Newly elected MSPs are to be sworn in at Holyrood tomorrow (Thursday 13 May). The oath-taking and affirmations will be the first item of business in the new five-year session of the Scottish Parliament.
Holyrood’s newly elected MSPs will then elect a new Presiding Officer for the Scottish Parliament. The election also takes place on the first day of parliamentary business for the Parliament’s sixth session.
Members must pledge their allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen before they can take part in any other parliamentary business at Holyrood.
Leader of the largest party, Nicola Sturgeon, will be the first to be sworn in at 9.00am, followed by the other party leaders, and remaining MSPs in four groupings and in alphabetical order. Outgoing Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh, will preside over the oath-taking proceedings.
Following the swearing in of MSPs, a Presiding Officer and two deputies must be elected before any other parliamentary business is progressed at Holyrood.
Once all MSPs are sworn in, the Presiding Officer will suspend the meeting of the Parliament until circa 2.10pm when the election of a new Presiding Officer will take place.
The first duty of the newly elected Presiding Officer will be to preside over the election of his/her two deputies. The election of two Deputy Presiding Officers will take place at 10.30am on Friday 14 May.
Police Scotland has arrested and charged a further three men in connection with an incident on Wester Drylaw Drive, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, 9 March, in which a 35-year-old man was found seriously injured.
The three men, aged 24, 42 and 47, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Wednesday, 12 May).
A 38-year-old man and 49-year-old man were also arrested and charged in connection with the incident and were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 17 March and 22 March respectively
During the Spring 2020 lockdown volunteers from across the nation plotted a network of walking routes that connect all of Great Britain’s towns and cities.
Without leaving home over 7,000 ‘Slow Ways’ walking routes were mapped using existing paths, trails and roads. Combined, the routes stretch for 100,000km and lap the equator – twice!
The team behind Slow Ways is now looking for people from every town and city in Great Britain to walk and review the routes to make sure they work in practice.
Dan Raven-Ellison started the Slow Ways initiative just before the country went into lockdown at the start of last year.
“The Slow Ways walking network will be something we can all enjoy for generations to come. Working from their living rooms and kitchens, volunteers have done an incredible job of drafting the network, but now we need to make sure it works on the ground, quite literally.
“To do that, we need people to head out and walk all the proposed routes to check them.
“Making use of country paths, under-used ways and city streets, the idea is to make it easier for people to plan walking journeys between neighbouring places and combine routes to go on longer distance walks.
“Some people will use Slow Ways to simply see friends in neighbouring towns. Others will use them to get to a festival, for a walking challenge to raise money for charity, or as time to reflect while exploring nature.
“Millions of us love walking – it’s such a simple thing, and it benefits so many of us in so many different ways. What if we had a proper national walking network that inspired more people to walk more often, further, and for more purposes?”
Thousands of people are needed to put the Slow Ways network through its paces whilst assessing routes for accuracy, safety and accessibility.
To find out more and to help simply visit the Slow Ways website (www.slowways.org), choose a route, walk it and leave a review.
All of the kilometres walked and feedback shared by users will help to establish a network that’s not only trusted, but widely used to connect people and communities across Great Britain.
MORRISONS SLASHES PRICE OF WHISKY BOX FOR WORLD WHISKY DAY
Celebrate World Whisky Day in style with Morrisons Woodsman Whisky & S’more Box, featuring all customers need for a ‘neat’ night in on Saturday 15th May. Reduced to just £25 from £30, the box offers a great saving on the ingredients and snacks inside, as well as including next-day delivery.
On offer at £25 including delivery, the hamper includes all the ingredients required to make The Woodsman Maple Syrup Old Fashioned, as well as a refreshing Woodsman with Ginger Beer. Woodsman Whisky uses a mix of hand built oak casks and fired scorched bourbon barrels to give a sweet, satisfying taste.
Come rain or shine, whisky lovers will be able to whip up a tipple and snacks from the comfort of their own home; whether wrapped up on the couch or next to the BBQ or fire pit. What’s more, the box offers the perfect gift for any whisky lover.
A very tall package was received at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo yesterday (Tuesday 11 May) as two male giraffes arrived from Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire.
The wildlife conservation charity has partnered with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bring giraffes back to the capital for the first time in over 15 years and support vital work to protect the species in the wild.
Ronnie and Arrow will have some of the best views in the city from their brand-new hilltop home and will be gradually introduced to visitors over the coming weeks.
Jonathan Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said, “It is incredible to welcome giraffes back to Edinburgh Zoo and we are so excited to start introducing them to our charity’s members, patrons and visitors after they have settled in.
“Numbers of giraffes in the wild have declined by almost 30% since the 1980s due to habitat loss and poaching, so this is a really important opportunity for us to raise awareness and support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation’s work to save the species.
“Our brand-new giraffe house has been designed with high level walkways which means visitors will be able to meet these wonderful creatures face-to-face, giving them an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and be inspired to join us in protecting them from extinction.”
