Join us for a relaxed and informal shared Open Book Reading Session where we will read aloud part of a book and poem, then an Open Book Lead Reader will help guide the discussion.
Tuesday 20th January at 6pm
Age 16+
This event is free although you will require a ticket which can be sourced through EventBrite:
Action to reform the Fatal Accident Inquiry system relating to deaths in custody will be taken following an independent review.
The review was commissioned by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, in consultation with the Lord Advocate, to examine how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations into deaths in custody and ensure those affected are treated in a trauma-informed way.
Retired Sheriff Principal Ian Abercrombie KC, who chaired the review, has now published his report. It contains 34 recommendations aimed at improving the process, timescales and communication of Fatal Accident Inquiries held in response to a death in custody.
Many of the review’s recommendations will require collaboration and legislative change, and the Scottish Government will set up a multi-agency working group to drive forward action, which will include the Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and other key partners.
Ms Constance said: “I am very grateful to Sheriff Principal Abercrombie and the advisory group for this forthright review. Their report’s thorough and wide-ranging recommendations set out the evident need to improve the Fatal Accident Inquiry system.
“The message from families who gave evidence to the review is clear, they feel let down and their experience of the system has added to their grief.
“This needs to change and families who have lost loved ones in custody cannot wait for a lengthy process to conclude before they see improvement.
“Responsibility for acting on the recommendations sits with a range of justice partners, which is why I am setting up a multi-agency group to drive forward reforms.
“The group will consider the review’s recommendations and develop a shared action plan to improve the system of fatal accident inquiries for deaths in custody, with an emphasis on implementing reform as a priority.”
Workers across Britain will benefit from billions of pounds of private sector investment in ports and supply chains, thanks to the government’s record renewables auction combined for the first time with its Clean Industry Bonus (CIB).
The UK government yesterday (Thursday 15 January) announced that, as a result of the record renewables auction AR7, £204 million of public investment to incentivise domestic jobs and supply chains has leveraged £3.4 billion of private investment, which will flow into British manufacturing, factories and ports.
This means successful offshore wind projects will procure the infrastructure for their projects from right across Britain’s industrial heartlands.
Backed by record government and private sector investment in clean energy such as renewables and nuclear, the clean energy economy is sparking a boom in demand for good industrial jobs in all regions and nations of the UK.
The results mean for every £1 of public money spent, £17 of private money is invested in developing supply chains in some of the most deprived areas of the country. This supports up to 7,000 jobs according to industry estimates, including good, skilled jobs like electricians, welders and engineers. The government expects the offshore wind industry to support 100,000 jobs by 2030, with access to trade unions and fair wages.
The results will bring huge benefits to the industrial base of Scotland in particular, with an up to £1.1 billion supply chain investment boom and up to 2,400 clean energy jobs. This will help revitalise and reindustrialise hardworking towns and cities that have powered Britain for decades. Investment will flow to Scottish ports like Nigg and Aberdeen, and manufacturers of offshore wind equipment in Scotland. Delivering on the government’s energy mission will create up to 40,000 extra jobs in Scotland by 2030.
The record renewables auction announced yesterday secured the biggest single procurement of offshore wind energy in European history – confounding the global challenges facing the industry and securing a major vote of confidence in the UK’s new era of energy sovereignty and abundance.
This auction, known as Contracts for Difference AR7, secured a record capacity of 8.4 GW of offshore wind which will generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of over 12 million homes.
The new jobs come on top of the 400,000 new jobs that the government’s Clean Energy Mission is delivering by 2030. Backed by record government and private sector investment in clean energy such as renewables and nuclear, the clean energy economy is sparking a boom in demand for good industrial jobs in all regions and nations of the UK – with 31 priority occupations such as plumbers, electricians, and welders particularly in demand.
This includes jobs sparked by the decision to give Sizewell C the green light, which will support an average of 10,000 jobs per year during construction and the 4,800 jobs already set to be created in the CCUS projects in North West England, North Wales and Teesside.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We promised to take back control of our energy with clean, homegrown power – and today we’re delivering in a way that brings good industrial jobs for Scotland and the rest of the country.
“Billions in investment will flow into hardworking industrial communities to build clean energy supply chains in Britain. This is how we revitalise our proud industrial heartlands and secure our energy future and bring bills down for the long term.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Our clean energy mission is creating thousands of good jobs for working people in their hometown, bringing transformational opportunities for Britain and reversing decades of industrial decline.
“This investment in clean, homegrown power will be felt for decades, powering Scotland’s future and backing the proud industrial base of our country.”
