SNP CONCESSIONARY BUS TRAVEL SCHEMES HELPING TO TACKLE POVERTY IN EDINBURGH
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has said that the SNP Scottish Government’s policy of free bus travel for under 22s, over 60s and disabled people is helping to tackle poverty in Edinburgh.
This year’s Challenge Poverty Week (7th-13th October) is placing an emphasis on key themes each day, highlighting the injustice of poverty in Scotland and showing that policy interventions can make a huge difference in alleviating poverty.
Tuesday’s focus on transport is to ensure that people can get to where they need to go – enabling access to employment, education and essential services.
Scotland has the most generous concessionary fare scheme in the UK, with more than 2.3 million people eligible for free bus travel. The SNP Scottish Government’s firm commitment to bus travel continues with almost £430 million in funding for concessionary travel planned for 2024-25.
Recent figures show that young people across Scotland have now made over 150 million journeys using the Free Bus Travel Scheme since it was introduced by the SNP in 2022.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “Good, affordable public transport enables people to access jobs, education and training which can raise household income and protect people from being swept into poverty or pulled in deeper.
“Action taken by the SNP Scottish Government has ensured that over 235,000 people, including those often on the lowest incomes, can access free bus travel throughout the City of Edinburgh. With more than 2.3million benefiting across Scotland.
“This free bus travel makes a huge difference to the lives of young, disabled and older people in Edinburgh – removing a significant barrier to escaping poverty and opening up employment, education, social and leisure opportunities.
“Whilst the new Labour government at Westminster seem determined to push more people into poverty by following the Tories’ austerity agenda, the SNP Scottish Government is committed to using all its powers to improve people’s lives and to eradicate poverty.”
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) held the Champion Beer of Scotland competition at the Ayrshire Real Ale Festival on 4th October 2024.
After a close competition, in which all the finalists are blind judged, Cairngorm Brewery’s Black Gold, a 4.4% Session Stout, was chosen to be the Champion Beer of Scotland for 2024, retaining the title that it won last year, as well as back in 2015 and 2005.
Black Gold is described as having roast malt which dominates throughout, slight smokiness in aroma leading to a liquorice and blackcurrant background taste giving it a background sweetness. Very long, dry bitter finish. No less than four colours of malt make the grist!
CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said “Cairngorm Brewery, which is based in Aviemore, continues to brew a variety of tasty beers.
“Black Gold was a very worthy winner, despite the strong competition from the other category winners. It is a very good example of a rich stout, with the strong roast and burnt malts to the fore, but with a lovely smooth, bitter but sweet aftertaste. Since it was initially brewed, Black Gold has now received the most awards issued by CAMRA in Scotland.”
Five Kingdoms Brewery, Scotland’s most southerly brewery based in Isle of Whithorn took the Champion Beer of Scotland’s silver award, with Dark Storm, a 6.9% strong stout.
However, at a recent competition held in London the bottle-conditioned version of Dark Storm won CAMRA’s National Champion Bottled Beer of the Year – a testament and well-deserved award for the high quality of beers the small brewery is currently producing.
Individuals have less than 6 months to fill any gaps in their National Insurance records from 2006 onwards to maximise their State Pension
Thousands have topped up their National Insurance record using the government’s online service
Government encourages people to act now and check their National Insurance record
More than 10,000 payments worth £12.5 million have been made through the new digital service to boost people’s State Pension since it launched in April 2024, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
People have until 5 April 2025 to maximise their State Pension by making voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill any gaps in their NI record between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2018.
HMRC and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are encouraging people to act now and use the Check your State Pension forecast tool on GOV.UK to see if they can increase their retirement income.
The service enables people to check if they have gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record, calculate if making a payment would increase their State Pension, and then make a payment if they wish to do so.
Further analysis of the use of the online service shows:
the majority of customers (51%) topped up one year of their NI record
the average online payment is £1,193
the largest weekly State Pension increase is £107.44
After the 5 April 2025 deadline, people will only be able to make voluntary contributions for the previous 6 tax years, in line with normal time limits.
Since its launch in April, 3.7 million people have used the online checking tool on GOV.UK to view their State Pension forecast.
Emma Reynolds, Minister for Pensions, said: “We want pensioners of today and tomorrow to enjoy the dignity and support they deserve in retirement.
“That’s why I urge everyone to check if they could benefit by filling gaps before the deadline passes. Using our online tool means only a few clicks could make a huge difference to your future.”
Customers can use the Check your State Pension forecast tool by logging into their online account or via the free and secure HMRC app. Those without an online HMRC account can register on GOV.UK.
HMRC app users can see their pension details at their fingertips including their current potential retirement date as well as annual, monthly and weekly forecasts as well as checking their NI record.
Everyone should be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
Firrhill High School is celebrating after being selected by a Tesco customer to receive a £5,000 donation.
On Saturday 21st September, Tesco customers in Edinburgh were given the chance to take part in a lucky dip to find a specially created gold version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token.
