“Labour’s ambitions for growth can’t happen unless we get closer to Europe.” says Labour’s longest-serving former Member of European Parliament“
Food safety agreement with EU could cut weekly foods bills by £2”
David Martin, who was the Labour Party’s longest serving Member of the European Parliament, has said Labour’s ambitions for growth in the economy can only be achieved by closer alignment with the EU.
Speaking today (24 June) in a Bylines Scotland podcast, Mr Martin said: ““The programme Labour has put forward for government is dependent on growth. In my view that growth cannot happen unless we get closer to Europe. It’s just not going to happen if we are outside all the European decision-making processes.”
He said realigning with Europe is a long-term process: “Things won’t happen overnight, but a new Labour government can reach early accommodations with the EU that can benefit the UK and EU.”
Mr Martin who is President of the European Movement in Scotland, the leading all-party pro EU organisation, cited post-Brexit rules on food safety controls that currently cost UK and European exporters £40 for every consignment passing between the UK and the EU.
He argues that having mutually agreed new food hygiene standards would cut out these costs and protect public health.
“A new accord between the UK and EU on veterinary standards would benefit farmers, food importers and exporters. Most importantly, it’s estimated that it could cut household shopping bills by around £2 a week.”
The former MEP believes the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors would benefit from the UK agreeing to the EU’s proposal to allow people between the ages of 18 and 30 the right to study or work in the UK or EU for up to four years. Labour has rejected the proposal. David Martin thinks that if Labour wins the general election, it must be open to reviewing its position on Europe.
“The EU proposal on limited free movement would be beneficial to both sides. It would give our industries a source of valuable labour,”
“These figures, and our own research, clearly evidence the shameful and shocking reality of poorly patients who need to be cared for on hospital wards having to wait many hour hours, ever days, often on trolleys in corridors because there is not enough capacity in the system.
“There simply are not enough beds to admit people to, often because the people in those beds are medically well enough to go home but can’t because of inadequate or delayed social care support.
“It is not just a matter of inconvenience or lack of dignity – which is bad enough. The longer people’s in-patient admission is delayed, the greater the risk the risk to their life.
“There is no one quick fix, but the problems are fixable. RCEM is ready to work with whoever forms the next Government to begin the process of resuscitating our health system and ending these unacceptable and dangerous long waits.”
InnoScot Health’s last ‘lunch & learn’ session for the first half of 2024 is entitled Engaging students in healthcare innovation for an improved NHS and will provide interesting perspectives on this key facet of turning ideas into health service improvements.
Hosted on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 26 June from 12 until 12.45pm, the free to join webinar will be introduced by Innovation Manager, Fiona Schaefer.
She will discuss InnoScot Health’s work over the past two years in providing more than 10 teams of students from Heriot-Watt University Engineering Design and Manufacture and Glasgow School of Art’s product design manufacture students with real world project briefs from NHS innovators.
Fiona will be joined by two guest speakers:
Dr Faezeh Shalchy, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences who has been providing academic support to engineering design and manufacturing students working on healthcare projects
Lorraine Thomson, Business Engagement Manager at Interface who works with organisations to match them to Scotland’s world-leading academic expertise, helping to turn innovative ideas into reality
Fiona said: “Over the past couple of years, InnoScot Health has successfully engaged with students at Heriot-Watt University and Glasgow School of Art. This has resulted in enduring collaborative relationships and this webinar will provide a showcase of successes to date.
“We’re also delighted to have great guest speakers – Dr Shalchy who is a forward-thinking engineer specialising in projects which aim to enhance lives.
“Interface will also provide engaging views which draw on its role as a central hub connecting industry and academia, often leading to enhanced healthcare innovation.
“A Q&A section will round off the webinar, allowing attendees to probe and receive guidance on their own particular areas of interest.”
“While InnoScot Health is pausing its webinar series for the summer holiday season and recommencing in late August, we’re already looking to the autumn for innovation challenges which could suit engagement with engineering students to explore a new concept, test ideas, or explore solutions to a pressing problem.”
Audiences can see it for themselves with 50% off Preview Night tickets on sale now
Scottish musician Nathan Evans has revealed his pride after discovering his hit ‘Wellerman’ will be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer.
