The Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use has been launched, aiming to improve the experience of anyone needing support.
The Charter, recognised as the first of its kind in the world by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will help ensure people know their rights and the support they can expect to receive, and that those who use drugs and alcohol, and their families, are treated with dignity.
It contains key human rights – mostly drawn from national and international law – belonging to people affected by substance use, most importantly the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, along with the right to an adequate standard of living and the right to a healthy environment.
The publication was developed by the National Collaborative – a network of people with lived experience and service providers. It was chaired by human rights expert Professor Alan Miller.
Speaking at the launch, the First Minister said: “My condolences go to all those who have lost a loved one. We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and through our £250 million National Mission on drugs we’re taking a wide range of actions.
“This Charter is a key part of that mission and draws on the experience of communities and families affected by substance use. It significantly strengthens our public health and human rights-based approach to substance use-related harms and, over time, it will contribute to significantly improving and saving lives.
“I welcome the support of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights which recognises the Charter as the first of its kind in the world.
“We will continue work with the National Collaborative, which developed the charter, and key stakeholders towards its implementation.”
National Collaborative Chair Professor Alan Miller said: “The Charter places people and their human dignity, not punishment and stigma, at the centre.
“It has been developed by people with life experience of what hasn’t worked and what will work. Let’s all now make these rights real.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said: “Criminalisation and prohibition have failed to reduce drug use and deter drug-related crimes.
“We need new approaches prioritising health, dignity and inclusion, guided by the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy.”
CHANGEWORKS SESSION – MONDAY 16 DECEMBER 11am – 12pm
Come along to the free energy advice event with Changeworks at the Heart of Newhaven on Monday 16th December from 11.00 -12.00
Managing your heating and electricity can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s understanding your bill, managing any debt, or accessing funding you’re entitled to – Changeworks can give you free and impartial advice and support to feel confident about your bills.
The Scottish Government should take strong and positive action to address the barriers that disabled people continue to face in realising their rights, according to a new report from the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.
The Committee has been considering a Bill proposed by Jeremy Balfour MSP which calls for the creation of a Disability Commissioner. The Commissioner would be expected to promote and safeguard the rights of disabled people.
Following the Parliament’s recent support for a moratorium on creating any new SPCB supported bodies, the Committee has not made recommendations on the principle of creating a Disability Commissioner. Instead, it invites the Parliament to have a full and focused debate on the findings in its report and calls for the Scottish Government to ensure disabled people can realise their rights.
During evidence sessions, disabled people expressed their frustrations at a system that left them feeling desperate, dehumanised and deprioritised. The report explains that these feelings grew following the Scottish Government’s decisions to delay the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill and Human Rights Bill.
While people who gave evidence were generally supportive of the proposal to establish a Disability Commissioner, there were concerns about duplication and overlap with other commissions and commissioners in what was characterised as ‘an already complicated and fragmented landscape’.
However, witnesses representing disabled people pointed to the challenges they faced as evidence that their rights were not the priority of the existing public bodies.
The Committee’s report also identifies the critical importance of the involvement of disabled people in the development of policies related to the lives of disabled people to gain trust and respect.
Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said: “We heard upsetting evidence about the challenges experienced by disabled people and their advocates during this inquiry. Their feedback was clear, disabled people too often feel let down and abandoned by public bodies.
“While we have not made a recommendation on the Bill, we do believe that the Scottish Government must take strong and positive action to address the barriers that disabled people continue to face in realising their rights.
“It is crucial that disabled people and disabled people’s organisations, who frustratedly told us that any trust they had in the current system has been lost, are able to play an active role in the development of the policies and approaches that are required to overcome these barriers.”
Spenders urged to not to turn only to online giants and to spend with region’s businesses
Festive shoppers across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to choose local in the final countdown to Christmas.
With the seasonal shopping season now at its peak, the team behind Scotland Loves Local is urging everyone in the region to prioritise local shops, attractions and enterprises, rather than automatically turning to online retail giants.
The so-called Golden Quarter during the lead-up to Christmas is the most important time of the year for many.
Kimberley Guthrieis Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local.
She said: “Edinburgh and the communities of the Lothians are blessed with so many unique and brilliant local businesses. It’s vital that everyone locally gets out there and supports them.