Firrhill High School was one of three local charities that customers could vote for to receive the £5,000 Golden Grant as part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.
Alexa Brown, Pupil Support Officer at Firrhill High School, said: “£5000 will make an enormous difference to us – it will mean security for the Breakfast Club and the ability to continue providing a healthy and nutritious breakfast to ensure the best start to the day for all our pupils.”
Over one hundred Tesco stores across the country took part in the Golden Grants event, with £500,000 in total being donated to good causes that help children and young people.
Golden Grants are awarded twice a year as part of Tesco’s £8 million Stronger Starts grant programme, in partnership with the charity Groundwork UK.
Stronger Starts grants help schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.
Claire De Silva, Tesco Head of Communities said: “We know that £5,000 can make a huge difference to a school or community project, so we are incredibly proud to have been able to award Golden Grants to over one hundred schools and local projects to support the vital work they do for our children and communities.
“Our Stronger Starts programme continues to support our local communities year-round, and we encourage all customers to get involved by using a blue token to vote for a local project they feel will benefit people in their community.”
Since Tesco launched its Community Grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that 67 projects will share a total of £14 million in support from the latest round of Marine Fund Scotland.
The First Minister made the announcement in Shetland, where this morning he will tour Lerwick’s daily electronic fish auction and meet the Shetland Fishermen’s Association before attending the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.
This year’s awards include seven to Shetland-based projects, including support for a new fisher from Scalloway to help secure a vessel to enter the industry, along with grants for Blueshell Mussels in Brae to enhance its mussel-growing process and to Cooke Aquaculture to trial an innovative water-borne feeding system.
Other awards to island-based businesses include for Vonin Scotland to help establish a net service station for the aquaculture sector at Kyleakin on Skye, initially creating 15 new jobs. This project means nets will now only need to be transported a short distance by boat rather than via an extended road journey to the Central Belt, reducing CO2 emissions, and will improve recycling rates of nets preventing material ending up in landfill or incineration.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Our island and coastal communities and the marine industries based here make a huge contribution to Scotland – not just to our economy but also to our efforts to drive innovation and sustainability.
“I’m very pleased therefore to be here in Shetland to confirm these awards to a wide range of projects, all of which have demonstrated that they will help to drive innovation in the marine sector and help sustain coastal communities.
“Over the last four years, Marine Fund Scotland has supported hundreds of pioneering projects that are already contributing to building prosperity whilst at the same time protecting the planet.”
The First Minister is also expected to visit Scottish Sea Farms salmon processing facilities later before meeting Lerwick Port Authority leadership.
Sectors receiving support include sea fisheries; aquaculture; seafood processing; wild fisheries including wild salmon; projects that tackle marine litter and improve recycling; and the wider marine environment. Applicants are assessed against strict eligibility criteria including alignment with Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision.
David Brown, Shetland Regional Manager at Cooke Scotland, said: “We are grateful for the grant assistance which will enable us to trial and develop a new waterborne feed delivery method where rural communities such as Shetland can continue feeding the world with premium Scottish salmon.
“The health and welfare of our fish is a top priority and the project aims to enhance their wellbeing by encouraging the salmon to feed lower down in the pens, minimising the impact from environmental challenges and wildlife, as well as reducing our energy consumption and ensuring the durability of our feed pipes.”
Make 2nds Count’s ‘Shine a Light’ initiative for their ‘1,000 Truths’ Campaign
Six iconic Edinburgh landmarks will join 70 venues as part of the campaign – an increase of 25% on last year’s number
This October, six iconic landmarks in Edinburgh will join 70 venues, sites and monuments and proudly light up in the distinctive pink, purple and teal of Make 2nds Count, a patient and family-focused charity dedicated to giving hope through clinical trial education, knowledge sharing, support and funding research into secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.
The number marks an increase of 25% in the number of venues that joined the campaign last year.
On October 13, Secondary (metastatic) Breast Cancer Awareness Day and the only day of the year dedicated to raising awareness on secondary breast cancer, Camera Obscura, Corstorphine Trust – Dower House, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Pinsent Masons and St Andrews House (Scottish Government) will support the”Shine a Light” initiative which – as part of their “1,000 Truths” campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) – seeks to raise awareness of the reality of incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support and funding for research.
Morningside Parish Church will be lit all weekend, from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th.
Make 2nds Count is dedicated to supporting patients living with secondary breast cancer (SBC), Also known as ‘stage 4’ or ‘advanced breast cancer’, secondary (metastatic) breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from beyond the breast to other parts of the body. The disease is incurable but treatable, and symptoms can vary from person to person.
An estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month. Additionally, a recent survey showed that 38% did not know what secondary breast cancer was, and 21% did not know what symptoms to look for.
