Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine
As the first anniversary of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.
He has also taken a look back at the past year and the role that Scotland has played to support displaced people from Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We are shocked and appalled at the violence and humanitarian crisis it has caused.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to all Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones. We hope for a Ukrainian victory, which is the best outcome for Ukraine as well as for longer-term peace and stability in Europe.
“The people of Ukraine have shown incredible strength over this past year. The support of the international community has been incredibly heartening to see, especially as we have witnessed the largest refugee crisis and forced movement of people across Europe since the Second World War.
“Since the invasion began in February last year, more than 23,000 Ukrainians with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK, representing more than 20% of all UK arrivals.
“More than three-quarters of these arrivals have come through the Super Sponsor Scheme, which has provided a fast and secure route to sanctuary, without which many people would otherwise have been unable to travel.
“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine, from people sending donations for humanitarian aid, to families opening their homes to displaced people from Ukraine who have arrived in the country. I’m also grateful for the swift and sustained response from partners in local authorities and in third sector groups who have played a significant role in ensuring that a warm welcome has been provided to displaced people in their time of need.
“To the people from Ukraine who are living here, the Scottish Government wants you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you are here and we will continue to stand with you.”
Embarking on your first ultramarathon is no mean feat, but that is just what Iain Leggat – family home in Fife, but lives in Edinburgh – is undertaking for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The son of two Armed Forces’ veterans – his father, James, was in the RAF and his mother Penny is former Nursing Officer late of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, and volunteers for SSAFA’s Fife branch – Iain will run the 36.2 miles of the coastal EnduranceLife Northumberland on February 25 starting and finishing at Bamburgh Castle.
Coincidentally, Iain turns 26 the following day, so he is hoping to give himself a bit of a birthday present by running a great time in not only his first ultramarathon, but also his first marathon following a half marathon in October 2022.
Iain, who works as a Marketing Executive for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has swapped his bike for running shoes in recent months, putting in the miles with Parkruns – including the Holyrood Parkrun just last weekend. He also trains with friends as well as with fellow members of Good Time Running Club in Edinburgh.
He is not, however, underestimating the challenge ahead of him.
Iain explained: “The blurb for EnduranceLife Northumberland states that runners will ‘… enjoy sweeping sandy beaches and rolling dunes on this striking landscape steeped in history’.
“Well, I’m not disputing that it’s a beautiful part of the world, but my focus is on doing a good run, having a brilliant time with friends, and raising a great amount for SSAFA.“
Iain has set himself a target of £360, and he is around a third of the way to his target, but he knows he can smash this.
“I want to smash this target, because of countless stories of the incredible case work that SSAFA does in Fife, across Scotland, the rest of the UK, and even the rest of the world.
“Whatever they’re facing, our Armed Forces and their families can rely on SSAFA and its personalised support to help them through it, for as long as it takes to get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.”
Harbour Homes is working with Cairn Housing Association to create 306 homes at Granton Harbour (Plot S), which are due to welcome their first tenants in autumn 2023. There will be 96 affordable properties for Harbour Homes to provide social housing and 130 Harbour Lettings homes for mid market rent. The remaining 80 properties will be social rent homes for Cairn Housing Association.
A seven-bedroom independent living home and office space with an adjoining one-bedroom flat are also being built for Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust to support people in the care system. Dean and Cauvin provide accommodation for young people (from ages 15-21) as well as supporting their transition to living independently.
Pamela Kidd (left), Chief Executive at Dean and Cauvin and Harbour Group Chief Executive Heather Kiteley (right).
Following a visit to the site Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour (formerly Port of Leith Housing Association), said: “This development is going to offer so much to the local community in Granton and continue our dedication to providing affordable homes in Edinburgh.
“The progress that has been made at this site is great to see and I can’t wait to see the finished high-quality homes.”
Jason MacGilp, Cairn Housing Association Chief Executive, commented: “It is great to see the progress of this important development and we are looking forward to its completion this year.
“Our thanks go to the contractor team at CCG for their hard work on this high-quality scheme. Cairn are delighted to be working in partnership with Harbour Homes and with the City of Edinburgh Council to make a positive contribution to meeting housing needs and the wider regeneration of the waterfront.”
Young adults who visited the site and will be moving into Dean and Cauvin’s unit said: “We’re looking forward to fewer stairs, better beds, having double glazing and having better showers. Excited to be the first group of people to be staying there. Great that it’s next to the seaside!”
