The eco-friendly way to see the best that the UK and Ireland has to offer
We are set for another summer of staycations, calling for experiences even more off the beaten track to discover the UK and Ireland’s natural beauty and spread the tourism wealth.
With an increased demand for sustainability-focused, eco-travel, Rabbie’s continues to expand its domestic travel options without sacrificing its excellent green credentials.
Rabbie’s ensures that the places we love are there for future generations to enjoy and advocates ‘taking only photos and leaving only footprints’. Explore the best of what the UK and Ireland has to offer – its wildlife, vistas, delicacies and rich history – all while actively preserving its future …
Visit the sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of your dreams, but in Scotland:
After so long spent at home, the far-flung islands and dolphin-spotting on the three-day tour of Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides are a welcome escape. Visit the incredible Luskentyre beach known for its tranquil waves, white sands and Loch Braun, home to native whales and dolphins.
This area of outstanding natural beauty comes with a rich history, with Viking relics left behind from over 800 years ago, including the Callanish standing stones to visit as well as the opportunity to experience life as a highlander at the centre of traditional crofting, Arnol Blackhouse. The tour departs from Inverness, and costs from £209 per person.
Hiking through the delightful depths of Derbyshire and rewarding yourself with a delicious Bakewell tart:
Derbyshire is England at its most quintessential, full of quaint cottages and luscious rolling hills. On the Derbyshire, Peak District & Poole’s Cavern tour, visit Castleton, nestled in the hills and the Celtic settlement with former ruins located nearby on the hill of Mamtor.
After a hike to one of the most photographed spots of the county at Monsal Head, tuck into lunch in Bakewell, home of the iconic almond puddings. ‘The cherry on top’ of the afternoon consists of a visit to Poole’s Cavern, a limestone cave system previously marvelled at by Mary Queen of Scots, full of stalagmites and stalactites.
Take a bite out of English history and embrace the natural awe of the UK whilst staying carbon-neutral. The one-day tour, departing from Manchester, costs from £39 per person.
Take in the soaring mountains, spectacular wildlife, and mystical history of Ireland’s West Coast, with nothing in between you and the Atlantic:
A jam-packed three days full of the Emerald Isle’s less visited, awe-inspiring wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park. On the West Coast Explorer Tour, Rabbie’s transports guests to a world of dungeons and dragons at Dunguaire Castle, and natural beauty spots such as the Cliffs of Moher and Lough Corrib’s scenic shores which were captured in “The Quiet Man”.
Of course, no trip to Ireland would be without a tipple, enjoy a drink at Locke’s Distillery, the oldest in the world as well as a bite to eat in the foodie hub of Galway. Departing from Dublin, the three-day tour costs from €309.00 per person.
With social distancing measures in place, reduced group sizes and increased cleaning measures, Rabbie’s offers worry-free journeys so you can enjoy a sustainable staycation without concerns.
The eyes of the trade union world are focused on Alabama as an Amazon workers’ campaign to unionise reaches a ‘crucial moment’, with the close of their recognition ballot later today (Monday 29 March).
In what’s been marked as a turning point for labour relations in the United States, workers are organising under the banner of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to demand better working conditions and an end to worker surveillance at the Amazon Fulfilment Centre in Bessemer, a south western suburb of the city of Birmingham.
RWDSU representatives will join GMB Scotland union organisers on Wednesday evening at for a special online event, ‘Demands for a Post-COVID World of Work’, to inform and discuss the Bessemer unionisation campaign and its impact on the fight for recognition in Amazon across the world.
GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith said:“This is a crucial moment for workers’ rights but whatever the outcome in Bessemer this unionisation drive is a point of no return for Amazon, not just in the United States but across the world and including Scotland.
“It is a basic human need to want proper value for our work and for that work to be underpinned by basic rights and protections, and it’s why there is a reawakening of the need for unionisation to achieve it.
“The clock is ticking on the unfettered greed of billionaire disrupters and practitioners of precarious work because the COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced all the underlying exploitations that have been left unchallenged over the last decade.