Make 2nds Count aims to ignite empathy and amplify the voices of those affected and this year’s “1,000 Truths” campaign shares personal stories of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Scottish Rachel Coats, said: “I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2013, aged just 26, I’ve lived with the disease – and the sense of isolation which comes from such a devastating diagnosis at such an early age – for over 10 years, and I can confidently say I’ve had my ups and downs.
“I live with my partner and my Dachshund, Sheldon, and my family lives close by – my sisters, four nieces and my mum and dad. In 2013, our world was turned on its heels and we all had to come to terms with my diagnosis, including the constant treatments and several operations. I came across Make 2nds Counts in a hospital’s waiting room. I joined one of the charity’s retreats last year.
“That’s when I was finally able to talk to people who shared my story, and this helped immensely. I choose to ‘live in hope’ – something that really resonates with me – and I will continue to do so. I hope talking about my personal diagnosis will go some way towards raising awareness around this little-known disease”.
Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, further emphasised the significance of the campaign: “These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer.
“Through our ‘1,000 Truths’ campaign, we also want to bring the personal stories of patients to the forefront, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every life is honoured. By shining a light on secondary breast cancer, we hope to raise awareness, build a more empowered community, and ultimately improve the lives of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.”
The Edinburgh community is invited to participate by visiting the illuminated landmarks on October 13th, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #ShineALight, and engaging with the ”1,000 Truths” stories on the Make 2nds Count website.
This campaign offers a powerful platform to honour the stories of those living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer and to spark hope for a future where no more lives are lost to this disease.
For more information about Shine a Light, “1,000 Truths,” or to get involved, visit:
Four of the Scottish Muslim Awards were presented to people or organisations from Edinburgh on Sunday, at the Glasgow Hilton. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the former First Minister Humza Yousaf were in attendance to honour some of the incredible achievements made across several fields across Scottish society.
The Edinburgh winners were:
Amana Food won Hadhrat Khadija Kubra (RA) Business Award.
‘Amana Food Products Company, founded in Scotland in 2019, is a pioneering example of Palestinian entrepreneurship abroad. The company aims to support the Palestinian economy by purchasing directly from small farmers, ensuring fair income and sustainability.
By importing high-quality products like dates, olive oil, and thyme, Amana has introduced Palestinian goods to British markets, making them strong competitors globally.
More than a business, Amana’s strategy focuses on uplifting Palestinian families and farmers, providing access to international markets that would otherwise be unreachable. This commitment to social responsibility, combined with business success, showcases how companies can blend profit with purpose.
Amana serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that values-driven entrepreneurship can foster sustainable development and positively impact Palestinian society, while promoting Palestinian products on the global stage.’
The Imran Sabir Bravehard Award was shared between Amjid Majeed, Imam Ibrahim Alwawi, Dr Ibrahim Khadra and Abdul Rahman & Reehan Ali (Pedal 2 Hajj).
‘Abdul Rahman and Reehan Ali showed extraordinary dedication. The two brothers embarked on an awe-inspiring journey, cycling from Edinburgh to Hajj, a gruelling 3,600-mile trek across 13 countries in just 60 days.
Their journey was not only a remarkable physical and mental challenge but also a profound act of compassion, raising over £92,000 for the people of Gaza.
Since 2015, Abdul Rahman and Reehan have been steadfast volunteers with the World Care Foundation, participating in numerous aid missions and charity challenges, including cycling from Edinburgh to Paris, completing marathons, and tackling extreme endurance events.
Their latest feat, cycling to Hajj, demonstrates their unparalleled commitment to raising awareness and funds for those in need. Their perseverance, sacrifice, and selflessness are truly inspiring and deserving of recognition.’
Amir Hussain won the Salaman al Farsi (RA) Award for Innovation
‘Amir Hussain is a distinguished academic and researcher with extensive experience in the fields of AI and robotics.
He earned his B.Eng. (Highest 1st Class Honours with Distinction) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 and 1997, respectively.
Following postdoctoral and academic roles at various institutions, including the University of West of Scotland, University of Dundee, and University of Stirling, he joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2018 as a Chair Professor in the School of Computing.
Hussain is the founding Director of the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIR) and leads the Trustworthy Data Science and Cyber Analytics Research Group.
He holds several Visiting Professorships, including at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.
He also serves as Turing Academic Lead for the University Network of the Alan Turing Institute and advises on AI strategy internationally, including for Kuwait’s National AI Strategy.’
Mick Napier won An-Najashi Award for Supporting Muslims
‘Mick Napier is a lifelong socialist and anti-racist activist known for his staunch opposition to Tory policies and his dedication to social justice.
Certified free of racism by two Scottish courts, Napier is a founding member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), where he has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights.
Recently, Napier has been a prominent figure in the movement, tirelessly supporting Palestine even at great personal risk.
His activism has led to multiple arrests, but his commitment remains unwavering. Napier’s relentless efforts and courageous stance continue to make a significant impact in raising awareness and advocating for justice in Palestine.’
For more information on The Scottish Muslim Awards, please visit:
