Day: December 7, 2023

Support 61,000 jobs in Scotland with a Christmas pint

  • Scots raising a Christmas pint in pubs and at home should enjoy the taste of supporting 61,000 local jobs, which pay almost £1 billion in wages and contribute £1.7 billion to the economy, data from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) shows. 
  • The brewing and pubs industry is one of the UK’s biggest employers, supporting almost one million jobs across the regions. 
  • Pubs have an equally vital social contribution. Across Scotland, 78% of people say pubs are important in bringing people together, while 60% think pubs help combat loneliness and isolation.
  • The Long Live the Local campaign invites pubgoers who can afford it to buy an extra round to support the brewers, delivery drivers, farmers and thousands of people behind the pint.

Scots raising a Christmas pint should enjoy the taste of supporting 61,000 local jobs in breweries, bars and supply chains which pay almost £1 billion in wages and contribute £1.7 billion to the economy, data from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) reveals.

The SBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign is shining a light on the nearly one million people behind the pint who make the festive season merry. 

As Scottish pubgoers raise a local brew, they support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country: including farmers growing hops, brewers developing new recipes, scientists working on quality control and logistics teams managing deliveries.

‘The local’ is often the heart of community life and a major source of local employment and economic growth. Its social value is most apparent at Christmas, bringing people together and combatting loneliness during the festive season. Recent YouGov polling in Scotland found:

  • 69% of people feel pubs have a positive effect in communities
  • 78% say pubs are important in bringing people together
  • 60% think pubs help combat loneliness in their local area

Pubs and brewers have faced major increases to their costs over the last few years while struggling to limit price rises. The Autumn Statement provided vital support with an extension to business rates relief and the freeze on beer duty, but the next budget must provide surer footing for brewers and pubs by:

  1. Cutting tax on beer in the next Budget and pledging to bring beer duty down to the European average over the course of the next Parliament. The EU average duty on a pint of beer is currently 20p, whereas in the UK it is 54p for draught beer and 59p for packaged beer- nearly triple the European average and 12 times more than Germany.
  2. Reforming business rates so pubs and brewers can invest in the future, with the 75% relief maintained and a cap to the planned increase in the 2024 business rates multiplier until this is implemented
  3. Lowering VAT rate to 12.5% for pubs to help publicans and customers with cost of living increases

The Long Live the Local campaign invites Scots to buy an extra round this Christmas to support the people behind the pint and join the campaign to secure the future of their local.

Craig Macleod, owner of Innes Bar in Inverness, says: “There aren’t too many places where 18 and 80-year-olds come together to share a pint and connect. I love creating experiences that bring people together and we pride ourselves on being a hub for the community.

“We do a lot for charity as well. Right now we’re preparing for our annual Santa’s Grotto, which raised £1,200 pounds for the local food bank last year.

“As a business, we’ve weathered a lot of storms over the past few years with the energy price rises and the cost of living hitting people’s pockets. We’re very lucky to still be here and going strong when so many other venues have had to close their doors. That would be a real loss for the community, as there’s nowhere else people can go to experience that sense of togetherness.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, says: “So many of life’s milestones are marked by sharing a beer, whether in commiseration or joy. Behind the glass, there are nearly a million people across the cities and regions who make this possible: including brewers, technicians, delivery drivers, farmers and the pub staff at the counter.

“The great British pint is woven into the fabric of our communities, economies and regional identities. Local pubs are some of our most beloved tourist attractions, while our breweries produce some of the finest beers in the world.

“But the industry needs our support to survive. Scotland remains one of the most expensive places in the world to have a pint, with beer duty more than double the average across Europe.

“The next Parliament must make bringing beer duty in line with Europe a priority – taking at least 34 pence off the price of a pint – as well as reforming business rates so that brewers and pubs can continue investing in the future, providing quality jobs and training for people across the country.”

Patients are being left waiting by SNP failure at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, says Boyack

Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack, has criticised the Scottish Government’s failure to address woeful waiting times at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The latest figures published by Public Health Scotland, show that only 46% of A&E Patients at the Royal Infirmary, are seen within 4 hours. This is compared to 62% across the whole of NHS Lothian Health Board, and 68% across the whole of Scotland.

The number of patients seen within 4 hours, has plummeted almost 10% since July – falling from 55%.

The Royal Infirmary figures are well short of the Scottish Government’s target of 95% of people seen and discharged within 4 hours of arrival in A&E.

Commenting on the statistics, Sarah Boyack said: “The latest A&E wait time figures illustrate that patients at Edinburgh’s largest hospital are left waiting by the SNP/Green Government.

“Royal Infirmary staff work incredibly hard to deliver services for patients, but the Scottish Government has not provided the resources to ensure local hospitals can deliver the care and treatment local residents deserve.

“Edinburgh residents need the Scottish Government to step up its game and provide the Royal Infirmary with the support it needs reduce waiting times rapidly.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland launches #MISSEDatChristmas fundraising campaign

Leading charity Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland (PCAS) has launched a new fundraising campaign #MISSEDatChristmas to help ensure more people aren’t missed at Christmas.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland is inviting people across Scotland to join them this festive season in remembering their loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer. 

PCAS is inviting people to donate and share a dedication to their loved one. Participants will receive a special purple heart to display in their loved one’s memory this Christmas. All donations will help PCAS fight for earlier diagnosis. 

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest of all common cancers, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 8%. Each year over 900 people in Scotland are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Around 26 people die from pancreatic cancer every day in the UK. With early diagnosis, pancreatic cancer can be survived.  

Debbie Rutherford, 30, is missing her Mum Rachel this Christmas. Rachel passed away in 2022, aged 62, from pancreatic cancer. Debbie, her brother Craig and sister Kirsty, were at her bedside as she took her last breaths. 

Rachel began experiencing symptoms in June 2020. It started with bloating, which she put down to the fact she had eaten a curry for dinner. When the feeling persisted, she contacted her GP. With the country in the grip of the Covid -19 pandemic, it proved difficult to get a face-to-face appointment.

Rachel was prescribed indigestion medicine and was told by doctors that no further investigations were needed.  

Rachel’s symptoms continued and Doctors then agreed to refer her for a scan. In October 2020, a scan showed a mass on her pancreas. The tumour was restricted to her pancreas, with no spread. Her oncologist was hopeful it would be operable, and the plan was to go ahead with six rounds of chemotherapy and a (Whipple?) operation.  

The reality of living on The Isle of Mull meant Rachel’s medical appointments involved a lot of travelling, ferry journeys, hotel stays, early starts and late nights arriving back home.

In January 2021, Rachel began her first round of chemotherapy. She suffered multiple side effects and ended up in hospital with life-threatening sepsis. More rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed as well as a serious bowel infection, a stomach ulcer and another bout of sepsis. 

In August 2022, Rachel started to deteriorate. She passed away on 14th September 2022 with her three children and her sister by her side. She died at her home on the Isle of Mull, a place she loved. 

Debbie Rutherford said: “Mum was the centre of our world. She always made Christmas special for me, my brother and my sister. It is hard to believe that another year is ending without her. She is missed every day but is especially missed at Christmas. 

“Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s new #MISSEDatChristmas campaign provides me and my family with a way to pay tribute to Mum this Christmas.”  

Joe Kirwin, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Our #MISSEDatChristmas campaign offers an opportunity for people to remember their loved ones lost to pancreatic cancer.

“We’ve had special purple hearts made for people to display in their memory, and we’re sending these out to everyone who supports the campaign.  

“In the UK, around 26 people die every day from pancreatic cancer. For just £10, you could help us get patients and their families vital information and support. All the money raised will go towards fighting for earlier diagnosis to help ensure that more people aren’t missed at Christmas.”   

Learn more about Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland’s #MISSEDatChristmas campaign: https://pancreaticcanceraction.org/missedatchristmas/ 

Appeal to trace victims in Edinburgh city centre robbery incident

Police in Edinburgh are investigating a reported robbery which took place in the city centre and are urging two victims of the crime to come forward.

At around 8.20pm last night (Wednesday, 6 December, 2023), a woman witnessed a physical altercation between two male suspects and a man and a woman, described as being an older couple, which took place on South St Andrew Street.

One of the men has assaulted the older man and the suspects have stolen the man’s rucksack during the incident.

A number of witnesses and bystanders are reported to have helped the couple, however the pair have not been traced and no reported incident has come directly to police from the victims.

Officers are reviewing available CCTV in the area and are asking anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mike Campbell from Gayfield CID said: “This incident happened in a busy area at the junction of St Andrew Square and West Register Street, outside a number of restaurants.

“It is imperative we trace the couple involved to ensure their welfare and I would ask them to get in touch with police.

“The suspects are reported to have been aged in their mid to late teens, dressed all in black, and may have left the scene in the area towards Waverley Steps.

“I’d ask anyone who saw what happened, or possibly the suspects leaving the area with a rucksack along Princes St towards Waverley Station, to get in touch.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3450 of 6 December 2023. Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.

Spartans Pop-Up Shop & DJ Event

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER from 5 – 6.30pm at SPARTANS

In September this year, our young people held a successful Art Exhibition at the arts venue Out Of The Blue Drill Hall. At the opening event of CREATE TO ESCAPE, the young people sold prints of their artwork and raised just over £600 for for the charity Turn The Tables DJ, which offers workshops to improve mental health for those affected by homelessness. 