“We are delighted that representatives from Alabama will be joining on us on Wednesday because the challenges facing Amazon workers in Bessemer are the same as those in Bathgate, and we need to learn from each other to make work better post-COVID.”
Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand will foster creative partnerships between the culture and commercial sectors in Scotland
An extension of the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, it opens eligibility to more culture organisations and businesses than ever before
The fund aims to foster partnerships that bring innovative reciprocal cultural, social and economic benefit in the wake of the global pandemic
How we work and live has changed, and culture organisations offer solutions to staff wellness and commercial success
Arts & Business Scotland is delighted announce the launch of a new funding strand that brings together the creativity of the culture sector (which comprises arts, heritage and creative organisations) with the business acumen of those in business and the public sector, to support all sectors in their recovery and renewal in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Culture & Business Fund Scotland COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand aims to broker long lasting relationships between organisations in the commercial, public and culture sectors, with partnerships that bring more than just financial support to the table.
A continuation of the existing Culture & Business Fund Scotland (CBFS), the COVID-19 Renewal & Recovery Strand is subject to fewer regulations in terms of eligibility, meaning that more businesses, public bodies and culture organisations can apply than ever before.
In normal times, the CBFS has only supported partnerships where the business or public sector body is investing in or sponsoring arts or heritage activity within Scotland for the first time, or if it has not done so in the previous two years.
It also provided potential match-funding of business investment in or sponsorship of an arts or heritage organisation within Scotland for up to a three-year period, albeit with the CBFS providing 50% match funding against the business investment for Year Two and 25% match funding for Year Three.
The COVID-19 Recovery & Renewal Strand offers, up to, three years of 100% £ for £ match funding of between £1k – £40k and is open to all applicants, including those who have previously received CBFS funding, no matter how recently. These changes to the criteria and guidelines came into effect on 1st March 2021 and will be applicable for applications received before 31st March 2024.
The world has changed radically over the past twelve months and Arts & Business Scotland is committed not only to providing arts, culture and heritage organisations with much needed funds, but also to enabling businesses and public bodies to access the expertise, perspectives and skills that exist within arts, culture, heritage and creative organisations, that can help them on the road to covid recovery.
As we look back on a year of lockdown and consider the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on every aspect of our lives, from working from home and home-schooling, to not being able to spend time in groups, or meet new people, it is clear the landscape has and will, continue to change.
For example, with many having worked from home now for at least twelve months, the prospect of returning to the office can be daunting. There are also many who have started new roles since the pandemic began and may have yet to meet their colleagues in person.
Embracing the fresh insights and creative approaches of culture organisations, from art galleries and ensembles through to theatres and festivals, can support businesses through these transitions by opening up new ways of working to facilitate team building and staff wellbeing.
NCR and V&A. Credit: Ross Fraser McLean
The CBFS has a track record of helping businesses support and develop their people and staff. I
n 2018 the V&A Dundee secured a commitment from NCR Solutions Group through the fund to support their launch and NCR Dundee employees were given the opportunity to take part in events thanks to the partnership.
Leigh Duncan, Manager, Customer Experience Programme at NCR Financial Solutions Group, said:“In allowing us to become a sponsor for the launch event, the CBFS gave NCR’s Dundee employees the opportunity to be part of a major event within the city.
“The feedback from them has been overwhelmingly positive as they felt they were deeply involved in the launch.”
The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls. Credit: Sara Bain
Not all businesses who have benefitted from a CBFS facilitated partnership are of the same global scale as NCR, nor the culture organisations of the same scale as the V&A, but that has not detracted from the success of these partnerships. The Sligachan Hotel and SEALL Festival of Small Halls partnered through CBFS in 2018.
Dierdre Curley, Director at The Sligachan Hotel, said: “The Isle of Skye is so often celebrated for its beauty, but we also need to keep investing in our culture, our music, our people.
“This is without a doubt a step in the right direction for Skye and its local communities, and for people in Scotland and around the world to get an idea of who we are as islanders and what we want to represent.”
You can find more examples of successful partnerships HERE
David Watt, Chief Executive of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “There can be a perception that funding initiatives pairing the commercial and culture sectors is a white knight situation, where the arts, heritage or creative organisation is rescued by a business through solely financial support. With the Culture & Business Fund Scotland Covid Recovery & Renewal Strand this isn’t, doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be the case.
