.

There is an urgent unmet need for effective therapies to treat MND. But the brain is complex, and targeting one biological pathway with a single drug might not be enough to slow down or stop the degeneration of motor neurons.

The new project seeks to drastically accelerate the development of new treatments by identifying existing drugs which target multiple disease mechanisms implicated in MND.

Typically, new drugs can take up to 15 years to progress through development and clinical trial stages, but with this approach, treatments could be tested in the clinic within four years.

Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and Director of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, both at the University of Edinburgh, said: “As has been shown for cancer therapy, using combinations of drugs that target different pathways might be our best chance of slowing or stopping the progression of MND.

“This innovative project is an important next step in identifying effective medicines for MND.”

In the first stage of the study, the researchers will prioritise the top drug candidates, using both laboratory-based tests on motor neurons grown in the lab from patient donated stem cells, and a machine-learning, artificial intelligence approach to review published scientific studies of MND.

Next, the top candidate drugs will be tested in pairs in combination in the stem cell models of MND, against different biological pathways known to be implicated in MND.

The ultimate goal is to seek regulatory approval to test the most promising and effective combinations of drugs in the Euan MacDonald Centre’s MND-SMART (Motor Neuron Disease – Systematic Multi-arm Adaptive Randomised Trial) trial.

This pioneering trial across 20 sites in the UK is designed to shorten the time it takes to find medicines that can slow or stop MND. Unlike typical clinical trials which test a single treatment, MND-SMART is testing several treatments at the same time. It is also an adaptive trial which means that new drugs can be added, and those proven ineffective can be dropped.

This new project complements another recently announced MND initiative, EXPERT-ALS, which aims to rapidly identify promising drug candidates in small scale trials, before definitive evaluation in Phase 3 platform trials such as MND-SMART.

Dr Paul Wright, MND Translational Challenge Lead at LifeArc said: “Our involvement in this research is part of an ambitious long-term £100m funding programme we have launched to help tackle neurodegenerative conditions and find treatments where none currently exist. 

“By working with UK DRI we are uncovering promising life science research, like Professor Siddharthan’s, that we can support with funding or by offering our scientific resources and expertise in translational research.

“Ultimately, our aim is to accelerate the process of finding medical breakthroughs that can prevent and stop these life-threatening diseases progressing.”

As thefts rise, charity Crimestoppers asks: ‘Who is pedalling bike theft?’

As the weather hots up and cycling becomes ever more popular, criminals are increasingly turning their attention to the lucrative profits to be made from stolen bikes and bike parts.

Whether you are hitting the trails, working, enjoying a long ride or storing your bike at home, the charity is reminding you to secure your bike and urge the public to speak up 100% anonymously about who’s behind the thefts.

In 2020/21, the number of bike thefts in Scotland rose again to 5,470 – an 18.9% increase on the previous year.

That’s why over the busy summer months, Crimestoppers’ bike theft campaign will equip the public and partners with simple information on how to secure and register your bike. The campaign will encourage those who know about those involved in bike theft to speak up 100% anonymously.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: ‘Scotland is a fantastic country for cycling and more than ever people are hitting the trails. Sadly, the joy can be taken out of cycling with bikes stolen from gardens, sheds or left unattended.

“Our campaign in partnership with Scotland’s cycling organisations will hopefully protect more bikes from theft and decrease the criminal proceeds from the sale of often expensive stolen bikes and parts.”

You can give information 100% anonymously via our secure online form at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.

Superintendent Claire Dobson from Police Scotland said: “Bikes play a key part in many people’s lives whether they are using them as part of their employment, commuting to work or purely for pleasure. When these are stolen the impact can be significant.

“Police Scotland is delighted to support this campaign and I would urge the public who have information on this crime to anonymously contact charity Crimestoppers. Please do take all the necessary steps to secure your bike, a range of useful crime prevention advice is available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk. “

For more advice on how to protect your bike, visit Bike Register, where you can join the UK’s national, police-approved, bicycle marking & registration scheme:

Advice: bikeregister.com/advice/top-tips-to-protect-your-bike.

