Category: North Edinburgh News

Unique public artwork unveiled at Queen Margaret University

A highly anticipated public art installation that celebrates the people and activities which make up Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has been officially unveiled in Musselburgh. 

Staff, students, East Lothian residents and members of the QMU community, who each played a part in bringing the artwork to life, were the first to catch a glimpse of the unique sculpture at an official unveiling ceremony on 28 August.  

Commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of Queen Margaret University, the installation takes centre stage in the grounds of the University’s campus. Made possible by donations from the QMU community, it is now a permanent feature available for all to enjoy.  

Artist and Musselburgh resident, Martha Ellis, was selected from a pool of applicants to create the final piece – she engaged in extensive research to ensure the QMU community was reflected in her design. 

Martha said: “It’s been an exciting challenge to create an artwork that represents the unique character of Queen Margaret University. 

“I wanted to capture the people and spirit of QMU – past, present, and future. Through in-depth research, participation in local events, and meaningful engagement with the community, I discovered the many inspiring stories and vibrant personalities that define the University, I’ve woven these together to create a piece that I hope will resonate with viewers, inviting them to see themselves, or someone they know, reflected in its characters.

Seeing the raw and real reactions at the unveiling made me feel like I’ve more than achieved my aim.

“It’s been so rewarding seeing this project come together over the last year. My hope is that it sparks curiosity, conversation, and a sense of belonging for everyone who sees it.” 

The vision for a commemorative artwork marking QMU’s 150th anniversary first emerged three years ago.

After careful discussion in the University about the form, location, and process, a public competition was launched, attracting dozens of imaginative submissions – from striking wall murals and sculpted benches, to a recycled-materials shelter and a statue fashioned from oversized kitchen utensils paying tribute to QMU’s roots as a cookery school.  

Following a rigorous selection process, a committee including QMU staff and students unanimously chose the design proposed by Martha. Her concept stood out for its ability to capture the spirit of the University’s community – its students, staff, alumni, and partners – who have shaped QMU over the past 150 years. 

Martha Ellis is a talented visual artist with a passion for showcasing a ‘sense of place’ in her signature sheet metal ‘laser cut-out’ designs – the style employed for the artwork at QMU. This piece is one of her first public commissions. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal of QMU, said: “One of the things that Queen Margaret University really prides itself on is its sense of community. And it is this strong sense of community and belonging which many people say sets us apart from other universities.   

“As we approached our 150th anniversary celebrations, we decided that we wanted to create something on campus – a physical embodiment of the institution that represents what QMU stands for.

“This artwork provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry of people, stories, and experiences that have shaped QMU over the years. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and to the deep connections we share as a university.  

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Martha for her extraordinary vision and talent, to everyone who contributed to this project, and to our donors, whose generosity made it possible.

“Together, you’ve helped create a piece of art that will not only celebrate our heritage but will also serve as a lasting symbol of QMU’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and community.” 

The official unveiling celebration brought together staff, students, donors and friends of the University for a drinks reception in QMU’s recently refurbished Learning Resource Centre.

Guests also enjoyed a small exhibition of laser-cut drawings that Martha created during her design process and a film documenting the installation’s development, followed by the unveiling itself, outside on campus grounds.  

Martha; Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU; Gordon Mackenzie, Head of Strategic Planning and Policy Development and convener of the Public Art Committee; and Professor David Stevenson, Dean of the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management, were joined by the two Presidents of QMU’s Students’ Union to officially reveal the artwork to excited onlookers, while Ollie Kemp from the Prestonlodge Pipe Band delighted guests with his performance of ‘Scotland The Brave’ to help mark the celebration. 

The creation of the public artwork forms part of the QMU150 programme of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the institution now known as Queen Margaret University.    

Find out more about the public art commission on our website – https://www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the-university/qmu150/public-art

Find out more about QMU’s 150th anniversary programme of activities – https://www.qmu.ac.uk/about-the-university/qmu150/qmu150-anniversary-events

MHRA crackdown on illegal ‘Botox’ after victims left seriously ill

More than 40 people hospitalised following suspected use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning criminals that they face prison as it cracks down on the illicit trade in unlicensed botulinum toxin products, commonly referred to as Botox, used in cosmetic procedures. 

The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched a number of criminal investigations following a spike in hospital admissions believed to be linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.

Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism – a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis – were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit has seen evidence that some sellers and practitioners – often untrained – are obtaining unlicensed botulinum toxin products illegally and offering injections in unsafe, unregulated settings.

The treatments are being delivered in informal settings such as domestic bedrooms and kitchens, hair salons, and through mobile beauty services. Members of the public are often lured in by adverts on social media promising quick, cheap results. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit is investigating the illegal trade in these products. Anyone caught selling or supplying unlicensed botulinum toxin faces up to two years in prison and unlimited fines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. 

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said: “Criminals are exploiting the popularity of cosmetic treatments by peddling dangerous, unlicensed products, putting profit before safety.

“Anyone involved in the supply of unlicensed botulinum toxin – whether through organised networks or informal sales from kitchen tables, hair salons, or via social media – is breaking the law and endangering lives. The 41 individuals we’ve seen between June and August left seriously ill represent the devastating human cost of this trade. 

“We are working across the country to identify those responsible, seize illegal products, and bring cases to court. We use the full range of our enforcement powers and techniques to shut down these operations and bring offenders to justice.” 

This crackdown is part of the MHRA’s wider work to disrupt illegal botulinum toxin supply. Since May 2023, the Criminal Enforcement Unit, working closely with its partners in Border Force, has seized more than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin both at the border and inland.  

Almost all of the seized products originated in South Korea, including brands such as Botulax, reNTox, Innotox, and Toxpia, which are not authorised for sale in the UK. 

The Criminal Enforcement Unit also works with social media companies to remove illegal listings and disrupt criminal networks advertising unlicensed botulinum toxin. 

Understanding the health risks 

Botulism caused by botulinum toxin in cosmetic procedures is rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop and may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and breathing difficulty. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment. 

Anyone who has recently received a botulinum toxin treatment and develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately via NHS 111 or emergency services. 

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “No one should have to suffer serious illness or risk their life because criminals are flooding the market with unsafe products.  

“This government is determined to crack down on cosmetic cowboys who exploit vulnerable consumers seeking cut-price treatments outside suitable medical settings. Through the MHRA’s criminal investigations and our new regulations, we’ll use the full force of the law against those who supply unlicensed medicines. 

“I would urge anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to consider the risks and find a reputable, insured, and qualified practitioner.”

MHRA Chief Safety Officer Dr Alison Cave said: ““Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and should only be sold or supplied in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate prescriber such as a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. 

“Buying botulinum toxin in any other circumstances significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not licensed for use in the UK. This means that there are no safeguards to ensure products meet the MHRA’s standards for quality and safety. As such, they can have life-threatening consequences for the people who take them. 

“If you are offered botulinum toxin without a medical consultation, in an informal setting, or at a price significantly below usual rates, this should be treated as a warning sign. Lower cost does not mean safe; it may put your health at risk and could lead to hospitalisation.” 

How to protect yourself and report concerns 

Licensed botulinum toxin products undergo rigorous testing and quality controls to ensure they contain the correct active ingredient at safe concentrations. Legitimate treatments should only be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals in proper clinical settings with appropriate emergency equipment available. 

Before any treatment, verify that your practitioner is medically qualified and registered with their professional body. Check that products being used are licensed in the UK by asking to see packaging and checking batch numbers. Be suspicious of unusually cheap prices, treatments offered in domestic settings, or practitioners who cannot provide proper credentials. 

The MHRA urges anyone who experiences side effects or complications after a cosmetic procedure to report them via the Yellow Card scheme at:

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. 

Extra support in the classroom

University tutors to provide help for those who need it most

Tutoring staff from two Scottish universities will be working in classrooms across the country to help engage children and young people in their studies and improve attainment.

Aimed at those impacted most by poverty, the innovative approach will see almost 500 pupils receive extra tutoring support from Queen Margaret University and the University of Glasgow this academic year.

The programme was initially launched as an intervention to provide support for young people who were most affected by the Covid-19 school closures.

This next step, supported by £90,000 from the Scottish Government, will now see the initiative extended to a wider group of young people. This will include specialist one-to-one tuition for pupils, delivered online and in person, with the aim of helping them secure a place in university, training or further study.

The announcement comes as a new survey of almost 1,000 school staff found three-quarters felt the poverty-related attainment gap has narrowed because of the Scottish Government’s flagship Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC). The programme has now been running for a decade with up to £1.75 billion being invested.