“Particularly now, after over a year of extreme uncertainty and varying degrees of isolation, businesses are looking at to how best to support staff and ensure the wellness of their workforce, and culture organisations can hold the key and provide diverse solutions.
“Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement and reflecting the impact of the pandemic on every aspect of life, the changes to the Cultural Business Fund Scotland mean more organisations and businesses are eligible than ever before and we hope to inspire the cultural and commercial sectors in Scotland to work together in building the road to covid recovery.”
Helena Ward, Creative Industries Manager at Creative Scotland, said:“This year’s strand of the Fund is a fantastic opportunity for more businesses, public sector bodies and culture organisations than ever before, to support each other in a way that impacts their success and the wellbeing of their staff.
“It has been an incredibly tough year for everyone, but now is the time for our businesses, culture sector and places of work, to collaborate on, and invest in, creativity.”
A&BS will be running a series of free online workshops to help potential applicants and beneficiaries understand how to make an application to the fund.
Those looking to receive information on these and other A&BS events, should contact: events@aandbscotland.org.uk or visit A&BS website to see all upcoming events and opportunities HERE
Responding to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that shop floor workers in ASDA can be compared to colleagues in distribution centres for the purposes of equal pay, GMB Scotland Organiser Robert Deavy said: “The ruling opens the door to equal pay justice for thousands of ASDA workers in Scotland and it’s a massive moment.
“ASDA has fought tooth and nail for years to deny shop floor workers, predominantly women, their proper value and this is now their fourth defeat in the courts.
“The need to accept they are wrong, that over 40,000 claimants across the UK are right, and now sit down with GMB to start a process of settling the liability for their discrimination.
“It should also be a moment to reset ASDA’s historical approach to industrial relations and move towards full collective bargaining for its employees.
“Lessons need to be learned and resistance has got ASDA nowhere. After everything these workers have given this business over the last year, their voices must be heard.”
The story is unlikely to end here, however.
An Asda spokesperson said:“This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion. We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender.
“Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case.”
The company stresses that yesterday’s ruling only relates to Stage One of the Equal Value process and is not the conclusion of the case.
The second stage of the process will now consider whether store and distribution roles are of ‘equal value’. This could potentially be followed by a third stage in the process that would consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.
Scottish-based company aims to be the first to launch from Europe, delivering UK’s sovereign launch capability
Edinburgh-based rocket company, Skyrora, has received €3 million of co-funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), ensuring that the company can complete at pace the development of its rocket technology.
The funding not only represents a significant support of Skyrora’s ambitions as a pioneer in the sector but puts it on track to be the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe, delivering the UK’s sovereign space launch capability – a key Government ambition.
The funding, which is part of the ESA’s Boost! program, will be used by Skyrora to complete the crucial technology required to deliver consistent orbital launches from the UK with Skyrora’s XL launch vehicle.
Skyrora XL is a 23-meter 56-tonne three-stage rocket capable of carrying up to 315 kg into orbit. The vehicle is on course to be test-launched in 2022 from a UK spaceport.
This project plans to create over 170 high-skilled jobs in the UK.
Skyrora is ahead of any other UK launch company with its technology readiness, evidenced by four launches of its sounding rockets, static fire tests of its suborbital vehicle, and orbital third stage. Skyrora, which has its HQ in Edinburgh, has established its comprehensive rocket engine testing and manufacturing facilities in Scotland.
Volodymyr Levykin, founder and CEO of Skyrora, said: “This ESA contract will accelerate Skyrora’s progress on its journey to be the first to achieve the UK’s sovereign orbital launch.
“I am delighted that the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency support our programme, which has, to date, delivered outstanding achievements – four successful launches, with two more ready for launch; the establishment of manufacturing and engine test facilities throughout Scotland; and the static fire test of our orbital third stage. ESA’s support, approved by the UK Space Agency through the Boost! programme will lead us to flight readiness of Skyrora XL in 2022.