94% of Edinburgh school leavers are in positive destinations

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed new figures that show 94% of school leavers across Edinburgh are in positive destinations nine months after finishing school.

Across Scotland, the proportion of school leavers in the 2021/22 cohort accessing further or higher education, employment, training or an apprenticeship nine months after leaving school is at its highest since records began. The number of school leavers in work has also reached a record high of 31.8%.

This year has also seen a reduction in the poverty related attainment gap, with the gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas across Scotland in work, training or further study narrowing to a record low of seven percentage points – down from 18.7 percentage points in 2009-10.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the impact of the ongoing Tory cost of living crisis, young people across Edinburgh are continuing to achieve and excel, and I welcome that 94% have went on to secure work, further education or a training post nine months after leaving schools.

“These encouraging numbers are testament to the hard work and commitment of our young people, teachers and parents – and show that this Scottish Government is delivering on its education commitments and closing the attainment gap.

“Much progress has been made in Scotland to increase opportunities for young people, but the only way to properly tackle the poverty related attainment gap is to tackle poverty – which will always be impossible under this Tory UK government, and their punitive austerity measures.

“Scotland needs independence now, so that it can have the full powers at its disposal to properly address poverty and continue to support young people across the city to thrive.”

YearLA codeLA NameNumber of leaversPositive DestinationPercentage %
2021/22100Aberdeen City1,7911,62791%
2021/22110Aberdeenshire2,8032,63094%
2021/22120Angus1,3101,21493%
2021/22130Argyll & Bute83678894%
2021/22150Clackmannanshire54247688%
2021/22170Dumfries & Galloway1,6421,53293%
2021/22180Dundee City1,3891,27292%
2021/22190East Ayrshire1,2971,20493%
2021/22200East Dunbartonshire1,4271,39598%
2021/22210East Lothian1,1021,04295%
2021/22220East Renfrewshire1,4281,39297%
2021/22230Edinburgh, City of3,5873,37994%
2021/22235Na h-Eileanan Siar26725796%
2021/22240Falkirk1,7001,57693%
2021/22250Fife4,0793,75892%
2021/22260Glasgow City4,9764,71695%
2021/22270Highland2,5542,38493%
2021/22280Inverclyde83576792%
2021/22290Midlothian1,0841,02094%
2021/22300Moray96090394%
2021/22310North Ayrshire1,5141,41093%
2021/22320North Lanarkshire3,9033,58592%
2021/22330Orkney Islands213[c]
2021/22340Perth & Kinross1,4601,38495%
2021/22350Renfrewshire1,9071,75192%
2021/22355Scottish Borders1,2461,18795%
2021/22360Shetland Islands25924695%
2021/22370South Ayrshire1,1761,14097%
2021/22380South Lanarkshire3,4413,24394%
2021/22390Stirling1,1401,06994%
2021/22395West Dunbartonshire98087789%
2021/22400West Lothian2,1822,01192%

Record number of school leavers in work, training or study – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Edinburgh Scotmid stores add chippy-style products as a permanent listing following triumphantly tasty trial

Scotmid is giving customers across Edinburgh the chance to make the perfect Chippy Tea at home all year round, after making new supplier We hae meat’s, chippy style battered pork sausage and battered black pudding products a permanent listing in 125 of its stores across Scotland.

These sought after Scottish delicacies, produced by the Ayrshire-based business, are now available from Scotmid’s stores across the city.

The listing’s long-term success follows the family run business’s recent accolade of being named a ‘Scotmid Scottish Favourites’ winner – a competition run in partnership with Scotland Food and Drink launched during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight in 2022.  After a triumphant three-week promotional listing back in February, which proved a triumph with customers, the products are back by popular demand on a permanent basis. 

Jessica van Tromp, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid said: “Our customers love these products! We hae meat’s commitment to excellence has paid off and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting Scottish business.”

Founded in 2007, We hae meat is run by Carlyn Paton and her husband Alex, on the family farm in Ayrshire’s beautiful Girvan Valley. With a commitment to developing products that are made from traditional recipes, while minimising their impact on the environment,  the business implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan aimed at reducing on-site emissions in 2016.

