Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Miles Briggshas criticised the Scottish government on what he calls its ‘shameful’ record regarding the reduction of specialist music teachers in primary schools across Scotland.
It comes following a question asked by Mr. Briggs in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon about the impact on children and young people of the decline.
In Lothian local authorities, there are 4 teachers in Edinburgh City and 2 in West Lothian, while East Lothian and Midlothian have none between them.
In 2013, there were 5 in Edinburgh City, 5 in West Lothian and 0 in both East Lothian and Midlothian.
There are only 37 teachers for 32 local authorities in Scotland, down from 98 in 2008 – the first year in which the SNP was in power in Scotland – and down from 108 in 2011, when the SNP formed a majority government.
The reduction in specialist music teachers at primary schools threatens to extend the gap in opportunities between state and private education.
Mr. Briggs called on the Scottish government to put aside its pursuit of independence and focus on more pressing matters.
Lothian MSP Mr. Briggs said:“This is another example of the SNP government’s mismanagement of a sector, this time regarding specialist music teachers in primary schools.
“For a country with such a rich musical tradition as Scotland to have just 37 specialist music teachers for primary schools across the country is shameful and something the Scottish government should be embarrassed about.
“In my own region of Lothian, there are just 6 – down from 10 a decade ago – and with none in East Lothian or Midlothian at all.
“No doubt, however, the SNP’s spin doctors will be pinning the blame on Westminster and informing us of how an independent Scotland would be the sound of music.
“They have let down the country, they have let down the voters, and now they have let down the children.
“Young people and children are the ones that will suffer from this continued reduction in specialist teachers and it is high time the SNP focused on the proper demands of the country and stopped prioritising their independence dream.”
February has the lowest average flight delay time, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport offering the best punctuality for that month
July has the longest average delays, but Southend Airport has the shortest delays during this month
London City Airport offers the lowest average delay times overall
Based on new research, February is officially the best month to fly to avoid long delay times, when there was an average delay of only 10 minutes during 2023.[1] Meanwhile, July had average delays of 24 minutes in the study, making it the least punctual month for air travel.
Go.Compare analysed 2023 flight travel data for 25 UK airports to reveal the best time of year for reduced flight delays. It also analysed which airports offer the fewest delays for each month.
Winter emerged as the best season to travel, with February, November, and January topping the list for the lowest average delay times. Liverpool John Lennon, Southend, and East Midlands International Airport were the most reliable during these months, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.[2]
Best time of year for reduced flight delays:
Rank
Month
Average delay (mins)
% Cancelled flights
Airport with the fewest delays
Average delay (mins)
1
February
10
2%
Liverpool (John Lennon)
6
2
November
12
1%
Southend
8
3
January
13
2%
East Midlands International
9
4
April
15
1%
Southend
6
5
May
17
2%
London City
12
6
October
18
2%
East Midlands International
11
7
September
20
2%
Belfast City (George Best)
13
8
December
20
2%
London City
15
9
March
22
2%
Southampton
11
10
June
22
2%
Exeter
14
11
August
23
3%
Teesside International
14
12
July
24
2%
Southend
13
August and July proved to be the least reliable months for timely travel, with average delay times below 25 minutes. But if flyers do decide to travel during the summer months, Teesside International and Southend are the most reliable, offering average delays of only 14 and 13 minutes respectively.
Overall, out of all the airports explored, London City was crowned the most punctual over the whole of 2023, with the average flight delay time lasting only 13 minutes.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear that the off-peak months are better for flight punctuality. The summer months are incredibly popular among passengers. This, along with unpredictable summer weather, means that airports are more likely to suffer from delays.
“But our figures also show that some airports are more punctual than others. If you can, try to fly from an airport which sees fewer delays to minimise your chances of encountering setbacks.
“Making sure that you’re equipped to deal with unexpected delays is key. From organising travel insurance to knowing who to contact in the event of a delay, being proactive can ease the stress of unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy a smoother journey overall.”
A call for views on the Scottish Government’s proposals for National Outcomes has been launched.
The Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee will lead Holyrood’s committees in scrutinising the proposed new and revised measures under the National Performance Framework.