The 29-year-old shot to fame when the sea shanty went viral across TikTok in 2020 which led to a record deal and a Number 1 single in several countries.
Now it has been revealed that the famous track will form part of the Tattoo performance, with His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band taking it on, alongside some traditional navy tunes and sea shanties.
Nathan said: “What an incredible honour to have my song featured as part of the Tattoo.
“Growing up in Scotland, I think the Tattoo is something you’re always aware of and feel that sense of pride about so to have my song included is a real pinch-me moment.
“Since I released Wellerman, things have obviously changed dramatically for me but this is the icing on the cake and I can’t wait to see the song come to life as part of the amazing performances this summer.”
This year’s Tattoo performances will run from 2-24 August, with guests from around the world coming to experience the Journeys Show.
For fans eager to see the special performance of Wellerman alongside other world-class acts from across the globe, special preview night tickets are on sale from TODAY Monday 24 June, with up to 50% off standard ticket prices.
Journeys will celebrate the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.
The Show will be the third under the Tattoo’s bold brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, and will follow the successes of the last two years shows, Voices and Stories, under creative Director Michael Braithwaite Journeys merges the traditional military elements that the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern touches through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations.
Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says “While the Tattoo has a proud history of the very finest world-class military and civilian performances; innovation and Scottish culture have also been a core tradition of the show since its first days.
Nathan’s much-deserved success and passion for Scottish music represent everything we hold dear at the Tattoo. He has taken a 19th century sea shanty and brought it to the modern era to great acclaim. We are thrilled to be presenting Wellerman, as a feature with the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, our lead service, and a highlight of the journey our audience will embark upon this year.”
The Castle Esplanade will be filled with over 800 international performers from far and wide to showcase their epic journey, through vibrant dance, music, visual artistry and so much more.
Expressing their unique cultures, this Show will host talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK. Through an artistic odyssey, expect a wide variety of enthralling action featuring world-leading talent.
With the Royal Navy as lead service, the Show will pay homage to the seafarers that brave the ocean to travel across continents bringing people and cultures together
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 2-24 August 2024, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, offering a bar service at the event.
Tickets for 2025’s Show celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale in August during Journeys.
New proposals to improve the planning and regulation of public processions and marches are to be introduced to uphold the rights of safe and peaceful assembly.
An Action Group, set up to consider how to better facilitate processions, has set out six recommendations in a newly published report, which have been accepted by the Scottish Government, the local authority group COSLA, and Police Scotland.
The recommendations include:
extending a pilot programme – following successful evaluation in April 2024 – to train stewards and marshalls to build their capacity to plan, prepare and manage processions and other forms of public gathering in a safe way
developing a minimum standard for information provided on the notification process for processions
providing consistent information on local authority websites that ensures transparency and confidentiality
statutory organisations, including local authorities, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, to work together so information they provide relating to marches is clear and easy to understand
developing or improving training packages for local authority officials and elected members to enable the sharing of good practice to facilitate peaceful public processions and on how to protect human rights
consideration of an annual review mechanism that contributes to the sharing of best practice and learning of the management of processions.
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government established the Action Group to ensure that processions are conducted safely and peacefully across the country.
“I am grateful to the members of the group for these carefully considered recommendations, which represent the culmination of extensive work by partners.
“The freedom of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of a democratic society and it is vital that the right training, planning and regulations are in place so processions run smoothly, while ensuring those attending and surrounding communities are kept safe.
“In accepting the recommendations of the Action Group’s report in full, what is clear is that achieving success must be a joint endeavour. We will work with Police Scotland, COSLA and members of the Group to implement the recommendations as quickly as possible.”
A COSLA spokesperson said: “COSLA has worked collaboratively with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland through the Action Group on Processions, to work through the conclusions and recommendations of the Report for the Short Life Working Group on Facilitating Peaceful Assembles.
“In April, the COSLA Community Wellbeing Board endorsed the recommendations of the Action Group, and COSLA Officers will continue to work with partners of the group to deliver these actions.”
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is a rights based organisation.
“We welcome this report as we continue to work with our communities and partners to continually improve our practices and the awareness and visibility of the rights of those who wish to take part in processions.”
This week is Deafblind Awareness Week. However, did you know that Scotland does not formally recognise Deafblindness as a distinct disability?
Deafblind Scotland, with the support of the Cross Party group on Deafness, have been calling on the Scottish Government to formally recognise deafblindness as a distinct disability in Scotland.
The ALLIANCE supports the definition of Deafblindness – can you?
As part of Deafblind Awareness Week, Deafblind Scotland will be recognised for the work they have been doing at a parliamentary reception at the Scottish Parliament on 26th June.
Scottish Charity, TechFest, is encouraging Edinburgh students aged between 16-18 to participate in its global essay competition, STEM Next, to share their cutting-edge ideas on the future of industries across energy, medicine and science.
Techfest is transforming STEM education and delivering a new generation of talent. STEM Next is back this year to encourage young people across the world to consider their future under three categories: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.
The competition is aligned with the CREST Awards and grounded in STEM, allowing students direct access to industry professionals as part of their essay research. STEM Next has a registration deadline of June 21.
Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: “STEM Next allows students to develop meta-skills that will benefit them for their entire careers, whilst they consider the future of key industries they’re preparing to lead.”
TechFest is challenging Edinburgh students to compete against other young people across the world in STEM Next, an essay competition that encourages entrants to discuss the future of the industries across energy, medicine and science.
TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors. STEM Next is a collaboration with various partners including: Airswift, CNOOC International, Ocean Winds and Thistle Wind Partners.
The competition is a solo digital project that requires independent research and writing, and is open to students aged 16 – 18 across the world.
Entrants are invited to submit an essay between 1000-3000 words that addresses one of the provided essay questions, with three categories available: Energy in Action, Medicine & Life Sciences and Chemistry & Biological Sciences.
In addition to developing their researching and writing skills, STEM Next also connects young people with industry professionals to learn first-hand about their chosen industry.
TechFest will make introductions that will provide entrants with valuable career insight alongside shaping their interviewing skills as part of the research requirements.
Sarah Chew, Managing Director of TechFest, said: ”STEM Next is a challenge grounded in STEM that has been developed in collaboration with industry and education to deliver the future workforce.
“The competition’s interviewing aspect provides industry with a great opportunity to connect with young people and attract the best and brightest talent who will be the next generation of industry leaders.”
The Aberdeen-based charity is still looking for industry professionals to volunteer their time for these interviews and is calling for anyone with expertise or work experience in Energy, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Psychology, Neuroscience, Space Science or Biological Sciences.
Sarah added: “We are still keen for anyone who has the time to engage with these young people to sign-up as these early industry relationships can help forge a spark that will inspire a new wave of problem solvers and decision makers in STEM.“
Ruth Cameron, Managed Services Director EMEA at Airswift, said: “STEM Next is creating the next skilled workforce that will help to solve current and future problems across industries.
“This partnership perfectly ties into one our objectives at Airswift of transforming lives through the provision of international workforce solutions for STEM industries.”
Victoria Allan, Buzzard Onshore Mechanical Support Engineer at CNOOC, said:“At CNOOC, we are focused on delivering safe and sustainable energy for all.
“As we see this shift being adopted across the energy industry, we need bold and practical ideas from young people during this vital transition period and look forward to seeing the world’s best ideas from this year’s entrants.”
Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager at Ocean Winds, said: “Ocean Winds is leading the global energy transition into a greener future, and we believe there is no better insight into this challenge than from the fresh perspective of young people.“
Kirsty Macaulay, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As an Edinburgh-based organisation focused on offshore wind development, we are excited to see a range of thought-provoking ideas from Scottish young people. Our nation has a strong heritage for innovation and shaping the modern world.”
Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards. It also provides an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.
Moreover, the 1st place winners in each category will be awarded £200 of Amazon vouchers. 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded £50 worth of Amazon vouchers.
The deadline to register interest for STEM Next 2024 is June 21, with the project launching on June 17. Students and volunteers can register for STEM Next via the TechFest website:
Scroll through our programme to find all the FREE workshops, performances & activities we have planned for you!