Staff from Dean and Cauvin commented: “There will be nicer conditions for staff and it will be good to have a nicer sleep-in room for staff.
“The new office being on the ground floor will mean it is closer to the main living space so everyone can stay connected. It should feel much more like a home. Bigger windows will allow in more light and fresh air.
“We’re most excited about having a laundry room and a nice dining area for everyone to eat together and socialise. It’ll be nice to have a purpose-built space just for us.”
(PICTURED – TOP L-R) Meg Deasley (Director of Property Services, Cairn), Rachel Fraser (Development Officer, Harbour Homes), Jason MacGilp (Chief Executive, Cairn), Heather Kiteley (Harbour Group Chief Executive), Gordon Cameron (Director of Group Operations, Harbour) and Susan Wilson (Development and Regeneration Manager, Cairn).
LAR Housing Trust’s impressive redevelopment of a formerly empty building in Niddrie, Edinburgh, into six two-bedroom flats for people with specialist housing needs has been shortlisted in this year’s Finders International 12th Scottish Empty Homes Awards.
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership announced that the project, which was by LAR in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, is a finalist for the ‘best retrofit of an empty home’ award.
In its submission, LAR said its development of the building which had been empty for seven years “will make a significant and life-changing impact for its tenants, some of whom have been hospitalised for two decades.”
The awards celebrate the impactful and transformative empty homes work undertaken across Scotland, recent statistics revealed almost 43,000 homes are lying empty and bringing even some of these back into use, can be a cost-effective way to help ease pressure on supply challenges.
Award winners will be announced on Wednesday 1st March 2023 at the 12th Scottish Empty Homes Conference, which will be held at the Engine Shed in Stirling, as well as being streamed online for digital participants.
Shaheena Din, National Project Manager, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “It has been incredibly difficult for the Advisory Group to choose finalists for this year’s awards as the quality of entries is very high, and we thank all those who took the time to submit nominations.
“The nominations demonstrate how empty homes work often involves creative problem solving and has a real impact on issues related to housing and the strengthening of communities.
“We look forward to showcasing the work of outstanding projects and individuals across the Scottish housing sector at the awards next month. Well done to our finalists and we look forward to announcing the winners in March.”
Public Sector Development Manager for Empty Homes, Muhammad Uddin from Finders International, who are the awards sponsor for the conference, said: “We are really impressed by the calibre of entries and shortlisting the nominations was not an easy task.
“It just demonstrates the level of innovation and initiative in the Scottish empty homes sector and we are proud to be involved in the awards.”
Finalists and winners will be presented with wooden plaques handmade by social enterprise Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) at the conference.
Tickets for the 12th Scottish Empty Homes Conference are available via Eventbrite:
Finders International are the gold sponsor of the conference, with Auction House Scotland, Fraser & Fraser and Brodies LLP as silver sponsors, and Online Property Auctions as bronze sponsor.
Employees are being advised on the best ways to create a mindfulness routine at work.
Building a healthy relationship with work and creating a positive routine pattern is important for individual well-being, especially when heading into a new year at work.
Leading CBD company,Joy Organics, have given some top tips for reducing stress and creating positivity as part of a workplace mindfulness routine.
Introducing goal-setting, breathing exercises and journaling are just a few of the techniques experts recommend to become more mindful throughout the working week.
Here are Joy Organics’ 10 top mindfulness tips for the workplace:
Give yourself a moment
Before starting the day and tackling the ever-growing to-do list, take a moment to set intentions for the day ahead. Putting aside time in the morning to mentally check in and be present, means the challenges of the day can be seen with greater focus and clarity.
Lend an ear
Creating a mindfulness routine in the workplace is as much about including colleagues as it is about the self. Providing a safe space for others to share opinions, ideas and general chit-chat is a positive tool for creating a happy and warm environment at work.
Be conscious of tech
Being conscious of how tech is used throughout the day can dramatically improve focus and productivity whilst at work and reduce stress. Emails especially can become a source of distraction throughout the day, so try to set a limit or schedule when and how often they are checked, where possible. Putting other devices on do not disturb modes can also help to prevent temptation.
Practise breathing
Taking a breathing break is a great tool to help refocus and feel present in the moment. Focusing on deep breath work throughout the week to release any built-up tension due to stressful aspects at work.
Stop multitasking
It’s a common misconception that performing multiple tasks at the same time is the most productive way of working. Directing attention to a singular task can help avoid context-switching and prevent simple mistakes, which will in turn help to lower stress levels.
Create a growth mindset
Setting personal goals at work that are separate from objectives set out in the job role is essential for personal development. These goals don’t have to be extravagant or complex, but small achievable tasks that can help boost happiness and accomplishment at work can accumulate over time.
Go for a walk
This may seem like a generic wellness tip, but it is common for a reason. Going for a walk and getting away from the workspace can help improve productivity. Moving the body is a great mood booster. Placing items around the house/office, away from the working space, can provide a reason to move about during the day.
Journal your time
Having a work journal alongside a regular notepad at work can be useful to track important feelings and emotions on a day-to-day basis. After a while, these journal entries will compound and can serve as an important benchmark to track stress, satisfaction and career objectives.
Slow down
Many work environments can be fast-paced so it can be hard to know when it is appropriate to slow down. Becoming too overstimulated can lead to increased stress and dissatisfaction with the working week. Leaving time between meetings to grab a drink and take a breather, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with a busy schedule so it’s important to switch gears to avoid burnout.
Channel your commute
Whether it’s on the morning commute or a lunchtime break it can be easy to slip the earphones in and dive into a gripping podcast or the trusty daily playlist. However, being present in the moment is a great way to unplug and be free of any distractions. Taking in the surroundings is a wholesome way of grounding throughout seemingly repetitive parts of the week.
A spokesperson for Joy Organics said: “Regardless of whether you work from home, in the office or a bit of both, it’s essential to establish a routine to help reduce stress and create positivity in the working environment.
“Trying to completely overhaul the working day with the tips we’ve provided is not advisable. Pick one or two to start with and try to slowly incorporate them into your routine to see how you feel.
“Some may be useful, whilst others maybe not so much, it’s all about finding simple methods that work for the individual, and this can take time.”
A Scottish Budget which goes further to support the vulnerable and deliver greater benefits than provided in the rest of the UK will be voted on in Parliamenttomorrow.
Ahead of Tuesday’s final debate and vote on the 2023-24 Scottish Budget Bill, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has set out the “social contract with every citizen of Scotland” – supporting people through the cost of living crisis with the groundbreaking Scottish Child Payment, the expansion of free school meals and free bus travel to more than two million people.
Against a background of high inflation and the cost of living crisis, record funding of more than £19 billion is committed to the Health and Social Care portfolio – an increase of over £1 billion. Other measures include more than £350 million for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme which sees 370,000 households paying no council tax, and for business the lowest non-domestic rate poundage in the UK will mean more than 95% of properties are liable for a lower property tax rate than elsewhere.
Investing in Scotland’s future with more than £4.6 billion for the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Portfolio, the Budget also includes £467 million to protect the natural environment.
Mr Swinney said: “This Budget strengthens our social contract with every citizen of Scotland who will continue to enjoy many benefits not available throughout the UK.
“In one of the most challenging budgets since devolution, we are prioritising our limited resources to protect public services, invest in the transition to Net Zero and take decisive steps to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.
“Supporting people most in need in these difficult times is the foundation of this Budget. As a Government we are doing all we can to support people and families.
“We have chosen a distinctive, more progressive path where people are asked to pay their fair share to create the fairer society in which we all want to live. Progressive choices on Scottish Income Tax mean that next year this Government will deliver record funding of more than £19 billion for health and social care.
“While none of us should underestimate the scale of the ongoing financial challenges, I am confident that this Budget package offers stability and certainty for Scotland.”
First trip by UK Minister to Turkey since devastating earthquakes to witness first-hand impact of UK aid, helping those affected in Turkey and Syria.
Follows major new UK aid package on 15 February in response to needs on the ground in both Turkey and Syria.
Minister toured a UK-led Field Hospital in Türkoğlu to thank UK medical staff for providing lifesaving care alongside Turkish medics, and met UK-aid-funded White Helmets (Syrian Civil Defence) to discuss what is needed in the next stage of the response
As the UK continues to play a leading role in the global response to the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell travelled to southern Turkey yesterday (Sunday 19 February) to see the response first-hand.
He witnessed the work of UK medical and aid teams supporting the Turkish authorities, Syrian organisations, UN and other aid organisations to coordinate the emergency response in both Turkey and Syria.
In Türkoğlu he toured a joint MoD-FCDO Field Hospital staffed by UK-Med and MoD personnel with an emergency room and 24/7 operating centre providing lifesaving care and thanked UK medical staff working side-by-side with Turkish medics.
He also met the White Helmets and Syrian Women’s groups as well as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) member charity, Care International, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and UN agencies to hear first-hand about their relief efforts in Turkey and Syria and understand what more needs to be done as the crisis moves from rescue to recovery.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1627395269003292672
Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said: “We have been working since day one of this terrible earthquake to help coordinate the emergency response in both Turkey and Syria and provide life-saving support to those who need it.
“As this evolving situation heads into a new phase from rescue to recovery, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible efforts on the ground at the field hospital, with UK medical teams providing live-saving operations, including to those rescued from under the rubble.
“The British public’s response to the Disasters and Emergency Committee appeal, which has now reached a staggering £88 million, underlines the strong support from the UK for rescue and recovery following this tragic event.
“I have seen and heard today how this extraordinary generosity has enabled British expertise, charities and NGOs to scale up their support and make a real difference to the people of Turkey and Syria.”
The UK match funded the first £5 million of public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal providing immediate life-saving support to hardest-hit areas, thanks to the compassion and generosity of the British public.
The visit follows a further £25 million major UK package of support on 15 February, with the UK responding to needs on the ground in Turkey and in Syria in line with requests from the Turkish authorities, the UN and aid agencies.
The UK also sent a team of 77 search and rescue experts with specialist equipment, as well as four rescue dogs, who worked day and night to help people affected by the earthquake. The UK-aid-funded White Helmets (Syria Civil Defence) mobilised a significant search and rescue effort and the UK mobilised an additional £4.3 million to the White Helmets in support of this.
As we move from rescue to recovery, the UK is continuing to send urgent relief supplies to Turkey and Syria such as tents and blankets to help survivors cope with the freezing conditions.
We are working closely with the UN to maintain the swift delivery of these supplies across the Turkish border into north-west Syria.
“He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world…”
Following the news that the body of Christian Atsu’s body has been recovered in Turkey, Arms Around The Child (AATC) , have today issued a statement:
Christian was an ambassador for the AATC helping to build schools in Senya, Ghana and visited the children and projects several times.
Paying tribute to Christian a spokesman for the charity said yeaterday (SUNDAY FEB 19): “It is with immense pain and disbelief that we have to write these words. We have held onto the hope that Christian would survive and be found in the rubble of the tragic earthquake to hit Turkey and Syria.
Like the many friends, families and people impacted by this disaster, we are still struggling to accept what has happened and feel tremendous sadness at the devastating loss of life. We empathise with all those grieving for their lost ones. Our deepest condolences are with Christian’s family, wife, children and many friends and lives that he touched.
“Christian Atsu was a truly unique and wonderful man, and his legacy will live on through the many hundreds if not thousands of lives he has helped. He will live in our memories as one of the kindest, most talented, humble people to enter this world. A young boy from poverty in Ghana who followed his dreams had an incredibly successful footballing career and used his talent and platform to help others.
“Arms Around The Child were fortunate to have known Christian and will treasure his support for the children we look after, especially the children in Senya Beraku where Christian was building a school in the local community. Christian believed in giving children a brighter future and the opportunity to succeed.
“He never forgot his own roots and didn’t want to see any more children abused, imprisoned, affected by HIV, trafficked or sold. He was determined to use his prominence as a footballer to prevent this. He had also been supporting The Crime Check Foundation in Ghana with their work paying fines for petty crimes which had resulted in incarceration, and helping people reintegrate into society and get back on their feet.
“Christian has been the global ambassador for Arms Around The Child since 2016. During that time, he visited the children at our home in Senya Beraku, Ghana on many occasions. He regularly organised for gifts and football equipment to be sent to the home and developed a very close relationship with the kids.
“In 2018 Christian and Arms Around The Child launched a campaign to build a new school in Senya to benefit orphaned children and the local community. Together Arms Around The Child and Christian organized the Black Star Gala, a special fundraising event at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, Newcastle, to kickstart the fundraising effort for a new school.
“Whenever Christian visited Senya, the children and the community were always so happy to see him. They would welcome him like a hero, but also like a father, uncle or brother as everyone felt such a close affection for him. He greeted everyone with smiles and hugs, making each individual, child and adult, feel important and that they could dream and succeed in life. Christian loved the children and would always throw his shoes off to play barefoot football with them, something he loved to do whenever he visited.
“The children looked up to him, he showed them that they can have dreams for a better future and that through education, dreams can be achieved. This is why Christian was so passionate about building a school, he believed in education for all, especially as a way to solve problems and give kids a brighter future.