“ESA’s funding will allow us to complete the set up of our larger Engine Test Complex, complete our 70kN engine programme and static fire test fire the first and second stages of Skyrora XL.
“Our pioneering work on championing environmental spaceflight, our proprietary eco-fuel and green innovations – together with the support of the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency – will help establish the UK not only as a world leader in space technology but the greenest space industry in the world too.”
Tim Peake, the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and an Advisor to Skyrora, said: “Independent access to space is vital for the UK to realise the full potential of its space industry and this exciting announcement for Skyrora brings us a big step closer to achieving that goal.
“Skyrora is bringing innovation and growth to the space sector, whilst setting new benchmarks for reducing carbon emissions. I’m delighted that ESA has awarded Skyrora this contract to support providing a new space transportation system for Europe.”
Ivan McKee, Trade and Innovation Minister said: “This is great news for Skyrora as it takes another major step in bringing green small satellite launch capability to Scotland.
“Our aim for Scotland is to secure a slice of the $400 billion global space market by 2030, remaining committed to our climate change targets and becoming a net zero society by 2045.
“The Scottish space sector is unique in that the environment is at the forefront of our considerations. Skyrora’s use of innovative technologies like this will position Scotland as the go-to destination for sustainable space services.
“Skyrora’s engine test complex in Fife will contribute to our national mission to create new jobs, good jobs and green jobs. Developing an end-to-end space economy in Scotland will support these goals and benefit the entire country through the creation of highly skilled, green employment.”
Environmental leadership
Inspired by the UK’s historic Black Arrow programme, Skyrora is combining the UK’s engineering heritage with new technologies to enable the UK to regain its leading role in space – as a champion of environmental sustainability.
The production of Ecosene, Skyrora’s proprietary eco-fuel, will remove over 3,000 tons of unrecyclable plastic waste by 2030. Skyrora has also conducted several successful trials of Space Tug which is its solution for clearing debris and removing defunct satellites from orbit, enabling the UK to become a world leader in addressing space junk.
Skyrora’s innovations are helping to establish the UK space sector as a green industry while also opening up the utility of space to tackle climate change. Space technology contributes to the attainment of 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Jack-James Marlow, Head of Engineering for Skyrora, said: “ESA’s funding award will enable Skyrora to significantly accelerate the pace at which we can complete the next stages on our technological roadmap and become the first UK company to launch satellites from Europe.
“We draw huge inspiration from the British engineers who led the way on the Black Arrow programme, and we are thrilled to be advancing their pioneering work at Skyrora for the benefit of the UK.”
Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation, said: “The UK’s space industry is thriving and we have bold ambitions to be Europe’s leading destination for small satellite launches, developing world class commercial spaceflight capability up and down the country.
“Today’s funding for two of our most innovative space businesses is not only a step forward for UK spaceflight, but it will also help to create highly skilled jobs and local opportunities as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Ian Annett, Deputy CEO, UK Space Agency said: “This funding is great news for the UK space sector and will ensure companies such as Skyrora really are at the forefront of the European space industry.
“This support to our thriving space sector, alongside our flexible regulations and strong international agreements, means the UK is well placed to benefit from the new commercial opportunities UK launch will bring.”
Children in some of the country’s most deprived areas are to benefit from free organised outdoor play activities aimed at improving their health and wellbeing.
A total of £500,000 is being provided to expand the Outdoor Community Play Fund in 2021-22, which is administered by Inspiring Scotland.
In 2020-21 the fund distributed £380,000 to 23 play charities reaching more than 5,000 children in Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Children’s Minister Maree Todd said: “Protecting children’s right to play has been one of the key priorities in our decision making to suppress transmission of the virus. We understand the value of outdoor play for children’s wellbeing and resilience, as well as their physical and mental health.
“Children and families from more deprived areas can often find it more difficult to access organised outdoor activities, so I’m pleased that this additional funding will help even more children play outside in a safe and fun way.”
Karen Shepherd, Play Development Officer of Aberdeen Play Forum, who were recipients of funding in 2020/21, said: “A lot of parents told us that they and their children had been very isolated and had almost forgotten how to play and socialise with others. Many families do not have access to a garden or safe play space so had been deprived.
