Risk level increased following discovery in Germany
Imports of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany have been banned to protect farmers, their livelihoods and food security following the discovery of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in water buffalo in Brandenburg.
The risk level of FMD to the UK has been increased to medium.
FMD does not pose a risk to human health but is a highly contagious virus of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
This virus spreads easily through direct contact and airborne transmission is possible; and the disease can quickly affect entire herds/flocks. The Scottish Government will continue to monitor the situation – working closely with German authorities and other UK administrations to take necessary actions to protect livestock.
Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “I appreciate the concern this latest development will be causing to the farming community and wider agricultural sector in Scotland.
“We have not seen foot and mouth disease in Scotland since 2001, and, alongside government restrictions, with strict on-farm biosecurity, compliance with the swill feeding ban, and the reporting of all suspicions of notifiable disease promptly – we can avoid a further outbreak.
“Quickly recognising clinical signs of the disease in livestock is vital to controlling and preventing it from spreading. In cattle and pigs the signs of disease are usually readily seen; however, sheep do not always show obvious clinical signs. I would urge sheep farmers to be particularly vigilant.”
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and our food security.
“The Scottish Government’s preparedness was tested in 2018 through Exercise Blackthorn which simulated a medium to large scale foot and mouth disease outbreak that had spread from England to Wales and Scotland and I am confident in our ability to manage any such occurrence.
“I am urging livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and remind them they have a legal requirement to immediately report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to the local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Field Services Office.”
Artificial intelligence ‘will deliver a decade of national renewal’ as part of a new plan announced today
AI to drive the Plan for Change, helping turbocharge growth and boost living standards
public sector to spend less time doing admin and more time delivering the services working people rely on
dedicated AI Growth Zones to speed up planning for AI infrastructure
£14 billion and 13,250 jobs committed by private tech firms following AI Action Plan
Artificial intelligence will be ‘unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal’, under a new plan announced today (13 January 2025).
In a marked move from the previous government’s approach, the Prime Minister is throwing the full weight of Whitehall behind this industry by agreeing to take forward all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford in his game-changing AI Opportunities Action Plan.
AI is already being used across the UK. It is being used in hospitals up and down the country to deliver better, faster, and smarter care: spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people discharged quicker. This is already helping deliver the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future.
Unveiling details of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan today, the Prime Minister will say AI can transform the lives of working people – it has the potential to speed up planning consultations to get Britain building, help drive down admin for teachers so they can get on with teaching our children, and feed AI through cameras to spot potholes and help improve roads.
Backing AI to the hilt can also lead to more money in the pockets of working people. The IMF estimates that – if AI is fully embraced – it can boost productivity by as much as 1.5 percentage points a year. If fully realised, these gains could be worth up to an average £47 billion to the UK each year over a decade.
Today’s plan mainlines AI into the veins of this enterprising nation – revolutionising our public services and putting more money in people’s back pockets. Because for too long we have allowed blockers to control the public discourse and get in the way of growth in this sector.
The plan puts an end to that by introducing new measures that will create dedicated AI Growth Zones that speed up planning permission and give them the energy connections they need to power up AI.
The UK occupies a unique place in the world. We can learn from the US’s and EU’s approach – delivering the dynamism, flexibility and long-term stability that we know businesses want.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.
“But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side, one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.
“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services.
“That’s the change this government is delivering.”
It comes as three major tech companies – Vantage Data Centres, Nscale and Kyndryl – have committed to £14 billion investment in the UK to build the AI infrastructure the UK needs to harness the potential of this technology and deliver 13,250 jobs across the UK. That’s on top of the £25 billion in AI investment announced at the International Investment Summit.
Vantage Data Centres – which is working to build one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses in Wales – plans to invest over £12 billion in data centres across the UK – creating over 11,500 jobs in the process.
Kyndryl – the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider and a leading IT consultancy – announces plans to create up to 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool over the next three years. This new tech hub will share the Government’s ambition to roll AI out across the country to help grow the economy and foster the next generation of talent.
Nscale – one of the UK’s leading AI companies – has announced a $2.5 billion investment to support the UK’s data centre infrastructure over the next three years. They have also signed a contract to build the largest UK sovereign AI data centre in Loughton, Essex by 2026.
The plan includes initiatives that will help make the UK the number one place for AI firms to invest, which is vital if Britain is to be at the forefront of this industry and be a changemaker rather than a change-taker.
The key changes include:
forging new AI Growth Zones to speed up planning proposals and build more AI infrastructure. The first of these will be in Culham, Oxfordshire
increasing the public compute capacity by twentyfold to give us the processing power we need to fully embrace this new technology – this starts immediately with work starting on a brand new supercomputer
a new team will be set up to seize the opportunities of AI and build the UK’s sovereign capabilities
creating a new National Data Library to safely and securely unlock the value of public data and support AI development
a dedicated AI Energy Council chaired by the Science and Energy Secretaries will also be established, working with energy companies to understand the energy demands and challenges which will fuel the technology’s development – this will directly support the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower by tapping into technologies like small modular reactors.
Taken together, the 50 measures will make the UK irresistible to AI firms looking to start, scale, or grow their business. It builds on recent progress in AI that saw £25 billion of new investment in data centres announced since the government took office last July.
This Action Plan is also at the heart of the government’s Industrial Strategy and the first plank of the upcoming Digital and Technology Sector Plan, to be published in the coming months.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle said: ”AI has the potential to change all of our lives but for too long, we have been curious and often cautious bystanders to the change unfolding around us. With this plan, we become agents of that change.
“We already have remarkable strengths we can tap into when it comes to AI – building our status as the cradle of computer science and intelligent machines and establishing ourselves as the third largest AI market in the world.
“This government is determined that the UK is not left behind in the global race for AI, that’s why the actions we commit to will ensure that the benefits are spread throughout the UK so all citizens will reap the rewards of the bet we make today. This is how we’re putting our Plan for Change in motion.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves MP said: “AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.
“This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action. Attracting AI businesses to the UK, binging in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket.”
Matt Clifford CBE said: ”This is a plan which puts us all-in – backing the potential of AI to grow our economy, improve lives for citizens, and make us a global hub for AI investment and innovation.
“AI offers opportunities we can’t let slip through our fingers, and these steps put us on the strongest possible footing to ensure AI delivers in all corners of the country, from building skills and talent to revolutionising our infrastructure and compute power.”
Expert on US and EU affairs Lord Kerr of Kinlochard in online conversation with Alyn Smith
“What does a Trump presidency mean for Europe?”
Thursday 16th January 7pm
President-elect Donald Trump will become the 47th leader of the United States on 20th January. He has already sent shock waves across the world with his proposals to bring Greenland and Panama under US control. Mr Trump is reshaping the world. How will his second term in the White House affect Europe?
Lord John Kerr is one of the UK’s most experienced and skilled analysts of the political workings of the USA and the EU.
He will join former MEP and MP Alyn Smith for an online conversation to look at what the near future might hold for Europe. The event, which is part of a European Movement in Scotland webinar series, is on Thursday 16th January at 7pm.
The Trump presidency is likely to have a broad impact on Europe and EU policies, including trade relations with the US, competition policy, product standards and consumer protections, climate change strategies, energy security and the regulation of internet and social media companies.
Lord Kerr, who was born in Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire, and schooled in Glasgow, has held the highest offices in the British foreign service.
He brings unparalleled insight into transatlantic relations and the complexities of European and US diplomacy. He served as British ambassador to the US while Tony Blair was prime minister. During John Major’s premiership he was the UK’s ambassador to the EU.
As Sir John Kerr he rose to become head of the Foreign Office and of the head of the Diplomatic Service. On retiring from the UK government, he was a member of the European Convention, which first drafted what became Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which describes the process to be followed by a country leaving the EU.
He was elevated to the peerage in 20024, taking the title Lord Kerr of Kinlochard. He served on House of Lords committees on European affairs. Lord Kerr was a vocal critic of the Conservative Party’s Brexit strategies and negotiating stances.
First Minister says harm reduction approach will help save lives
Scotland’s First Minister has welcomed the opening of the UK’s first safer drugs consumption facility in Glasgow.
The First Minister and Health Secretary Neil Gray received a tour of the Thistle Centre, ahead of it supporting its first service users on Monday 13 January.
The facility will provide a supervised healthcare setting where people can inject drugs in the presence of trained health and social care professionals in a clean, hygienic environment.
The facility is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
The centre aims to reduce the harms associated with injecting drugs, including the risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV, support people to get help to improve their lives and reduce the negative impact of outdoors injecting on those using substances, local residents, communities and businesses.
Speaking during the visit, First Minister John Swinney said: “The Thistle Centre in Glasgow is the first facility of its kind in the UK and it is backed by £2 million a year from the Scottish Government.
“Every death related to drug misuse is one too many, and drug deaths in Scotland remain far too high.
“There has been lot of encouraging progress since we launched our National Mission, and while this facility is not a silver bullet, it is another significant step forward and will complement other efforts to reduce harms and deaths.
“Scotland’s public health and human rights-based approach to tackling drug misuse means we’re focused on ensuring our healthcare services are not only listening to people but also drawing on their experiences as we work to support them.
“Families and those with lived experience have been pivotal in bringing change and helping shape our response to drugs misuse in Scotland. Of course, my sincere condolences go to anyone in Scotland who has lost a loved one to drugs.
“Those with lived experience have been involved in the designing the service and had input on staff recruitment. Indeed, people with lived experience, who know what it’s like to see people injecting drugs in unsafe conditions, have joined the workforce at the facility.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Worldwide evidence demonstrates that drug consumption facilities can help save and improve lives.
“The Scottish Government wants every person experiencing harm from alcohol or drug use to be able access the support they need and record levels of funding have been protected in next year’s budget.
“We’ve maintained £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for local treatment and support services in 2024-25 – including £28.1 million to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP – and will continue to invest in residential rehabilitation.
“A recent PHS report suggests that, in 2022-23, the Scottish Government reached its target of 1,000 individuals a year being publicly funded to go to residential rehabilitation and that the number of individuals starting a placement which was publicly funded is likely to have almost doubled between 2019-20 and 2022-23.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in getting this life-saving service up and running for their hard work.”
The Scottish Lib-Dems responded: “When almost 100 Scots are dying every month from drugs the priority must be saving lives.
“These centres are proven to keep people safe and support them into recovery.That is why this pilot should herald the first of many more consumption facilities across the country.”
Barratt Homes East Scotland will soon be welcoming prospective buyers to visit one of the UK’s most iconic redevelopment projects, as homes at Bangour Village, West Lothian launch next month.
Built on the grounds of former Bangour Hospital outside Livingston, the regeneration of the site is being carried out by a variety of housebuilders, including Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes which will join in May.
Earlier this year, Ambassador Group finalised the sale of 14.55 acres of land to Barratt Homes for the development of 179 private residences. The first phase of properties will be available to reserve from February 2025 and includes three and four-bed homes.
These new homes will become part of the larger Bangour Village Estate, an ambitious redevelopment nestled in 215 acres of woodland. In total, the project aims to introduce up to 998 energy-efficient homes that will benefit from excellent transport links to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Once completed, the brand-new community will have a range of amenities including a primary school, nursery, playing fields, a commercial hub comprising a supermarket, café/restaurant, and expansive woodland that has been preserved.
Lorraine Paterson, Sales Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “As locals will know, the Bangour site is cherished within the community for its scenic beauty and rich heritage.
“We’ve taken care at every opportunity when designing and planning quality homes on the grounds, making sure properties reflect the needs of families, couples and individuals, while being inspired by the spacious tranquillity of Bangour.
“By working with Ambassador Group and other housebuilders, we hope to see the site reborn as a place to live and thrive.”
To find out more about Barratt @ Bangour Village, visit:
To celebrate 75 years of the iconic event, the Tattoo donates 75p from every Show ticket sold for 2025
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is proud to announce that St Columba’s Hospice Care has been selected to receive a special one-off charity donation of up to £162,000 in celebration of its 75th Anniversary in 2025.
This donation marks a milestone in Tattoo history and aligns with the ‘Performance with a Purpose’ ethos, underscoring the commitment to giving back to the community by supporting essential projects. With over 50,000 votes cast, the public chose from a selection of non-military charities that all provide vital services across communities in the UK.
This donation, equating to 75p from each ticket sold for the 2025 Show, is in addition to the Tattoo’s usual charitable giving, supporting both military and arts charities in the UK with annual donations from surplus profit. The Tattoo’s annual charitable giving will continue alongside this new initiative, as it aims to build up to pre-Covid donations of £1M a year which is thanks to those who attend the Show each year.
St Columba’s Hospice Care has been a beacon of support for individuals and families for nearly 50 years, providing compassionate care to those facing the profound challenges of palliative and end-of-life care, and leaving a lasting, meaningful impact on countless lives.
The values and community spirit of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closely align with those of St Columba’s Hospice Care. The funds donated will enable the team to continue their vital work both in the Hospice, and in the community, and ensure that the services remain free and accessible to everyone in need across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
With the theme for next year’s Tattoo, The Heroes Who Made Us, spotlighting the individuals who have shaped and supported the iconic performances over the past 75 years, this additional donation gives the charity the means to pay tribute to their own heroes and continue their essential work.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “Our 75th Anniversary is a momentous occasion, and we are delighted to celebrate it by supporting local Edinburgh charity, St Columba’s Hospice Care and their team of loyal volunteers, dedicated staff and patients.
“Their dedication to providing comfort, dignity and peace to patients at end of life as well as support for their loved ones is truly inspiring.
“This donation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to giving back to our communities and we are honoured to contribute to the heroic efforts of St Columba’s Hospice Care.”
Jackie Stone, CEO at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to receive this special 75th Anniversary donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“This incredible support comes at a critical time for hospice care, as we continue to navigate significant funding pressures, with rising costs and growing demand for our services.
“It’s a wonderful start to the new year, and we’re so grateful to everyone who voted and to the Tattoo for their generosity. This donation will make a real difference in helping us provide vital care and support to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025
This festive season, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is extending its exclusive offer for EH postcode residents due to overwhelming response!
From December 23rd through January 31st (excluding December 25th and 31st), guests with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food, non-alcoholic drinks, and select retail items.
Whether you’re refuelling during the Boxing Day sales, catching up with friends after the New Year, or brightening up a chilly January afternoon, this exclusive discount is available daily from opening until 5pm.
To redeem the offer, visitors need to simply mention the discount and present proof of EH residency, such as a driving license or utility bill.