“This is a critical time for all retail and hospitality businesses. The difference we can make by choosing local and getting behind them really can define their year.
“Whether in person or online, we would encourage everyone to think local first when shopping. It’s an investment in your community’s future.
“By doing so, we are helping to secure the future of local businesses – many of which have served our communities for generations – the jobs of our friends and neighbours and ensuring the foundations remain from which our towns can build a new future.”
Scotland Loves Local is the campaign that urges people to think, choose and spend locally to build better futures for their community. It is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), with support from the Scottish Government.
In recent months, organisations of all kinds across the country have been signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a promise that they will choose local and support the businesses around them whenever it is possible for them to do so.
“That is a pledge that people really can fulfil over the coming weeks,” Kimberley added.
A way in which local people can show that support is by using the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card. Cards can only be spent in the regions they are branded. That makes them a direct way in which money can be used to support local jobs in shops, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions.
Digital developments to the programme in recent months mean it has become easier than ever for businesses to use them as staff rewards this Christmas.
For more information about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, go to:
The tie-up will create up to 40 jobs and ‘make stop smoking services more accessible in communities across the country‘
VPZ, the UK’s leading vaping retailer, is set to open 10 new stores by December 2024 as part of a groundbreaking partnership with the supermarket chain Morrisons, with plans to expand further during 2025.
The new in-store outlets will expand the brand’s presence in communities throughout the UK, with seven key locations in Leeds Hunslet, Birmingham Stirchley, Glenrothes, Peterhead, Darlington, Stratford and Grantham.
The collaboration will also introduce a new innovative mobile pod concept for customer parking areas, with two planned for Nottingham and one in Rotheram.
The partnership will drive positive change by making stop smoking services more accessible in communities throughout the country, whilst educating smokers on the benefits of more sustainable vaping products.
The new sites will help expand and complement VPZ’s mission to help people on their journey to quit smoking by improving access to expert stop-smoking advice and education.
VPZ stores offer a dedicated one-to-one service to help smokers quit. VPZ specialists are trained and have expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.
Furthermore, as a part of their shared commitment to environmental responsibility, all new stores will include VPZ’s comprehensive recycling programme. The service is open to all vapers, as anyone can visit the new stores and dispose safely of their vaping devices or e-cigarettes.
Greig Fowler, Director at VPZ, said: “Our partnership with Morrisons to open 10 new stores is a pivotal step in our mission to transform the health of our nation by empowering more people to become smoke-free.
“I believe that together we will be making it easier for smokers to access the resources, help and education they need to quit smoking, while also offering a convenient and sustainable shopping experience.”
He added: “We are looking forward to launching our new in-store locations, pod concepts and exploring further growth in 2025.”
VPZ has recently voiced concerns that the newly announced vape tax increase will unfairly impact the most vulnerable and set back the UK’s 2030 smoke-free targets. As vaping remains one of the most effective methods to quit smoking, VPZ has warned that higher taxes on vaping products could discourage smokers from switching, undermining both health and financial benefits.
VPZ also supports plans to ban disposable vapes across the UK and Scotland by June next year, however they have highlighted the rise of ‘Big Puff’ disposable vapes which threaten to bring a new youth vaping epidemic and even greater damage to the environment.
The imported products are exploiting a loophole in regulations to create a new and larger single-use vaping product ahead of the disposables vape ban.
Greig Fowler added: “These illegal ‘Big Puffs’ undermine our objectives and are poised to create a public health crisis with unregulated products flooding the marketplace.
“At the current moment, data shows that more than ever there is a need for the Government to step in to support trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the ‘Big Puff‘ epidemic.
“We urge for a better collaboration between the industry and regulatory bodies to address this arising issue promptly and ensure that these vapes do not flood the UK market even further and endanger the quit-smoking progress that has been achieved so far.”
To date, Edinburgh-based VPZ has already helped over 1 million smokers in the UK quit since it was established in 2012.
Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack has written to Cabinet Secretary for Health, Neil Gray, seeking clarity over the next steps for the recently announced replacement eye hospital.
Last week’s budget brought the news campaigners have long been waiting for, that a new eye hospital is going ahead in Edinburgh.
This is after multiple U-turns from the Scottish Government and the current facility being not fit for purpose for 10 years.
Ms Boyack has been a long-time campaigner for the hospital and is now seeking more concrete next steps following the announcement.
In her letter, Ms Boyack highlights that patients and campaigners ‘need clarity’ and urges Neil Gray to lay out the timeline for delivering the hospital and when the construction work will commence.
She also seeks reassurances about whether Mr Gray will meet with stakeholders and campaigners to update them on the progress with the eye pavilion.
The fate of the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion was thrown into the spotlight recently when it was revealed that it would have to shut for a minimum of 6 months due to urgent repairs.
These repairs were further complicated by the discovery of asbestos.
The disrepair and age of the current building is one of the main reasons cited by campaigners as to why a new hospital is so desperately needed.
Commenting on her open letter, Sarah Boyack MSP said: “I am incredibly relieved that this project is finally going ahead.
“However, we have seen multiple U-turns in the past on the eye hospital.
“We need urgent clarity on the next steps.
“This project must be completed as soon as possible so that patients finally get the facility they deserve and require.
“I want to work constructively with Neil Gray on this.
“Patients and campaigners deserve clarity and I hope The Health Secretary takes up my suggestion to meet with stakeholders.”
Domestic abuse crimes have increased 11% in Scotland according to the latest figures from Police Scotland.
Between April and September 2024 there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse, compared to 18,243 during the same period last year, an increase of 2,028 crimes according to Police Scotland’s 2024/25 Quarter 2 Performance Report.
The figures have been published as the organisation launches its latest campaign to help tackle domestic abuse.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson, executive lead for major crime, public protection and local crime explains: “As our latest data shows domestic abuse continues to be a problem within our society.
“Domestic abuse is a crime that remains hidden behind closed doors, but we are committed to tackling it. The psychological harm that domestic abuse inflicts can be long lasting and wide ranging on not just victims, but also children and other family members.
“Our focus remains on sensitively and thoroughly investigating incidents reported but we also want to see a reduction in offending, which is why we are launching our latest domestic abuse campaign.”
Scottish Government figures released last month report that in 2023/24 Police Scotland recorded 63,867 incidents of domestic abuse.
Of those incidents recorded, 81% involve a male perpetrator and female victim, 15% featured a female perpetrator and male victim and 3% featured same sex couples. And where age is known, approximately 35% of all incidents reported featured a male perpetrator under the age of 35.
Assistant Chief Constable Johnson continued: “Our aim is to encourage young men who are starting out in relationships to reflect on their behaviour and recognise that if they have started to use abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to realise that it’s wrong and to change. There is advice available from our partner, Respect, to help them change their behaviour.
“We are fully aware that women can be abusers too, however our figures year on year consistently highlight that over 80% of incidents reported to us involve a male perpetrator and so our focus remains on reducing offending by men.
“With this campaign we are looking to influence those in the younger age brackets to realise what isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship and encourage them to change their behaviour at an early stage and therefore prevent abusive behaviours developing.”
Dr Emma Forbes, Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, said: “COPFS takes a rigorous approach to crimes of domestic abuse and we are committed to prosecuting those responsible effectively and fairly, using all of the tools at our disposal.
“Young people should feel safe, valued and excited in their relationships. Sadly, we recognise that everyone, including young people, can be victims of abusive behaviour by a partner. Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence; it includes verbal, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control and stalking.
“Controlling what clothing or makeup the victim can wear, restricting their movements, monitoring their communications and preventing them from seeing loved ones are just some of the recognised forms of domestic abuse.
“No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner, regardless of their age or gender. I would urge every victim of domestic abuse not to suffer in silence but to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice.”
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent and this campaign is important as it focuses on men recognising and then changing their behaviour. This is the only way that we can see a change in society and a reduction in domestic abuse and violence.
“By showing that domestic violence is taken seriously, we can also encourage women to report crime and seek help and support. We know that it is this type of crime than can go unreported and we encourage anyone experiencing any kind of abuse, whether physical or emotional, to contact Police Scotland.
“Addressing and tackling the root causes of violence against women and girls remains fundamental to prevention which is a focus of our Equally Safe Strategy.”
Jo Todd CBE, CEO, Respect, said: “As the UK charity stopping perpetrators of domestic abuse, we’re delighted to be part of Police Scotland’s new campaign that raises awareness of abusive and controlling behaviour.