Views are being sought from across the public sector, from businesses, the voluntary sector and from communities.
The deadline for submitting views is 28 June 2024.
Finance and Public Administration Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson said:“The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years.
“Earlier this month the government published its proposals for new and revised National Outcomes.
“Our committee will lead the Parliament’s scrutiny of the new proposals and, working with other Committees, consider whether the proposed National Outcomes are the right ones for Scotland, and whether the Government should make any other changes.
“Our Committee, along with others, will also examine whether the 13 proposed Outcomes will lead to better lives for the people of Scotland, as intended by the Scottish Government.”
Call for Views
The committee’s call for views asks nine questions about the proposed National Outcomes.
The Scottish Government explains that the National Performance Framework is Scotland’s wellbeing framework.
The National Performance Framework aims to get everyone in Scotland to work together to deliver on the National Outcomes. This includes:
national and local government
public and private sectors
voluntary organisations
businesses and
communities.
What are National outcomes?
The Government explains that National Outcomes are part of the NPF and are the broad policy aims which, with the NPF, describe the kind of Scotland “in which we all want to live”.
The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and also considers the consultation the Government has carried out.
The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 1 May 2024.
Committee Scrutiny
The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading consideration of the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
What happens next?
Once the consultation has closed, the responses will be analysed, and that analysis will be sent to the relevant Committee to consider.
It will be for each Committee to consider what action they may wish to take, including whether to publish their views in a letter or a report to Parliament.
Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations.
Greenspace Scotland in collaboration with Falkirk Council and Studio Caspar, have been working extensively with the wider community over the past year to create a memorial that authentically reflects the experiences of residents during Covid.
To celebrate the forthcoming memorial and the project moving to its final stages, a live screenprinting event is set to be held in Callendar Park, with lead artist Caspar J Wilson printing illustrated posters that tell the story of the project so far. Attendees can even take part directly, pulling the squeegee and printing their own edition to be taken home and shared by everyone who comes along.
Wilson, who has extensive experience in socially engaged community art, set out to engage in an authentic process of co-creation with Falkirk communities.
This took the form of workshops held at community venues such as Larbert High School, where pupils made collages expressing how they had been pushed apart in isolation before coming back together; and at the Forth Valley Sensory Centre, where beautiful bouquets of flowers shared thoughts on the kind of calm, green spaces that could be the right venue for a memorial.
The purpose of these interactive workshops was to allow for participants to communicate through creativity, forming a collective vision of a memorial that would authentically reflect the breadth of experience that people had during these difficult years.
Every individual has a unique experience of Covid, but they are all somewhat united in various ways and Wilson sought to reflect that by taking each person’s story and displaying them as a piece of design, in an evolving, growing collection in a public space.
All the drawings, writings, collages and stories from the workshops have been used as inspiration for the memorial, as part of a library of stories, which will take the form of a permanent sculptural installation in Callendar Park.
For this event, a sample of the community artwork made from these workshops will be displayed in Callendar House alongside the screenprinting.
Artist Caspar J Wilson said, “This event is an open invitation to everyone who is curious about our work to create a memorial to Covid.
“I want to share the story of the project so far and all the fantastic community artwork made in our workshops. We are screenprinting an illustrated print that tells this story. Come to Callendar Park, see the community exhibition, watch artist prints being made by hand and take one home with you.”
Lesley O’Hare, Cultural Services Manager for Falkirk Council said “Caspar has taken a range of people from across the Falkirk Council area on a creative journey, enabling them to articulate their experiences of the pandemic in imaginative ways.
“This gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the journey so far and soon we will see how he has translated these experiences into a design for the memorial”.
Remembering Together Falkirk is commissioned by greenspace scotland with funding from the Scottish Government.
A World War 1 soldier from Dundee who was identified in part through possible tartan fragments and a thistle brooch, has finally been laid to rest with full military honours.
More than a century after his death, Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell, who served with The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC), Woburn Abbey today 15 May 2024.
The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
In 2019 two casualties were recovered by the CWGC following a call from a farmer in the village of Cuinchy who had been ploughing his field and discovered what he thought could be WW1 casualties. The remains were close to the recovery site of a casualty JCCC has earlier identified as a Lance Corporal from 1st Battalion Black Watch killed on 25 January 1915.