On securing the permanent listing, Carlyn Paton said: “Knowing our products are available in over 100 Scotmid stores is a huge achievement for us.

“We are so proud that our family-run, sustainable-focused business can provide tasty products to more customers than we’ve ever reached before across the country.”

Since then, prioritising sustainability and showcasing dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner has been We hae meat’s focus. A notable achievement in its sustainability efforts is the on-site renewables plant, which plays a pivotal role in reducing its carbon footprint.

This plant generates 100% of We hae meat’s hot water requirements and 80% of its electricity demands. By harnessing renewable energy sources, the company not only contributes to a greener future but also showcases their innovation and forward-thinking approach, ultimately providing stores and customers with convenient, tasty and sustainable products. 

We hae meat recommends that their chippy-style products are eaten with oven chips and peas – but the question stands on if they should be mushy or not!

The Edinburgh stores are:

  • Crewe Road
  • Pilrig
  • Sighthill
  • Rannoch
  • Balerno
  • Barnton
  • Leith Walk
  • Leven Street
  • Moredun
  • Colinton Mains
  • Westburn
  • Easter Road
  • Newhaven
  • Newtongrange
  • Warrender Park
  • South Queensferry

Letters: Look beyond the label to address skills shortages

Dear Editor

The news that more than seven in 10 Scottish businesses are struggling with skills shortages, but almost 40% don’t have programmes in place for under-represented groups, highlights the considerable opportunities being missed by Scotland’s employers (29th June 2023).

This Business Barometer Report, published by The Open University and British Chambers of Commerce, outlines the need for businesses to become better at hiring those from these groups, such as young people who are disabled or care experienced.

The rewards of getting these individuals into work are well worth it. They bring passion, skills, dedication and drive to the workplace. This also allows businesses to grow and fulfil their potential, delivering economic growth.

Employers are currently missing out on an immense untapped talent pool, and never has it been more important for businesses, the government and training providers to work together to address this.

We would urge Scotland’s employers to look beyond the label and take on an employee who may have an additional need, taking advantage of the excellent skills offered by many of these young people.

Yours faithfully 

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Four more areas across Scotland now in Significant water scarcity situation

More parts of Scotland are facing critically low river and groundwater levels in the latest water scarcity report published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Four areas have reached Significant water scarcity this week, the highest level, following a period of prolonged, dry weather. They are the Rivers Annan and Nith in the southwest, as well as the Black Isle and the Outer Hebrides.

There has been no improvement in the Loch Maree area of the Highlands, which remains in Significant for a fourth week, although the Esk in Dumfries and Galloway has improved from Significant to Moderate Water Scarcity.

In order to protect the sustainability of local water environments, SEPA has required a small number of farmers on the Black Isle to reduce the volume they take from the Newhall burn. These licence variations will be for the minimum time necessary and will be lifted as soon as possible.

Abstractors in other areas that have reached Significant this week have also been contacted by SEPA. Some already have conditions on their licence to protect the environment from low flows. For others, permitted volumes will be reduced where necessary.

Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, Nathan Critchlow-Watton said: “The water environment in parts of Scotland is clearly under stress and protecting it remains our top priority.

“We recognise the challenges businesses face as a result of these conditions, and we want to support those who are efficient and using the least water to continue operating.

“We will be avoiding full suspensions on water abstractions where possible and instead requiring a significant reduction in the volume of water taken from rivers and lochs.

“Where restrictions are not in place, abstractors are expected to follow SEPA’s advice and guidance for the conditions reported in their areas. This will give water levels a better chance to recover.”

There have been widespread showers across the country this week, with particularly heavy rainfall across central and western Scotland. This has caused some localised improvement in conditions, with further recovery in Argyll and Bute from Alert to Early warning. However, the rain has not been sufficient for large-scale recovery, and many areas remain at risk of water scarcity.

Without a period of consistent rain, it’s possible six areas could be escalated to Significant Water Scarcity in early July. SEPA is liaising with licensed abstractors in all affected industries, including agriculture, food and drink and leisure. Advice is also being provided to abstractors in Alert or Moderate Scarcity areas.

Guidance has already been published 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.

SEPA continues to monitor and report weekly on river and groundwater levels.

More information, guidance and advice can be found at:

 www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

www.sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity.

Beyond the Little Black Dress: Major fashion exhibition opens tomorrow at the National Museum of Scotland

Major fashion exhibition ‘Beyond the Little Black Dress’ opens this weekend

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland deconstructs the little black dress, examining the radical power of the colour black in fashion.

From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, Beyond the Little Black Dress (1 July to 29 October 2023) brings together 65 striking looks from collections and designers around the world.

nms.ac.uk/BeyondLBD

The colour black can be interpreted in many subtle and often contradictory ways. The exhibition explores how its complexities have made the little black dress simultaneously expressive of piety and perversion, respect and rebellion; from the well-mannered cocktail attire of the early 20th century to the leather and latex worn by members of punk and fetish subcultures.

Beyond the Little Black Dress opens with a simple, short black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926. Considered radically modern, it disregarded convention entirely in both the stark design and sombre shade, that had traditionally been associated with mourning.

At the time it was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. The ‘little black dress’ became a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic, with each new silhouette capturing the spirit of its time.

The little black dress remains a blank canvas for broader political and cultural shifts. It can challenge social norms around race, gender and sexuality to reflect evolving ideals of beauty and identity, proving its infinite capacity for reinvention.

Visitors to Beyond the Little Black Dress, which is supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers, will discover a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Schiaparelli will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White.

A section of the exhibition highlights Black British designers whose work explores both Blackness in terms of identity, and the role the colour black plays in crafting an Afrofuturistic aesthetic.

Elsewhere, the exhibition considers how perceptions of the colour black differ in a global context, while a film from Osman Yousefzada shines a light on the inequities of fast fashion, as well as global concepts of beauty.

A series of garments demonstrate how smart technologies are establishing a blueprint for a more sustainable future. A new commission by designers VIN + OMI incorporates nettles and horsehair sourced from Highgrove, the private residence of The King and Queen, exploring nature-led alternatives to fast fashion.

Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Few garments are as iconic as the little black dress, which has often been held up by the fashion industry as the one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe.

“It has evolved dramatically in the century since its creation. From a simple shift dress which helped democratise women’s fashion to a bold political statement, it has moved through various iterations which reflect changing ideals of beauty and body image.

“Displaying classic couture, avant-garde pieces and garments that make a political statement, this exhibition will explore its enduring success, and ask why, in the fickle and fast-paced fashion world, the little black dress has achieved that rare status of being truly above the fray.”

Sam Pattman, Philanthropy Manager at Baillie Gifford Investment Managers said: “We are delighted that our successful relationship with National Museums Scotland continues with our support for Beyond the Little Black Dress.

“This exciting exhibition takes a fresh look at a timeless classic, examining how it has remained in style for nearly a century and displaying a dazzling selection of garments from those worn by royalty to truly avant-garde creations at the cutting edge of the fashion industry.”

National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection comprises around 50,000 objects and is one of the largest in the UK.

The collection includes textiles dating back to the 14th century and clothing and accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day. Beyond the Little Black Dress follows the acclaimed exhibition Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk.

The exhibition is curated by Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland, Dr Sequoia Barnes, Guest Curator and Carys Wilkins, Assistant Curator Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland. It will be accompanied by a programme of events.

The accompanying book Little Black Dress: A Radical Fashion edited by Georgina Ripley, £30.00, is published by NMS Enterprises Ltd – Publishing.

#BeyondLBD

Whoopy Do! King and Queen are coming to Edinburgh

Viewing opportunities for the public at city centre events

Public viewing areas will be available along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as part of events to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Wednesday 5 July.

Events will begin around lunchtime and will include:

  • a People’s Procession, involving around 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, walking on foot from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a military escort and cadet force bands
  • the Honours of Scotland escorted from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers) and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with a military band and pipes and drums
  • military pipe and drums, bands, and members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment processing along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral
  • a Royal Procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral, attended by The King and Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
  • a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral and presentation of the Honours of Scotland to The King. The Stone of Destiny will also form part of the ceremony
  • a 21 Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • a flypast by the Red Arrows (in the direction of Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

There will be pavement space along the Royal Mile for people who wish to watch events in person. Those intending to come are advised to arrive early and prepare for changeable weather conditions.

Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures will be in place around the Royal Mile on the day of the events.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Next week Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen with a series of events to mark their Coronation. Highlights include a People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, and a Gun Salute in Edinburgh.

“Many different people, charities and organisations from across the country will be involved. I will attend the Service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.

“Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

King and Queen visit to Edinburgh July 2023: events – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Timings:

1315   People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

1330   People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1340   The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort

1340   Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

1350   The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle

1405   Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

1410   Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1415   National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins

1515   Service ends

1520   The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle

1527   Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse

1540   RAF flypast down the Royal Mile

POLICE SCOTLAND: ENGAGEMENT WITH PROTEST GROUPS

Engagement with protest groups is ongoing as part of preparations for a Coronation event being held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.

The event will take place during Royal Week where His Majesty King Charles III will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, following processions on the Royal Mile. 

Police Scotland has been working with a number of key planning partners including the Scottish Government, Palace of Holyroodhouse, transport agencies and City of Edinburgh Council.

Police Scotland’s supporting role is to help the organiser deliver their event safely and securely and with dignity. One part of that is considering potential protests and a proactive engagement approach.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said: “Our priority is public safety and a policing plan is in place to maintain people’s safety, ensure the safe delivery of this significant event, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.

“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues.

“We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest. Our human rights based approach and legislation that applies in Scotland is unique amongst UK policing.

“Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.

“Officers on the ground have to make dynamic assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality. There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, including considering the risk that behaviour has on the safety of those at the event, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.

“Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.”

There will be road closures in Edinburgh and people should plan ahead by checking with City of Edinburgh Council and Traffic Scotland on their website and social media channels. Air restrictions for drones will also be in place.

Protest groups can contact Police Scotland by emailing OSDPLO@scotland.police.uk

More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: Scotland marks Coronation of The King and Queen – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The Public Order Act 2023, which has recently been referred to in England and Wales, does not apply to Scotland.

Marine protection plans sunk

Further community and industry engagement planned

Plans to deliver increased protection for Scotland’s marine environment will be revised, with a new pathway and timetable, Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan has confirmed.

Addressing the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary said proposals consulted on to implement Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) across 10% of Scotland’s seas by 2026 ‘will not be progressed’.

Instead, the Scottish Government will take more time to work with industry, communities and conservation organisations to enhance marine protection, while supporting any groups that wish to pursue community-led marine protection in their local area on a quicker timescale, such as those initiatives in Lamlash Bay on Arran and St Abbs & Eyemouth in Berwickshire.

It follows a public consultation which ran earlier in the year on the principles of HPMA policy in Scotland and attracted thousands of responses.

Ms McAllan said: “We are in the midst of a nature and climate crisis and we must be prepared to take action commensurate with the scale of that challenge.

“Failure to safeguard and improve the resilience of Scotland’s marine ecosystems to a changing climate risks the very basis on which our marine industries and coastal communities are built.

“We chose to consult as early and widely as possible on the principles of HPMAs, with no pre-determined sites. It has always been, and continues to be, this government’s plan to work cooperatively with communities to identify how and where to enhance marine protection in a way that minimises impact and maximises opportunity.

“Therefore, while we remain firmly committed to the outcome of enhanced marine protection, the proposal as consulted on will not be progressed.

“I will outline more on our next steps after the summer recess, but I hope that it is clear that I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair, and to find a way forward that ensures our seas remain a source of prosperity for the nation, especially in our remote, coastal and island communities.”

In the statement to Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary also confirmed that an ongoing programme of work to implement fisheries management measures in existing MPAs where they are yet to be introduced, and to protect some of the most vulnerable Priority Marine Features outside of MPAs, will be taken forward as a priority.

A full response to the consultation and the next steps will be published after the eight-week long summer recess.