 Following on from the success, there will be an ART POP UP SHOP & DJ evening where some of our young people will be doing a DJ set, demonstrating the fantastic work they have been doing with their Music teacher Hope, here at the Alternative School. There will also be a chance to purchase some of the incredible Artwork by young people.

 Wednesday 13.12.23 5-6:30pm

Spartans at 94 Pilton Drive, upstairs in the Robinson Trust Suite

Please come along and support our young people in their final fundraising effort for this worthwhile charity which they chose to support!

Social Security in an independent Scotland

Plans to deliver a fairer system with more positive outcomes if Scotland becomes an independent country

Independence would give Scotland the opportunity to take a new approach to social security designed to be fairer, more dignified and more respectful according to a new paper published by Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville.

The ninth paper in the Building a New Scotland series – Social Security in an independent Scotland – sets out how the UK Government holds the majority of social security powers including low income and working age benefits. 

It evidences negative impacts of the UK Government’s current welfare policies on poverty levels, outlines the progress the Scottish Government has already made in creating a fairer system with limited powers, and demonstrates how an independent Scotland could go even further.

These include:

  • supporting and protecting everyone who needs financial help and support at any point in their lives
  • introducing early reforms to Universal Credit – removing the bedroom tax, benefit cap, two child limit, ‘rape clause’ and young parent penalty which have all been introduced by the UK Government
  • working alongside wider labour market, health and social policies to create a stronger and more dynamic economy like comparable European countries
  • stopping the rollout of changes to the delivery of reserved ill-health and disability benefits introduced as a result of the UK Government’s Health and Disability White Paper
  • moving towards a new system grounded in adequacy, such as a Minimum Income Guarantee, to ensure that everyone could have a decent level of income and live with dignity

Ms Somerville said: “With independence, we believe Scotland can do better. With limited powers, the Scottish Government has already demonstrated that things can be done differently with an approach to social security that treats people with dignity, fairness and respect.

“An estimated 90,000 fewer children are expected to live in relative and absolute poverty this year as a result of actions we have taken.

“With the powers of an independent nation, Scotland could do more to make our system fairer and move away from the UK Government’s system of benefit freezes, caps and punishment.  We could move away from the UK Government’s system that offers inadequate levels of financial support and is pushing people into poverty.

“The best-performing independent countries comparable to Scotland demonstrate that a strong social safety net is a foundation of a dynamic, innovative and productive economy, rather than a barrier to it.

“We can become a stronger, fairer and more prosperous country – this government believes that independence is the best route to getting there.”

Shapps visits Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories to ‘explore options to boost humanitarian aid’

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will push for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Palestinians faster – including by sea directly into Gaza – when he visits the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel this week.

The trip will see him discuss options with leaders to provide civilians in Gaza with more aid and how the UK can support the Palestinian Authority, as well as efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

He will also discuss progress in recovering hostages – including a number of Britons – who were taken by Hamas terrorists during the 7 October attacks.

With Palestinian civilians experiencing a growing humanitarian crisis, the Defence Secretary will address options for providing Gaza with more medical and humanitarian aid, including potential routes via land, sea, and air. To date, four RAF flights carrying over 74 tonnes of aid have landed in Egypt with aid bound for Palestinians.  

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: ”My visit this week is an important opportunity to discuss efforts to accelerate the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance into Gaza and efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages.

We are working to find the best way to get aid and support to those in desperate need in the quickest and most direct route. That includes options by land, sea and air.

We have deployed an extra 1,000 military personnel in the Middle East and our forces are there to support the humanitarian aid effort and help in stabilising the area.

“The events of 7 October horrified the world and I personally want to offer my support and condolences to Israel and its people.

“We fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, but it is important their fight against Hamas terrorists remains within international law.”

In the OPTs, the Defence Secretary is expected to meet the Interior Minister of the Palestinian Authority, General Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, to address the urgent need for measures to improve security for Palestinians in the West Bank.  

In Tel Aviv, the Defence Secretary will meet Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to address the current security situation and Israel’s next steps.The UK has made clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against terror, restore its security and bring the hostages home, but it must abide by international humanitarian law and take all possible measures to protect civilians.    

Since Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October 2023, the UK has increased its military presence in the region in order to support contingency planning, monitor the evolving situation, and to be ready to react and respond to regional threats. 

This included the deployment of a Royal Navy task group to the eastern Mediterranean, including RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus, three Merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines.

In support of the ongoing hostage rescue activity, the UK Ministry of Defence is also conducting unarmed surveillance flights over the eastern Mediterranean, including operating in airspace over Israel and Gaza.