“The sessions we were able to put on were welcomed as they gave safe and structured opportunities for those involved, as well as giving parents ideas to engage positively with play at home.”
The financial support has been announced as Play Scotland has published an updated progress report on Scotland’s National Play Strategy.
The report highlights the growing body of evidence on the adverse impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the associated restrictions on children and young people’s wellbeing, resulting from changes to their daily lives including reduced opportunities for play and social interaction with their peers.
The report makes recommendations across eight broad areas:
• refresh the Play Strategy and ensure national and local leadership support a child’s right to play • renew and develop the national and local commitment to outdoor play • listen to children and young people and act on what they say • ensure inclusion of all children and young people • ensure cross sectoral and inter professional approaches to play are in place • sustain and support play provision through adequate funding • maintain a focus on playful learning and play in schools • strengthen the play sector nationally and locally
Resources are also available on the Parent Club website to support outdoor play for all families.
The TUC Race Relations Committee is proud to present this year’s Roots Culture and Identity Exhibition.
A launch event will be taking place at the TUC Black Workers Conference on Friday (19 March) at 6 pm. Due to the pandemic, the exhibition is hosted online.
The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) artists with a focus on young people, who are marginalised, face discrimination in the arts and culture sector, disproportionately impacted by austerity and now the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, the exhibition focuses on the events impacting black communities over the past year.
The artists reflect on living through the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the impact of systemic racism on BME communities.
The move to an online exhibition has allowed us to broaden our exhibits, and for the first time, we welcome international artists. View the exhibition.
Artists in this exhibition include:
Antonietta Torsiello
Ruby Khan
Joshua Donkor
Liz Awoyemi
Raymond Daley
Samia Malik
Jamie McKinley
Zita Holbourne
Amanda Walker
Sonia E Barrett
On Friday 19th of March as part of the TUC Black Workers conference programme there will be an exhibition launch event and fringe meeting hosted by TUC Race Relations Committe and Artists’ Union England from 6pm to 7.30pm.
This will be chaired by Zita Holbourne and speakers include Theresa Easton, Organiser AUE, Antonietta Torsiello , artist and activist, AUE, Wilf Sullivan, TUC Race Relations Officer and some of the participating artists.
Measures to address the falling birth rate, change working practices and encourage more families to settle in Scotland are proposed in a new report.
A Scotland for the Future examines the significant population challenges the country faces – including an ageing population, falling birth rate and the emerging impacts of Brexit – and makes clear that a national response is required.
The report, launched yesterday at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, outlines ways that organisations can work together, locally, nationally and internationally, to deliver the long term changes required.
It proposes a range of actions including:
support packages to help families settle in Scotland, including assistance with housing and work for both partners
developing a more sustainable population pattern, with fewer people concentrated around cities
community work hubs in town centres for people struggling with remote home working but who do not need to commute
widening access to fertility treatment to groups such as single people and couples who already have a child
removing barriers which force older people to stop working before they wish to
establishing a Demographic Commission to promote analysis and debate
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “For many years people left Scotland to build a future elsewhere. Like many advanced economies we now face different challenges, such as a falling birth rate, while Brexit threatens to significantly reduce inward migration from the EU.
“There is no single magic bullet available to address our demographic challenges. Instead this report proposes a series of innovative steps to build a sustainable population by attracting people into Scotland, distributing our population more evenly around the country and helping everyone live long, productive lives.
“But we can only do so much with the powers we have, and the UK Government must also play its part by using its reserved powers, particularly on migration, to address Scotland’s unique issues.
“A Scotland for the Future is a national response to a national challenge and represents the start of a process to create a thriving country for generations to come.”
The report has been welcomed by Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA Community Wellbeing spokesperson. She said: “Population is a key challenge for councils, whether we are dealing with the social and economic impacts of depopulation or tackling the issues of rapid population growth.
“Achieving strong and sustainable communities is a key priority for COSLA and Scottish local government.
