Official opening of the Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
First Minister Humza Yousaf has joined global leaders to set out Scotland’s ambitions and objectives for COP28 as the climate conference opened in Dubai yesterday.
His first engagement was the official opening of the new Heriot-Watt Dubai Campus with His Majesty King Charles III, showcasing Scotland’s influential higher education sector. The First Minister said the campus helped showcase the leading role Scotland is playing in finding solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet.
The First Minister also opened the Scottish Government-supported Multi-Level Action and Urbanisation Pavilion, and met with Global South partners and youth activists to discuss priorities for COP28.
The First Minister later joined senior business and trade leaders, Scottish university representatives, and representatives of the Global Scots network at a St Andrew’s Day reception, with industry-leading Chef Adam Tracey showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am proud of Scotland’s leadership in advocating for climate justice and progressing a just transition to net zero, so it is fitting the official opening of Heriot-Watt University Campus in Dubai takes place on the first day of the world’s largest global climate conference.
“This new campus will play a leading role in demonstrating the skills and ideas we have in Scotland to help find solutions for the biggest challenges facing the planet.
“The ambitions, enthusiasm and dedication of young people around the world are crucial in tackling climate change and advocating for climate action.
“Globally we need to harness this energy and ensure we are using our collective talent, innovation, and enthusiasm to contribute to finding the solutions that will deliver a net zero future.
“The Scottish Government will continue to call for loss and damage funding that prioritises the needs of vulnerable communities and take a lead on addressing the biodiversity and the climate crisis. I am confident these shared ambitions will be keenly felt by those who attend this vital climate summit, and at home.”
Hourglass (Safer Ageing) announces fourth Safer Ageing Week – starting on 01/12/23 highlighting the lone voices of older victim survivors and how Hourglass is helping to challenge this.
Safer Ageing Week, launched by Hourglass in 2020, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse of older people and shine a light on older victim-survivors and the relative taboo nature of this unspoken issue.
The theme this year is ALONE VOICE – focusing on the unique lone voice of Hourglass in dealing with the abuse of older people and the often-forgotten voice of an older victim survivor.
Currently not all abuse types, victims or perpetrators are treated equitably in the UK. The Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy has been a one useful development. But Hourglass is partly using this Safer Ageing Week to call for a unique strategy and specialist support for older people and therefore removing the additional barriers this group face.
Older people, as Hourglass states, should not be the last in line for support.
During this week the charity will also launch the Safer Ageing Index for Wales and, later in the week, the Safer Ageing Index for London, in partnership with the Hallmark Foundation.
These studies assess and compare how well local areas perform in helping people grow old safely. In 2022 the charity launched the first-ever Safer Ageing Index for Northern Ireland and by early 2024 the organisation plans to unveil a Safer Ageing Index for every part of the UK.
2023 also marks the 30th anniversary of Hourglass and during this week the charity will be looking at the advances made over the last three decades and what progression is needed in coming years.
The week of events, supported by a range of like-minded charities and organisations, will also see the launch of Hourglass’s Economic Abuse Hub in Wales. This unique provision will deliver vital specialist support to older people – as Financial or Economic abuse numbers and instances have steadily grown to be the majority of Hourglass casework.
Throughout the week we will be releasing messages from policy makers and thought leaders on how we can add our voices in support of older victim-survivors who too often are ALONE VOICE.
Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said:“This will be the fourth Safer Ageing Week. This year we will focus on the lone voices in our community who speak out against abuse and neglect of older victim-survivors.
“It’s our collective duty to create environments where older people can thrive free from abuse, fear, and neglect.
“For Safer Ageing Week 2023, we hope more people will add their voices to our calls for a strategy to tackle abuse and neglect of older people.”
Baroness Margaret Ritchie, Hourglass Patron, said:“Safer Ageing Week plays a vital role in amplifying the voices of older victim-survivors of abuse and neglect.
“Let’s build communities where every older person feels cherished, valued, and secure – where age is celebrated, and safety is assured. And most of all, where the voices of older victim survivors are heard and believed”
Hourglass operates in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. It runs the only 24/7 helpline for older people suffering abuse or neglect.
The helpline, instant message service, SMS and chatbot provides unique support and advice – as well as Europe’s only Knowledge Bank on the abuse and neglect of older people. The team can be reached on 0808 808 8141.
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to make a donation by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.
If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
The Trustees of the Spartans Community Foundation are thrilled to announce the appointment of Debbi McCulloch as its new Chief Executive Officer, after a UK wide recruitment process run by Executive Search firm FWB.
Debbi will bring exceptional leadership, passion and dedication to the role, building on the Foundation’s reputation as both an innovator and leader in delivering social impact through sport and physical activity.
Debbi has been a highly valued member of the Spartans Community Foundation leadership team for the last 15 years. Her commitment to the vision and values of the Foundation has been exemplary.
Debbi is delighted: “Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Dougie for his leadership, support, friendship and passion over the past 15 years.
He has been a daily inspiration to us all, and has driven the Foundation’s strategy, success, and social impact to an incomparable level. For the difference you have made to so many people’s lives, and for the kind, thoughtful way you have done so, thank you.
“For myself, the opportunity to lead an organisation whose work is pivotal to changing people’s lives, is a tremendous privilege and honour. Over the past 15 years I have lived and worked in North Edinburgh.
“As we continue to help others, in whatever meaningful and relevant way we can, I am committed to making our local community a better place to work, live and thrive in. I look forward to working in partnership with the many fabulous people and organisations who share our passion for addressing and responding to the significant challenges we face as a society.”
Debbi is succeeding Douglas Samuel, whose contribution to the Foundation over the last 17 years has been immeasurable.
Douglas has been the embodiment of all that the Foundation seeks to achieve, and an inspiration to us all. We were delighted when his contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2022. We are also delighted that he will act as a consultant to the Foundation going forward.
Douglas said: “Coming from North Edinburgh, it’s been such a wonderful honour and privilege to be a part of the Foundation’s journey since it was formed in 2006. Not everyone gets to do their dream job.
“Being CEO has been just that, my dream job filled with so much love, joy and lots of special lifelong memories. It’s also a job which has given me so much. I have been lucky enough to meet and work with so many amazing and truly inspiring people from all over the world.
“To all the ‘blue coats’ and volunteers, I’d like to say a huge thank you to you for helping us to create a safe space, a ‘social home’ where people from all ages and backgrounds are truly welcome and can be themselves.
“I’d also like to give a special word of thanks to Craig Graham for giving me the opportunity to be a part of his dream. I’ll always be forever grateful and indebted to him. Lastly, huge congratulations to Debbi on her appointment, I can’t think of anyone else more suited and/or I’d rather see leading the Foundation going forward. Dream Big, Dream Fierce, always.”
Chairman Craig Graham concluded: “We owe Douglas a massive thank you. He has been the critical driving force behind our success.
“His input has made a massive difference to the lives of so many in North Edinburgh and it’s fantastic that he will continue to support Debbi, myself and the wider Spartans team in an advisory role.
“Debbi has been instrumental in our growth over the last 15 years and I am absolutely convinced that under her leadership the Foundation will deliver even greater social impact in our community in the years to come.
“Please join me in wishing Debbi all the best in her new role.”
The Lord Provost pays tribute to former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Edinburgh MP, and Councillor, Alistair Darling who passed away yesterday (November 30):
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Alistair Darling’s life was one marked by a deep devotion to public service, proudly representing our city for well over 30 years on the local, national and international stage.
“From 1982-1987 he served on the then Lothian Regional Council before going on to represent Edinburgh as an MP until 2015. Following his illustrious political career, he continued to play an active part in city life and remained a respected member of his local community in Morningside.
“From the council chamber to the highest offices in the land as Chancellor of the Exchequer, alongside many other Ministerial appointments, he typified calm professionalism and pride in serving his constituents and the country.
“My thoughts and condolences are with his wife Margaret and their children, alongside his many friends and former colleagues.”
Fellow Edinburgh Labour MP tweeted: ‘Can’t remember politician receiving such glowing tributes from such a wide range of people richly deserved first knew Alistair Darling in Broughton Inverleith Labour Party 1981 and as fellow Edinburgh MP from 1992. Always outstanding, witty and kind – condolences to Maggie and family.
An initial draft of an action plan has been published by the City of Edinburgh Council as it works towards tackling growing homelessness in the Capital.
After officially declaring a housing emergency earlier this month – in recognition of close to 5,000 households now facing homelessness against a shortage of affordable housing – the beginnings of a 25-point Housing Emergency Action Plan will be considered by the council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday (5 December).
The plan proposes the council turns void homes around more quickly and spot purchases ‘off the shelf’ homes, to increase affordable housing supply at pace at a time when construction costs have risen exponentially. If agreed, a more detailed strategy featuring costings and specific targets will be created and brought to a full council meeting in February, with input from industry and voluntary organisations from across the city.
It comes as Glasgow City Council follows suit and formally declared a Housing Emergency yesterday (Thursday 30 November).
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We’re truly at a point where urgent, united action must be taken to do right by the most vulnerable in our city.
“Thousands of people in Edinburgh are finding themselves with their lives on hold as they live through the hugely stressful reality of losing their home.
“Every night, close to 5,000 households are now sleeping in temporary accommodation in this city, wondering when and indeed if they will receive the security of a permanent place to live.
“Having a home is a basic human right and by highlighting the issue we’re determined to do everything within our means to address it.
“We’ve seen an outpouring of support from the third sector and industry which gives me great confidence that we can work together to improve the situation and clearly Glasgow is in a similar position. We need to address this issue as a city and nationally at all levels of council and government.
“Despite our success with our partners building close to 7,000 new affordable homes since 2017/18 and having almost 2,000 under construction right now, plus very positive work with the third sector in preventing homelessness, the cost of living crisis means that demand for affordable housing is far outstripping supply.
“The added pressure of rising construction costs and reduced budgets mean we need to think differently. I hope this action plan forms the basis of what will become a wider city plan.”
The Homeless Action Plan will be considered by Committee alongside a series of housing reports which draw attention to the scale of Edinburgh’s housing challenges and opportunities to create more housing, if the funding required to achieve significant change is found.
The Strategy for Purchasing Land and Homes to Meet Affordable Housing Need demonstrates the success the Council has had delivering new homes despite challenging market conditions, which includes the delivery of 1,425 new Council homes and a further 508 currently under construction.
This has been possible through creative working, including for example the council purchasing the old Liberton Hospital site directly from NHS Lothian.
The annual Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) reveals a pipeline of over 11,000 new affordable and social homes could be possible through partnership working in Edinburgh over the next five years, but that would require Scottish Government grant funding of almost £900 million (based on current market costs), or almost four times Edinburgh’s current grant funding allocation for affordable housebuilding.
Further work will take place with Registered Social Landlord partners to understand the impact of the housing emergency to them and tenants, to work together to achieve next steps.
Almost half of drivers drug tested at the roadside were arrested for drug-driving1
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland launch drug-driving campaign
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland have launched an enforcement campaign to tackle drug-driving, highlighting the criminal and personal consequences of being found guilty of driving with drugs in your system.
With latest Police Scotland data revealing almost half of drivers drug tested at the roadside were arrested for drug-driving1, the hard-hitting campaign reminds drivers that drug-driving is not worth the risk.
During the festive period Police Scotland will be ready to catch drug-drivers with roadside tests using drug wipes for any motorist they suspect of drug-driving. If the test is positive, drivers will be arrested.
Driving under the influence of drugs, or any other substance such as alcohol, can destroy lives. Drugs can slow down your responses, making a collision more likely. This can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance said: “The consequences of drug-driving can be devastating and those found guilty of breaking the law face a criminal record, a large fine, and up to six months in prison.
“Driving with drugs in your system puts the driver, passengers and other road users at risk of serious injury, or death. The message is clear, don’t take drugs and drive.”
Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign will see an even stronger focus on drug-driving on Scotland’s roads from 1st December, so the chances of being caught are higher than ever.
On average, police encounter 40-50 motorists a week who provide a positive drug wipe. Drivers who provide a positive roadside drug test are arrested and taken to a police station where a blood sample is obtained and sent for further analysis.
A drug-drive conviction is not only a driving offence, it is also a criminal offence. On conviction, drivers could receive a minimum 12-month driving ban; 3-11 penalty points on their licence; a criminal record; up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to a £5,000.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing said: “We continue to see motorists put others at risk by driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of drink and drug-driving.
“It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol and drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.
“Don’t put yourself or others at risk. You could lose your job, end up in prison or suffer life changing injuries. Think of the impact it could have on your loved ones. You could kill someone.
“If anyone is concerned about a driver’s behaviour, let us know. Help us keep Scotland’s roads safe.”
The new drug-driving advertising campaign highlights how easy it is to catch drug-drivers and features cars being stopped by police with very telling number plates spelling out ‘H1GH’, ‘W1R3D’ and ‘ST0N3D’.
It will run during the festive period on VOD, radio, digital and outdoor channels supported by a PR and social media campaign.
For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
A partnership between Scottish Building Society and Edinburgh Rugby to help school children learn maths and get active outdoors has hit a landmark target.
175 school kids have now gone through the ‘Tackle Maths’ programme.
It helps school pupils aged between 8-12 years-old gain practical maths skills by using rugby and real-life examples to show just how important maths is in everyday life.
From measuring the length and breadth of the pitch, working out the capacity of the stadium and estimating the height of the posts, all mathematical challenges have been designed to encourage pupils to think about maths lessons in a different way.
Launched by Scottish World Cup hero Blair Kinghorn, the programme helps to show children that maths skills can be learned and utilised in many different ways.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive, Scottish Building Society said:“When we started this programme our aim was also to help at least 175 children to see maths can actually be fun.
“We are delighted to have achieved this ahead of schedule and look forward to getting even more kids involved.
“Having a practical learning environment coupled with a rugby professional showing pupils how they use maths and why it is important gives them a different perspective of learning and inspires.
“As the main club partner of Edinburgh Rugby, we want to utilise our position to give back to communities and Tackle Maths has proven to be one of the most impactful programmes we have ever run.
“This is a fantastic achievement and I hope it will continue to inspire kids to think differently about learning, both in and out of the classroom
Douglas Struth, Managing Director, Edinburgh Rugby said: “Edinburgh Rugby is at its heart a community rugby club – working in partnership with Scottish Building Society to deliver this programme to over 175 school kids is a fantastic achievement for both organisations.
“This programme is all about getting kids out of the classroom and learning in a practical manner. Inspiring and promoting learning is values both organisations share so it is very encouraging to see it take off so successful in its first full year.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: A Low Alcohol Christmas
December is the time of year for gathering with family and friends, and these social occasions often revolve around alcohol.
Consuming too much alcohol can have a negative impact on your heart, and even if you don’t drink often, a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.
In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy.
Alcohol-free drinks
Many of the big-name brands now offer alcohol-free versions of their popular drinks. If you haven’t found a good alternative to your regular drink, keep trying until you find one that you like.
There are some great options available that taste very similar to their alcohol counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.
Mocktails
Cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Most bars and restaurants will have a selection of mocktails for you to choose from and they’re usually cheaper too.
Just be mindful of choosing ones that are low in sugar, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices and opt for the ones using ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water.
A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home.
Enjoy alcohol in moderation
We don’t have to stop drinking completely to look after our heart, the key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits in conjunction with limiting our alcohol consumption.
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol a week, spread across three or more days, so just make sure you don’t exceed this.
This looks like six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.
Business confidence in Scotland rose 15 points during November to 41%
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 51%
Overall UK business confidence increased three points in November to 42% with firms’ outlook on the economy also up by four points at 38%
Business confidence in Scotland rose 15 points during November to 41%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking – conducted between 1st-15th November, before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement announcement on Wednesday 22nd November.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up seven points at 51%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 22 points to 32%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 41%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (37%), investing in sustainability (30%), and introducing new technology (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 25% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down eight points on last month.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in November from 39% to 42%, the third consecutive monthly increase, while firms’ outlook on the overall UK economy increased four points to 38%.
Businesses’ optimism in their own trading prospects also continued the upward trend for the second consecutive month, rising three points to 48%.
Companies’ hiring intentions reached their highest level since May 2022, with 35% of firms intending to increase staff levels over the next 12 months, up three points month-on-month.
Firms in London reported the highest level of business confidence, jumping nine points to 56% followed by the North West (54%), Yorkshire and the Humber (50%) and the North East (48%). Companies in the North West reported the biggest uptick in business confidence, increasing 20 points month-on-month to 54%.
Firms in the services industry reported an increase in confidence to 46% (up three points), the highest level for over two years (since September 2021), reflecting broad-based optimism in the sector. Retail confidence also rose for a second month to 42% (up five points), while sentiment among manufacturing firms reached a five-month high of 45% (up nine points) in contrast with recent shortfalls.
Construction firms’ confidence improved for the first time in three months to 35% (up four points), but this still lags other sectors.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said:“After a dip in October, it’s good to see businesses feeling more confident in their prospects for the coming months.
“With the festive season almost here and Christmas markets in cities including Edinburgh and Aberdeen now in full swing, those in the hospitality and leisure industries will be preparing for an influx of trade.
“For many firms this means taking on more staff to manage the increase in demand. They also need to ensure their working capital is in healthy shape, so they are ready to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. We’ll be by the side of businesses to support them through the festive period and beyond.”
Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“Last month showed strong performance across a number of sectors, with the services industry showing material gains as confidence reached the highest level since September 2021.
“We’ve also seen a real turnaround in sentiment for manufacturers, with business confidence at a five-month high, reflecting the expectation among many firms that interest rates have now peaked and may begin to fall next year.
“Retail confidence continued to climb, up five points to 42% and with consumer confidence showing a sharp rise in a recent key tracker, businesses are certainly hopeful for the future.
“However, recent increases in energy costs and rising oil prices will undoubtedly have an impact on consumers and businesses alike. If businesses can look to their future financial stability now and ensure cash-flow remains a priority, that should put them in good stead for the months ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence rising to a 21-month high shows the resilience of UK companies, as both trading prospects and economic optimism continue to rise.
“It’s encouraging to see signs that wage expectations may be stabilising, even against the backdrop of hiring intentions increasing to an 18-month high. Price indicators in the survey are similarly up, with our data continuing to show that firms are still safeguarding their profit margins in response to past rises in interest rates, wage increase pressures, and the prospect of higher energy prices again this winter.
“Our next survey in December will reveal how firms are digesting the measures announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last week as they navigate the busy festive season and make plans for 2024.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has announced £900,000 in new funding for staff to tackle poor behaviour and attendance in schools.
The funding will be provided directly to local authorities to train support staff to respond to new challenges and develop behaviour management strategies in schools post COVID.
It comes as part of a multi-year plan that is being developed in conjunction with key stakeholders and will set out actions at national, local and school level to improve behaviour and support better relationships.
Actions include:
the new Interim Chief Inspector being tasked with ensuring HMI inspections are accurately recording behaviour to ensure any issues are tackled as soon as possible
a call for more accurate and robust recording of any incidents of poor behaviour in schools
a dedicated approach to responding to issues regarding misogyny
Ms Gilruth said: “It is important we keep the big picture in mind, with research published yesterday showing staff reporting generally good behaviour amongst pupils. However, the status quo is not an option and the plan I am setting out today will provide the support necessary to help tackle these problems at the root.
“I am absolutely clear that our schools should be safe and consistent learning environments for all. No teacher, or support assistant should face violence or abusive behaviour at work. We cannot suggest that the pandemic has not exacerbated inequity and nor must we blame it for these challenges.
“Schools, equally, can’t do this all alone; they need help. We have to enact a national plan which better supports our teachers and support staff in the workplace; recognising the role of Local Government as employer.
“And that plan has to better protect the learning outcomes for our young people – the vast majority of whom are well behaved. That is the prize that better behaviour in our schools can deliver – and I look forward to working with our partners to deliver just that.”
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has set out a multi-year plan to address instances of poor behaviour and relationships in schools during a statement in @ScotParl.
Headteachers, teaching unions, local authorities, parents, carers and children and young people will help inform the national action plan to improve behaviour and support better relationships in schools.
The plan will be developed in the coming weeks and published in the new year.
