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SEPA announces Nicole Paterson as next Chief Executive

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced the appointment of Nicole Paterson as its next Chief Executive.

Nicole, who joins the agency in October, is an award-winning local government Chief Officer, with nearly thirty-years’ experience across five local authorities, consultancy, and environmental non-executive roles; leading operational, regulatory and strategic environmental services.

With more than twenty-five-years’ experience in local government specifically, Ms. Paterson joins from North Lanarkshire Council, Scotland’s fourth largest local authority, where her role as Head of Environmental Assets saw her drive a strategic vision of community focused, inclusive growth and prosperity.  She led systemic change on climate change adaption, biodiversity, flood risk management, transport policy, planning and green spaces.

Nicole previously spent over a decade at Stirling Council leading strategic environmental and infrastructure programmes and has worked across West Lothian, East Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Councils. 

She is a Board Member of Climate Ready Clyde, working with industry and government, and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Transport Portfolio leading strategic transport visioning.  A Chartered civil engineer and University of Strathclyde graduate, Nicole is a member of 7 Lochs Wetland Park and previously the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative.

The appointment followed an open recruitment process which attracted a broad and diverse range of applications from across Scotland, the UK and Europe.

Announcing the appointment, Bob Downes, SEPA Chair, said: “As Scotland’s environmental watchdog, SEPA plays a key role in Scottish public life, protecting, adapting, and supporting our transition to a net zero economy. 

“We’ve got a great team of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to our rich and diverse environment.  They deserve the very best leadership and I’m delighted that in Nicole, we’ve found an optimistic, energetic leader who’s as passionate about Scotland’s environment, our statutory purpose and delivering modern, effective and essential public services as we are. 

“But more than that, we’ve found in Nicole an open, supportive and motivational leader committed to collaboration, outcomes, excellence and building an agency reflective of the country we serve.

Commenting on her appointment, Nicole said: ““Scotland’s stunning environment, its lochs and its land, are world-renowned, and being trusted to protect them for future generations, while supporting our nation to adapt to a changing climate, is a privilege. 

“Protecting our environment, inclusion, wellbeing and supporting sustainable growth are not only key to my personal and professional beliefs, they’re at the heart of SEPA’s statutory purpose.   They’re fundamental to SEPA’s One Planet Prosperity strategy and the work that its people deliver each and every day in communities the length and breadth of our country.

“Across my career, from working with the Board of Climate Ready Clyde to Argyll and Bute Council, I’ve been constantly inspired by SEPA’s role in improving Scotland’s environment, its commitment to collaboration and the professionalism and commitment of its people. 

“Over the coming months I look forward to visiting, meeting with and listening to people, partners and stakeholders across the country as together we deliver for Scotland’s environment.”

Mr. Downes recognised and thanked Acting Chief Executive, Jo Green and Agency Management Team colleagues for their

leadership following the departure of the previous Chief Executive, delivering an annual operating plan and supporting and empowering delivery and performance.  Jo Green will continue as Acting Chief Executive until Ms. Paterson assumes responsibilities in October.

Musselburgh Racecourse announces Vogue Williams as celebrity DJ for Stobo Castle Ladies Day

Scotland’s biggest and most prestigious 5-star Ladies Day – Musselburgh Racecourse Stobo Castle Ladies Day is back on Friday 5th August.

The organisers are delighted to announce that Vogue Williams will headline the exciting after-racing party. The TV presenter, model and DJ will entertain the crowds by taking to the decks to keep the party going, following the last race at the East Lothian track on Friday 5 August 2022, an annual sell-out event, famed for its atmosphere.

Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial Manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “We’re delighted Vogue Williams will join us this summer for Stobo Castle Ladies Day, as it’s always our most glamorous event of the year.

“This year we are expecting the raceday to be one of the biggest fashion extravaganzas that Scotland has seen in a long while, and everyone is welcome not just the ladies! Ladies Day is always a jam-packed day of first-class racing, great food, and entertainment and of course our infamous after-party where Vogue will now be DJ’ing!”

Vogue Williams said: “I’m thrilled to play at the after-racing party at Stobo Castle Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse, one of the biggest parties of the year! I absolutely love Scotland having spent my university days there. I can’t wait to visit, calling in on family, and to see all the thousands of racegoers getting dressed up once again!”

The annual sell out event will see a new Style competition launch, thrilling horse racing and first-class entertainment. This year’s glamorous summer racing event will celebrate the changing styles of Ladies Day past and present, a theme that will be part of the entertainment throughout the day.

The Style Awards will be the new fashion competition for this year and the judges, including leading Scottish stylist Eva Arrighi, will be looking for style, elegance, and individuality. This year’s event will also welcome back the Best Hat Awards too.

Ladies Day at Musselburgh Racecourse is always alight with an electric party atmosphere like no other. Accompanying Vogue Williams, former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch, will host this year’s Stobo Castle Ladies Day on the main stage.

Hospitality packages for Ladies Day are already sold out but there are still lots of ticket options available including the beautifully decorated Picnic Pavilion marquee, located alongside the running rail. With a prime position for viewing, the picnic pavilion has its own dedicated bar, betting facilities and private washrooms.

Ladies Day is an annual sell-out event, and tickets are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappointment https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/stobo-castle-ladies-day-2022  

Hybrid parliament here to stay, says Holyrood Committee

A modern parliament that is committed to embracing technology and change to become more accessible and inclusive for the people it serves. That is the vision for the Scottish Parliament in a new report published yesterday by Holyrood’s Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

The report makes it clear that the hybrid parliament, where Members and committee witnesses can take part virtually, should be here to stay. But this must be supported by on-going investment in technology and infrastructure.

The report follows an inquiry by the Committee which looked at ways in which scrutiny and debate can be conducted in hybrid format as well as exploring wider changes to procedures to improve scrutiny.

Measures in the report include a recommendation to introduce proxy voting for those on parental leave or ill.

Speaking as the report published, Committee Convener Martin Whitfield MSP said: “Parliament cannot stand still. During the pandemic we saw a huge amount of change across the country.

“Working from home, zoom video calls and remote learning became the norm for many of us, including Parliament. It is important we continue to evolve and take advantage of the technology around us.

“But these changes need to be about more than just technology. Our practices and procedures should be fit for the Scotland of today and ready for the Scotland of tomorrow. We must challenge ourselves to innovate and introduce new measures and be willing to look closely at how we work

“Our report recommends the introduction of a proxy voting pilot scheme for MSPs.  This will ensure your MSP can still represent you even when circumstances rightly mean they cannot cast their vote.”

Deputy Convener Bob Doris MSP said: “This Parliament was founded on principles of accountability, equality and accessibility and we heard throughout our inquiry about the benefits of having a hybrid system which allows a broader range of people to engage with their Parliament, including those who may have been previously excluded.

“We cannot shy away from embracing change which makes us a more accessible and reflective Parliament of the people of Scotland.  However, we must also ensure that the Parliament itself remains a place to come together, share ideas and debate the issues of the day.

“This is why our report makes clear that we must continue to invest to in technology that supports the Members in their work.”

New package of support to help over 50s jobseekers back into work

The UK Government has announced millions of pounds of new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits.

  • New measures set to help quarter of all jobseekers get back into work
  • Multi-million package will increase jobcentre support for over 50s including those thinking about retirement
  • Long term unemployed will be referred to the multi-billion-pound Restart Scheme which is already supporting a quarter of a million back into work

The new support follows ministers meeting their target to get half a million people into work in under six months, as part of the Way to Work jobs push launched in January.

Keeping up the momentum, £22 million will be invested in new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits, as a stable income is the best route for people to support themselves through challenging times.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into, and progress in work, boosting their earnings ahead of retirement.

This increased support will be boosted by 37 50PLUS Champions covering every district across England, Wales and Scotland who will work with local employers to help them realise how their recruitment could benefit from the talent of older workers.

Mid-life MOTs will also be available in jobcentres, targeting those thinking about retirement and engaging them to take stock of their skills and finances, and consider taking jobs that could boost their incomes based on their skills experience.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Older workers are a huge asset to this country, and there are currently more than 400,000 over 50s in roles than before the pandemic.

“We’re increasing funding and support at every step of their journey up the career ladder, to ensure everyone gets the support they need to get into work, progress and use their experience to boost their earnings and plan for a better future.

“Helping people find the security of a stable income, through a job they can take pride in, is also one of the best ways for people to support their families during these challenging times.”

Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Seeing DWP continue to recognise the importance of a bespoke approach to older workers is really welcome.

“We know that older workers face unique challenges, such as ageism in the workplace and a possible gap in skills compared to some of their younger counterparts, so we will gladly support any tailored action that begins chip away at these significant roadblocks standing in the way of older people accessing fulfilling work.”

Research shows that people over 50 are more likely to have caring responsibilities, with 12% of men and 16% of women aged 55-64 providing informal care and increased support from Work Coaches will help them navigate these barriers.

With the economy back on its feet, and the demand for experienced staff, the advice will help older workers make the right choice for them. And for those who have been out of work for nine months, the government’s Restart Scheme will provide a year of intensive support to get them back on the career ladder.

One year since its launch, the Restart Scheme is already seeing the first jobseekers take up work and leave the scheme and is currently supporting a quarter of a million people get the skills they need to re-enter the workforce.

This is part of the government’s renewed focus on growing the economy and helping people find work and boost their earnings.

Temporary travelling safely measures in Edinburgh: Have Your Say!

CONSULTATION CLOSES TOMORROW

Have your say on retaining and trialling most of the ‘temporary’ measures and active travel schemes in the city for a further 18 months.

The council says they improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, support health & wellbeing and physical distancing so people can safely walk, wheel or cycle in the city.

The four week engagement closes TOMORROW – Sunday 3 July.

https://pclengagement-hub.co.uk/…/fol…/travelling-safely

Pedestrian dies following Easter Road incident

Road Policing officers in Edinburgh can confirm that a 21-year-old man has died following a hit-and-run incident in Leith.

The incident involved a car and a pedestrian, and took place in Easter Road around 2.40am on Sunday, 19 June, 2022.

The pedestrian was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at the time, but has since passed away. His family have asked for privacy at this time.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and further enquiries remain ongoing.

Sergeant Paul Ewing, from the Edinburgh Road Policing team, said: “At this time, our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased.

“We are continuing our enquiries into the incident and would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information to come forward. We’re also particularly keen to speak with two females who were seen near to an ATM at the bottom of Easter Road, around 2.30am.

“If you believe you can assist our enquiries, please call police on 101, quoting incident 0590 of Sunday, 19 June, 2022.”

Iconic Davis Cup trophy visits Edinburgh

The next generation of tennis fans in Edinburgh were served a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a unique piece of the sport’s history as the famous Davis Cup by Rakuten trophy dropped into Craiglockhart Tennis Centre and The Meadows as part of a national tour to celebrate Scotland’s hosting of the illustrious competition.

Selected as one of four venues to host the Group Stage of the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals, Glasgow’s Emirates Arena will stage Great Britain’s blockbuster Group D ties against USA, Kazakhstan and Netherlands between 13-18 September. Tickets for the event, priced from £10, will go on sale this Thursday (30th June) at 10am and can be purchased here.

Across an 11-stage tour, the trophy will drop-in at several inspirational locations that are continuing to play a pivotal role in broadening the accessibility of tennis in Scotland, helping to open up the sport to more people and building on record participation figures that have been recorded in recent years, with a 12% increase in players playing once or more a year over the past 12 months.

The trophy tour started in the Scottish Borders on Monday (27th June) at Earlston High School, one of Britain’s many educational establishments which are championing the school element of the LTA Youth programme, designed to attract and retain more children aged 4-18 in tennis.

Moving across Scotland, the trophy visited Craiglockhart Tennis Centre on Tuesday as the venue played host to the Scottish Junior Open, one of the largest Grade 2 tournaments in the country which is catering for 515 participating players who are aiming to follow in the footsteps of the tournament’s former 9 & Under champion, Emma Raducanu.

On Wednesday, the trophy then made the short trip to The Meadows which is the setting for the busiest park tennis site in Scotland, featuring 16 courts and a programme which boats excellent links with the community, local schools and The University of Edinburgh.

The tour aims to shine a spotlight on some of the programmes that are encouraging children to pick up a racket for the very first time, including the LTA Youth programme as well as LTA SERVES which is focussed on making tennis more accessible to children from underserved communities, and the Open Court Programme which enables disabled players to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of tennis.

Tennis Scotland and the LTA have coordinated the trophy tour to build momentum for September’s group stage matches whilst interest in the sport is heightened by the Wimbledon fortnight.

The trophy will now visit several inclusive schools, clubs, and venues as it travels the length of the country to Moray Sports Centre in Elgin; the first venue to benefit from the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis Fund (TSIT).

Upcoming trophy tour events and locations:

  • 1st July – Clarkston Bowling and Tennis Club, Glasgow (10am-12 noon)
  • 3rd July – Bridge of Allan Tournament, Stirling (10am-1pm)
  • 4th July – Achieve More Scotland, Haghill Park Primary School, Glasgow (10am-12noon)
  • 5th July – Scotstoun Community Tennis Centre, Glasgow (10am-1pm)
  • 7th July – Elgin Tennis Club, Highlands (10am-12noon)
  • 7th July – Moray Sports Centre, Moray (2pm-5pm)
  • 8th July – West End Club, Dundee (12-4pm)

Standing at 110cm tall, the Davis Cup is one of the most recognisable trophies within the sporting world. Following in the lead of past winners including Scotland’s Andy Murray, Jamie Murray and current team captain Leon Smith, individuals across the nation are being handed the opportunity to witness the trophy up close before the ‘men’s world cup of tennis’ heads for Glasgow’s East End.

Following the Davis Cup Group Stage matches, the Emirates Arena will also host the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November after the International Tennis Federation announced that the ‘women’s world cup of tennis’ will return to Great Britain for the fourth time in its six-decade history.

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, said: “Glasgow’s hosting of Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup matches is a massive boost for tennis in Scotland and comes at a time when interest in the sport has never been greater.

“We’re thrilled to bring two of the most coveted competitions to Scotland with the LTA, which will provide future players and fans of the game with the chance to experience top level tennis on their doorstep.

“The Davis Cup trophy tour provides the perfect opportunity to build momentum for the tournament and showcase the passion for tennis here in Scotland, whilst inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams of representing the nation on the international stage.”

Olly Scadgell, LTA Participation Director, said: “This is the perfect time for young people to pick up a racquet and get on court. We want to use the fact we are hosting the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King cups to bring more children into the sport and boost participation across the country.

“Our LTA Youth programme is designed to be easily accessible for all children, whatever their background or level of experience. Anyone interested in playing for the first time should go online and search for LTA Youth to find a course near them.”

Growing Up: Baby Box is five!

Revamp ahead of scheme’s milestone

Scotland’s Baby Box has been refreshed in time for its fifth anniversary. The new look box has updated clothing designs and now includes a baby toothbrush to support early oral health.

Every newborn in Scotland is entitled to a Baby Box, with around 222,450 delivered to families since the scheme began in August 2017.

Speaking during a visit to APS (Group) Scotland in Edinburgh, who pack and distribute the box, Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “As every parent knows, the costs associated with having a baby are significant.

“Household budgets are under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, so it is reassuring to know that all families in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, have access to essential items needed for the first six months of their newborn’s life.

“Uptake for the Baby Box has grown to about 98% since it was introduced in 2017. As we head towards the fifth anniversary, I am proud that the Baby Box continues to support newborns and their families.”

Chief Dental Officer Tom Ferris said: “I am really pleased to see a toothbrush included in the Baby Box for the first time. 

“Good oral habits are essential to achieving excellent mouth health, and this will allow us to support families in achieving this from the very beginning of life.”

Beverley Walsh, Head of Services at APS Group (Scotland), said: ““The Baby Box initiative has created sustainable employment opportunities for local people, where possible supporting targeted groups.

“We work with training organisations, local schools and colleges, with the Baby Box supporting up to four modern apprenticeship positions and work experience placements each year.”

Police innvestigate man behaving suspiciously on Portobello promenade

Police are appealing for information following an incident on Portobello Promenade on Sunday, 5 June.

Around 11.30pm, a woman was running along the Promenade when she saw the man who shouted at her. His behaviour alarmed the woman and she reported the matter to police.

The man is described as white, in his late 40s to early 50s. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket, light coloured trousers, a grey coloured flat cap. He had stubble and spoke with a local accent.

Constable Deering said: “We have been reviewing CCTV footage from this and the surrounding area, however, we have been unsuccessful in identifying this man and are asking members of the public to think back and consider if they were in the Promenade area between 11pm and midnight that Sunday.

“If you have any information, please do get in touch with us. Any small detail could assist us in our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number, 0010 of 6 June 2022.

Scottish Government: Delivering on child poverty commitments

Record investment of almost £8.5 billion was committed to support low income households between 2018-22, with almost £3.3 billion benefitting children.

The fourth annual progress report on child poverty, published yesterday, shows that all of the actions committed as part of the first Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Every Child, Every Chance, have been delivered.

The plan focused on three drivers of child poverty reduction – work and earnings, social security and household costs – and on the six priority family types at greatest risk of poverty, including lone parent families and families with a disabled adult or child.

Key achievements over the life of the plan (2018-22) include:

  • introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, with more than 1.2 million payments between February 2021 and March 2022 – a £58.6 million investment
  • increase in the number of real Living Wage accredited employers, with the proportion of people earning the real Living Wage or more rising from 80.6% in 2018 to 85.6% in 2021
  • increase in the funded hours for Early Learning and Childcare from 600 hours in 2018 to 1,140 hours in August 2021, saving families up to £4,900 per eligible child in 2021
  • delivery of 35,095 affordable homes, 25,562 of which were for social rent – supporting an estimated 11,585 households with children into affordable housing between 2018-22
  • extension of concessionary travel to all under 22s, with approximately 930,000 young people eligible for support – saving families up to £3,000 by the time their child turns 18
  • expansion of universal free school meals to children in primaries 4 and 5, saving families around £400 per child and increasing School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for eligible primary school children and £150 for those in secondary school in 2021

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Over the last four years, we have strengthened the foundations of support for children and families and used our powers to support those most in need, particularly with the introduction of our new social security system.

“We are now supporting low income households, carers and helping disabled people lead independent lives through 12 benefits, seven of which are entirely new and not available anywhere else in the UK.

“We have made progress despite significant challenges. The pandemic and the continued impact of UK Government welfare reforms has disproportionately impacted the most disadvantaged and been severe. And, of course, households are all now facing the current cost of living crisis.

“That is why we remain determined to continue with our national mission to tackle child poverty.  Our second Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan for 2022-26, Best Start, Bright Futures, is ambitious and has a range of actions to support families both immediately and in the long term to deliver change.

“We will also continue to call on the UK Government to reverse their welfare reforms, including the two-child limit. Analysis shows that reversing them would put an estimated £780 million in the pockets of Scottish households in 2023-24 and help to lift 70,000 people out of poverty, including 30,000 children.”

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