Up to three more male giraffes will be arriving at Edinburgh Zoo in the coming weeks and the newly-formed bachelor herd will need time to bond with each other and get used to their new home before the giraffe house officially opens to the public in mid-June.
Jonathan Appleyard added, “As they are the tallest animals in the world, it is very likely visitors will be able to spot our giraffes exploring their outdoor areas before we officially open to the public.
“We are so grateful to Glenmorangie and everyone who donated to help build our giraffe house and support our partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.”
Thomas Moradpour, President and Chief Executive of The Glenmorangie Company, said, “This majestic creature has long been a beloved symbol of our brand, thanks to our distillery’s giraffe-high stills, the tallest in Scotland.
“These amazing animals are under threat of a silent extinction, which is why we are proud to be official partners of giraffe conservation at Edinburgh Zoo, and to support the work of GCF in the wild.
“Through this global partnership, we hope to raise awareness of the plight of the giraffe, and ensure these wonderful creatures remain part of our world for many centuries to come.”
More information about visiting Edinburgh Zoo, the giraffes and how people can help care for the charity’s animals is available at edinburghzoo.org.uk/we-are-open.
ALDI RECRUITING 20 COLLEAGUES IN THE EDINBURGH AREA
Aldi, the UK’s 5th largest supermarket, is recruiting new colleagues to work in its Dalkeith and Hermiston Gate stores opening in September 2021, as a result of its continued popularity and growth across Scotland.
In a welcome boost to the Scottish economy, and to support its expansion in the area, Aldi is looking for 20 Store Assistants across Edinburgh, with training for the role starting in June.
Aldi is a multi-award-winning employer that offers one of the best working environments and competitive benefits packages in the UK supermarket sector, with the majority of Aldi colleagues now receiving a minimum rate of £9.55 per hour, rising to £10.57.
Aldi also creates opportunities for colleagues to develop and progress and has flexible contracts available, as well as healthcare and lifestyle perks for all.
Here, Aldi colleagues give insider tips on how to land a role with the supermarket:
Visit the store before your interview
Deputy Store Manager, Jim Sandhu says: “I’d suggest visiting your local store to watch the team and its daily running. This type of exercise can help candidates demonstrate their knowledge of the store, and display a sound understanding of how it operates. When applying for my role, I had a chat with the Store Manager, who kindly gave me some of their time. This put me in a very strong position in the interview as I was able to speak knowledgeably about how a store operates and identify some of the main challenges a Deputy Store Manager would face.”
Do some desk research
Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi, says: “We always want to see that applicants have done their homework, as that shows how invested an individual is in joining the business. We are currently in an ambitious growth period and are constantly on the lookout for people who are hungry to learn more about us and our ways of working. Candidates who put extra effort in when doing their research put themselves in a great position to start their application and their new career with Aldi.”
Show enthusiasm
Store Manager, Jade Shallow says: “You have to display a willingness to work hard, to be passionate and to be committed to the role. If you can clearly showcase those three areas, then you’re not only going to show that you want to give your best at Aldi, but you’ll also be in a strong position to get noticed by the hiring manager in the first place.”
About the roles available:
Job title: Store Assistant
Salary: £9.55 per hour rising to £10.57
Job description: Hardworking and enthusiastic candidates are being targeted for Aldi’s Store Assistant positions, carrying out responsibilities such as accurate and efficient till operation, stock management and merchandising.
Full training will be provided for Store Assistants over a six-week period and roles are available from 15 to 30 hours a week, with a realistic prospect of progression.
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director at Aldi, said: “We are really excited about the vacancies that have arisen across the Edinburgh area, as Aldi’s increased popularity and customer demand for quality products has allowed us to continue with our ambitious growth plan, and create further employment opportunities across Scotland.”
“Working at Aldi means more than just having a job; we really care about our colleagues, both personally and professionally. On top of our fantastic benefits, such as the competitive pay and benefits package, Aldi continues to offer a great working environment and real opportunities to progress within the business.
“We take immense pride in supporting the career development of all our colleagues and invest time and resource in them, in order to keep everyone motivated, fully engaged, continuously challenged and importantly, happy.”
Applications and more information on all of Aldi’s store positions can be found on Aldi’s recruitment website: www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/stores.
A study into the long term effects of COVID-19 on the people of Scotland
A major study into the effects of Covid on the health of Scotland’s population has been launched.
The Covid in Scotland Study aims to identify the effects of Covid-19 on the health of people in Scotland. We want to find out how many people continue to be unwell after having Covid-19, what their symptoms are, and how it affects their lives.
Why is the study being done?
Most people with Covid-19 recover within three weeks. Some people don’t because they get ‘long Covid.’ We need to understand the long-term effects of Covid-19, the number of people who have long-term problems and the nature and impact of these.
Hasn’t this already been done?
There have been some other studies looking at long Covid but they have been done on particular groups, such as people who were admitted to hospital. In the Covid in Scotland Study, we are contacting everyone in Scotland who had a positive Covid-19 test as well as a comparison group of people who tested negative.