You will also be able to find a variety of stalls running their own activities as well as food vendors that will help fuel you through the day!
With the climate crisis worsening, we see how important it is to raise awareness and take climate action. That’s why the Edinburgh Climate Festival (ECF) is back!
The ECF will take place at the Meadows on Saturday 29th June 2024, from 12pm to 7pm. The festival will bring stallholders to cover topics related to the circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more. Community members will also have an opportunity to raise their climate concerns to policymakers.
The festival, now in its 8th year, will offer a free, family friendly & community-led marketplace. It will serve as a platform for locals to discover the remarkable climate initiatives taking place in Edinburgh and enjoy a delightful day out with their families.
Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we unite, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.
“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”
The attractions and activities will involve an upcycled fashion show, dance performances, choirs, drumming group, eco workshops, wellbeing workshops, children’s activities and much more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!
MND Scotland has launched a network of events to bring together researchers and people with, and affected by, motor neuron disease (MND) to help drive research through shared knowledge, ideas and lived experience.
Following a series of successful pilot events in 2023, the Lived Experience and Researcher Network (LEARN) aims to connect MND researchers and people with MND. In the pilot, seven people supported by MND Scotland were invited to take tours of researcher’s labs, allowing researchers and people with MND to connect, while also giving researchers the opportunity to directly hear the opinions of people affected by MND on research.
This year, LEARN will invite people affected by MND to meet with researchers in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow during September and October, and culminate with a whole day event in March 2025.
Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “We know that people with MND are eager to learn more about research happening here in Scotland. MND Scotland’s dual role, delivering support and funding research, means we can provide opportunities for people to learn about research directly from the researchers themselves.
“Building relationships between people with lived experience and researchers introduces real world perspective which helps ensure that research reflects the needs of people with, or affected by, MND.
A better understanding of the condition and the needs of people affected by MND will also help researchers better communicate their work in a manner, and using language, that is accessible to everyone, no matter what their level of scientific knowledge.
Dr Christopher Henstridge, a Principle Investigator who runs his own lab in Dundee, participated in the LEARN pilot. He said: “As a lab-based research team, we rarely get the opportunity to hear directly from people affected by MND about their experiences of the very condition we are trying to understand and treat.
“Last year, we hosted three people in Tayside affected by MND for an afternoon of lab tours and research discussions. For us, this was a great opportunity to practise talking about our work in a language that can be easily understood.
However, talking about our research is what we do every day, so the most impactful conversations were the personal stories so honestly and openly shared by people with lived experience.
“The strength and courage they show every day is inspirational and we really appreciated the interest and insight they showed in our research. I hope that the experience gave everyone that came along insight into the scientific process and instilled real hope that there are a lot of researchers like us pushing hard to find effective treatments and a cure.
“When I come into work and discuss the research projects with lab members, I no longer think of “MND”, I think of the individuals affected by it and this emotional connection really drives me to ensure we are doing rigorous and impactful research.
“I believe these interactions are extremely important and I’m delighted to hear that MND Scotland plans to expand the LEARN scheme and develop new ways of bringing even greater numbers of researchers and people with lived experience together.”
LEARN is a three-stage initiative that will conclude with an event in Edinburgh in March 2025, hosted in partnership with fellow MND charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation:
Stage 1
MND Scotland will host drop-in sessions in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen between September and October 2024. These sessions aim to form relationships between people with lived experience of MND and researchers.
The drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations –
Aberdeen Science Centre, Aberdeen – Monday 9 September 2024
Bonnie and Wild, St James’ Quarter, Edinburgh – Thursday 26 September 2024
MND Scotland Office, Glasgow – Thursday 3 October 2024
Dundee Science Centre, Dundee – Thursday 24 October 2024
Stage 2
Stage 2 will involve laboratory tours, much like the pilot, allowing people affected by MND to get a first-hand view of MND research. This will give people a behind-the-scenes look at how MND research is carried out and provide an opportunity for those affected by MND to share their thoughts on research and how to make MND research more accessible.
Stage 3
LEARN will conclude, in March 2025, with a day-long event at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, where My Name’5 Doddie Foundation will be joining MND Scotland to work in partnership to deliver the event.