“Christian was the main benefactor of the new school buildings in Senya. He always wanted to know how the children were doing and we would regularly update him on the progress of the school, which after years of building is finally nearing completion.
“On Saturday 4th Feb 2023, just one day before his final game in which he scored a last-minute winning goal, he responded ‘Thank you for the update. I will arrange some money so that we will be able to complete it fast, I am very happy with the progress. Later in the day, he emailed again to say that he would come to open the school in June and bring his Black Star friends.
This was our last correspondence with Christian; as always, he was thinking about the children and what he could do to help others.
Director of one of the homes Christian supported, in Senya, Beraku, Seth Asiedu said: “Our hearts are broken by the news regarding our beloved bro, Christian Atsu. We always felt the impact of his presence and were soaked with joy any time he visited us.
“The happiness he brought to so many will leave a painful void, but we will always remember his kind heart and his beaming, infectious and joyful smile. Thank you Christian, we love you.”
WE disembarked from the ship and I was surprised to find that we were expected to go through customs. There hadn’t been any such requirement on entering France some years earlier!
Now the war was over normal procedures were back in place. I remember the customs official asking me what was in my kit bag before marking it with a chalked cross.
I next boarded a train to Woking where we were all gathered in a de-mob centre and had to hand over our kit before being issued wiith the various items of civilian clothing. We had to tip out our kit bags onto a bunk bed then go to another hut to get our civvies.
When I returned I discovered that my personal possessions had been ransacked and many items had been stolen. I lost several items that were intended as gifts, including a bush hat that I would have liked to have kept as a memento. This was a shocking episode and a disgraceful way to treat returning comrades.
Every item of kit I had been issued with was listed in my Pay Book and had to be accounted for and returned; any lost or missing items were to be charged or had to be otherwise accounted for.
After five years of active service I hardly expected to be charged for missing items or clothing. I don’t recall whether any any deductions were made, but I wouldn’t have been surprised.
We were also supposed to keep our battledress for as long as one was on the army reserve list.
The issue of civilian clothing consisted of a suit jacket, a pair of trousers and a waistcoat plus a pair of shoes and a trilby hat. Thank you very much and goodbye!
The next part of my journey home was by train to London Bridge station, where I caught a further train to New Cross, which was about a mile from my home.
I was still carrying a large and heavy kit bag; it was now early evening and, being November, quite dark. Outside New Cross station I noticed a night watchman sitting next to a brazier beside some roadworks. I saw that he had a barrow, which I was able to borrow, and I wheeled my kit bag back home to Malpas Road and my wife Helen.
Of course in those days very few people had telephones and there was no way whatever of letting anyone know when I would be coming home. I arrived to find Helen at home with her mother, her mother’s husband Alf and some other relatives, so it was quite a houseful!
It was good to be home at last, but now of course I had to return the barrow!
Cat lovers have just days left to enter their favourite furry friend into this year’s National Cat Awards. Run by the charity Cats Protection, the annual event celebrates the nation’s most marvellous moggies, with heart-warming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.
Owners now have until noon on Friday 24 February to nominate their cat in one of four categories:
Cat Colleagues – Celebrating cats who bring joy to the workplace or make working from home a pleasure.
Family Fur-ever – Recognising cats that make a family complete, whether they’re a child’s best friend or a comforting sofa buddy.
Moggy Marvels – Jaw-dropping stories of survival, heroism and companionship in the cat world.
Social Star – Paying tribute to cats who spread joy on social media.
Cats Protection’s Chief Executive John May said: “Every year, we’re amazed by the incredible entries we receive to the National Cat Awards, and this year is no different. From hero cats that saved the day to the family moggy who has become a child’s best friend, all the entries show why cats make such wonderful pets.
“With two weeks left before entries close, we’re looking forward to hearing even more stories of moggy brilliance. Owners can nominate their cats in any of the four categories to be in with a chance of winning an award.
“The good news for cat lovers is that you don’t even need to own a cat to get involved. If your favourite feline is a YouTube star or TikTok sensation who helps us all learn about cats and their needs, then you can nominate them in our Social Star category to get them the recognition they deserve.”
Winners will be selected in a public vote and by a panel of judges before being announced during a ceremony at London’s Wilton’s Music Hall on 17 July 2023.
The winner of the National Cat of the Year trophy will inherit the title from Jasper and Willow, who were named joint National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the role they play at St Peter & St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, Sussex.
To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/national-cat-awards until noon on Friday 24 February.
To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, visit:
