Visit is ‘Opportunity to promote strong business links with US’
First Minister John Swinney will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Tartan Week, the annual celebration of Scottish heritage and culture in the United States.
In recognition of the important role of the US as a key investment and trading partner, the First Minister will meet a number of high profile current and potential investors to promote the economic opportunities on offer in Scotland.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said: “Scotland enjoys deep and enduring links with the US, which is both our largest inward investor, and second largest export market after the European Union.
“In 2023, exports of Scottish goods to the US were worth £4 billion. And here in Scotland, more than 700 US-owned enterprises provide employment to more than 115,000 people.
“Scotland is open for business and is one of the best places in the world to invest. We have a reputation as a world-class entrepreneurial nation, with the number of start-ups, spinouts, and scale up companies growing at pace.
“We also have the potential to become a strategic hub for future renewable energy investments, specifically by developing and scaling projects in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
“Tartan Week in April is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Scottish culture, and promote economic opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
“I am looking forward to attending this week’s Tartan Week events, meeting our dynamic diaspora, and engaging with some of our biggest current and potential investors. I want to showcase Scotland’s progressive international outlook, and our focus on innovation, sustainability and growth.”
Alan Cumming is Grand Marshal of the 2025 NYC Tartan Day Parade.
Up to 60,000 more engineers, brickies, sparkies, and chippies to be trained by 2029, as Chancellor outlines how the Government will train more workers to tackle skills shortages and inspire the next generation into the construction sector.
New training will help deliver 1.5 million homes which will transform communities and drive growth through the Plan for Change.
Reforms will get young people into well paid, high skilled, jobs in the construction sector by funding additional placements, establishing Technical Excellence Colleges, launching new foundation apprenticeships, and expanding Skills Bootcamps.
This injection of over £600 million over the next four years will also encourage experienced builders to help train and inspire the next generation.
Ahead of the Spring Statement on Wednesday {26 March) the Chancellor has announced £600 million worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers.
This will deliver well paid jobs across the country in the construction sector and help build 1.5 million homes to transform communities by the end of this Parliament.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “We are determined to get Britain building again, that’s why we are taking on the blockers to build 1.5 million new homes and rebuild our roads, rail and energy infrastructure.
“But none of this is possible without the engineers, brickies, sparkies, and chippies to actually get the work done, which we are facing a massive shortage of. We’ve overhauled the planning system that is holding this country back, now we are gripping the lack of skilled construction workers, delivering on our Plan for Change to boost jobs and growth for working people.”
The sector is facing significant shortages, the latest Office for National Statistics figures show that there are over 35,000 job vacancies and employers report that over half of vacancies can’t be filled due to a lack of required skills – the highest rate of any sector. Demand is expected to increase further to deliver the homes and infrastructure that this country needs.
Funding and reforms announced today will pay for more training places, ensure a sustainable flow of skilled construction workers and help businesses invest more in training. It will encourage the men and women who have spent decades working on building sites, to pass on their skills to the next generation of construction workers.
Building the skilled workforce of the future is key to driving economic growth, the central mission of the Government’s Plan for Change. These construction jobs are the type of secure, well paid, in demand jobs that will help put more money in working people’s pockets and fuel growth.
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Skills are crucial to this government’s mission to grow the economy under our Plan for Change, and nowhere is that clearer than in the construction industry.
“We are being held back by the largescale skills shortages in the construction sector which is a major barrier to the delivery of the growth mission.
“These measures will break down barriers to opportunity for thousands of young people, helping them to thrive in – and build – their local communities.”
Today’s announcement will provide £100 million of new investment to fund 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges and £165m of new funding to help colleges deliver more construction courses.
Skills Bootcamps in the construction sector will also be expanded, with £100 million of funding to ensure new entrants, returners, or those looking to upskill within the industry will be able to do so.
All Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) areas will benefit from £20 million to form partnerships between colleges and construction companies, to boost the number of teachers with construction experience in colleges, sharing their vital expertise by training the next generation of workers.
Construction will also be one of the key sectors that will benefit from new foundation apprenticeships backed by an additional £40 million, which will be launching in August 2025. This will inspire more young people into the construction industry and allow them to progress and specialise in advanced apprenticeships, giving them the tools they need for a sustained and rewarding career.
As part of this new offer, employers will be provided with £2,000 for every foundation apprentice they take on and retain in the construction industry, on top of fully funding the training costs through the new Growth and Skills Levy.
A further £100 million of Government funding, alongside a £32 million contribution from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will fund over 40,000 industry placements each year for all Level 2 and Level 3 learners, those studying NVQs, BTECs, T-levels, and advanced apprenticeships.
This will help get learners ‘site-ready’ and address the ‘leaky pipeline’ of learners who don’t progress into the sector. The CITB will also double the size of their New Entrant Support Team (NEST) programme to support SMEs in recruiting, engaging, and retaining apprentices.
To ensure employers are able to work collaboratively to secure the workforce needed to meet future demand, the Government will sponsor a new Construction Skills Mission Board. Co-chaired by Government and by Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair of Mace, the Board will be empowered to develop and deliver a construction skills action plan and provide strategic leadership to the construction sector.
The government’s communications campaigns continue to promote skills and their contribution to opportunity and growth for individuals and employers.
In collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Job Centre Plus, the DfE campaign highlights the construction industry’s value for growth, celebrating employers who contribute significantly to workforce training, and emphasising the benefits of careers in construction.
The announcement follows a series of reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week, including changes to English and maths requirements that will see up to 10,000 more apprentices qualify each year in key sectors, and new shorter apprenticeships. Changes to end point assessments will also mean it is even easier for businesses and providers to support getting people into the workforce.
Last year the Education Secretary announced new Construction Skills Hubs, funded by industry, which will also speed up the training of construction workers crucial to supporting the government’s homebuilding drive.
Mark Reynolds, Executive Chair Mace, Co-Chair of the Construction Skills Mission Board and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said: “This is fantastic news and demonstrates that Government is committed to working with the construction industry to deliver 1.5m homes by the end of this Parliament and its ambitious plans for infrastructure delivery.
“It’s a hugely significant funding package, and the establishment of the Construction Skills Mission Board will enable us to collaborate with Government to drive change at pace.
“Understandably, construction firms across the country are looking for certainty of pipeline before they commit to investing in new jobs and skills – but this investment by the Chancellor will be critical in giving them the confidence they need. There is now no excuse – industry must embrace the Government’s growth mission and match their ambition.”
Tim Balcon, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted with the support the Government is giving the construction sector with increased investment.
“This package will provide vital support, where it is needed most – it will cut straight to the heart of the construction industry being able to address the challenge of building 1.5 new homes for people that desperately need them.
“As an industry, we now need to grasp this opportunity and play our part in delivering it. I genuinely believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance to us to recruit and train our workforce – equipping more people with the skills they urgently need now and in the future.”
There are moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life. For millions of people across our country, that was five years ago today, Sunday 23 March (writes TUC’s Natahn Oswin).
‘From this evening, I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home’ – Prime Minister Boris Johnson
The essential workers who kept the country running
‘From this evening, I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home’ – Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
But for many this simply wasn’t possible – due to their jobs being so essential to the country they were declared key workers and kept going into work, risking their lives and livelihoods to keep our society running.
They were the people we stood outside our doorsteps for every Thursday, clapping, banging pots and generally attempting to show our appreciation for what they kept on facing.
Honoring the NHS and social care heroes
It wasn’t just nurses and doctors, it was physios and cleaners in our hospitals, porters and midwives. So many NHS staff faced unimaginable scenarios and kept going, as best they could, to save as many lives as possible.
Meanwhile, social care – a workforce often underappreciated, grappling with zero hour contracts and minimum wages – battled to stem the tide and protect vulnerable residents from the virus, now labelled Covid-19.
The hidden struggles of key workers during Covid-19
Transport workers continued to make our national infrastructure run and many lost their lives ensuring NHS workers and social care staff could make it into their workplace.
Education staff tried their utmost to look after children and protect them whilst facing off against a government who simply did not care about their welfare, with Gavin Williamson and Boris Johnson rejecting calls for masks in schools because they were in “no surrender mode” towards trade unions.
Food manufacturing workers, textiles workers, retail staff, refuse collectors, fire staff, police staff, civil servants and many, many more played a vital role.
Many watched as colleagues lost their lives to the pandemic.
The emotional and mental health impact of the Pandemic
The consequences for many have been severe.
I vividly remember a friend who served in our NHS during the pandemic breaking down in tears during a remembrance service, “I hadn’t realised how little I had processed it all” she said.
For many the emotional scars of the trauma they experienced as key workers will last a lifetime, the mental health impact is hard to calculate and the continuing effects of Long Covid are devastating for millions of people.
They knowingly marched into danger, often terrified, but with heads held high to tackle the biggest crisis our country, and the world, has faced since World War II.
It is a debt we can never truly repay, but that does not mean we should not try.
Why we must improve workers’ rights and protections
A decent level of statutory sick pay from day one, banning exploitative zero hour contracts and tackling the scourge of poverty pay would ensure that a future pandemic could not thrive when people are faced with the impossible choice of going into work ill or being able to feed their families, boosting our national resilience.
The dangers of underfunding public services
The pandemic was a stark reminder of how crucial public services are, revealing the dangers of underinvestment – the UK went into the pandemic unprepared and our public services were under-resourced.
Lessons from the pandemic: the need for insourcing
Recognising the risks of outsourcing is another key lesson which this government is already getting to grips with. A fragmented social care system failed thousands of care recipients and care workers.
Insourcing public services like social care will rebuild the state and allow resources to be redirected to frontline delivery, rather than corporate profits.
Join the fight for justice: share your Covid-19 experience
Long Covid should be recognised as an industrial disease.
We want to hear about your experiences of the pandemic to make sure the Inquiry knows the challenges working people faced and hope you will fill in our survey to make sure the Inquiry hears your voice.
Every 26 minutes, one of us is diagnosed with lymphoma. As the only charity in the UK dedicated to this type of blood cancer, we are asking people to support our mission to raise awareness about lymphoma, its symptoms and the support we provide – so we can help more people affected by lymphoma, sooner.
Our recent lymphoma patient survey revealed that a third of respondents did not receive a correct first diagnosis. This needs to change. With your help, we can raise awareness about the symptoms of lymphoma through sharing our information resources with health professionals, and the wider public and encourage people to ask the question – ‘could it be lymphoma?’.
This increased awareness will, in turn, help make sure people get the right diagnosis at the right time, are treated effectively and get the support they need at every step.
Furthermore, your support could help someone who has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, is going through treatment or is caring for a loved one living with the condition.
Your donation will help us provide people with the vital information and support they need to help them through their lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.
Your support today, whether a single donation or a regular gift, could help people affected by lymphoma now – and drive improvements for lymphoma diagnosis, treatment and care in the future.
Ten years after it became law, the Home Affairs Committee will examine the impact of the Modern Slavery Act in an evidence session on Tuesday 25 March.
Modern slavery encompasses a number of offences, including human trafficking, slavery, forced servitude and compulsory labour.
When it was introduced in 2015, the Modern Slavery Act was seen as world-leading in its approach to tackling these forms of exploitation. Measures contained in the Act include longer sentences for modern slavery offences and improvements in how victims are supported.
It also required large businesses to set out their approach to dealing with modern slavery internally and in supply chains.
In 2024, 19,125 potential victims were referred to the modern slavery National Referral Mechanism. However, despite the growing number of referrals, ten years on approaches to tackling modern slavery have moved on and there are concerns that the UK is no longer world-leading.
In this evidence session, the Home Affairs Committee will examine the current impact of the Modern Slavery Act and the UK’s performance in dealing with modern slavery.
It will investigate how effective current mechanisms are in identifying victims of modern slavery and bringing perpetrators to justice.
It will also look at whether victim support services are adequate and ask what improvements may need to be made to restore the UK as a world leader in tackling modern slavery.
Committee Chair Dame Karen Bradley said: “Modern slavery is complex and often hidden, targeting some of the most vulnerable in society. We have seen how county lines has exploited children and young people to support the drug trade, but this is just one form and it has been seen in a broad range of legal and criminal enterprises.
“Exactly ten years on from the passing of the Modern Slavery Act, we are holding this session to understand if the UK is doing enough, not only to uncover these crimes but support the victims as well. Are the right mechanisms and policies in place, or does more need to be done to ensure the UK is a world leader in tackling this form of crime?”
Competition helps encourage children and young people to access nature
The public are being invited to vote for their favourite photo in this year’s RSPCA Young Photographer People’s Choice Award – with 15 hilarious and fascinating images vying for the top prize!
From a hungry fish, to a moth on a window; and a dog catching a frisbee, to a canine poking their head out of a cat flap – the 15 shortlisted images entered by budding young photographers aged 18 and under are all vying for the public vote.
Online voting is now open for the public and the winner will be decided by votes cast online
The People’s Choice Award is part of the prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.
In December last year, the overall winners of the Young Photographer Awards were announced after being judged by a panel of photographic experts. The People’s Choice Award is now live – with a special online poll enabling people to pick their winning photo from a selection of images entered in the Mobile Phone and Devices, Pet Personalities and Pet Portraits categories.
This year, two budding young photographers from Scotland have been shortlisted and are in with a chance of claiming the winning public vote. ‘Keeping a Look Out’ shows spaniel Lexie poking her head out of the cat flap by Eilidh Shannon, aged 13, from Inverurie, and a second of her images has been shortlisted with ‘Take Me With You’ showing a cat in a suitcase.
‘Paws’ features a cat’s paws as they climb a tree which was taken by Megan Smith, 12, from Edinburgh.
‘Spotted, the young lady’ featuring a ladybird larvae, photographed by Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb, aged 10, from Hampshire
‘Hungry Fish’ featuring a carp, by Tom Wiseman, aged 15, from Kent
‘The Portal’ featuring a reflection of a dog by Iceni Newcombe, aged 15, from Kent
‘The elegant slug’ featuring an image of a slug at a waterfall in Whitby, taken by Eva Steel, aged 14, from Cornwall
‘Frisbee Lion’ shows dog Betsie catching a frisbee, taken by George Avery, aged 12, from Cornwall
‘It Lurks’ shows a jellyfish at an aquarium, snapped by Ellie Tsang, aged 17, from London
‘Behind the Leaves’ features cat Luna hiding in bushes snapped by Eliza Harvey-Keightley, aged 14, from Surrey
‘3,2,1…Go!’ shows Emily the cat mid-run, snapped by last year’s YPA winner Anwen Whitehead, 15, from Wales
‘Biscuit?’ features dog Herb as he rests his chin on a table desperate for a treat, by Henrietta Stewart, aged seven, from Bedfordshire
‘Funny Face’ shows dog Jess pulling a face as she tries to catch a ball, by Ella Moakler-Woodhouse, aged 10, from Leeds
‘Beautiful Moth’ shows a moth perched on a window and taken by Rehana Nelson, aged 15, from Staffordshire
‘Star Catching’ features dog Robin on an evening walk, by Grace Marshall, aged 18, from West Sussex
Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and judge, said: “The photos shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award this year are fantastic and really varied, from some sweet and funny pictures of pets showing off their incredible personalities to stunning photos of insects in all their tiny glory.
“This is a brilliant selection of images from some passionate and talented young people – and we urge the public to not only enjoy these photos, but to vote for their favourite too!”
Every year the charity encourages children and young people to take photos of all kinds of animals in a bid to become closer to nature and inspire the next generation to help create a better world for every animal.
This comes at a time when conservationist and diversity campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig, 22, known online as Birdgirl, has issued a rallying call for people from all communities to join the debate about the future of animal welfare – as she highlights the importance of opening up nature and the countryside for everyone in the latest RSPCA’s Animal Futures podcast – which also goes live this week.
British-Bangladeshi birdwatcher Mya-Rose and founder of Black2Nature, a charity for bringing diversity to the natural world, speaks alongside National Trust chair Rene Olivieri in the latest edition of the podcast – with both highlighting the importance of young people experiencing and enjoying the great outdoors.
Andrew added: “At the RSPCA, we know how incredibly important it is that children and young people feel connected to the natural world and have the drive and passion to protect it.
“As we look to the future of animal welfare, we are committed to engaging the next generation so we can deliver the change needed to protect animals, people and the planet. This is why it’s incredible to see Mya-Rose, and all our passionate young photographers, embracing nature and being powerful advocates for the animal kingdom!”
The People’s Choice voting closes on Wednesday 26th March and the winner will be announced on the RSPCA’s socials on Thursday 27th March.
To vote in the RSPCA’s People’s Choice Awards visit:
Listen to the Animal Futures podcast – available on all major platforms – including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon and YouTube, with audio and video available.
In celebration of its 75th anniversary this year, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will include a Storyteller in the Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, to take audiences on a journey through the Tattoo’s history.
The Tattoo’s newly appointed Creative Director Alan Lane has invited Terence Rae to perform the role for the 2025 Show. Alan hopes that the character will guide audiences through the Show, providing a cohesive narrative thread, and create a deeper emotional spectator experience.
After training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Terence has showcased his talents across a diverse array of mediums, performing on television and film, and taking on lead roles in theatre productions.
His extensive experience of large-scale storytelling, and love of traditional Scottish music, along with a keen musical ear, equip him with the essential tools to take his place at the centre of this year’s Tattoo.
Taking to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade itself, Terence will lead the audience through the Show with tales of heroism, heritage and history.
This year’s Show, The Heroes Who Made Us, will celebrate the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years, as well as spotlighting the local heroes that are working to make a difference to the community they serve. The military is at the heart of the showcase, with the British Army confirmed as the Lead Service.
The Esplanade will be filled with over 800 cast members, including the Massed Pipes and Drums, Tattoo Dancers and various international acts. The 2025 Show promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, featuring a dazzling array of military bands, cultural performers, and intricate choreography set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
With the introduction of the Storyteller, audiences can expect a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of the Tattoo’s spirit and its commitment to excellence.
Terence Rae said: “It is an immense honour to be the Storyteller for the 75th Anniversary Show of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – The Heroes Who Made Us. I’m excited to play my part in a show which celebrates all those who have shaped the Tattoo’s history over the past 75 years.
“I am deeply grateful to be part of this iconic spectacle, and to work with the outstanding creative and production teams that are here. Preparations have begun, and the excitement for the August Show is building every day.
“It will be a privilege to step onto the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with my fellow castmates and play our small part in the mighty Edinburgh Tattoo.”
Alan Lane, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:“We are delighted that Terence will join this year’s Show as the Storyteller.The role is an exciting way for us to weave together the history of the last 75 years of the Tattoo, celebrating the past and looking to the future.
“It marks the start of a new storytelling chapter that I am hoping will deepen the audience’s enjoyment of the Tattoo.
“Having worked with Terence on many other productions across the years, I know the power and presence he will bring to the role. The audiences are in for such a treat, I am sure they will be moved and delighted by Terence.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.
A Bill designed to create jobs and drive economic growth across Scotland by promoting investment in communities has been published.
The Community Wealth Building Bill is the first of its kind in the world and would require councils, National Health Service boards and other public bodies to take forward measures which boost their local economies.
These can include:
Buying more goods and services from their local companies
Promoting employee-owned businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises
Helping community groups to acquire and regenerate derelict sites
Supporting fair work practices including payment of the real Living Wage
Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “To create jobs and support thriving communities we want to ensure that more money spent in Scotland stays in Scotland.
“This unique legislation will help to increase investment in local economies so that they become fairer, greener and more prosperous.
“I visited Greencity Wholefoods to highlight how supporting practices such as paying the real Living Wage and being a worker’s co-operative benefits the economy and helps to address wealth inequalities.”
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, has launched Scotland’s first-ever Gaelic Poetry Path. Slighe nam Bàrd will provide a poetic pathway around the Isle of Skye, aiming to introduce local, national, and international visitors to a taste of Gaelic heritage, song, and poetry.
From the 21st of March (World Poetry Day), tourists will be able to collect a free Slighe nam Bàrd– Poetry Paths pamphlet and accompanying map from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, located in Sleat in the Isle of Skye.*
The pamphlet will provide a detailed guide around Skye’s stunning landscape, stopping at seven major locations connected to a Gaelic song or poem. A QR code for each location provides a recording of the poem/song to enable people to listen to the Gaelic audio in the environment that inspired the creative piece.
SMO Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Skye, April 2023
Abigail Burnyeat, Head of Research at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture:“People often come to Skye for its beautiful scenery, but the aim of Slighe nam Bàrd is to showcase the connection between Gaelic culture and Skye’s mesmerising landscape.
“Through Slighe nam Bàrd, tourists will be able to engage with the landscape whilst listening to Gaelic poems and songs that add to our understanding of the locations on the trail, giving people an opportunity to experience for themselves the Gaelic culture and history at the heart of the Isle of Skye.”
Meg Bateman, Professor in Gaelic Language and Culture at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Bàrd a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich:“Slighe nam Bàrd provides a one-day poetic road-trip around the Isle of Skye, allowing people to engage with local Gaelic poetry whilst immersed in the Skye landscape.
“The pathway consists of seven poems/songs, each one carefully chosen to represent a range of locations, centuries, styles, and subjects to give a full flavour of Skye’s poetic Gaelic landscape.
“From Somhairle MacGill-Eain to Màiri Mhòr nan Òran, the pathway will guide people from the south of the island to the very north, discovering Gaelic poetry along the way.”
Chris Taylor, VisitScotland Regional Destination Development Director, said: “Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s Poetry Path provides a unique way to tell Skye and Scotland’s story and is an immersive entry-point for visitors to experience the Gaelic language.
“We know that visitors, especially international, think Gaelic enhances their holiday. With that in mind, Slighe nam Bàrd may even inspire them to try out a course at Scotland’s National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture.
“At VisitScotland we recognise that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, identity, and culture. It can provide an extra layer to the authentic Scottish experience and to our many visitors.”
The Slighe nam Bàrd project was funded by: the University of the Highlands and Islands KE/ Innovation Challenge Fund.