“To tackle domestic abuse, we need to address the root cause and ensure that perpetrators are stopped, held to account and given the chance to change where appropriate.
A number of cases sentenced during 2024 have seen young men given custodial sentences as a consequence of committing domestic abuse offences towards partners or ex partners:
Christian Schonenberger (aged 22) from Dundee was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to offending against a female and two charges of animal cruelty over a 12-month period. He was given an extended seven-years and six months sentence (four years six months custodial term), a 99 year non harassment order, a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
John Allen (aged 28) from Denny was sentenced in November 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of their relationships. He was given an extended 13-year sentence (nine-years custodial term), and indefinite non harassment order and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
Charles Fyfe Morrison (aged 27) from Paisley was sentenced in July 2024 in relation to numerous offences against two females over the course of a four-year period. He was given a nine-year extended sentence, (seven years custodial term), a non harassment order for 15 years and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
Robert McGovern (aged 20) from Edinburgh was sentenced in March 2024 in relation to numerous offences against six females over the course of a six-year period. He was given a 15-year extended sentence (nine years six months custodial term), a 999 year non harassment order applying to all the women and has been added to the sex offender register for an indefinite period.
Supporting children to have the best start in life
First Minister John Swinney has launched his official Christmas card in partnership with charity Children First.
Children and young people supported by the charity were invited to Bute House to meet the First Minister and share their hopes and dreams for 2025.
This year’s Christmas card design features a photograph of Loch Faskally taken by Jane Barlow, an award-winning photographer at the Press Association. In the new year, a framed copy of the photograph signed by the First Minister will be auctioned to raise proceeds for Children First.
The First Minister said the card, and launch event, was an opportunity to highlight his commitment to eradicating child poverty and ensuring every child in Scotland has a safe, happy childhood and opportunities to succeed in life.
He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland the best place in the world to grow up. So, it was important to me that this year’s Christmas card reflected that pledge.
“This year saw the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child incorporated into Scots law through ground breaking legislation, helping to make sure public authorities across Scotland respect, protect and fulfil all children’s human rights and that children live free from discrimination – an ambition championed by Children First.
“Children First does tremendous work protecting children from harm and delivering emotional, practical and financial support for families. Meeting the children and young people today at Bute House was an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues affecting them, and their aspirations for the future.
“I’d like to thank the very talented Jane for contributing her photograph for this year’s Christmas card. Loch Faskally is a place of great natural beauty that showcases the very best Scotland’s environment has to offer.”
Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “We are delighted and honoured that the First Minister has chosen Children First to benefit from his Christmas card this year. We are very grateful to John Swinney for thinking of us and to Jane Barlow for sharing her beautiful image to help children across the country.
“Through our national support line and in homes, schools and communities across Scotland our teams are working with families, day in day out to help protect their children from harm.
Every child should have a safe and happy childhood we will continue to champion children’s rights with the Scottish Government to make the future, safer and brighter for every child.”
Jamieleigh, aged 14, said: “Meeting the First Minister, him sitting down with us and hearing what we say, could be a once in life-time opportunity, not many people get to do this. It’s great that he’s chosen Children First for his Christmas card.”
Actions to protect some of Scotland’s most vulnerable marine species are being consulted on by the Scottish Government.
Climate change, invasive non-native species such as brown rat, food shortages and other pressures are contributing to the dramatic declines seen in seabird numbers. Almost two thirds of Scotland’s seabird species have declined over the last 20 years, with eight including the Arctic tern, kittiwake and black-headed gull declining by more than 50%.
The draft Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan has been developed to protect Scotland’s seabird species for future generations.
Developed in partnership with NatureScot, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and British Trust for Ornithology, the plan sets out over 50 actions including:
Enhancing food availability by improving conditions for prey
Providing safe nesting areas by eradicating non-native invasive predators
Increasing survival prospects by minimising bycatch
Key research and monitoring of Scottish Seabirds
Promoting awareness and international engagement by working in partnership with local and international communities, marine and coastal sectors, and environmental organisations.
Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Launching the consultation on the Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan marks a vital step forward in protecting some of our most iconic and vulnerable marine species.
“It’s important that we all play our part in protecting seabirds which is why this action plan is for everyone with an interest in our marine and coastal environment. I’m confident that with concerted effort and shared responsibility, we can stop the declines we are seeing in our seabird populations and increase their resilience to a changing climate thereby securing their future.
“As top predators, seabirds are indicators of the health of marine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining balance within marine food webs. Seabirds also have a significant role in the economy supporting a thriving tourism industry that is vital to local economies, particularly in rural and island communities.
“I encourage everyone with a stake in Scotland’s natural environment to respond to the consultation. Your views are important. Together, we can ensure that Scotland remains an international stronghold for seabirds, now and in the future.”
NatureScot Chair, Colin Galbraith, said: “Scotland provides vital breeding and foraging grounds for internationally important and much-loved populations of seabirds.
“As the latest research has shown, our seabirds are in trouble. This new Action Plan is essential to both protect seabirds and safeguard the wider marine environment. The work we do now and in the near future must stop the declines we’ve seen over the last 20 years – and help tackle broader nature and climate emergencies.
“There is nothing quite like watching a gannet dive, a cormorant spread its wings or a puffin with a beak full of sandeels. We all need to help protect nature, playing our part where we can, including having a say about how we protect the wildlife we cherish.”
Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre said: “Scotland’s seabird colonies are a world-renowned natural treasure, offering a spectacular wildlife experience for communities and visitors alike. However, many of these iconic species are in steep decline.
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Seabird Conservation Action Plan and look forward to collaborating on priority actions. Central to this effort is raising awareness and inspiring everyone to protect and care for our seabirds to secure their future”.
The team at Amazon’s Corporate Office and the Customer Service team in Edinburgh has joined forces with five other Amazon teams across Scotland to pack and donate household essential packs worth £30,000 to Edinburgh-based charity, Fresh Start.
Fresh Start is dedicated to helping individuals who have experienced homelessness transition smoothly into their new homes. Each year, the charity supports thousands of new tenants, ranging from families to single individuals, by providing Starter Packs filled with essential household items to help them establish a comfortable living environment.
To support this cause, the Amazon team in Edinburgh, along with colleagues from five additional sites across Scotland, packed over 450 Starter Packs at the fulfilment centre in Dunfermline. The donation of Starter Packs will support 475 households across Scotland. Members of each team met to visit the charity to deliver the packs, learn more about the charity’s work and express their appreciation to its staff and volunteers.
Speaking on the combined donation effort, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “It has been our pleasure to support Fresh Start in its mission to assist people moving into new homes.
“The enthusiasm shown by our colleagues in Dunfermline and across Scotland as they packed the Starter Packs was truly inspiring, and I am glad to work alongside teams who care so much about the communities around our Amazon buildings. Knowing that these essential items will help people start afresh and settle into their new homes is incredibly rewarding for all of us.”
The Starter Packs included a variety of household necessities such as winter clothing, kettles, toasters and cutlery, all aimed at helping people settle into their new homes with ease and comfort.
Alasdair Brown, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who helped pack the Start Packs, added: “It’s been great to team up with my colleagues from across Scotland to pack the Fresh Start Starter Packs, knowing that they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need a boost getting back on their feet.
“Supporting our local communities is something I really take pride in, and I’m pleased to be encouraged to do so by my employer. Fresh Start deserves as much recognition as possible, so this was a great initiative to have been part of.”
During the visit to Fresh Start’s Community Hub and Warehouse premises in Edinburgh, Amazon team members had the opportunity to meet with Fresh Start staff and volunteers, learning more about the organisation’s impact in the community.
Darcey Joyce, Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Fresh Start, said: “Our Starter Packs are vital for helping people who have been homeless settle into a new home, as they provide them with the essentials they need to have the best new start.
“The dedication of the Amazon teams who packed and delivered these household essentials to us highlights their commitment to supporting our community and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support.
“Gifting essential household items to people transitioning from homelessness into tenancies across Edinburgh greatly reduces the risk of repeat homelessness and helps people feel a sense of community as they resettle.”
Amazon has several buildings in Scotland, including a fulfilment centre, delivery stations, an Amazon Fresh store and the Amazon Development Centre Scotland, situated in Edinburgh’s iconic Waverley Gate building.
Amazon employees from Dunfermline, Motherwell, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee formed the group offering financial and practical support to Fresh Start.
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 5 million surplus goods to over 500,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, and Tees Valley.
Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
