Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

UK Government to host first ever Global Disability Summit

In her first speech as International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt today announced she will bring together global leaders and technology companies next year to tackle the barriers that prevent people living with disabilities in the world’s poorest countries from reaching their full potential. Continue reading UK Government to host first ever Global Disability Summit

Prime Minister’s St Andrew’s Day message

Prime Minister Theresa May:

Scotland has a special place at the heart of our precious union of nations.

And today, on St Andrew’s Day, it is right that we should come together to celebrate everything that Scotland stands for and all that Scotland contributes to our United Kingdom and to the whole world.

For that is the breadth of Scotland’s influence.

From the creativity and ingenuity of Edinburgh’s Festivals, three of which celebrated their 70th anniversary this year as some of the world’s greatest arts events – to Dr Richard Henderson who has become the 14th Scot to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

From the UK’s life-saving humanitarian efforts co-ordinated from East Kilbride to the factory in Falkirk making iconic double-decker buses that are sold to Mexico City.

From Scotland’s defence industry, making world-leading warships on the Clyde, to Scottish food and drink enjoyed the world over.

And I am proud that as Prime Minister of our United Kingdom, the government I lead is committed to doing everything possible to support Scotland’s continued success.

That includes investing over £1 billion in City Deals that have backed projects from five new technology innovation hubs and the new concert venue in Edinburgh, to the V&A opening in Dundee next year.

And it is that partnership between all the nations of the United Kingdom that makes us even stronger.

So today, let us take confidence from the contribution that Scotland will make in helping the United Kingdom to secure a bold, confident and prosperous future as a truly global nation.

And to all Scots, wherever you are in the world today, I wish you all a very happy St Andrew’s Day.

Wintry launch at Botanics for nation healthcare campaign

Health Secretary Shona Robison met with schoolchildren to highlight the importance of being prepared for seasonal illnesses at the winter-clad Royal Botanic Garden today. During the event, Ms Robison  encouraged everyone to take a few simple steps to ensure they can take care of themselves and their families and have a healthy festive period. Continue reading Wintry launch at Botanics for nation healthcare campaign

Granton & District CC produce first newsletter

Granton and District Community Council have produced their first newsletter. CC secretary Mizan Rahman launched the four-page edition at Monday’s monthly meeting in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre and he is now looking for feedback on the new publication. Continue reading Granton & District CC produce first newsletter

MP’s fingers crossed for Friends of Starbank Park

Deidre Brock MP has congratulated Friends of Starbank Park on being shortlisted for the Friends Group of the Year Award – the only Scottish park on the shortlist. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground tonight. Continue reading MP’s fingers crossed for Friends of Starbank Park

New guidance calls for clearer date labels to cut food waste

Simpler, clearer date labelling and storage advice for consumers, could help Scots cut the 170,000 tonnes of food thrown away from Scotland’s homes every year due to ‘not being used in time’. That’s the message from Zero Waste Scotland and Food Standards Scotland, who have welcomed new guidance for the food and drink industry. Continue reading New guidance calls for clearer date labels to cut food waste