“A Scotland for the Future is an ambitious document that recognises the complex and multi-faceted demographic challenges we are facing. It distinguishes between the issues faced by different local areas across Scotland and that is why local government is crucial in determining local priorities for their own areas based on local need and circumstance. It acknowledges the important role economic development, infrastructure, housing, planning, education and migration, to name but a few, will play in counteracting our population challenges.
“We know there is no quick fix here, tackling our population challenges is a long-term goal. COSLA and Scottish councils have worked closely with the Scottish Government to develop the population strategy and ensure local views are embedded in this document. We will continue to work collaboratively to help our communities thrive.”
The Scottish Parliament Notice of Election has been published.
Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates wanting to stand in the election.
Additional hygiene and distancing measures will be in place on polling day for voter and staff safety
If voters do not want to go to a polling place to vote they have the option of voting by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote but this should be done as soon as possible.
Nominations open tomorrow (Tuesday 16 March) for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Election.
The Notice of Election was published today for Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh Eastern, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh Southern and Edinburgh Western Constituencies and the Lothian Region.
In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Wednesday 31 March.
The Scottish Parliament Election will take place on Thursday, 6 May 2021, when people living across Scotland will elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said:“The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period.
“The forthcoming election will allow the city’s residents to have their say about the government of Scotland, and I urge all citizens to make sure they’re registered in plenty of time, think now about the way they’ll vote and then to use that vote on 6 May.
“We are keen to continue the enthusiasm demonstrated by voters during the UK Parliamentary Election in 2019 and even our recent by-election in Craigentinny/Duddingston when we had the same range of safety measures in place. Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
At the UK Parliamentary Election in December 2019 turnout in the capital was high, at an average of 73% across Edinburgh’s five constituencies.
People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight Monday 19 April, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.
Find out more about voter registration and the election, including the safety measures we’re taking to ensure polling stations are safe and covid secure, on the Council’s website.
Education, Children and Families Vice Convener Cllr Alison Dickie writes about support for children with disabilities:
Being everything you can be.
It’s a grand line, and actually one of the aims of our new children’s services plan. In true Council style though, there are more words: ‘It is important to promote and support every child’s aspirations to ensure they can become everything they can be, now and in the future.’
Yip, that all sounds hunky dory but I’m wondering … does that truly include children with disabilities, particularly those with the most complex needs?
Let’s put it this way. Have you ever watched a parent’s eyes well up as they plead for their young person to be given a purpose to get out of bed every morning? Or for recognition of their worth, and their ability to contribute to society in some way?
Or, as fears replace tears, hear them voice their deepest dread …what will happen to them when I am gone?
I have and it’s heart-breaking.
Despite the wide range of dedicated work going on across Edinburgh to deliver for children with disabilities and their families, parents have shared that it can sometimes feel that they’ve had to fight for the right of their child to be everything they can be.
I first questioned the message we send out to young people with disabilities whilst on a tour of St Crispin’s school in my ward. I was appalled at its condition, its failure to reflect the fantastic work of the staff and pupils within, and the story of our value of them. Thankfully, a new chapter has been written and they will, this year, move into their wonderful and much deserved new school at Burdiehouse.
How do you solve a ‘problem’ like … the holiday support programme?
I’m asked this every year, and the education committee discussed it just last week. In the past, it’s been cited as a non-statutory service, even a luxury not afforded by other Councils. But, listen to the stories of families at breaking point, who cry out for this need, and you’re convinced this is vital respite for the whole family and to help young people thrive.
So, whilst there are big issues to be addressed, such as safety and staffing, we aim to return to the pre-covid provision in the summer, and through engagement with parents, look to how we can further improve this service.
And what of those positive destinations…more so, the lack of them, for young adults with the most complex needs?
Here, communication about what is available, earlier and stronger transitional support, an understanding that one size doesn’t fit all, and a more flexible and collaborative approach are all being considered as we explore with parents how to grow these opportunities and give every young person a future.
Some of this will have budgetary implications, and some the need for more innovative thinking, but one thing’s for sure…every young person has strengths, interests and potential to use in their unique way.
Lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but it’s been particularly challenging for these children and their families. As part of the recovery process, let’s push for progress and help all young people to be what they can be.
This article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News