How will this study help people with long Covid?
Our study aims to help health and social care services make informed decisions about treating and supporting people with long Covid.
How can people take part
We are sending invitations via SMS to all adults in Scotland who have had a positive Covid-19 test and a sample of people who have only had a negative test(s). These messages are automated. We don’t have names, phone numbers or other identifiable information.
Are people who have had Covid-19 involved in designing and running the study?
Yes. People who have had Covid-19 symptoms are on the study steering group. They are providing advice throughout the study, helping to develop the information material and will help to share the findings.
Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.
Where will the study be published?
Our results will be shared with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and patient groups. The results will be published in a medical journal and shared through social media and a press release.
– National Express launch limited-edition travel sweets with fish and chips, pork pie, Wensleydale cheese, curry, Eccles cake and cornish pasty flavours –
In celebration of Britons being able to get back on the road to start visiting friends and family once again or plan a UK break, National Express has today released the first ever range of regionally inspired travel sweets.
The Tastes of Normal limited-edition travel sweets are a homage to the simple pleasures of travel and the staple of many a journey for generations. They have been reinvented with an unexpected range of flavours inspired by favourite dishes associated with British locations, including fish and chips, pork pie, cornish pasty, Wensleydale cheese, Eccles cake and curry*.
That’s right, boiled sweets that actually taste of fish and chips!
The Tastes of Normal travel sweets come packaged in classic round metal tins, just like those that have traditionally been found at service stations and airports for decades. Each sweet tastes of a classic dish that is synonymous with a British city or region that can be visited using National Express.
The six sweet flavours have arguably never been tasted before in boiled sweet form:
● Fish and chips – enjoyed with fresh sea air at ever popular choices for a day trip to the seaside or coastal holiday such as Devon, Brighton, Margate, Scarborough and Blackpool
● Curry – in honour of Birmingham, the home of the Balti triangle and National Express
● Cornish pasty – a must-taste treat for anyone visiting the ever-popular coastal county of Cornwall
● Pork pie – the classic British snack from Leicestershire, home of the Melton Mowbray pork pie
● Wensleydale cheese and cranberry – a nod to Yorkshire and popular destinations such as Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.
● Eccles cake – the only ‘sweet’ sweet in the tin, representing Greater Manchester.
The National Express full UK timetable with hundreds of destinations is now on sale, allowing Summer bookings when all restrictions are lifted. Customers can also book accommodation and attractions alongside their coach travel, complete with a price guarantee and ABTA protection
Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “We suspended all services for 11 weeks at the beginning of the year so we’re delighted to now be back on the road with full measures in place to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
“As the UK’s largest coach operator, we’ve always been part of seeing friends and family, going to events, on day trips and holidays. We wanted to mark helping make this happen again in a fun way.
“Fish and chips and pork pies might not be the kind of flavours anyone would expect to taste in boiled sweet form, but each confectionary celebrates the wonderful diversity of the UK.
“We hope the tastes will take people to a place they’ve missed and can now happily and safely return to with National Express.”
The limited-edition sweets are not for sale but will be given away to the public via National Express social media channels:
The Place-based Programme Learning Exchange, a collaboration of national organisations that champion ‘place’ in their practices, has released a report highlighting what works and what doesn’t in place-based approaches.
This report aims to share these key learnings to enhance both the scale and quality of place-based working across Scotland, and draws on over 50 years of combined organisational experience and learning across dozens of urban and rural place settings.
Scran Academy has announced the appointment of Darrell Williams as their new Chief Executive. Darrell will be joining the local social enterprise following a period of significant growth and impact in the youth employability and education space.
Previously, Darrell spent five years as the Chief Operating Officer for Edinburgh Science, delivering a range of festivals and education work across the UK and overseas. Between 2011 and 2015, he was Managing Director at Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling.
Darrell moved to Scotland in 2005 and spent six years as Head of Sales and Marketing for the King’s and Festival Theatres.
Before that, he worked for BBC Worldwide on marketing, communication and sales campaigns for large scale events and exhibitions. When he’s not at Scran, he plans to be spending time with his family walking up in the hills and serving on the board of two arts organisations.
Commenting on his appointment, Darrell said: “Scran Academy has achieved much in relatively short time. It is an organisation with ambition and passion running through its veins.
“It’s an honour to join them and I’m looking forward to working with the team to further grow and develop the organisation’s projects, partnerships and plans.”
Scran Academy Founder, John Loughton said: “The staff team, Trustees and young people are delighted to welcome Darrell to the Scran family!
“The barriers that young people face in our most overlooked communities have only been exacerbated during two national lockdowns. As society begins to emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to Darrell’s leadership and commitment in building a strong voice for our young people.
“His experience and insight will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our mission.”
Darrell will commence as Chief Executive at the beginning of June and will begin working on the delivery of an ambitious strategy for Scran Academy stakeholders.