Research focused on the period between 25 January and 6 February 1915 when the British front line was approximately at the recovery location. The artefacts confirmed the casualties were British and, although none identified a regiment, some suggested a Scottish connection, a link to The Black Watch – including pieces of possible tartan, a thistle brooch – and possible previous military service.
Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detectives’ case lead said: “The presence of a spoon with the service number 3800 was of great help and enabled us to narrow down the list of candidates.
“We always have to be mindful; a spoon found near a casualty doesn’t always mean they were the owner. In this case, following DNA we were able to confirm the identity of 3800 Pte Gemmell who was killed on 25 January.
“Due to the number of artefacts found alongside the two casualties it is possible they were either sleeping in a dugout or holding the line. The weather and conditions in January 1915 were known to be cold, wet and very difficult for the infantry soldiers who were trying to hold the advancing enemy.”
Despite DNA testing the second casualty has not yet been identified but research and genealogy is on-going.
The Gemmell family said: “It is both a privilege and honour to be here today to see our Grandfather and Great Grandfather buried.
“A beautifully emotional occasion we were here not just to remember Private Gemmell but the unknown soldier alongside him. We would like to thank all those involved in particular the Regiment, 3 Scots, JCCC and the local community.”
Major Patrick Marshall (3 Scots) presents the flag to Pte Gemmell’s grandchildren (Crown Copyright)
Reverend Geoffrey Berry CF, Chaplain to The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “Reveille, the traditional bugle call for the bearer party to return to work is also the ringing call to their colleague Private David Gemmell who they have just lowered, to rise in glory into the presence of the Lord.“
The grave of Pte David Gemmell will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.
The military party and other invited guests stand with the family of Pte Gemmell (Crown Copyright)
Xavier Puppinck, France Area Director CWGC, said: “We are profoundly privileged to stand here today, united in reverence as Private (Pte) David Valentine Gemmell is laid to rest.
“His selfless sacrifice and unwavering service are forever etched in the annals of history and in the sacred stones of the Commonwealth War Graves Woburn Abbey Cemetery. May his legacy endure under our unwavering care and commitment.”
PICTURED (TOP) Artefacts belonging to Pte Gemmell which were presented to his family after the service (Crown Copyright)
Protesters to take to the water at Portobello beach as sewage backlash intensifies
Thousands of protesters will take to coasts and rivers across the UK today to protest against the state of the nation’s waterways. The protests have been coordinated by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who are calling for an end to the sewage discharges plaguing the UK’s rivers and seas, as sewage overflows continue to have a devastating impact on ecological and human health.
Over 30 protests are set to take place at local beaches and rivers, spanning locations from Edinburgh to Cornwall. Flagship protests are taking place at West Pier in Brighton and at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, with Olympian and keen paddle-boarder Dame Kelly Holmes set to join protesters on the south coast.
Edinburgh protestors will gather on Portobello beach at 10.30am.
Charlie Allanson-Oddy, founding member of the Porty Water Collective and SAS regional representative, who is helping to organise the Portobello protest, said:“Walking the beaches in Portobello, the reality of sewage scandal is clear with thousands of baby wipes washed up weekly.
Testing has repeatedly found dangerous levels of E.coli and chloroforms in the Figgate Burn, a freshwater source that runs through Scotland’s capital. Unlike England and Wales, Scottish Water is publicly owned: however they continue to ignore us.
“We are united in protest in Edinburgh to raise awareness of the shocking pollution of our waterways and demand change. Sewage dumping in our waters must stop.”
Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, said:“Once again, the public face a grim choice this summer – risk swallowing shit or forgo a dip in the water.
“This year offers an opportunity to turn our collective anger into action and end the sewage scandal, with panicked politicians in listening mode, desperate to ride the waves of popular sentiment.
“A general election is imminent, and the public are out on the beachfronts and riverbanks making it clear that the issue of sewage pollution is at the top of the agenda. Ahead of the election, all parties need to show people genuine and quantifiable commitments to eliminate sewage pollution, or suffer the consequences.”
This year is a huge opportunity for action on sewage pollution. Water quality is predicted to be a core issue influencing voters in the next general election, which must happen before January 2025.
Meanwhile, in June, regulator Ofwat – whose role is to challenge and scrutinise water companies to ensure they deliver safe and reliable water to people and protect the environment – will deliver recommendations on water companies’ investment plans for the next five years (2025 – 2030).
Water companies have proposed plans for £11 billion in investment for reducing sewage discharges for this period, with customer bills increasing in tandem – a move that has sparked outrage among the public, particularly in the context of the profits paid out to water company bosses and shareholders year on year.
According to analysis by the Financial Times, water companies in England and Wales paid out £2.5bn in dividends in the two financial years since 2021 and a total of more than £78bn in dividends in the 33 years since privatisation.
Giles Bristow added: “Thousands are protesting on the water this weekend to let politicians, regulators and water companies know that the public aren’t going to let them wriggle out of demands for clean seas and rivers.
“We’re calling for plans that are ambitious enough to end sewage pollution in high-priority nature sites and the waters we surf, swim and paddle in by 2030, putting people and nature before profit. We won’t tolerate this broken system any longer.”
Sunrise at Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire national park, Wales
Double Gold medal-winning Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, who will be paddling out with protesters in Brighton, said:“I love nothing more than getting out into the open water on my paddle-board – it does wonders for my mental health, and there’s such a sense of community amongst those who use our wild waterways for sport and recreation.
“But this incredibly special pastime has been tainted for all of us by the persistent risk of getting sick from pollution. The poor state of our rivers and seas is shocking and infuriating.
“Whole generations are being deprived of the right to safely enjoy the benefits that blue spaces offer. Our waterways are for us and should be here to enjoy as they are so important for our collective health and wellbeing. Events costing thousands are getting cancelled. To see our rivers and seas being treated so appallingly by those responsible for looking after them is nothing short of a national scandal.
“I’m paddling out with Surfers Against Sewage and thousands of water-lovers across the country because I’m passionate about our waterways, I’m angry about what’s being done to them, and I want the polluters and those in power to hear our demands to end sewage pollution now.”
In 2023, there were 584,001 recorded discharges across England, Scotland and Wales – a 51% increase on the previous year – with sewage released into waterways for a total of 12,966,322 hours.
Of the 11 water companies with monitoring in place, United Utilities was the worst offender, reporting 97,537 discharges in 2023. Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent Water were hot on its heels, reporting 77,761 and 60,253 discharges respectively. SAS analysis has found that Welsh Water had a total of 108,860 discharges, although this is not directly comparable to England due to differing methods of reporting.
Paddle-outs will be taking place in the majority of water company catchments this weekend – including Scottish Water, where there were 15,289 spills last year, and Northern Ireland Water, where discharge figures are unavailable due to a lack of monitoring.
The Environment Agency boasts that 100% of storm overflows in England are now fitted with monitoring devices. However, analysis of this year’s Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data by SAS has revealed that EDM monitors at 1,930 storm overflows, 13.3% of the total monitored overflows, are operating at less than 90% capacity – which means the discharge figures for England in 2023 are an underestimate.
Sally McGee, Tynemouth protest organiser and SAS supporter, said:“Every surfer across the UK knows that they run the risk of getting sick if they surf. Many beaches on the beautiful coast around Tynemouth are subject to the discharge of raw sewage immediately after or during storms.
“You can smell and taste the difference in the water. It’s really upsetting and feels like we are going backwards in time.
“As a surfer, I believe we have a beautiful relationship with the ocean – we see it in all its glory, and we see it suffer. Up here, we share the ocean with bottlenose dolphins and common seals, whilst fulmar birds fly above us.
“When I surf and the water is brown from pollution as untreated sewage leaves the Tyne, I can only imagine how marine life endures it. We can choose if we surf, but it’s their everyday habitat.
“We are protesting in Tynemouth because we are outraged that water companies and our politicians have allowed this to happen. They have a vital role in society and are abusing their position. They must stop the greed, invest and do better. We demand an end to sewage discharges in our bathing waters by 2030.”
SAS is calling for an end to sewage discharges into all bathing waters and high-priority nature sites by 2030.
Packed with Sharing Plates and Mega Upgrade to Fan-Favourite Dish
Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, has announced its offering for the summer season with brand-new food and cocktail menus launching on Tuesday 21st May. Guests can expect fresh seasonal flavours, sharing plates, lighter and brighter dishes and super-fresh botanical cocktails as they tuck in around the table with friends.
Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, a new selection of small plates has been added to the menu, giving an instant al fresco summer dining feel. Diners can choose from eleven different dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients including roasted harissa cauliflower with houmous, pomegranate molasses, pickled red onion, crispy shallots and mint, Korean fried chicken with sriracha mayo and red chilli and patatas bravas made with baby hassleback potatoes on a bravas sauce with garlic aioli.
Alongside the small plates are three sharing boards. Choose from baked camembert, the mezze platter or crispy aromatic duck served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onion and hoi sin sauce.
Diners can also enjoy lighter seasonal salads including Asian noodle salad, with yakisoba noodles in a sweet chilli and sesame dressing with mangetout, coriander, mint and kimchi slaw topped with a choice of Korean chicken or plant-based schnitzel and goat’s cheese salad with melted goat’s cheese and red onion marmalade on a sourdough crouton with courgette ribbons and beetroot, chicory and rocket.
The botany-inspired venue has become somewhat famous for its head-turning hanging kebabs, reporting that it sells three quarters of a million (780,000) per year with three kebabs being served to diners every minute. Fans of the iconic dish can get excited about the new giant piri-piri chicken kebab, which comes served with additional coleslaw and warm pitta bread, alongside seasoned fries or coconut rice.
The Botanist grill is now also serving up bavette and sirloin steaks, along with house burgers including the new ‘Dirty Chicken Burger’, with crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese fritter, bacon, melted cheese, baby gem, pickles, garlic mayo and hot honey BBQ sauce.
Expertly crafted by in-house chefs and created lovingly from scratch, this is feel-good food designed to celebrate the season of sunshine and good times. There is also now a dedicated vegan and gluten-free menu available.
And those with a sweet tooth haven’t been forgotten. The restaurant’s signature cookie dough can now be topped with a choice of crunchie pieces and crushed honeycomb or S’mores toasted marshmallows, chocolate brownie chunks and a biscuit crumb.
The Botanist’s talented bar team have also been busy, launching a completely new cocktail menu served up in stylish glassware.
Showstopping photo-worthy serves include the Disco Fizz, with prosecco, lychee liqueur, Fever-Tree raspberry and orange blossom soda served with a raspberry ‘fizz bomb’, the Lilypad Martini, with Portobello Road Bergamot Citrus Vodka, peach liqueur, peach puree, apple and lemon juice, and the eponymous ‘The Botanist’ served in a botany boiling flask.
Long-time fans of the brand can try the freshly updated signature plant pot cocktail, a complex blend of Maker’s Mark bourbon, Lazzaroni Amaretto, kiwi puree, lemon juice and honey.
Development Chef at The Botanist, Guy Greaves said: “As a chef, it’s amazing to work with the vibrant ingredients that spring provides, and we’ve really brought those lighter, brighter elements through on this new menu to celebrate the season of socialising with friends, whilst working hard to make our classic signature dishes even more impressive.”
Dishes start from £6.75 for small plates, £14.50 for mains and £5.95 for desserts.
In an era where digital screens dominate our lives, the importance of nurturing a love for reading in children cannot be overstated. However, a recent survey commissioned by Awesome Books has uncovered a concerning trend among parents in the UK.
The survey, which involved 3,000 parents with children aged 2-12, revealed that 53% of parents do not buy books for their children. This statistic raises significant questions about the future of literacy and the cultural value placed on reading within families.
The Importance of Early Reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that forms the foundation of a child’s education. Early exposure to books has been linked to numerous benefits, including improved language skills, increased empathy, and better academic performance. Books open up new worlds, stimulate imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Despite these well-documented advantages, the survey results suggest that more than half of the parents surveyed are not investing in this crucial aspect of their children’s development.
Possible Reasons Behind the Decline
Several factors contribute to this decline in book purchases for children. According to the survey, the reasons are varied:
Digital Distraction: The prevalence of digital devices is a significant factor. Of the parents who don’t buy books, 35% stated that their children prefer using tablets, smartphones, and televisions for entertainment. These devices are often loaded with educational apps and ebooks, which parents believe can substitute for physical books. The convenience and engaging nature of digital content make it more appealing than traditional reading materials.
Economic Factors: Financial constraints also play a significant role. The survey found that 28% of parents cited affordability as a barrier to purchasing books for their children. For many families, budgeting for essential needs takes precedence over buying books, which might be seen as a non-essential expense. The rising cost of living and other financial pressures make it challenging for some parents to prioritise book buying.
Lack of Awareness: Some parents may not fully understand the importance of reading or might believe that their children are getting enough exposure to literature through school alone. About 20% of the parents surveyed mentioned that they rely on schools to provide sufficient reading materials and do not feel the need to purchase additional books.
Limited Access: A smaller yet notable group, 10% of parents, reported limited access to bookstores or libraries in their area as a reason for not buying books. This is particularly relevant in rural or underserved communities where access to a variety of books can be restricted.
Impact on Children
The lack of books in the home can have far-reaching consequences. Children who are not regularly exposed to reading material may struggle with literacy skills, which can affect their performance in school and their ability to succeed in life. Moreover, children who miss out on the joys of reading may be less likely to develop a love for literature as they grow older.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach:
Promoting the Value of Reading: Educating parents about the benefits of reading and encouraging them to make books a priority can help shift attitudes.
Making Books Accessible: Initiatives such as book exchanges, libraries, and affordable book sales can make it easier for families to access books without significant financial strain.
Integrating Digital and Physical Reading: While digital devices are here to stay, finding ways to integrate both digital and physical reading can cater to modern preferences while still emphasising the importance of traditional books.
Joanne Williams a book expert from Awesome Books says: “The survey highlights a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
“With 53% of parents not buying books for their children, largely due to economic constraints, the allure of digital devices, and limited access, there is a pressing need to address the barriers that prevent families from engaging in this vital activity.
A prestigious evening Awards Ceremony celebrating the best of the independent care at home and housing support sector will be held tonight (Friday 17 May) at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.
The awards are a perfect opportunity to recognise the workforce in the homecare sector, who work tirelessly day and night to allow people to live independently in their own homes.
Scottish Care, the representative body for independent social care services across Scotland and organisers of the event are encouraging those working in the sector and the wider public to join the Awards Ceremony to recognise and celebrate the role of homecare workers.
Winners will be announced by the Awards Host – Pop Idol winner, Michelle McManus.
Awards will be presented over ten categories:
Emerging Talent Award
Care Services Coordination/Administration Award
Care Learning Award
Leadership Award
Outstanding Achievement Award
Care Worker of the Year
Care Innovation Award
Technology & People Award
Provider of the Year
Positive Impact Award
Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care and the co-host of the Awards Ceremony said: “Homecare services and the remarkable individuals behind them play a vital role in fostering connections, independence, and community inclusion for those they support.
“They serve as lifelines for thousands across Scotland, enabling others to flourish and thrive. It’s essential that we acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of these dedicated professionals who make such a profound difference in people’s lives every day.
“The awards ceremony serves as a platform to honour and recognise the exceptional dedication and commitment of our workforce and sector as a whole.”
The awards have been hailed as a huge success in recognising individuals, teams and companies, with more entries than ever flooding in each year from employers, homecare staff, service users and relatives nominating their peers, colleagues and local services.
The Care at Home and Housing Support Awards follow a full-day conference for the homecare sector.
The title of the conference is ‘Care Revolution: Time to Act’, bringing people together from across the sector and addressing key themes like evidencing social value and effective voice. Through a range of insight sessions, delegates will explore topics as diverse as experiences of ethical commissioning; international recruitment; wellbeing; homecare software; technology, digital and data.
The conference, exhibition and care awards are the largest of their kind for the care at home and housing sector in Scotland.