In total, the UK has deployed an additional 1,000 personnel to the Middle East, bringing the total number of Armed Forces personnel deployed to the region to around 2,500 – including those deployed for counter-Daesh operations, training, and maritime security. 

Last week, the Defence Secretary also announced that HMS Diamond is deploying east of Suez to join HMS Lancaster on Operation Kipion, the UK’s longstanding maritime presence in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, following increasing concerns about the security of important maritime trade routes.  

On Wednesday, the Defence Secretary also travelled to the Republic of Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. During this visit, he met with the Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos and discussed the importance of humanitarian support for Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and shared security interests.

Warm Welcome: Scotland embraces India’s brightest minds with open arms

 The Consul General of India in Edinburgh, Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, has hosted a warm welcome event for new Indian students arriving in Scotland to pursue their academic aspirations (writes PRIYA CHADDA). 

Held on November 24, 2023, the event brought together prominent guests and  members of the Indian community to celebrate the achievements of these students and  welcome them to their new home away from home. 

Cllr Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, extended a warm welcome to the  students on behalf of the city, highlighting Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant culture, and  welcoming atmosphere. The Lord Provost warmly greeted each student and engaged in  meaningful conversations, exemplifying Edinburgh’s commitment to embracing its  diverse student population. 

Dr. Sreevas Sahasranamam, Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, shared  his insights into the Scottish academic landscape and offered valuable advice to the  Indian students, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between personal,  academic, and professional well-being. His insights provided a roadmap for success,  both academically and personally. 

Gopalan Rajagopal, Head of TCS Scotland, offered insights into the growing  opportunities in the Scottish technology sector and emphasized the significance of AI in  shaping sustainable career paths. His perspective highlighted the dynamic and  promising nature of the Scottish tech industry and the relevance of AI in the current job  market. 

An INSA student leader from Edinburgh shared his personal experiences and  highlighted how INSA’s support has positively impacted his journey as a student in  Scotland. His firsthand account demonstrated the tangible impact of INSA’s efforts in  fostering a supportive environment for Indian students.

Enhancing the engagement of students and attendees, INSA organized a lively quiz  testing their knowledge of Indian culture and Scottish traditions. The quiz not only added  a touch of fun but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the Indian students,  creating a sense of belonging and shared identity. 

INSA honored the remarkable contributions of Prof. Pankaj Pankaj, Personal Chair of  Computational Biomechanics and International Dean for South Asia, with a prestigious 

Lifetime Achievement Award. Prof. Pankaj’s unwavering dedication to education and his  unwavering support for Indian students have had a profound impact on countless  individuals, making him a true inspiration to the Indian student community. 

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India had an amazing speech thereafter. Her  speech highlighted compelling data reinforcing the strong cultural ties between the UK  and India, emphasizing how this enduring relationship contributes to the growth of the  UK economy. Her insights underscored the mutual benefits of cultural exchange and  collaboration between the two nations. 

Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, Consul General of India message to students focuses on reminding them of  India’s rich academic heritage, he expressed his unwavering confidence in their ability  to excel in their studies. His words of encouragement and support resonated with the  students, instilling a sense of pride in their academic heritage and fueling their  determination to succeed. 

Puneet Dwivedi, INSA Scotland President, aware everyone with the initiatives INSA is  working on tirelessly for the welfare of Indian students, and welcomed the students to  INSA’s current leadership team representing various Scottish universities and  encouraged them to join the organization as volunteers, contributing to the well-being of  fellow Indian students. His invitation highlighted the importance of peer support and the  role of INSA in fostering a sense of community among Indian students. 

INSA extends a heartfelt gratitude to the exemplary students – Priya Chadha from  Dundee University, Jayanth and Ninad from Edinburgh, and Jaimin Desai from Glasgow  University – along with a multitude of other dedicated volunteers who have selflessly  invested their time and effort in supporting Indian students transitioning from India to  Scotland. Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in guiding and assisting  countless students, making their journey to Scotland smoother and more enriching. 

INSA also expresses its deepest appreciation to the Consul General staff including  Shobna and Hari for their meticulous planning and execution of this warm welcome  event. Their unwavering dedication created a truly memorable experience for all  attendees, exemplifying the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity that Scotland extends to  its international students. 

The event concluded with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for the new  Indian students to connect with their peers, representatives from Indian organizations,  and other members of the Scottish community. The delectable snacks provided during the reception were an added touch that perfectly complemented the warm and  welcoming atmosphere. 

INSA (Indian National Students Association) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare  and advancement of Indian students in Scotland.

INSA provides a platform for Indian students  to connect, socialize, and engage with the wider community, fostering a sense of belonging and  support.