Speaking on a visit to Newbattle High School in Midlothian, which is taking part in the tutoring scheme, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Children and young people’s background and upbring must never be a barrier to success in education.

“The Scottish Government is determined to create an even playing field for all, both in schools and in securing places in higher education.

“The work that is being taken forward by the Queen Margaret and Glasgow universities is ensuring that more pupils impacted by poverty are engaged and supported with their studies. This will help them to maximise their potential and go on to a positive future.

“This is an excellent example of innovation in Scottish education, which compliments the work of our Scottish Attainment Challenge. Through this and other measures, we are doing all we can to eradicate child poverty; our schools are playing a key role in achieving that ambition – from delivering free school meals and clothing banks to after-school study clubs and this tutoring programme.”

Principal of Queen Margaret University, Sir Paul Grice, said: “We are delighted to see this powerful package of support being put in place, based on our pioneering, and award winning, tutoring project, which was developed by QMU and East Lothian Council during the pandemic with funding from the STV Children’s Appeal and local supporters.

“Over the last five years, this tried and tested model has helped thousands of senior school pupils in East and Midlothian keep up or re-engage with learning, so they are supported to reach their potential in life.

“By recognising the impact of this important project and supporting its expansion, the Scottish Government is ensuring young people get the extra help they require to succeed during a crucial stage in their learning journey, which will ultimately shape their future life outcomes.” 

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, at the University of Glasgow, said: “Education has the power to transform lives, and it is vital that every young person has the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances.

“By working with schools across Scotland, the University of Glasgow is helping to break down barriers to learning and give pupils the extra support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. We are delighted to see this programme grow and to play our part in tackling the attainment gap.”

Read the School Survey Report 2025 and the Interim Evaluation Report 2025  on the Attainment Scotland Fund.

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust speak out on impact of EIJB cuts

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust, working alongside our partners in the Thrive Collective, is deeply disappointed by the recent decision of the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to end the Thrive contract for Physical Activities and Greenspaces from the end of November.

Through Thrive, we and our partners have worked in close collaboration with communities, health services, and local organisations to provide inclusive opportunities that improve physical and mental wellbeing.

We are proud of the collective impact that this work has had for people across Edinburgh, particularly those experiencing health inequalities.

This follows the earlier decision to withdraw grant funding for our Healthy Lifestyles work in South Edinburgh. Together, these cuts represent a significant reduction in support for programmes that enable communities across the city to access the health and wellbeing benefits of nature, physical activity, and local greenspaces.

The decision will have a real impact on the 1250 participants who rely on these programmes to support their physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of social connection. Many of the people we work with face health inequalities and barriers to accessing mainstream services, and these activities have provided an essential lifeline.

Charlie Cumming, ELGT Chief Executive, confirmed the loss of this funding will directly affect our capacity to deliver dedicated programmes that improve health through engagement with local greenspaces.

It will also reduce the resources that are community-based, accessible, and effective alternatives to clinical treatment—helping people recover and build resilience outside of primary care settings.

Despite this setback, ELGT remain committed to championing greenspaces and active lives as vital to Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing.

We will continue to explore new ways of sustaining this essential work and will seek to secure funding that ensures these opportunities remain accessible to the communities who need them most.

We would like to sincerely thank all participants, volunteers, and partner organisations who have engaged with us.

Your commitment and enthusiasm highlight just how much this work matters and the difference it makes across the city.

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS GREENSPACE TRUST

A ‘Motion For The Ocean’

SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL DECLARES URGENT NEED FOR OCEAN RECOVERY

In recognition of its coasts, canals, lochs and estuaries, Edinburgh has become the first Council in Scotland to adopt a ‘Motion for the Ocean’.

Launched by a group of ocean experts, the formal declaration commits local authorities to promote and prioritise ocean recovery during the United Nations’ Decade of the Ocean.

With waterways at the heart of Edinburgh’s environment, economy and community enjoyment, the pledge was taken by councillors on Thursday (28 August) following a motion from Councillor Conor Savage.

It will build on existing partnership working to consider improvements to water quality, sustainability and marine education – including the opportunity for all Edinburgh primary school pupils to experience the ocean first hand.

Following the decision, the Council Leader will write to the First Minister asking the Scottish Government to consider national protection of coastal communities, while officers will look at how ocean recovery can be achieved under the Council’s existing action plans and strategies, which include the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan, Water Vision and Biodiversity Action Plan.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As a coastal city, we all need to take care of the fantastic waterways that surround us.

