POLICE Scotland’s annual motorcycle safety campaign urges drivers to look out for motorcyclists as riders take to the road this summer.
The campaign runs from March to September, covering a period that sees the highest number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured.
Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users and are disproportionately represented in the number of people killed on Scotland’s roads.
In 2023/24, there were 151 road deaths and 27 were motorcyclists. Motorcyclists make up around one per cent of all road users yet account for 14 per cent of deaths.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “We all have a responsibility to keep Scotland’s roads safe and motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users.
“We know that most collisions involving a motorcyclist happen between March and September. You are more likely to see a motorcyclist on the road during this time and my message is look out for them, particularly at junctions and in rural areas.
“Failing to look properly or losing control can happen in a split second. Take responsibility and take care of each other on the road.”
Engagement and enforcement activity will take place throughout the spring and summer months using both marked and unmarked police vehicles.
Police Scotland officers, including those from the national motorcycle unit, will be carrying out intelligence led patrols to engage with all drivers and riders.
A man has been jailed for a catalogue of sexual offences committed against four women in East Lothian and Edinburgh.
Gary Yuill, 45, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday after previously been found guilty by a jury of 21 offences, which included nine counts of rape.
The offences were committed against four women in Haddington, Dunbar, Wallyford, and Edinburgh between 2004 and 2021.
Police first began investigating Yuill following a report of rape which was received from a woman in May 2021. This subsequently led to other victims being identified and the scale of Yuill’s offending revealed. He was arrested and charged in June 2021.
Detective Inspector Laura White said: “Yuill subjected these women to horrific crimes and I would like to thank them for their cooperation as our investigations were ongoing. Hopefully today’s verdict will allow them to move on from this part of their lives.
“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence to come forward and report it to us, regardless of the passage of time. We, alongside partner agencies, will support you through the process, investigate thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.”
On 18 March, the TUC wrote to Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch in response to the news that the UK continues to be in active trade talks with Israel (writes TUC’s Rosa Crawford).
The government concluded the latest round at the end of February.
The TUC believes trade negotiations must be used to ensure respect for human rights and international law.
Since the UK launched trade talks on an updated trade agreement with Israel in March 2022, the TUC has consistently stated it does not believe the government should engage in these negotiations, given Israel’s persistent violation of international law, UN resolutions and systematic violations of Palestinian labour and human rights.
In light of the Israeli government’s military operations in Gaza in recent months where these violations have intensified, our letter calls for the government to:
end trade talks with Israel
end arms sales and military collaboration
end the UK’s trade in goods from the Occupied Palestinian Territories
On 26 January the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found it ‘plausible’ that Israel’s acts could amount to genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and issued binding provisional measures.
The UK government has an obligation as a party to the Genocide Convention to take measures to prevent genocide. It is therefore incumbent on the government to ensure Israel acts in accordance with the ICJ ruling.
Our letter follows the TUC’s General Council statement unequivocally condemning the shocking attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas, calling for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages unharmed, and calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.
In February the TUC wrote to the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron calling for an immediate ceasefire accompanied by a political process. It expressed disappointment the UK government had so far failed to support such a ceasefire.
The TUC calls on the government to support genuine efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that is consistent with international law, and is based on a two-state solution, which promotes equality, democracy and respect for human and labour rights.
A sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and other rare surviving items of Georgian clothing are among almost 100 works from the Royal Collection are now on show as part of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians.
It is the first exhibition to open at The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery, following an 18-month closure for essential maintenance work.
Throughout the exhibition, the fashions recorded in portraiture are used as a lens to explore the many social, political and technological changes that characterised Georgian Britain. Paintings, prints and drawings by artists including Gainsborough, Zoffany and Hogarth are accompanied by a selection of clothing and accessories to tell the story of fashionable dress from George I’s accession in 1714 to the death of George IV in 1830.
Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians takes a closer look at George IV’s 1822 visit to Scotland, the first by a reigning monarch in almost 200 years.
Visitors will see the set of accoutrements specially supplied to the King for the visit by George Hunter & Co, purveyors of Highland dress based on Princes Street in Edinburgh, including an ornate broadsword, made of blued steel inlaid with gold and decorated with Scottish emblems, a belt and a dirk.
Also on display is a full-length portrait of George IV by Fife-born artist Sir David Wilkie, showing the monarch in Royal Stewart tartan and wearing the accoutrements.
The growing textile industries presented artists with fresh challenges as they strived to depict the latest fabrics. A rarely displayed, full-length portrait byThomas Gainsborough of Queen Charlotte is paired with an embellished Indian muslin sacque gown on loan from Historic Royal Palaces, a close match in shape and style to the delicate white dress that glitters with silk netting and tasselled bunches of gold lace in Gainsborough’s painting.
An essential fabric for centuries in Britain, linen was used in a variety of ways in items from washable undergarments to delicate lace, and even shoes, as demonstrated by a pair of baby shoes which belonged to Princess Charlotte, George IV’s only child.
The age of Enlightenment saw ideas about childhood evolve, and this materialised in childrenswear becoming more comfortable and practical. Benjamin West’s portrait of three-year-old Prince Octavius, the 13th child of George III and Queen Charlotte, shows him wearing a skeleton suit – a new style of children’s dress inspired by the functional clothing of working-class sailors. With a toy horse on the floor behind him as he carries his father’s cavalry sword, displayed nearby, it is as if the young prince is pretending to be a hardworking king.
Clothes and undergarments such as bonnets and stays were used to teach children good posture or provide protection. An embroideredbonnet thought to have been worn by Princess Charlotte is on display for the first time after being bequeathed to the Royal Collection in 2022 by a descendant of the then young Princess of Wales’s Preceptress (teacher), Miss Mary Hunt.
All four Georgian monarchs took great interest in military clothing, and the 18th century saw a proliferation of uniform styles.
A preliminary work by Sir Joshua Reynolds of Lord Eglinton, a respected military leader and patron of Robert Burns, demonstrates the finesse of 18th-century portraiture, with headdress feathers appearing to flutter in the Highland breeze.
A deep blue uniform jacket designed by George IV and captured in the monarch’s portrait by Sir William Beechey shows first-hand the richness of military dress.
Georgian jewellery was often highly personal, and much like clothing, was regularly repurposed – even by the royal family. Pearl-adorned buttons from a dress coat belonging to George III were reused to create an eye-catching necklace for the Duchess of Clarence, later Queen Adelaide, shown alongside items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection.
Anna Reynolds, curator of Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians, said: ‘The 18th century was an incredibly innovative period, and the Georgians were responsible for ushering in many of the cultural trends we recognise today.
“From the rising influence of practical working-class dress to the practice of recycling and reusing fabric wherever possible, fashion from this period tells a broader story about what was happening in society.
“It is fascinating just how much we can learn from the paintings, clothing, and accessories on display. And, thanks to our new scheme of £1 tickets, we are looking forward to sharing it with as many people as possible.’
Following a successful run in London, Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians at The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse is the first Royal Collection Trust exhibition to offer £1 tickets to visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.
The King’s Gallery will also continue to offer concessionary rates, including reduced tickets for Young People, and the option to convert standard tickets bought directly from Royal Collection Trust into a 1-Year Pass, allowing free re-entry for 12 months.
An accompanying programme of events at The King’s Gallery includes:
Style Natters: Free short talks for visitors will be held weekly on Thursdays at 11:00, each taking an in-depth look at a work of art in the exhibition.
Powder and Pomade: Exhibition curator Anna Reynolds will give a lunchtime lecture on Friday, 3 May on 18th-century wigs and hairstyles, an essential aspect of Georgian style.
Dressing Children in the 18th Century: Assistant Curator Lucy Peter will give a lunchtime lecture on Friday, 21 June exploring new ideas around childhood in the Georgian period, including attitudes towards education and the importance of playing outside.
Recycled Fashion: Family Workshop: The King’s Gallery’s Learning team will hold a fun family workshop on Saturday, 10 August exploring embroidery and other fashions in Georgian Britain. Children will have the chance to create a cape inspired by the exhibition, using recycled paper materials.
UNISON Scotland has called for a above-inflation pay increase for local government workers as it submitted its 2024/25 joint pay claim.
The unions – UNISON and Unite – submitted the claim earlier this year, although COSLA leaders are unlikely to respond before their budget allocations are finalised. UNISON has made it clear we want a deal agreed as close to the April 1, 2024 implementation date as possible.
Local government workers are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and UNISON has warned there is a real risk that workers will find better-paid, less-stressful work elsewhere if their pay continues to lose its value.
UNISON says that an above-inflation pay increase is the only way to maintain the staff levels necessary to deliver services to the public, looking after the most vulnerable, giving children the education they need and keeping neighbourhoods safe.
The key elements of UNISON’s claim are:
A one-year settlement that runs for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
For those on the lowest pay – an above-inflation increase in line with the aspiration, agreed with UNISON in November 2023, to achieve implementation of a minimum rate of pay for all local government workers of £15 per hour by 1 April 26.