As part of this auction, the government introduced a ’Clean Industry Bonus’ – a financial incentive to support developers who invest in UK supply chains, and in cleaner factories. This was announced by the Prime Minister ahead of COP29, delivering on a manifesto pledge and illustrating the government’s commitment to build it in Britain and create good jobs through the drive for clean, homegrown power.
The bonus is a first-of-a-kind initiative for the country, and delivers an unprecedented investment into Britain’s industrial base.
This is a significant vote in confidence for Britain’s Industrial Strategy, with many of the critical components for clean, homegrown energy – such as foundations, blades, port infrastructure and cables – to be built in Britain.
As Britain races to meet rising energy demand, expected to more than double by 2050, and cut energy bills, the question is not whether to build, but what to build to meet that demand most cheaply. The auction results and new analysis from the government shows offshore wind, alongside solar and onshore wind remain cheaper to build and operate than new gas.
The government’s mission for clean power by 2030 will also help make the UK energy secure again, getting households and businesses off the fossil fuel rollercoaster, controlled by petrostates and dictators, which caused the worst cost of living crisis in memory.
FULL UK HOST TOWNS AND CITIES REVEALED
The full route of the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France has been revealed, confirming how the world’s biggest annual sporting event will begin when the men’s race gets underway in Scotland.
The opening stage will start in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, before heading south through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway, tackling the day’s sole categorised climb on the Côte de Melrose amidst the Eildon Hills, before crossing the border and finishing in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle.
While Edinburgh was confirmed last year as host of the Grand Départ, last night’s announcement provides the first detailed look at the Scottish route, underlining Scotland’s role in setting the tone for the 2027 Tour de France as it begins three days of racing on British roads.
To mark the moment, Edinburgh Castle was illuminated as part of a coordinated UK-wide “Tour de Skies” celebration, with a yellow beam lighting up the capital’s skyline. The activation linked Scotland with nine other host towns and cities across England and Wales, creating a single national moment of anticipation ahead of the historic Grand Départs.
Alongside the announcement of the full UK route for the men’s event, Leeds was also confirmed as the start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The race will kick off on Friday 30 July 2027 from the Yorkshire city, before crossing the Pennines to Manchester, then returning to Sheffield via the climbs of the Peak District before concluding with a showpiece stage in London.
Following the first stage, the men’s race will head to Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
Alongside the host venues, first details of Joy, the social impact programme that will embed community impact at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ was announced, while British Cycling also confirmed that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the delivery of the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland: “An iconic sporting event like the Tour de France starting on Edinburgh’s historic streets will be a truly memorable moment for Scotland. From our capital city, the stage will see the cyclists racing through some of our most beautiful countryside in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders – where they will face a tough test on the climb of the Côte de Melrose – and finally Dumfries and Galloway.
“Places such as Newtongrange, with its rich mining heritage; Galashiels, home to Scotland’s textile industry; and Canonbie, on the River Esk, will put their unique stamps on and become part of the history of this legendary event.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the best of Scotland to millions of cycling fans around the world, whether they are watching from home or joining the many people here who will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s finest athletes competing on the streets of their towns and villages.”
Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO): “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.
“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
Marion Rousse, Director, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift: “The United Kingdom has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Armitstead-Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Lizzie Deignan, British road and track racing world champion: “Racing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been one of the highlights of my career, and seeing the women’s edition go from strength to strength has been genuinely inspiring.
“To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special. This is a huge moment for the sport and an opportunity that will inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”
Scottish Cycling’s Head of Performance and Coaching, David Somerville: “Since the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ was announced last year, the Scottish Cycling community has been waiting with bated breath to see where the route would go after departing from Edinburgh, so today is a huge milestone.
“2025 saw two Scottish riders take to the start for the first time, and there is a strong chance we could build on that in 2027.
“What’s even more special is that for the likes of Oscar Onley and Sean Flynn, the route will head on roads they’ve used in training many times as young riders dreaming of racing in the biggest bike race in the world.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I have no doubt that the Tour de France Grand Depart will cement our reputation on the global stage.
“Edinburgh is well used to hosting major festivals and events, and this is an excellent opportunity to showcase the city. To have the world’s largest annual sporting event setting off from the Capital will be a moment of great pride for our residents and will bring our city to new audiences all over the world.
“From boosting our local economy, through to promoting an active lifestyle, greater general participation in cycling, and increased use of active travel infrastructure – I’m confident that the wider legacy of the Tour de France will be a positive one for Edinburgh.”
Midlothian Council Leader Kelly Parry: “We’re thrilled to welcome world-class cycling to Midlothian. Being part of the Tour de France Grand Départ is an incredible opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes to a global audience and inspire generations to embrace the sport.
“We’ll be proud to say a big ‘bonjour’ to the Tour and, working closely with our communities, ensure this moment leaves a lasting economic, social, and cultural legacy for Midlothian.”
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council: ““It is an incredible honour for the Scottish Borders to host the majority of Stage 1 of the 2027 Tour de France as it makes its way through our beautiful countryside and towns from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
“We are passionate about cycling in the Scottish Borders and committed to getting more people on bikes for commuting, pleasure and sport. The Tour de France will provide a huge boost in that respect, and it will also deliver other really valuable social and economic impacts to the area.
“Stage 1 will showcase the South of Scotland as Scotland’s leading cycle destination to an enormous audience around the world and those that come to watch the race in-person, and we can’t wait to welcome them all.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Chair, Cllr Tracey Little: “Dumfries and Galloway Council is thrilled to be playing a part in the 2027 Tour de France. It is widely regarded as cycling’s premier event and is viewed by millions of people for each kilometre of the race.
“We have a proud history with cycling in our region and this latest chapter of hosting world-class cycling will only add to this.
“Dumfries and Galloway also has strong links with Kirkpatrick MacMillan, who of course built the first ever bicycle as we know it. Our council is looking forward to being part of the action and the social and community benefits that it brings.”
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth: “These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.
“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”
Simon Morton, Director of Events, UK Sport: “Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of what we expect to be the biggest free-to-attend event ever to be held on these shores.
“Our vision was to host a massive sporting event that would genuinely thread together the countries, cities, and communities of Great Britain, and show what we can achieve when we work together.
“The route details announced today do just that, enabling us to reach, unite, and inspire people right across the country – providing moments of joy for millions, bringing communities together, and delivering lasting benefits beyond race day.
“We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our society, and that the British public should be able to access and attend big events. By hosting the initial stages of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, we’re bringing one of the world’s greatest sporting events directly to people’s doorsteps.
“We at UK Sport are delighted to be playing our part and are proud to support the partners working together to make the 2027 Grand Départs a success.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling: “The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing – it’s about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain.
“Through Joy – our collective, game-changing social impact programme – we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history.
“By working with partners and creating new, varied ways for people to connect with cycling – whether by riding, volunteering, supporting locally, or engaging through culture and community activity – we can break down barriers and open the sport up in ways that meet people where they are.
“This is a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027: “Revealing these new route details of the opening stages is a huge moment for everyone involved and my thanks to all our partners.
“The UK has hosted unforgettable Grand Départs before, but 2027 will be bigger than anything we’ve seen – with both the men’s and women’s pelotons starting here together for the historic very first time.
“This will be a “moment for the Nation” and is a once in a generation opportunity to inspire more people to experience the joy and freedom of cycling.”
Social impact
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.
Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community representatives to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, break down barriers for girls in sport, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.
Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com
The Scottish Parliament has approved government legislation which will help ensure EURO 2028 in Scotland is fair and affordable for supporters and businesses.
At the heart of the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill is a commitment to putting fans first by helping to safeguard against touts and preventing EURO 2028 tickets being sold above face value or for profit in Scotland.
It is part of a package of measures to make sure tickets are sold fairly and accessibly. UEFA has announced that more than 40% of tickets sold for the tournament will be in the lowest price categories and that there will be no surge or dynamic pricing. Tickets will be allocated through a ballot to avoid queues and pressure on fans.
An official UEFA resale platform will also allow tickets to be resold only at face value to avoid ticket touts. Resale outside the official platform will not be authorised, ensuring greater fairness for fans.
Provisions in the Bill will also protect commercial rights by preventing unauthorised street trading and advertising in event zones and give Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council the powers they need to enforce rules fairly.
Minister for Business Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland is the perfect stage to host three of the world’s top sporting events over the next three years – the Commonwealth Games 2026, the Tour de France Grand Depart 2027 and the UEFA EURO 2028 – bringing real and lasting benefits, from supporting jobs and local businesses to showcasing Scotland to millions of people around the world.
“The passage of this Bill confirms that Scotland is ready to co-host EURO 2028 in a way that is fair for supporters and businesses.
“This Bill put fans first, with strong protections against ticket touting and measures to tackle ambush marketing, so supporters can enjoy this once-in-a-generation event on equal terms.”
Executive Director of Supporters Direct Scotland Alan Russell said: “As supporters of our national game, and football in general, we welcome this Bill which we hope will keep tickets affordable and accessible to all.
“By banning the unauthorised sale of tickets for more than face value, UEFA have sent a clear signal that football is for the fans, and that profiteering by ticket touts is not welcome here.
“We’re looking forward to another fantastic tournament, with Hampden packed to the rafters with real fans, and can’t wait to follow Scotland all the way to the final!”
Around three million tickets are expected to go on sale across the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland in June and July 2028.
Six matches will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow and the Scottish Government is investing up to £73 million to support delivery of EURO 2028 in Scotland.
The tournament is expected to generate an estimated £270 million boost to the Scottish economy, supporting jobs, tourism and local businesses across the country.
£3.2 million of Scottish Government funding will help to reduce barriers to opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase Scotland as a world class host of major events.
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption
Residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being invited to gather more information about adoption on Big Adoption Day 2026, with Kibble Adoption offering a series of free no commitment information events designed to show how adoption can transform lives.
The charity is hosting a series of free events, both online and in-person, for people exploring adoption as a route to parenthood. These events are to celebrate Big Adoption Day, led by Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) and children’s charity Corum, which aims to highlight the benefit of adoption, and the urgent need for more adoptive families to come forward.
In Scotland, there is an overwhelming number of children with plans for adoption and not enough adopters across the country.
Taking place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, Big Adoption Day brings together adoption agencies across the UK to celebrate the joy of adoption and provide potential adopters with accessible, practical guidance in a friendly, pressure-free environment.
Prospective adopters are welcomed to join an information session with Kibble Adoption to explore adoption at their own pace, learn about the process of becoming an adoptive parent, and understand its positive impact on children across Scotland.
The events are:
Adopters who attended Big Adoption Day last year, and have successfully welcomed a child into their lives, said: “If you are considering adoption, you already have the room in your heart so we would absolutely recommend taking the leap and finding out more.”
Sandy Mayhew, Executive Director of Community Services at Kibble, said: “Big Adoption Day is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in Scotland considering adoption. It’s a chance to learn how you could make a lifelong difference to a child’s life.
“At Kibble, we provide comprehensive, personalised support at every stage – from the very first enquiry to life after placement. This includes 24/7 access to our expert team, dedicated transition support, professional training, and ongoing workshops to help families thrive.
“Adoption can change lives, and we’re here to guide families every step of the way.”
Kibble Adoption’s approach ensures that every child is matched with the right family, and that adopters have the support, tools, and guidance they need to create a stable, loving home. By participating in these events, Scots can discover how adoption is not just a journey for children, but an opportunity to enrich their own lives as well.
For more information about adopting with Kibble Adoption and to book a place at Big Adoption Day events, visit www.kibbleadoption.org
Thurday’s meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in East Edinburgh.
Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year.
To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes.
Other improvements include:
The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with:
Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes.
This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said: This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes.
“By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”
Proposals to strengthen the sustainability of secure care and enhance the support available to vulnerable children are being consulted upon.
The consultation seeks views on a range of proposed reforms to future secure care services, which will continue to be a critical part of Scotland’s child welfare and justice systems.
Among the proposals are:
The proposals will ensure that children’s rights are at the centre of secure care services, aligning further with the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law and the Scottish Government’s commitment to The Promise.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “This national consultation marks a significant moment in our journey to reimagine how we care for and support some of the most vulnerable children in Scotland.
“Every child in secure care deserves support that is therapeutic, understanding of their experiences, and tailored to their individual needs. This consultation explores how we can create a system where children receive the right care, at the right time, in in environments that support their recovery and rehabilitation, keep them connected to family and community, and prepare them for positive futures.
“Your views will help shape a secure care system that places children’s rights at its heart, ensures secure care remains a last resort, and gives every child the best chance to thrive.”
The consultation on the future of secure care is open for views until 16 April 2026.
Workforce pressures, resource constraints and severe overcrowding are exacerbating issues related to substance misuse in Scotland’s prisons, says the Criminal Justice Committee.
The Committee’s inquiry into substance misuse in prisons looked at how substances enter Scotland’s prison estate, the impact of substances in prisons, and rehabilitation and support services.
The Committee found that substance misuse in custody remains a systemic challenge across the prison estate, and reflects deep-rooted societal issues such as poverty, trauma, inequality and mental ill-health. It says systemic reform which treats substance misuse in Scotland’s prisons as a public health issue, not a justice one, is essential to tackle it effectively.
Evidence is highlighted by the Committee of prison healthcare teams often operating under pressures that would be deemed unacceptable in community settings, including chronic understaffing, limited clinical space, high levels of acuity, and inadequate digital infrastructure.