Midlothian becomes fifth local authority with average property prices above £300,000
Average Scottish house price now £223,525, up 1.4% on February, up 1.9% annually
Scott Jack, Regional Development Director at Walker Fraser Steele, comments: “In March, average property prices in Scotland increased by 1.4%, or almost £3,000, following a five month decline.
“This was a far stronger performance than that witnessed in the English and Welsh markets. Scotland’s average house price is currently just over £223,500, which is about £300 less than its high price from June 2023.
“This significant turnaround speaks volumes about the negligible movement we have seen in recent months.
“Four authorities—Midlothian, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk, and Inverclyde—achieved new heights in terms of their regional average values and the total number of local authorities reporting rising prices was twenty-one, the highest since May of last year – another clear and welcome sign that the market is beginning to stabilize.
“Of particular note is the 1.5% increase for Midlothian which made it the fifth local authority with average property prices above £300,000.
“It’s too early to assume the cost of living pressures are abating but mortgage pricing has been keen over the last couple of months as lenders fight for borrowers. With a general election due this year, we know housing is a key issue for voters and we may yet see some further promises made to buyers and owners before a vote later this year. That would give further impetus to this positive trajectory.”
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Housing market commentary
After falling for five months in a row, average house prices picked up in March by 1.4%, some £3,000, and a positive outcome compared to markets in England and Wales. Scotland’s average house price now stands a little above £223,500, that is within £300 of its peak level reached in June 2023. The seemingly marked turn-round speaks volumes about the narrow tramlines within which the market has moved over the past year.
Figure 1. Weakness in prices appears to have ended
Scotland’s brief flirtation with annual price falls last December has been short-lived. The market swung firmly back into positive territory in March, climbing by more than £4,000 and 1.9% from a year earlier, as Figure 1 shows. This is the strongest performance in more than a year and compares favourably with that seen south of the border over recent months.
Table 1. Average prices in Scotland for Mar 2023 – Mar 2024
Local Authority prices
Table 2. How prices in March 2024 compare
Twenty one local authorities experienced rising prices in the month – the highest number since May last year and a further sign that the housing market is stabilising. Higher values helped four authorities – Midlothian, Argyll and Bute, Falkirk and Inverclyde – to reach new peaks.
The five most expensive local authorities all reported higher prices in March, albeit marginally so in the case of East Lothian. A 1.5% increase for Midlothian made it the fifth local authority with average property prices above £300,000.
Figure 2. How prices have changed between March 2023 and March 2004, by local authority
As can be seen from the heat map, in March the vast majority of local authorities (24) reported stronger prices than a year ago, the highest number since February 2023.
Inverclyde reported a double-digit percentage increase in prices over the year for the second month in a row. That said, we would not read too much into these figures, distorted as they are by a period of price weakness the year earlier.
Transactions analysis
Figure 3. Monthly sales over the most recent year compared with a year earlier
The housing market has been lacklustre over much of the past year. For 2023 as a whole, sales totalled 91,600 properties, which is 12% down on 2022 and not much above the Covid-induced lows of 2020.
But the headwinds have eased over the past few months, helped by more attractive mortgage pricing and easing cost-of-living pressures. As can be seen in Figure 3, monthly sales are no longer lagging materially below year-earlier levels.
A positive shift in market sentiment helped lift sales in January marginally above those in January 2023 and sales for both February and March appear to be closely tracking year-earlier levels. Sales of property in the capital and of properties worth more than £750,000 already appear to be modestly outpacing the corresponding 2023 numbers.
For the time being, it is hard to know whether this is just a degree of stability returning to the market or a more significant recovery story.
Sales are still down on pre-Covid levels and market confidence is likely to be sensitive to changing market expectations of interest rates and political uncertainties.
However, without doubt analysts’ expectations of significant price falls across Scotland, Wales and England in 2024 have fallen away over the past few months and forecasts have been revised upwards to suggest Scotland may see modest price growth over the year.
While there remain uncertainties around interest rates and mortgage pricing, there is a general sense that the worst is behind us. The pent-up demand that built up over 2023 and into 2024 is beginning to come through and that should be reflected in prices.
There may also be a move by the UK government to help support first-time buyers in the run-up to the General Election which could add further momentum.