“This includes the Water of Leith which runs the breadth of Edinburgh, and the popular and well visited Firth of Forth which is home to a huge diversity of marine species and is one of the best places in Scotland to see passing dolphins.

“It is important that we play our part in protecting the waterways in and around our city. This new commitment supports not only our net zero target and the fight against climate change but the United Nation’s vision to address issues facing the ocean, so we can continue to protect and preserve our rivers and coasts for future generations.”

Asian Art Awards winners announced

Asian Art Awards – Award Ceremony at MOXY Fountainbridge

Members of the Scottish Indian community were prominent among the winners of the 2025 Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe. The awards have been running since 2014 and exist to bring Asian artists together at the Fringe and reward the best of them.

90 shows participated in 2025, up significantly from 55 in 2024.

The highly acclaimed “Kanpur: 1857”, written and co-performed by Edinburgh-based Niall Moorjani and which showed at the Pleasance, won the award for Outstanding Production.

Set at the time of the Kanpur uprising in India, this new play “comically satirises contemporary conflicts around gender, colonial violence, and making art in times of crisis”. The award was collected by the production’s musician, Sodhi.

Shows by Sanjay Lago  (Love me Like a Chai Tea Latte [wearing the colourful shirt]) and Dance Ihayami, with their show Dansa Rickshaw, also won awards for Highly Commended performances (i.e. Runners Up). Sanjay is Scottish Indian while Dance Ihayami is “Scotland’s Indian dance company”. Like Sodhi, Sanjay is from Glasgow (“Ibrox, don’t judge me” he says).

Hahaha-Hamlet from Hong Kong, which played at the Paradise Green venue on George IV Bridge, won the award for Outstanding Show.

The award reviewers simply loved this “captivating reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale, blending original musical with dark humour [..and..] intertwining the struggles of contemporary Hongkongers with Hamlet’s timeless tale”.

Energetic, inventive and incredibly affecting with some reviewers moved to tears as the tales of Hamlet and Hong Kong coincided at the end. The whole cast were in attendance to receive the award [red and black t-shirts under their clothes] and they were delighted.

Mayuri Bhandari of the Anti “Yogi” took home the award for Outstanding Female while Jeremy Rafal won Outstanding Male for The Boy from Bantay “a heartwarming journey of growth and self-discovery”.

Mayuri was in attendance with her percussionist Neel Agrawal while Jeremy sent a video message to the audience. Both shows were hugely popular. At the Anti “Yogi” the audience were invited to “Join Mayuri Bhandari and Kali, the Goddess of Death every day as they navigate the absurdities of Western Yoga culture. Liberation, not Lululemon!” 

The Outstanding Youth Performance was won by the show “Landscape of the Other Shore” from Shenzhen University  which was also inspired by another European classic: Géricault’s painting and Georg Kaiser’s play The Raft of the Medusa.

The Asian Arts Special Award was shared between GENDAI TOKYO  and Up-cycle Music  by Creative Art of Korea. GENDAI TOKYO had a simply incredible laser show playing at WU Asia Pacific three times per night. Everyone who sees it simply loves it.

Up-cycle Music is a “response to climate change from a uniquely artistic perspective. They use waste to make music – cellos from abandoned equipment from rural areas, stringed instruments of thrown away plastic toys – and compose piano songs based on the characteristics of endangered animals, to ask vital questions about the climate crisis”.

Lyndsey Jackson from the Fringe presented the awards along with Richard Lewis and Chelsea Zhou of Asian Art Fund Scotland, the charity which runs the Asian Art Awards.

Winners – 2025 Asian Art Awards

Outstanding Show

Winner: Hahaha–Hamlet – Chai Wan Rabble (Hong Kong)

Highly Commended: 1Shoulder Pad: Galaxy Train, Japanese Musical Theatre (Japan)

Highly Commended: Practice of Zen – Theatre Ronin (Hong Kong)

Outstanding Production

Winner: Kanpur: 1857 – Niall Moorjani Storyteller and Pleasance (Scotland / India)

Highly Commended: 1457, The Boy at Rest – Poem and Star / Korean Season by GCC & AtoBiz (Korea)

Highly Commended: Relaxing and Balancing – Ying Yang – On/Off Theatre (Hong Kong)

Highly Commended: The Time Painter – ACC, ACCF, Haddangse / Korean Season by GCC and AtoBiz (Korea)

Outstanding Male Performer

Winner: Jeremy Rafal, The Boy from Bantay (Philippines / USA)

Highly Commended: Zheng Xiaofan Dance Theatre, PERSONALLERY 4.0 (China)

Highly Commended: Kumar Muniandy – Second Class Queer (Malaysia / UK / Germany)

Highly Commended: Eden Choi – Proust Effect (Korea) [1]

Highly Commended: Sanjay Lago – Love me Like a Chai Tea Latte (Scotland / India)

Outstanding Female Performer

Winner: Mayuri Bhandari – The Anti “Yogi” (USA / India)

Highly Commended: Dansa Rickshaw – Dance Ihayami (Scotland / India)

Highly Commended: Elisabeth Gunawan and KISS WITNESS – Stampin’ in the Graveyard (UK / Indonesia)

Highly Commended: Afreena Islam-Wright – Lucky Tonight! (UK / Bangladesh)

Highly Commended: Chi-An Chen – Sole to Soul (Taiwan, China)

Outstanding Young Performer [Winner] 3

Winner: Shenzhen University School of Arts 201 Theatre Company – The Landscape of the Other Shore (China)

Highly Commended: Creative Group SSAK / Korean Season by GCC & AtoBiz – Dream Space (Korea)

Highly Commended: Jasmine Thien – I Dream in Colour (UK / China)

Asian Arts Special Award – Joint Award (two winners)

GENDAI TOKYO (Japan) and

Up-cycle Music, Creative Art (Korea)

Shadow Economy Secretary thanks the people who make our places

Daniel Johnson visited local businesses in his constituency as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025, urging people to choose local  

Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Business and Fair Work Daniel Johnson  MSP showed his support for the Scotland Loves Local campaign as he visited local businesses in his Edinburgh Southern constituency.

People make Places is the theme of activity across the country during the week, encouraging everyone to get behind those who make local businesses so special – helping to protect the  jobs of friends, relatives and neighbours.

Speaking during his visit, Mr Johnson said: “As a former retailer, I know first-hand how much local independent businesses contribute to high street communities in Scotland.

“Morningside High Street, in the heart of Edinburgh Southern, is a fantastic example of this – a community minded high street with a varied and diverse array of shops and places to eat and drink.

“There is much to celebrate but our high streets also face challenges. That is why in 2021, I introduced the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Act which has been used thousands of times to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse at work.

“Whilst the Act has been successful, much more needs to be done across the board to help our high streets thrive.”

He was joined on the visit by Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership Kimberley Guthrie and Scotland Loves Local Programme Coordinator Nicola Hutchinson. 

Kimberley Guthrie said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a celebration of local excellence and celebrating the people who make places.

“It has been fantastic to see such a tremendous amount of support from across the political spectrum for this year’s celebrations, helping to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism, innovation and community we have in Scotland.

The simple act of thinking local first has a profound effect and can have a transformational impact on local economies, laying the foundations to make our places stronger and more sustainable for the future”. 

Scotland Loves Local Week is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as part of its drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds more into regional economies.

It has calculated that almost £26.8m more could be driven directly into the city of Edinburgh economy if every person spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses. 

Road safety initiative launched in city centre: Stay Safe and Visible

Road users in Edinburgh are being asked to consider distance, blind spots and visibility as part of an initiative by road policing officers in the city.

Police Scotland is working with partners including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh City Council and David Philp Commercials, to encourage everyone to be more aware.

A number of vehicles were on Castle Street yesterday (Thursday, 28 August), demonstrating blind spots for cyclists and pedestrians.

PC Stewart Sinclair from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit in Edinburgh, said: “We are encouraging everyone to think about how visible and safe they are. Many of us are unaware how much or little a driver can see because of blind spots. This event will give awareness to more vulnerable road users how to keep themselves safe on the road network.

“Visibility is very important in terms of making our roads safer and I would like everyone, including pedestrians, to think about how they are seen, especially if a street is poorly lit after dark. Visibility is very different to that of a bus, car, lorry, motorbike or bike.

“I must emphasise the need for all road users to look out for each other and give each other space. Unfortunately, when a crash happens it is often a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist injured.

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director, Lothian Buses, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Police Scotland and other key stakeholders to help raise awareness around cyclist visibility and potential blind spots on our roads.

“With a network of over 70 routes across Edinburgh and the Lothians, we invest heavily in our driver training programme which covers all aspects of road safety including awareness of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.”

Scottish Fire & Rescue Service Crew Commander David Main, said: “The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service welcomes the opportunity to support this initiative and work with partners to improve the safety of all road users in the Edinburgh area.

“By working to improve awareness and encouraging everyone to think about safe distances, blind spots, visibility when on or around our roads we can make our roads safer for everyone”

Protecting women and girls from hate crime

Consultation on draft regulations

Women and girls will have greater protection against hate crimes under plans being consulted upon by the Scottish Government.

Draft regulations have been laid in Parliament to add ‘sex’ as a characteristic to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

If agreed, the regulations will make it a criminal offence to stir up hatred against women and girls, as well as men and boys, because of their sex, which is defined as biological sex. The regulations will also enable courts to treat crimes motivated by hatred of someone’s sex as aggravated offences, which are considered more serious.

This would mean women and girls have the same legal safeguards available under the Act to groups targeted by hate crime because of their age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics. Freedom of expression is built into the Act, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021.

A consultation paper seeking views on the plans, which were announced in May, has been published. It will remain open until 10 October and responses will inform consideration of the final regulations to be laid in Parliament.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “We must send a strong message to victims, perpetrators, communities and wider society that offences motivated by prejudice and hatred against women and girls will not be tolerated.

“Adding the characteristic of sex to the Hate Crime Act will ensure that women and girls have the same protections as victims who are targeted because of a specific characteristic, such as age, religion or disability.

“Men and boys will also be protected, however, we know that women and girls suffer significantly more from threats, abuse and harassment based on their sex, so they are likely to benefit most from these new legal protections.

“This will add to a range of general laws that can be used to prosecute aspects of misogynistic harassment and abuse.

“However, criminal law reform alone cannot eliminate abuse against women and girls, or the attitudes which perpetuate it; men must play an active role in identifying, challenging and changing the misogynistic and negative attitudes and behaviours that underpin the abuse of, and violence against, women and girls.”

Draft SSI   

Consultation 

Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer elected Co-leaders of Scottish Greens

ELECTIONS HERALD A ‘NEW ERA’

Scottish Green Party members have elected Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer as their new Co-leaders, following a closely fought contest.

In her acceptance speech Gillian Mackay hailed the vital work that Scottish Green MSPs have done and promised to go further.

Gillian Mackay said: “From free bus travel for people under 22, increasing the roll out of free school meals, restoring Scotland’s natural environment, the introduction of Ssafe Access Zones, and the scrapping of peak rail fares, the Scottish Greens have already started improving the lives of millions – But we can and will go further.

“We need to be clear; the Scottish Greens have delivered real change, and we are the party for you. For many, the cost-of-living crisis is still taking its toll, but the focus from our governments and our media continues to distract from the real issues facing working-people.  

“As a disabled woman and a new mum, I am getting to know some of the struggles that so many families are facing. That’s why I will champion a four-day week, better parental pay, and universal basic income. These are policies that will transform lives.”

In his speech, Ross Greer promised to bring back the hope that many have lost following years of cuts and chaos from Westminster. He said: “About a decade ago there was a real sense of hope in Scotland. People really believed that this could be that better, fairer, greener country. But that sense of hope has all but disappeared, and we should be honest about that.

“Whether it is through the re-election of Tory governments that we didn’t vote for or a Labour government that looks like another one of those Tory governments, Brexit or even Trump.

“The Scottish Green Party will bring back that hope. And we will bring it back through action. We will cut people’s bills and tackle the climate crisis. That’s why I have proposed ideas during this contest like universal free bus travel.

“We shouldn’t be afraid to make the super-rich pay for the transformation that we know our society needs. For example by ending the tax breaks that the aristocracy get for their shooting estates.

“Fixing Scotland’s problems means replacing a system that is rigged in favour of the super-rich with one that works for people and planet.”

Candidate1st Preferences
Dominic Ashmole7%
Gillian Mackay34%
Lorna Slater28%
Ross Greer31%

Gillian MacKay was elected at Stage 1. 

At stage 2 Dominic Ashmole was then excluded and votes transferred to the remaining candidates.

Ross Greer was elected at stage 3.