Mycobee turns 6 years old – celebrate with us!
Join MycoBee Mushrooms CIC and discover the power of functional mushrooms and their benefits for our well-being. Explore, learn, and try some mushroom tea.
All events are free to join. To book your place, email Mycobee stating the date and time of the event you would like to book: info@mycobee.org.
20 December, 1-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has opened the service to the first people in the next two groups of compensation claims, bringing in 15 claims for each group initially.
Since being established last year, 3,600 living infected people who are registered with a support scheme have already been contacted to start their claim, and IBCA has offered more than £2.2 billion and paid more than £1.7 billion in compensation.
Last month, IBCA opened the service to the first 60 living infected people who have never been compensated for the harm done to them by the infected blood scandal. Now the first people in each of the next two groups can begin making their compensation claims, before the compensation service scales up further.
These first people to claim have been identified through IBCA’s register your intent service, which opened in early October. They are claims for those infected who are now deceased, and those who are affected by the infected blood scandal (for example parents, partners, siblings, children or unregistered carers of infected people).
Speaking about this next step in IBCA’s compensation process, David Foley, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are committed to paying each and every person who is eligible, as soon as we can.
“We’ve been working with infected blood community members to create a compensation claim service that meets their needs. This next step allows us to work on more types of claims, before we then grow the service further for more people and begin processing claims for all groups in parallel.
“We’ll be prioritising claims for those who are sadly nearing the end of their lives, followed by older age groups, as recommended by the Infected Blood Inquiry.
“We recognise that the festive period can be a challenging time for many in the community. Receiving contact from IBCA may bring up difficult emotions, and we want to reassure those who have been contacted from the next groups to begin their claim that they can begin their claim at a time that’s right for them.”
Just over one year ago, IBCA opened to the first group of people to begin their claim, starting with small numbers and then growing the service with feedback from the community.
IBCA has now opened the service to some people from every group eligible to make a claim, again starting small before scaling up. The number of claims for each new group will initially be low before increasing, once the claim service is ready to widen out further. IBCA is not processing supplementary claims at this time.
Anyone who intends to make a claim with IBCA for compensation should register now with IBCA’s recently opened register your intent service.
This is an online service open to all groups who intend to make a claim – please follow this link to register so we can contact each person as soon as their claim can begin.
A Fort Kinnaird jeweller has traded treats for festive spirit and gifted lucky shoppers with a free gift card – simply for spreading a little Christmas cheer.
Beaverbrooks, at Fort Kinnaird Shopping Park rewarded festive visitors in each of its 57 stores who showed off their seasonal spirit by wearing a Christmas jumper, bringing mistletoe, or belting out a Christmas classic.
The retailer rewarded up to five festive visitors in each of its 57 stores with a Beaverbrooks gift card worth £50, to be spent on jewellery, diamonds, or watches – perfect for ticking off Christmas shopping lists.
The one-day-only event was designed to bring a little extra magic to Fort Kinnaird in December, encouraging customers to support their local high street and experience the warm, personal service in the Fort Kinnaird Beaverbrooks store which the family-owned jeweller is known for.
For those who may have missed the one-day event, Beaverbrooks is running a Spend and Save offer from Friday 12 December in-store and online, for a limited time only. Shoppers can save £20 off £100 on all full-priced jewellery, using code SAVE20.
Fiona House, Branch Manager at Beaverbrooks Fort Kinnaird, said: “We love seeing the high street come to life at Christmas, and this year we were delighted to do something that adds even more sparkle to the festive shopping experience.
“Our Christmas Cheer event was all about spreading joy, celebrating the little moments that make this time of year so wonderful – and maybe treating yourself or a loved one to something truly special along the way.
“We loved seeing how our customers got involved and brought plenty of festive fun in-store! The whole day was truly special and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.”
For more information about the Christmas Cheer event, visit:
Doctors told an Edinburgh man that if it hadn’t been for the seizure which revealed his incurable brain cancer, he wouldn’t be here to see Christmas.
Jerry Kerrisk, 66, was fit, active, and showing no symptoms when he suddenly collapsed in June 2025 during a seizure. The episode, which happened while visiting his twin sons, Conor and Brendan, 25, led to the discovery of a glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer.
Now, the Kerrisk family are helping to raise awareness of the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, which is calling on the public to fund pioneering research and help change the story for brain tumour patients.
More than 100,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with a brain tumour or the long-term effects of their diagnosis, yet research into the disease remains severely underfunded.
Jerry’s wife, Janice, 62, said: “Jerry has always been a kind, practical man who appreciates all things in life. He loves being outdoors, walking our dog Rua, playing golf, and spending time with family and friends. He is an electrician by trade; hardworking, dependable, and good-humoured. His colleagues often describe him as “one of life’s true gentlemen,” and that could not be truer.
“The morning of his collapse, he seemed quiet and a little distracted. As we were heading out shopping, he suddenly said, ‘We need to write our wills and decide where we’ll put our ashes.’ It was such an odd comment that it stopped me in my tracks, but I thought he was worrying about his prostate cancer, which is under control.
“Less than an hour later, we were visiting our sons when he suddenly roared, lifted his arm towards the sky, and collapsed face down on the grass in a violent seizure. By the time the paramedics arrived, Jerry had suffered two further seizures. He was unconscious, bleeding from his mouth and nose. It was absolutely horrific to watch.”
Jerry was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he experienced a third seizure. Initial CT scans appeared clear, but when he failed to recover fully, doctors ordered further tests.
An MRI scan revealed a brain tumour, and the following week the family were told it was a 4cm glioblastoma, with a typical prognosis of 12 to 18 months.
“The diagnosis was devastating,” Janice said. “I had prepared myself for bad news, but Jerry hadn’t. He thought the surgery would remove it and he would recover. When the consultant said the words ‘grade 4 glioblastoma’, he was in shock.
“He turned to the doctor and said quietly, ‘I feel like I’m a dead man walking.’ I will never forget those words. I sat taking notes while he stared at the floor in silence. We left the hospital numb.”
Jerry underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible and was discharged within days. Further testing showed it was “unmethylated”, meaning resistant to temozolomide – a key drug for glioblastoma.
He began six weeks of radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy following surgery and is now on maintenance cycles of treatment. Despite ongoing fatigue, he continues to walk Rua twice a day, plays golf, and enjoys fishing.
Now, ‘Team Jerry’ have channelled their energy into supporting Brain Tumour Research by completing the 99 Miles in November challenge. Janice, her son Conor, her sister Anne, nephew Niall, and his partner Gordon walked a combined 500 miles, raising more than £15,700, including Gift Aid, for the charity.
The sum is enough to fund more than five days of research, such as that taking place at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity. The Centre is focused on developing kinder treatments and finding a cure for glioblastoma, the same type of tumour that Jerry is living with.
Janice said: “What I want most is a breakthrough, for Jerry and for others like him. The prognosis for glioblastoma is so cruelly short.
“I dream of the day when people no longer hear that this diagnosis is terminal. Jerry does not talk much about the future, but every so often he will say something that stops me in my tracks. The other night, after being out with friends for a birthday lunch, he said, ‘I don’t know if I’ll be here next year’. I told him we have to stay positive, because we do. That is how we get through.
“Our lives have changed completely, but our love, our humour, and our faith in one another remain. Jerry is still Jerry – gentle, strong, and quietly brave. I hope we can help make a difference so that, one day, families like ours will have real hope for the future.”
Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.
Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Janice and her family have shown incredible strength and positivity since Jerry’s diagnosis. Their determination to raise awareness and fund research is truly inspiring.
“We are so grateful to Team Jerry for supporting our 99 Miles in November challenge and Christmas Appeal, and for helping to fund vital research such as the work taking place at our new Scottish Centre of Excellence. Every step they take brings us closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To support the Brain Tumour Research Christmas Appeal, visit:
www.braintumourresearch.org/christmas
To support Team Jerry’s fundraising efforts, visit:
The Scottish Land Commission has published new research setting out public views on the future of Scotland’s land.
Developed through the ScotLand Futures initiative, the report reflects contributions from more than 1,200 people, with over 96% saying Scotland needs change — indicating strong public support for completing the nation’s land reform journey.
People across urban, rural and island communities described how land continues to influence almost every aspect of daily life, from housing and employment to local environments and community wellbeing.
While recognising progress made over the past 25 years, many respondents highlighted that key issues remain unresolved and that further action is required to make Scotland’s land work more fairly and transparently for everyone.
People across Scotland highlighted concerns about concentrated ownership, absentee landlords and a lack of transparency in how land is managed. Many also pointed to long-neglected sites in their communities and called for earlier involvement in decisions and clearer accountability from major landowners.
The report identified several key themes:
Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, explains: “This research confirms that people across Scotland believe the country’s land reform journey is not yet complete.
“The findings highlight a broad desire for greater transparency, a more diverse pattern of ownership, and more meaningful opportunities for communities to shape decisions that affect them.
“People want to see land used productively and responsibly, and they want long-standing challenges to be addressed with greater clarity and purpose. With more than 96% of respondents calling for change, it is evident that continued progress on land reform remains an important national priority.”
A companion publication, Voices from Scotland, provides additional perspectives from community leaders, landowners, young people, campaigners and practitioners, contributing to a broader national conversation about the next steps in Scotland’s land reform journey.
The findings from both publications will help to inform the Commission’s ongoing work and its advice to Scottish Government.
Over the coming months, the Commission will use this evidence to help shape new guidance, develop policy options and support practical changes that improve transparency, strengthen community involvement and make better use of Scotland’s land. This insight will also play a key role in shaping the Commission’s recommendations for completing Scotland’s land reform journey.
REPORTS:
Under One Roof and Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) are calling on the Scottish Government to act quickly to enact legislation on compulsory owners’ associations, following the release of the Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ association.
Under One Roof and BEFS have welcomed the report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, as a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland and are in a significant state of disrepair.
Owners’ associations, which currently exist in some tenement buildings as voluntary bodies with no legal standing, are critical to ensuring flat owners have the communication, structures, and processes in place to organise repairs in common areas of their building, such as the stair and roof.
The report and draft legislation, proposed by the Law Commission, would in effect create an owners’ association in every tenement building, and place a duty on owners:
The report also calls for the creation of a bespoke form on tenement incorporation, which would allow owners to sign repair contracts on behalf of the association, rather than placing liability on one or two owners, as currently exists.
Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, said: “The condition of Scotland’s tenements is a ticking timebomb.
“This year, as is the case every year in Scotland, there are far too many examples of stonework crashing to the streets from crumbling tenements, or flat owners being displaced due to unstable buildings.
“The introduction of owners’ associations in every building is not a silver bullet for fixing Scotland’s tenement stock; it’s a starting gun. The legislation will make it easier for owners of tenement flats to begin overdue conversations, look closely at what needs to be done and how quickly, and start long overdue repair, maintenance, and retrofit works.
“Political parties and the Scottish Government must work quickly to ensure legislation making owners’ associations in every tenement becomes a reality, as well as move quickly to ensure buildings are inspected every five years, and every tenement in Scotland has a building reserve fund.”
Hazel Johnson, Director of BEFS, said: “Tenement maintenance is a pressing issue across Scotland.
“The connection between Net Zero goals and building condition is indisputable; regular maintenance, repair and wider focus on improving the fabric of homes including tenements, so they are more able to transition to clean heat, is crucial.
“Without this starting point, actions will not result in the energy reductions expected, failing to improve building performance, negatively impacting on occupant health, and failing to meet fuel poverty aims.
“It is within this context that we call for joined up action for tenements in Scotland. Well maintained tenements can deliver for Scotland’s housing needs, net zero, economy, wellbeing, and more – for many years to come. The establishment of owners’ associations is an important milestone on this journey.”
Gillian Campbell, Director of Existing Homes Alliance said: “The publication of this report and draft Bill is a significant milestone on the road to improving the condition of Scotland’s tenements and ensuring flat owners are not left behind in the transition to clean heating and energy efficient homes.
“The proposed legislation is part of a much-needed framework that will help flat owners to work together to maintain their homes, making them more energy efficient and moving towards clean heating.
“The introduction of owners associations for flats has support across the Scottish Parliament and the next Scottish Government now has an opportunity to take this forward, helping to ensure that all flat owners can benefit from living in warm, healthy, affordable to heat homes, with clean heating systems.”
The Cumbernauld Theatre Trust, in North Lanarkshire, has been awarded £150,000 transition funding from the Scottish Government to help secure its future.
The funding will ensure the future of the Theatre as a going concern, so that it can continue its cultural programme and community work, while taking steps to enhance its financial sustainability and operations.
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust was the only was the only organisation to lose regular funding when Creative Scotland announced successful bidders for Multi-Year Funding in January, as a result of its application which was unsuccessful.
A record number of cultural organisations were successful in applying for Multi-Year Funding, following a £34 million increase for culture in the arts in the 2025-26 Scottish Budget. Over half of these organisations were awarded multi-year funding for the first time, and all successful applicants who previously received regular funding got a significant uplift.
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Cumbernauld Theatre is an important cultural asset for North Lanarkshire and the wider culture sector in Scotland.
“As a result of its failure to secure Multi-Year Funding, the Trust faced a critical funding gap for 2026-27, which would have required the Trust to consult on redundancies.
“Given the Theatre’s significance to the community and in order to protect the sector-specific skills it provides employment opportunities for, the Scottish Government has agreed to support the Trust with £150,000 in grant funding over 2026-27, and a potential further £150,000 in 2027-28 – subject to the Trust demonstrating its sustainability issues are being resolved.
“This funding should enable the Trust to move beyond a challenging period and take the necessary steps to secure Cumbernauld Theatre’s future.”
Alan Caldwell, Chair of Cumbernauld Theatre Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and the Scottish Government for our constructive conversations over the last few months and today’s announcement of its strategic investment in the future of this important cultural organisation.
“Their grant of £150,000 in 2026/27 and a potential further award in 2027/28 allows the Trust time to plan for a long-term sustainable future, while continuing to deliver its valuable work for residents in an area of Scotland which is under-served in terms of cultural and community opportunities.”
Creative Scotland has also agreed to give Cumbernauld Theatre Trust £99,557 in support of a programme of community engagement and work celebrating the town’s anniversary over the course of 2026.
BACKGROUND:
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.
Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.
Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.
Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.
Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.
2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.
HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.
The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.
HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.
According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.
“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.
“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”
Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.
In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:
HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.
“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.
“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.
“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”
The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.
SCOTLAND has made significant and internationally notable progress in reducing destitution among people who are blocked from accessing mainstream support because of their immigration status, a major new evaluation has found.
But the study warns that provision remains too limited to meet the scale of need.
The independent report examines the impact of Fair Way Scotland, an action-learning partnership providing integrated support for people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) or restricted or uncertain eligibility.
The model brings together specialist casework, modest financial assistance and access to community-based accommodation, helping people to meet basic needs and stabilise their circumstances. Funders, Scottish Government and charities are coming together today for a launch event to hear findings from the report and explore solutions that will reduce destitution.
The report found clear improvements in people’s safety and wellbeing when they receive consistent casework, access to community-based accommodation and modest financial support through Fair Way Scotland.
The report, authored by Heriot-Watt University and funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), outlines how these types of support can reduce harm inflicted on people and build a foundation for longer term progress.
Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe, Deputy Director, at the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE), Heriot-Watt University, said: “This evaluation demonstrates that Scotland has taken significant and internationally notable steps to prevent destitution. But the scale of current provision does not yet match the scale of need.
“We found strong evidence that consistent casework, safe accommodation and small but reliable cash payments reduce harm and support people to progress their immigration cases. The question now is whether Scotland is prepared to expand what clearly works so that no one faces destitution.”
The report highlights the exceptional disadvantage facing people supported through Fair Way Scotland:
Importantly, outcomes improved the longer people engaged with support. Those receiving help for more than three months were significantly less likely to be sleeping rough, living in overcrowded conditions, moving repeatedly, or going without essentials like food and toiletries.
Demand, however, far exceeds what current resources can meet. The evaluation estimates that around 4,000 people across Scotland require this type of support each year, with the country making great progress by meeting around a quarter of that demand thus far.
Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “This evaluation shows in stark terms both the effectiveness of Fair Way Scotland and the scale of unmet need. The model works – but demand is far beyond what the current system can cope with. Scaling Fair Way Scotland is now urgent, not optional.
“We need coordinated action from all tiers of government. The UK Government, Scottish Government and local councils need to better use the powers they have, underpinned by a clear commitment from housing associations to provide the safe, stable accommodation that is essential to reducing harm. And ultimately the UK Government need to stop using policy to create destitution.
“If we are serious about preventing destitution, every part of the system must step up together.”
Frontline accounts within the report underline the difference stability can make. Workers describe how access to casework, legal advice and community-based accommodation enables people to progress their status and access support to which they are entitled.
The evaluation also reflects the voices of people directly supported by Fair Way Scotland. Many described how cash payments – usually of £60 a week – allowed them to buy food and travel, restoring dignity and reducing crisis.
The evaluation recognises that Scotland is the only part of the UK with a national strategy that explicitly commits to ending destitution for all, including those with No Recourse to Public Funds or restricted eligibility. Yet, progress remains slow, with local authorities and third sector organisations under increasing pressure.
Human rights lawyer, Jen Ang of Lawmanity, said: “Scotland already has more scope to act than many decision-makers realise. The evaluation shows that when existing powers are used confidently and consistently, people can be protected from the deepest harms associated with destitution.
“What stands out in this report is the strength of the evidence for scaling Fair Way Scotland. It offers a lawful, practical and humane approach that reflects Scotland’s commitments to dignity and fairness. The task now is ensuring that these findings translate into action so that support is available to everyone who needs it.”
Key recommendations within the report include:
Beth added: “Scotland has the tools, evidence and experience to end destitution for those currently excluded from mainstream support. What is needed now is the resolve to act at scale. Doing so would prevent severe hardship, reduce avoidable harm and uphold Scotland’s commitments to fairness and dignity.”
Fair Way Scotland is a partnership of third sector organisations seeking to prevent homelessness and destitution among those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) in Scotland.
Key Fair Way Scotland delivery partners include theScottish Refugee Council, Simon Community Scotland, Turning Point Scotland and Refugee Sanctuary Scotland– supported by Homeless Network Scotland and learning partners Heriot-Watt University and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Specialist legal expertise is commissioned from a coalition of legal firms: Just Right Scotland, Latta & Co, Legal Services Agency, Settled and Shelter Scotland. COSLA and the Scottish Government are strategic partners, committed to working with Fair Way as part of their commitment to Ending Destitution Together and Ending Homelessness Together.
Almost £3 billion of public money is “lining the pockets” of private profiteers within Scotland’s public services according to a shock new report from Scotland’s largest trade union body.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has issued a stark warning following the publication of new research by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), estimating that outsourcing is draining £2 to 3 billion EVERY YEAR from Scotland’s public services through private profit and financial extraction.
The report shows that Scotland’s public money is being siphoned away from vital public services, including health, social care, education and local government and into the pockets of investors, global corporations and private equity funds.
Published by the APSE on behalf of the STUC, the report highlights the private-dominated care sector, where 79% of care home places are now in private hands and more than 20% of income leaks out of the system to corporate owners and investors.
Scotland spends more than £16 billion a year buying services, goods and works from external suppliers. The services that are most commonly outsourced, such as social care and soft facilities management, are overwhelmingly staffed by women. The report highlights that sacrificing the pay and pensions of thousands of low paid women is discriminatory, unfair and counterproductive.
STUC Leader Roz Foyer condemned the findings and called into question the aims of the Scottish Government’s own Public Service Reform Strategy, which stresses prevention, whole-system planning, fair work and community wealth building.
Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, said: “This report exposes the true cost of Scotland’s rip-off outsourcing crisis – a systematic extraction of public wealth on an industrial scale.
“Billions of pounds that should be paying for health, care staff, cleaners, refuse workers and local services are instead lining the pockets of shareholders and private equity interests with not a penny reinvested into our public services.
“We are urging the Scottish Government to act now. The bear minimum they need to do is ensure the same level of scrutiny is applied to the extent and quality of privately delivered public services as the Government applies to direct provision.
“However, you cannot build a Fair Work economy on the backs of the private profiteering of our public services. Insourcing, directly awarding services and embracing trade unions as partners in that endeavour is not only fairer but also economically smarter. Every pound kept in public hands supports local jobs, local economies and better services.
“As we approach the election, Scotland cannot afford political silence from prospective MSPs who ignore the silent privatisation of Scotland’s public services. Our public services are too important to be auctioned off to the lowest bidder and should not be handed to profiteers.”
