Month: June 2024

Exonerations for wrongly convicted sub-postmasters

Post Office Horizon law comes into force

Sub-postmasters in Scotland who were wrongly convicted as a result of the Post Office Horizon scandal will be automatically exonerated today.

The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Act received Royal Assent yesterday (13 June 2024) and comes into force today (Friday 14 June).

The legislation was passed in the Scottish Parliament on 30 May 2024 to deliver justice to victims as swiftly as possible and enable them to access the UK Government financial redress scheme.

Working with the Crown Office, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission and the Post Office, the Scottish Government will notify those affected and ensure police and court records are amended. There is also a route for victims to bring their cases to the attention of Ministers.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has written an open letter to sub-postmasters setting out next steps.

The Justice Secretary said: “This legislation automatically exonerates sub-postmasters who were convicted of crimes of dishonesty that they did not commit due to the Post Office’s faulty Horizon IT system, meaning they are eligible to access the redress scheme.

“Of course, no amount of compensation can fully mend the lives that were torn apart by this miscarriage of justice. I do hope, however, that this legislation goes some way to righting the terrible wrongs of the past.

“I will be writing to those affected to tell them their convictions have been quashed and ensuring court records are changed, so the victims of this scandal can have their good names restored as quickly as possible. They have already waited too long for justice.”

The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Act automatically exonerates convicted sub-postmasters where the following criteria are met:

  • the conviction was for embezzlement, fraud, theft, uttering or an ancillary offence committed between 23 September 1996 and 31 December 2018
  • the person was carrying on a Post Office business, or working in a Post Office for the purpose of a Post Office business
  • the conviction was in connection with carrying on, or working for the purpose of the Post Office business
  • the Horizon system was being used for the purposes of the Post Office business in the relevant Post Office

Those who meet the criteria and whose appeals were refused in the High Court will also be exonerated.

Post Office Horizon scandal: Justice Secretary’s open letter to postmasters

Sub-postmasters can make the Scottish Government aware of any convictions by emailing PostOfficeConvictions@gov.scot or by writing to:

Post Office Convictions

Room GW14

Saint Andrew’s House

1 Regent Road

Edinburgh

EH1 3DG

Appeal for witnesses following serious crash on the A701 Liberton Road

Road policing officers are appealing for information following a serious crash on the A701 Liberton Road in Edinburgh.

The crash, involving a black Honda CBR 650 motorbike and a blue Skoda Octavia, happened around 12.35pm on Wednesday afternoon (12 June, 2024).

Emergency services attended and the 29-year-old male rider of the motorbike was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The driver and passenger of the car were not injured.

Two pedestrians, a 59-year-old woman and a 61-year-old man who were injured as a result of the incident were also taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The road was closed to allow for investigations to be carried out and re-opened around 6.30pm.

Sergeant Birrell said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone who has any information to contact us.

“I would particularly appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who witnessed the crash or who has dash cam footage which may assist to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1568 of 12 June, 2024.

Times Radio wants to hear from Edinburgh and the Lothians today

  • The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio announces 2024 election marketing plans 
  • Times Radio is hitting the road with an Election Bus tour 
  • The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio launch “From Westminster to your World” marketing campaign 

As the British General Election on July 4th approaches, Times Radio is excited to announce the launch of the Times Radio Election Bus tour. 

Broadcasting live from a studio within the giant branded tour bus, Times Radio will travel across the country to listen to the voices of local communities and highlight the political issues that matter most to them. 

Starting its journey travelling from Dover to London, the bus will visit key battlegrounds and politically significant areas up until polling day, including Glasgow, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Birmingham, and more.

At each location, Times Radio will provide real-time updates, expert analysis, lively debates, and must-hear interviews, ensuring listeners are fully informed on every twist and turn of the election campaign. 

Along the way, the British public will be able to record messages for the next Prime Minister against a realistic No.10 Downing Street backdrop. Messages will then be incorporated into Times Radio’s programmes. 

Tim Levell, Programme Director of Times Radio, said; “The General Election is the one moment when power flows to every individual person across the United Kingdom.

“We are delighted that the Times Radio Election Bus, complete with its state-of-the-art on-board radio studio, will be visiting communities right across the country, to hear the concerns and opinions of the voters who will decide our next government.”

The tour bus was supplied by Empire RV, the design, advertising and activation was created by The Tenth Man and produced by Extreme Productions. 