The day will offer information for researchers and training opportunities for ECRs, along with sessions involving people with lived experience of MND.
The collaboration between MND Scotland and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation reflects the shared commitment between MND charities to push for a world without MND.
More information about the events will be available on our website, via our newsletters and social media channels. www.mndscotland.org.uk
To provide more details on the events and the aims of LEARN, the MND Scotland research team will host a webinar at 12.30 pm on Friday, 26 July 2024.
To sign up for the webinar, please complete this form:
There was truly something for everyone at Scotland’s largest event, the Royal Highland Show, which took place at Ingliston, Edinburgh, over the last four days.
Friday and Saturday sold out, with general tickets sales up 2.5% from last year, and over 220,000 event goers attended events across the four-days making the Royal Highland Centre the sixth largest population in Scotland, bigger than Paisley or Dunfermline and with more attendees than Taylor Swift’s recent record-breaking concerts.
Children 15 and under were able to attend the Show for free and over 21,311 children attended over the four days. Over 9,000 people spent Friday and Saturday evening at the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie, with country and folk music from an array of artists including native Scottish band Tide-Lines and Irish singer Derek Ryan.
David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS said: “This year we have seen the show return in all its glory, and it has been a true delight to see generations from across the agricultural community come together to celebrate their great achievements, learnings, stories and make new memories, just as it has been to see visitors and families enjoy all that the Show has to offer.
“It’s great to see the ticketing strategy that was implemented in 2022 in its third year produce a record £3.3million gross ticket return. With more tickets available to the general public than ever, it’s fantastic to see the demand has been met with strong ticket sales.
“While the Show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, over the years we have developed it so far beyond that, and every year we build and grow on the last with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.
“I’d like to thank everyone for playing their part, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff and members of the public, for helping to make the 2024 Royal Highland Show a truly unforgettable event!”
The 2024 Royal Highland Show – facts and numbers:
327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £208,073 were competed for and awarded at this year’s Show.
The Queen’s Cup, which was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 to commemorate her presidency of the Royal Highland Show was, this year, awarded to the Dairy Section with the Laird family scooping the coveted prize two years back-to-back. They are only the second family to do so and the third to win it for a second time.
Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 2,500 competitors from across the UK, and visitors from as far afield as Australia and Argentina.
Over 800 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were in attendance.
Some 5,630 school pupils from 215 school groups came along for free through RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), trying their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow and taking part in honey tasting and candle making in the RHET Discovery Centre.
9,064 people enjoyed the toe-tapping Royal Highland Hoolie after the Show on Friday and Saturday. Presented by legendary country music promoters, Farmers Bash, the event brought together eight live folk and country music acts, including Tide Lines, Derek Ryan and Nathan Evans.
This year’s Show also saw a number of prestigious awards handed out:
The Sir William Young Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, was presented to Bill P Bruce.
The John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy was presented to Catherine Marshall for her outstanding contribution to heavy horse showing and breeding. Catherine attended the Show with her daughter-in-law, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter who attended her first Show at just eight-months old.
This year’s Show’s new elements:
The Scottish Dairy Championships included new milk and cream classes, Champion Milk Exhibit was awarded to Jolly Jersey, and Champion Cream Exhibit to Park Farm Dairy. This saw 140 types of ice creams and sorbets judged. Equi’s ice cream took home the esteemed titles of Overall Champion Ice-cream and Overall Dairy Produce Champion for their vanilla ice-cream.
The Show’s new ladies shearing category was won by Emily Te Kapa.
The new Kerry Hill class in the Show’s sheep section included 75 entries and saw Chris Adamson with a ewe take home the inaugural award.
The Blade Shearing leg of the 6 Nations Shearing & Woolhandling Competition was won by England.
57 Horse of the Year Show Qualifiers competed ahead of the event in Birmingham in October.
A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets went on sale on Sunday at 4pm, for those eager to relive the Show experience again in 2025.
Having run successfully for over two centuries, the Royal Highland Show remains the biggest fundraising event for RHASS, Scotland’s leading agricultural charity.
Super early-bird tickets for the 2025 Show are now on-sale.