The Committee say persistent and extreme overcrowding in prisons also acts as a major barrier to preventing substance misuse issues and providing effective care.
Highlighting the variations in healthcare provision between NHS Boards and wider health system failings, the Committee say that without significant improvement to the capacity, governance and integration of health and social care services for people in custody, prisons will struggle to absorb unmet clinical needs.
On supply and security, the Committee found that total prohibition is unrealistic in an era of synthetic cannabinoids and nitazenes, and that organised-crime networks continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the prison environment.
Although improved technology and the use of window grilles can limit supply, the Committee say success must be measured by reductions in harm and demand, not simply by the number of seizures.
Mental-health care is an area of particular concern to the Committee and the report highlights evidence of inconsistent access across the prison estate. The Committee is calling for parity between custody and community services to reduce harm and improve post-release outcomes.
The Committee say data gaps limit understanding of the true scale of the harm of substance misuse in prisons and the effectiveness of interventions, and more must be done to improve data transparency and evaluation.
The vital importance of the transition from prison to the community for individuals dealing with substance misuse is highlighted in the report. The Committee say the period after release poses the highest risk of overdose and death and that every individual should leave custody with an integrated, person-centred release plan, including verified prescriptions, housing, and GP registration.
The significant emotional and psychological strain prison officers, healthcare staff, and voluntary-sector partners face is also highlighted. The Committee say increased support and a trauma-informed approach must apply to staff as well as those in custody.
This inquiry has highlighted that tackling substance misuse requires a whole-system approach. The Committee has agreed to continue working with justice partners, health services, and communities to deliver meaningful change.
Criminal Justice Committee Convener, Audrey Nicoll MSP, said: “Our inquiry illustrates clearly that substance misuse in Scotland’s prisons is not simply a justice issue, it is a public health one and can only be tackled effectively by being treated as such.
“The evidence we have gathered reveals a prison system and staff under extreme pressure, with issues such as under-resourced services and overcrowding exacerbating the myriad impacts of substance misuse in prisons. The goal is clear: to break the cycle of addiction and reoffending, and to protect lives.
“It’s clear more must be done to reduce pressure on the workforce and reduce overcrowding, and ensure adequate resourcing of services, particularly specialist staff – all of which are vital to tackle substance misuse in prisons.
“But these issues cannot be understood in isolation from the broader social determinants of health and justice. Systemic reform which prioritises recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration is essential in order to begin to tackle the complex and intertwined issues related to substance misuse.
“Our Committee is determined that this inquiry is not the endpoint of scrutiny, but the foundation for continuing parliamentary oversight of progress in reducing drug and alcohol harms in custody and improving outcomes for individuals.
“The Committee recognises the extraordinary efforts of prison officers, healthcare staff, and voluntary-sector partners who operate daily in difficult and often dangerous circumstances. We’d like to thank everyone who has engaged with our inquiry and informed our scrutiny.”
On Monday 19 January, the Edinburgh Union will host a landmark debate on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in the Scottish Government Ahead of the Holyrood Election.
With the Holyrood election fast-approaching, this debate will examine the legacy of nearly two decades of SNP governance and assess the Scottish Government’s record across key policy areas. The event will bring together MSPs and election candidates from across Scotland’s major political parties to debate the motion and put their arguments directly to the audience.
Alongside guest speakers including Paul McLennan MSP, Katherine Sangster, and Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, student speakers from the University of Edinburgh will also take opposing sides in the debate.
The audience, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh’s universities, will have the opportunity to question speakers and ultimately vote on whether they retain confidence in the Scottish Government ahead of the upcoming election.
This debate marks the beginning of the Edinburgh Union’s summer term programme. Following a series of sold-out events last semester, the Union continues its mission to provide a platform for open, rigorous debate on contemporary political and cultural issues in Scotland’s capital.
The forthcoming term card includes debates on whether immigration is the biggest issue facing the UK, and if NATO can solve modern security challenges – as well as a Varsity debate against the Cambridge Union.
Each debate takes place in Rainy Hall, New College, and offers audience members the opportunity to engage directly with speakers from across the political spectrum in a traditional Union-style format.
Finn Tyson, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “With the Holyrood election approaching, this debate gives students and the wider academic community the chance to assess the record of the Scottish Government and directly question candidates seeking to govern Scotland.
“The Edinburgh Union exists to foster open, challenging, and respectful debate. Our events are open to all students, and we are proud to bring together voices from across the political spectrum to start this semester with an event centered on democratic engagement and rigorous discussion.”