Gethin Evans, UK Managing Director, The Tenth Man, added: “It’s been pretty exciting working with the team at one the worlds best known media brands as our founding client for the London office.

“It’s not very often you get the chance to help brands that are almost 250 years old – and we are delighted to help them promote Times Radio across the UK in a pivotal political period for the country.

“We’re taking current affairs on the road, without the boring bits.” 

Coinciding with the launch of the tour, The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio have today also unveiled a new election marketing campaign. Created by News UK’s dedicated agency, Pulse Creative, the integrated campaign, “From Westminster to your World,” illustrates how these brands help customers better understand the real-life impact of the election on the issues that matter to them. 

The striking hero social films feature British political icons – the red budget box, green Commons bench, Big Ben, and the door to Number 10 – in relatable scenarios, symbolising that Times journalism brings everyday context to Westminster politics.

These films are supported by a series of insightful social videos, created in partnership with The Times, The Sunday Times, and Times Radio’s editorial teams, that take a closer look at the key political issues set to shape the 2024 election. 

Louise Agran, Marketing Director of Times Media, said; “This campaign demonstrates what sets The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio apart – insightful journalism that helps our subscribers and listeners understand the consequences of the election, and politics more broadly, so that they can make the right decisions for themselves and their families.” 

Russell Ramsey, ECD of Pulse Creative London, said: “There’s a lot of negativity about Westminster party politics at the moment, so we wanted to tell a more relatable story about the election.

“This campaign highlights the real value of The Times by focusing on what truly matters in an election – the lives of the voters.” 

Social media will be an important battleground for this election, so ‘From Westminster to Your World’ is designed to be social-native.

The campaign leverages a diverse array of social formats across various platforms, delivering multiple touchpoints with politically engaged audiences, ensuring The Times is active wherever opinions are shaped and debated. 

The details for Edinburgh are:

Times Radio Election Bus x Edinburgh and the Lothians

Date: Friday 14th June

Time: 6am – 5pm

Location: Register Square, Edinburgh (next to Starbucks at St James Quarter entrance)

Topics to be discussed include:

  • The investigations into SNP finances and its impact on SNP performance in the capital
  • Labour’s potential gains in the city
  • Scotland’s first game at the Euros

Edinburgh Gunner laid to rest more than 100 years after his death

TWO WORLD WAR ONE SOLDIERS BURIED IN FRANCE

Two soldiers, whose remains were found in a cave, have been laid to rest with full military honours more than a century after their deaths. One of them is from Edinburgh.

The service for Serjeant (Sjt) John Smith, of Gloucestershire, and Gunner (Gnr) Charles Lightfoot, of Edinburgh, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’. 

It was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Vendresse British Cemetery, France yesterday (13 June 2024). 

Bearer Party led by Battery Sergeant Major P. Kinsey (Crown Copyright)

In 2015, French archaeologists working in caves near Chassemy noted an inscription on the cave wall:  

15 Sept 1914 

Here lies Sjt Smith and 3 Gnrs 

29th Battery RFA

Despite the reference to four casualties, excavations revealed just two sets of remains. Research, genealogy and DNA testing have now found those remains to be Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot.  

Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot were professional soldiers in the 29th Battery Royal Field Artillery. They arrived in Rouen just days after war broke out in 1914. Their unit worked their way east towards Belgium, and then south towards the Aisne and by mid-September they were fighting around the Aisne area. 

On 13 September the troops marched from Cerseuil and halted at about 8.30am just north of Braine. German shells were bursting on the road, but they continued to Brenelle, and halted at midday until 5.30pm.

They stayed the night of September 13 to 14 in Brenelle and were then brought into action just north of the Chassemy to Brenelle Road. The Battery was heavily shelled and afterwards moved position. At dusk the Brigade moved to the east of the Braine to Brenelle Road. 

The war diaries make no reference to casualties during these dates, but other records show the 29th Battery lost four men between 13 and 14 September. Evidence shows that a gun position was hit by a shell on 13 September, and this killed at least two.

The men known to have been killed by the shell were Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot, whilst the other two men who died that day were Gnr Adams and Gnr Blyth.

By the end of the war their burial place was unknown, and all four were listed on the memorial to the missing at La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre. Whilst Smith and Lightfoot have now been identified unfortunately Gunners Blyth and Adams remain missing. 

Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective said: “It has been a privilege to work on this case, and to be able to give these men the dignified burial they deserve, whilst offering closure to their family members.

“I am grateful to Sjt Smith’s cousin and Gnr Lightfoot’s great-nephew for offering their DNA to allow us to identify these men, and for the input other members of the families have offered to create a truly special service for them today.

“Whilst Gnrs Adams and Blyth remain unfound, we have also been able to remember them today, and acknowledge their sacrifice alongside that of their comrades.”

The military party and families of Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot at the graveside (Crown Copyright)

Reverend Roger Grafton, Chaplain to 14th Regiment Royal Artillery said: “I am so excited to have been asked to take part in this ceremony at Vendresse.

“Last year I was asked to be involved in the burial of an unknown soldier at the Guard’s Cemetery in Lesboeufs, so to be invited to take part again so quickly after that is a real honour.

“I have served with the Royal Artillery for the last 10 years as a chaplain, and one of the Gunners’ straplines is “once a Gunner, always a Gunner. To be able to lay two of our own to rest today after so many years is a particular privilege.”

Head of Commemorations at the CWGC, Mel Donnelly, said: “We are thankful to everyone involved in helping to identify Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot. 

“It was moving and fitting to see them buried with full military honours at Vendresse British Cemetery, and we will care for their graves in perpetuity.”

D Mains parents call for council to speed up road safety improvements

An emergency meeting following the death of an Edinburgh school boy in a road traffic accident was held by concerned parents last night (Thursday).

The meeting was called after an Edinburgh child died on 1 March as he cycled to school. On the same day, there was a serious road incident involving a Davidson’s Main Primary School pupil. 

The parents from Davidson’s Mains Primary School organised the meeting to call on the city council to speed up road safety improvements for children coming to and from the school.

The meeting was attended by Scott Arthur, Chair of City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Committee, local Councillor Norman Work and Dave Sinclair, Local Traffic and Road Safety Manager at the council. 

At the meeting, the Council Transport team committed to make small scale improvements as soon as possible.

Parents were told that the current city-wide backlog of road safety plans would take 10 years for the Council to act on and that, in general, cases would only be considered in chronological order.

Kim Pratt, vice chair of the Davidson’s Mains Primary School Parent Council, said: “Parents are deeply concerned that our children are forced to navigate dangerous roads to and from school every day because Edinburgh Council are dragging their feet to improve road safety.

“At the rate that Edinburgh Council is acting, our children are growing up and leaving school before the surrounding roads are made safe. 

“The Council have told us we must have a travel plan before they will act but the process is unclear and bureaucratic. Very few schools in Edinburgh have managed to complete the process. It feels like another excuse for the Council to delay.

“The Council have the power to make our roads safer and they must act faster and more decisively to protect our children travelling to and from school, not just in Davidson’s Mains, but across all of Edinburgh.” 

Felicity Neyme, from the Davidson’s Mains School Road Safety Team said: “As a parent, seeing Edinburgh strive for net zero by 2030 fills me with hope. But that future can’t be achieved without clean air and safe streets for our children. That’s why it is important that Parent Councils collaborate with local leaders. 

“Together, we can work to deliver tangible goals like improved pedestrian crossings and a reduction in car dependency around schools. This is about protecting our kids on their journey to school but it’s also about creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all of Edinburgh, aligned with the city’s inspiring net zero vision.”

Rod Alexander, from the Davidson’s Mains and Silverknowes Association said: “The Association is fully supportive of the actions by the Primary School Parent Council to improve safety on the routes to school following the tragic death of a school child at Barnton and the serious accident involving a Davidson’s Mains school pupil on Main Street.

“We are concerned that the planned upgrade to the roundabout and crossings at the west end of Main Street have still not been completed a full seven years after a fatal accident on one of the crossings, and believe that priority should also be given to upgrading the crossing on Main Street at Silverknowes Road.

“We want to work with both schools in our local area to ensure priority is given to these and other projects to improve pupil safety, particularly recognising that children are being encouraged to walk and cycle to school to reduce car use.”

A recent survey conducted by the Parent Council found that 98% of parents responding to the survey thought that road safety for pupils could be improved. 

In June 2019, the Council’s traffic survey showed that the average speed limit on Silverknowes Road East was 28.7 mph, despite being a 20 mph zone.

This is a main route to school for some pupils and there are no crossings. A crossing patrol assistant helps children cross safely at pick up and drop off times but is not present on every school day.

Despite the Council promising to investigate in 2023/24, no improvements have been made.

Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee heads to Royal Highland Show

We’ll be at this year’s Royal Highland Show!

Join the Net Zero Committee for an expert panel discussion on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.

The discussion will be led by Edward Mountain MSP, who says: “[This] Bill re-opens a political debate about land; how it is used and managed; how it can contribute to Scotland’s environmental objectives and how it can be used to strengthen rural economies and communities.”

📍 Upper Foyer, Highland Hall at 2pm on Friday 21 June.

More details here: https://www.parliament.scot/…/holyroods-net-zero…

Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee is set to host an expert panel discussion and open forum Q&A on the new Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at this year’s Royal Highland Show. 

Committee Convener, Edward Mountain MSP, will chair the event which will take place on Friday 21 June from 14.00 – 15.15, in the Upper Foyer of the Royal Highland Centre’s Highland Hall. 

Panellists set to take part in the discussion include;  

  • Andy Wightman, Land Campaigner, former MSP, forester & owner of ‘Who Owns Scotland’ website 
  • Prof Andrew Barnes, Head of Rural Economy, Environment & Society, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) 
  • Christopher Nicholson, Chairman, Scottish Tenant Farmers Association  
  • Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive, Scottish Land & Estates  
  • Hamish Lean, Partner & Head of Rural Property, Shepherd and Wedderburn 

Committee Convener, Edward Mountain MSP, said; “Having recently received over 100 responses to our ‘call for views’ on the Bill, we are in no doubt of how passionate stakeholders, the length and breadth of Scotland, are about the topic of land reform. 

“The Bill re-opens a political debate about land; how it is used and managed; how it can contribute to Scotland’s environmental objectives and how it can be used to strengthen rural economies and communities. 

“It also seeks to make agricultural tenancy law fit for the 21st century, and more responsive to environmental concerns. In doing so, it rebalances the landlord-tenant relationship and it is crucial for us to consider whether the Bill gets the balance right. 

“With such an informed line-up of panellists and an anticipated audience of passionate stakeholders, we look forward to hosting an event that will really allow us to capture and discuss some of the key issues at play.” 

Stakeholders wishing to attend the event should book a free ticket here. 

Please also feel free to turn up on the day. 

#RHS24

#RoyalHighlandShow

Local family’s life transformed by Big Kid Circus

An Edinburgh mum has praised Big Kid Circus with transforming her son’s life, helping with his struggles with neurodivergent behaviours to finding acceptance and support in the wacky and wonderful world of the circus.

Callen Ormerwood (7) first visited the Big Kid Circus in 2021 in Edinburgh and was immediately captivated by the daring performances and electric atmosphere. Since that day, the circus has become a huge part of his life and there’s been a notable difference in his behaviour.

Mum Jackie Blair said: “Before we were introduced to Big Kid Circus, Callen was really struggling with his behaviour as he was often hyper active, agitated, unable to concentrate and struggled to play with other children.

“His nursery teachers expressed their concern, but while we waited for tests to diagnose any neurodevelopmental conditions, I felt at a loss with how to help him.

“A trip to see Big Kid Circus in 2021 really was the catalyst that changed everything! Callen was instantly besotted, and I could see a positive change in his behaviour almost overnight.”

Since that first visit, the circus has welcomed Callen with open arms and he’s not only been a dedicated audience member, with regular visits every time the circus is in town, but he’s even performed centre ring under the moniker ‘Mini Luxo’ after his favourite clown, Papa Luxo.

Jackie continued: “Big Kid Circus really is a big family, and I can’t thank them all enough for how warmly they’ve welcomed Callen in. He’s had so many fantastic experiences from aerial training to dressing up and dancing on stage with the clowns – his favourite circus act by far.

“He’s became such a happy, confident wee boy and I honestly tell people that the circus saved his life. His older brother Mason (9) who Callen never had a connection with before has even got involved recently. To see their relationship as brothers go from strength to strength has just been amazing.”

Big Kid Circus was founded in 2005 by husband and wife, Biliana and Kiril Kirilov. Biliana was just 13 when she left home to ‘run away’ with the circus and travelled all over the world before meeting trapeze artist Kiril.

Since deciding to set up their own company, which aims to produce creative, diverse, and inclusive circus performances for the whole family, they have successfully produced 16 annual tours across the UK.