An increase of 7% to all spinal column points (or an increase of £1.60 to the hourly rate whichever is greater) and related allowances.
Urgent progress to be made on how we achieve a no detriment reduction in the working week to enable members to achieve a better work-life balance.
A review of the scope and level of the Distant Islands Allowance.
No less than parity with other local government bargaining groups.
Lilian Macer, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary, said: “An above-inflation wage rise is the only way to maintain the staff levels necessary to deliver services to the public. Unless councils and schools can pay competitive rates, employees will find better-paid, less-stressful work elsewhere and new recruits will be thin on the ground.
“Our members tell us how every day how they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and how they are struggling to make ends meet. Local government workers must be properly rewarded for the vital services they provide.
UNISON have signed a joint letter with Cosla and other unions to the Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison MSP, saying it is clear to both employers and unions “that funding levels for councils have not kept pace with increased demand for services.”
They say “Local Government is facing a cut in real terms to both core revenue and capital budgets. As a proportion of funding allocated to the Scottish Budget, the percentage for local government has declined.”
And that “this is impacted by both the growing need of services due to demographic pressures and the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
It is in everyone’s interest to achieve a sustainable settlement on pay at the earliest opportunity.
The letter states: “Scottish Local Government settlements must be sustainable alongside the significant budget challenges facing councils and it is vital that the approach to our workforce is fair, acknowledging the essential front-line services that are delivered every day.”
Up to £2.23 million funding is being made available to third sector organisations providing counselling, peer support and practical support to adult survivors of childhood abuse.
Support groups can now apply for the latest round of grants from the Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) Fund which will be made available from October 2024 to March 2026 and will enable groups to enhance or expand their current services.
Since it was set up in 2020, the SOCAS fund has seen more than 16,000 survivors supported by 29 organisations.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want all survivors to be provided with services which allow them to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
“This latest round of funding, up to £2.23 million per annum, builds on almost £10 million invested since establishing the Fund in 2020, and is designed to reduce the impact of the inequalities and disadvantages survivors often experience as a result of abuse.
“Our recently published Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan outlines the importance of survivors having access to services which promote sustained recovery through person-centred, trauma-informed support and treatment – this funding will enable more people to get the help which is right for them.”
Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Kaylie Allen said: “The Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support fund provides vital help for survivors to enjoy a safe and healthy life with improved wellbeing and sense of safety.
“Helping people affected by trauma is at the heart of the Inspiring Scotland strategy so we welcome the continuation of the Scottish Government’s funding and look forward to supporting applicants through the application process.”
Boost for millions of motorists as 5p cut to fuel duty for petrol and diesel comes into effect.
Car drivers to save around £50 this year and £250 since the 5p cut was introduced – a £13 billion tax cut for motorists
Follows further tax cuts for working people announced at Spring Budget, rewarding work, boosting growth and helping families with the cost of living.
Millions of drivers across the UK will continue to be supported at the pumps from today (Saturday 23 March) as the extension to the temporary 5p fuel duty cut for petrol and diesel comes into effect – putting yet more money in people’s pockets.
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the 12-month extension at the Spring Budget, as well as cancelling the planned inflation increase for 2024/25, saving car drivers around £50 this year and £250 since the 5p cut was introduced – a £13 billion tax cut for motorists overall over three years.
The temporary cut was first introduced in March 2022 to combat high fuel prices after global supply chain issues following the pandemic, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Today’s extension takes effect as the government continues to support motorists with rising costs.
Taken with recent cuts to National Insurance Contributions – to the tune of around £1800 per household – this is putting even more money in people’s pockets. This is only possible because the government stuck to its plan to boost the economy. The economy has now turned a corner and 2024 is set to be the year that Britain bounces back.
In the past year, inflation has more than halved; the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought; and debt is on track to fall. The government is sticking to the plan to deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain.
Chancellor for the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said:“Cutting people’s tax bill, while protecting our public services, is a priority.
“We’re already saving drivers £50 a year and the average earner £900 a year – and if we stick to our plan, we will go even further, rewarding work and growing our economy.”
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said:“We will always stand by UK drivers and today’s fuel duty cut is just one of the ways we are keeping costs down for families.
“Our plans for a new Pumpwatch will make sure motorists are getting a fair price at the pump.”
To mark the extension coming into effect, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury Nigel Huddleston visited an Asda petrol station in Worcestershire where he met staff and saw the supermarket chain’s more fuel-efficient fleet of vans.
Financial Secretary to the Treasury Nigel Huddleston said:“The last few years have been tough but we’re making real progress – which is why we are able to continue to support motorists for another 12 months.
“By cutting taxes for working families and sticking to the plan, we can keep building a stronger economy and a brighter future where hard work is rewarded”.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:“The Government’s decision to extend the 5p duty cut is certainly a help to cash-strapped drivers, particularly as this week wholesale fuel prices have risen on the back of a higher oil price.
“With the creation of Pumpwatch and a price monitoring body on the horizon, there should soon be more pressure than ever on retailers to price fuel fairly, which will ensure it is only drivers who benefit from the duty cut.”
The government’s support on fuel duty is already available for longer than in many countries including Germany, France, and the Netherlands. A large proportion of countries which lowered fuel duty rates after the energy crisis have now ended their support.
The existing duty rates on road fuel gases, which are lower than the equivalent rates on diesel, will also continue to 2032, giving the haulage industry greater certainty over future tax rates and supports the decarbonisation of the UK transport sector.
Today’s extension to the 5p cut follows more tax cuts for working people announced at the Spring Budget, putting over £900 a year back into the average worker’s pocket thanks to changes at Autumn Statement and a second Employee National Insurance tax cut from 10% to 8% in April. The Chancellor has also committed to abolishing National Insurance altogether – end the unfairness of a double tax on work.
Meanwhile pubs, breweries and distilleries will benefit from a further freeze to alcohol duty until February 2025 – which will also save consumers money on their favourite tipple. The six-month alcohol duty freeze announced at Autumn Statement will be extended until 1 February 2025, benefitting 38,000 pubs across the UK, while reducing inflation this year.
Today’s news follows the government’s ongoing work to make sure drivers are getting a fair price at the pump by improving competition in the road fuel market.
Proposals for a new Pumpwatch scheme announced earlier this year will see the UK’s 41.2 million drivers get the latest petrol station prices at the click of a button, transforming how the UK shops for its fuel.
Under the plans, all fuel stations would be legally required to share live information on their pump prices within 30 minutes of any change in price subject to the outcome of the government’s consultation.
This freely available data will enable tech companies to develop new ways for drivers to search for the cheapest fuel while on-the-go and access to this price comparison technology could see drivers save 3p per litre on fuel, while also helping to drive down prices by reigniting competition.
POLICE have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist them with their ongoing investigation into an incident in Davidson’s Mains.
The incident happened around 4.20pm on Tuesday, 17 October, 2023, in Davidson’s Mains Park, East Barnton Gardens, and involved a 9-year-old boy.
Police would like to speak to the man in the images who they believe might be able to assist with their enquiry.
He is described as white, aged 18 to 25-years, medium build with short blonde/light brown hair.
He was wearing a black hooded top, black sports shorts with white stripes down the side, black and white trainers and was carrying a can of red bull in his hand.
Detective Inspector Arthur McEwan said: “I am asking anyone who can identify the man in the image or who has information regarding this investigation to contact us.”
Anyone who can help should call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2643, of Tuesday, 17 October, 2023. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Community assets including pubs, music venues and sports clubs saved from closure thanks to a major £33.5million package announced by the Government
More than 80 community assets including pubs, iconic music venues and sports clubs have been saved from closure thanks to a major £33.5million package announced by the Government today – and among the recipients is Edinburgh’s Filmhouse Cinema.
This investment from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Community Ownership Fund – the highest amount ever announced from the pot – will ensure these beloved establishments are protected, ensuring they will be around for generations to come.
This funding will maintain more community spaces for people to enjoy, helping to bolster local economies as well as contributing to the government’s wider mission to grow the economy.
Nineteen sports facilities are being given a lifeline in this round, with £6.7million keeping football clubs and swimming pools afloat so that local people can continue to keep fit and healthy.
That includes £300,000 to reopen the Mirion Street Centre in Crewe, which burned down in a devastating fire in 2014. The funding will allow a local boxing club to redevelop the building so they can move into it, offering fantastic new opportunities to local people and allowing the group to move out of the run-down warehouse they currently use.
Two cinemas will also now be kept open, including the Edinburgh Filmhouse which opened in 1979 but became run down over time and had to close in 2022. It will now receive £1.5million so that it can open its doors again, and the newly refurbished venue will screen the best new films from across the globe.
Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker gives her reaction to the UK Government committing £1.5m to Filmhouse Edinburgh Ltd as part of their Community Ownership Levelling Up Fund.
Following the collapse of Edinburgh Filmhouse’s parent charity, the Centre for Moving Image (CMI), in October 2022, the Council has been working closely with key stakeholders to secure a future for cultural cinema in the Capital.
“Alongside the wider stakeholder group, we look forward to our continued dialogue and working alongside the Filmhouse. We’re committed to having a home for cultural cinema in the heart of the city and for the wider sector going forward. Edinburgh is rightly one of the world’s the great cultural cities and cultural cinema is an integral part of this landscape.”
Nine pubs have also been given almost £3million to keep them open so that they can keep pulling pints, including the Shrewsbury Arms in Kingstone, which has been in need of vital investment to keep it running. Now, with £178,000 from the Fund, the roof can be replaced and the pub can once again become the centre of community life.
A further £1.9million will be spent on keeping four music venues open so that local people have access to live music on their doorstep. That includes £250,000 for Le Pub in Newport, which has sat proudly at the centre of the city’s music scene for 28 years. The venue hosts over 300 events a year but has been at risk of being sold, and this funding will ensure that it is protected for future generations to enjoy.
This is the third round of the Community Ownership Fund, bringing the total spending from the pot to more than £103 million with 333 projects rescued so far as part of the government’s ongoing mission to level up towns, villages and cities across the UK.
Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said: “We know how much these vital community assets mean to people across the country. They are an important lifeline for people young and old, and they’re the beating heart of our towns, cities and villages.
“That’s why we’re stepping in to protect them with a major rescue package, so we stop these great establishments closing or being lost forever and ensure that they continue to sit at the heart of our beloved communities.”
In total this latest announcement of funding also includes:
33 community centres receiving £12.7million, so that they can continue to serve their communities;
Three theatres receiving £1.5million so they can keep putting on exciting local events;
Five community shops receiving £1.38 million to protect our high streets;
Nineteen sports facilities being given £6.7million so people have a place to play sport and exercise;
Nine pubs being given almost £3million so they can keep their doors open.
Other projects previously saved include rugby union club Blackheath FC in London – the oldest independent rugby club – which was given £725,000 in the second round of the Fund. This will allow them to buy their ground and facilities for the first time in their 165-year history.
James Fleming, chairman of Blackheath Football Club, said: “The purchase will secure the ownership of the ground in perpetuity for the community of Blackheath Football and for future generations.
“It is a momentous moment in the history of the Club and for the local community.”
Back on the Map in Sunderland were also given £168,000 in the second round to give residents the chance to create work on their local high street.
Jo Cooper, CEO of Back on the Map, said: “We believe this project and the wider high street revolution work will put Villette Road back on the map. Without COF funding these units would never have been brought back into use.
“The funds have been vital and the project will be transformational for our community, creating jobs and stimulating footfall on a neglected high street.”
Scottish projects in this round will be supported with £3.8million of funding, with a further £2.8million for Northern Ireland and £3.1million for Wales.
So far, the Community Ownership Fund has awarded a total £17million for 47 projects in Scotland; £8.1million for 31 projects in Northern Ireland and over £7million for 24 projects in Wales.
Since Round 1 of the Fund, Ministers have funded all bids which have passed the criteria for successful applications. This approach allows the Department to fund the maximum number of projects. In future windows ministers may choose to prioritise funding to underrepresented areas to help even out any regional imbalances.
The Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young visited two Community Ownership Fund projects in Cumbria to mark the launch.
The Minister visited Cooke’s Studios in Barrow-on-Furness which has been awarded £910,000 from the Fund today (23 March).
The Minister heard how this investment will be used to carry out essential renovations so that it can become Barrow’s flagship community-led arts centre, which will deliver a range of community services like art exhibitions and a community cinema.
Signal Film and Media Co-Director Kerry Kolbe said: “We’re thrilled to have secured such a substantial investment to our project in Barrow, to fund this exciting and long-hoped-for transformation of our community building.
“Having a whole new ground floor entrance, reception and cafe alongside new and improved exhibition, training and workshop spaces will make Cooke’s Studios accessible to so many more people as well as making an even bigger difference to the thousands of residents who already use Cooke’s Studios each year.
“The new facilities will make our business model sustainable long-term and support the growth of an even stronger creative and heritage offer that we hope Barrow can be proud of.
“We’re very grateful to the Department of Levelling Up for their funding and can’t wait to get started!”
The Minister also visited the Roxy Cinema in Ulverston on Thursday, where he saw how £300,000 funding announced in an earlier round of the Fund is being used to renovate and restore the historic building.
The funding is preserving it for future generations and making it more accessible to the local community. He also met with the Roxy Collective, the local group responsible for the building.
The next round of the Community Ownership Fund, Round 4, is the final round. There will be two bidding windows in Round 4 to allocate remaining funding. The next bidding window, Round 4 Window 1, will open on 25 March 2024 and close on 10 April 2024.