60 members of The Royal Scots to commemorate a double anniversary

TODAY (Friday 30 June) 60 members of the proud Royal Scots Regimental Family will meet for an informal gathering at The Royal Scots Memorial Club in Abercromby Place to mark 40 years on from the regiment’s 350th anniversary celebration events in both London and Edinburgh in 1983, that marked the First of Foot’s 350 years of unbroken service to Sovereign and country.

All those taking part in this special Regimental event felt that this double anniversary should be recognised.

They all have a unique common bond of shared experiences. They were all members of the Royal Scots Regimental Family in 1983 for the events that marked a very significant milestone both in Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard’s long and distinguished history, and the very significant service and sacrifice of those serving at the time.  The Royal Scots heritage is all about people, traditionally recruited from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peebles, their stories, and their experiences.

Both the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Ashmore, and the Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM Ian Johnstone, will be attending the gathering.  The charity, Fares 4 Free, has enabled two Regimental widows, from Kilmarnock and Livingston, to attend.

Overview of 350th Anniversary events in 1983:

·       Royal Scots Train with serving Royal Scots and veterans from the two World Wars and more recent campaigns travelled to London for a Reception in the National Armoury on the 28th of March; 350 years to the day since the founding of The Royal Scots by Sir john Hepburn at Athelstaneford.

·       The 1st Battalion of The Royal Scots paraded in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, for the Royal Review by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and to Troop the Colour, on 30th June.

·       On 1st July The 1st Battalion of The Royal Scots, Royal Scots veterans, and contingents from their affiliated Gurkha and Canadian regiments, and Army cadets marched along Princes Street, where the salute was taken by HRH Princess Anne, who was appointed the Regimental Colonel in Chief at Holyrood Park the previous day.

·       Rededication of The Royal Scots Monument in Princes Street Gardens.

Colonel Mike Ashmore CBE (commanding officer, and parade commander, of the 1st Battalion on the Royal Review): “It was my privilege to command the 1st Battalion in 1983 and to be the Parade Commander on 30th June 1983 when her late Majesty the Queen took the salute at the Royal Review in Holyrood Park.  

“In her address to those present Her Majesty said that she was pleased to announce the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who was also at the parade, to be The Royal Scots Colonel in Chief.

“At the 300th anniversary in 1933 in Aldershot my father was the Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, so I felt doubly privileged to be able to take part in the 350th anniversary celebrations.  Incidentally my father was present at the 350th Royal Review and was in the audience for the March along Princes Street the next day.

“There were many other important events in and around Edinburgh marking the 350th, not least the the Marches through the towns where the Freedom had been granted, Peebles, Haddington, Musselburgh and Linlithgow.”

Major Ian Johnstone (RSM of Ist Battalion on the Royal Review in 1983): “My family have served in The Royal Scots for many generations.

“To have such an important role for the 350th celebrations was a wonderful experience that will never forget; I was so proud of all those Royal Scots on parade.”

Colonel Martin Gibson OBE DL (serving major at the time of the Review in 1983, and lead of the team who have organised the Gathering in 2023): “This is a very special gathering that will have everyone reflecting on their experiences and, in particular, of 40 years ago when every one of the 963 Royal Scots serving across the world was issued with a 1633- 1983 medallion.

“We are very proud that when The Royal Scots left the Army’s order of battle in 2006 after 373 years our Royal title and the privilege of being Right of The Line was carried forward by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, today’s Scottish infantry.

“We are very grateful to the veterans’ charity FARES4FREE for making it possible for three of those attending coming to the gathering to get here and enjoy renewing friendships.

“From our origins way back in 1633 to 2006 our unique story is told in our Regimental Museum within Edinburgh Castle.”

When it was disbanded in 2006 The Royal Scots, The Royal Regiment, was the oldest Infantry Regiment in the British Army, having been in the UK Order of Battle for 373 unbroken years.  

Having been involved in almost every campaign the British Army had taken part in since it formed in 1633, it had more than earned its title, First of Foot and Right of the Line (Most senior infantry regiment of the line in the British Army).

In 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was formed from its antecedent regiments, including The Royal Scots – from whom they inherited the Royal title and the privilege of being Right of The Line – and take forward the traditions and heritage as Scotland’s Infantry.