Now, Biliana and Kiril’s children are driving forward the next generation of the family-run business and daughter Julia has witnessed first-hand the huge transformation in Callen since that first visit to the circus in 2021.

Julia Kirilova, Event Manager at Big Kid Entertainment, said: “The visible change in Callen over the last few years has been a joy to watch and it’s heartening to see his love of the circus, and the overwhelmingly positive impact this has had on his behaviour.

“The circus is a place where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, without fear of judgement. We have a hugely diverse and inclusive performing troupe, with performers from all over the world from different nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome at Big Kid Circus.

“We were delighted to welcome Callen and his family to celebrate his 7th birthday on stage with us at our Glenrothes show on Monday 27 May and we’re so glad that he has found his second home with us.”

To find out more about Big Kid Circus and to buy tickets for their upcoming shows please visit: https://www.bigkidcircus.co.uk/

COSLA: Carers Week

Carers Week takes place this week, 10th – 16th June. The theme this year is ‘Putting Carers on the Map.’

This theme reflects the importance of ensuring carers’ voices are heard. Carers Week is also an opportunity to recognise carers’ invaluable contributions while acknowledging the challenges carers face.

This year’s campaign invites us as individuals or organisations to add your name to put carers on the map and share your caring story, how you support carers, or discuss how you think support for carers needs to change.

All the resources for Carers Week can be found on the Carers Week website.

A COSLA Spokesperson commented: “Three in five of us will take on a caring responsibility in our lifetime. Every single day, carers enable people they care for to get the most out of life, and I would like to thank each carer for their vital contribution to the health and social care system.

“I encourage us all to take the time this Carers Week to consider what more we can do to support carers in our communities and ensure their voices are heard. I also encourage carers to explore the range of Carers Week activities in their local area, to meet fellow carers and find advice and support.”

cw-2023-definition-of-a-carer-poster-1Download

Pay rise for children’s social care staff

Important step forward in supporting vital services

Staff in children’s social care services will see their pay increase to at least £12 an hour thanks to new Scottish Government funding.

Backed by over £19 million this year, it will ensure more than 6,000 people working in a direct care role in the voluntary, private and independent sector services receive the pay increase, which could be worth more than £2,000 a year for some staff.

It will help people providing direct care to vulnerable children and young people under the age of 18, including Personal Assistants, and all payments will be backdated and provided for all hours worked from April 2024. 

Increasing pay for children’s social care workers was a commitment set out in the 2023 Programme for Government.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don said: “This uplift is an important step forward in supporting our highly valued social care staff across Scotland. The support they provide is invaluable and the Government is committed to ensuring no-one is paid less than the Real Living Wage.

“Children’s social care services couldn’t be delivered without our private, voluntary and independent sector providers and this funding will help support the sustainability of their services. 

“The implementation of this uplift would not have been possible without close working with our partners especially with COSLA and with Health and Social Care Partnerships.” 

A COSLA Spokesperson said: “The children’s social care workforce are vital in supporting our children and young people.

“Paying them the real living wage is one way in which we can show how highly they are valued, and we will continue to work with our private, voluntary and independent sector providers on how we best support and Keep the Promise made to Scotland’s children and young people.” 

The pay uplift will apply to all workers who provide direct care within commissioned Children’s Social Care services in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sectors, namely Secure Accommodation Services, Care Home Services for Children and Young People, School Care Accommodation: Residential Special School services, Housing Support Services, Care at Home services, and Services classed as Other than Care at Home, as well as to Personal Assistants employed through Self Directed Support (SDS) Option 1, who provide Care at Home to under 18-year-olds.

NHS pay talks set to begin after months of delays, says UNISON

UNISON has welcomed the Scottish government’s offer to open pay talks for health workers in Scotland after months of delays.

UNISON Scotland, together with other NHS unions, submitted its pay claim in February and says health workers are disappointed the Scottish government has taken so long to respond.

In the past few weeks, health workers belonging to UNISON have sent more than 15,000 letters to MSPs  calling for the Scottish government to open pay talks.

UNISON Scotland lead organiser for health Matt McLaughlin said: “Despite submitting a pay claim at the beginning of the year, the Scottish government has dragged its heels and taken months to get around the table.

“NHS staff are rightly frustrated they’ve been left struggling with rising living costs while their calls for a fair pay rise are ignored.

“Health workers are the glue that holds the NHS together and the government has to recognise their hard work by putting NHS pay right.”