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BBC ALBA airs Eòrpa, Gaelic Census Special

2022’s Census saw the first increase in those able to speak Gaelic since 1971. The numbers were up from 57,375 to 69,701 – a 21% increase.

While the national data is welcome news for a language which has seen a long downward trend in speaker numbers, the picture is not as positive in the language’s heartland of the Western Isles.

There, Gaelic is now a minority language with 45% reported being able to speak it in 2022, compared to 52% in 2011 – a 7% decrease.

In this latest episode of BBC ALBA’s current affairs programme, Eòrpa, reporter Eileen Macdonald visits the Western Isles where she hears how depopulation and housing challenges are impacting traditional Gaelic-speaking communities.  In Glasgow Eileen hears the challenges faced by Gaelic speakers in Scotland’s cities when it comes to opportunities to use the language.

The northwest of the Isle of Lewis has traditionally been one of the areas in Scotland with the highest proportion of Gaelic speakers. There, Eileen met Kirsty and John, both plumbers and both part of a younger generation on which any improvement in the fortunes of the language depends.

Kirsty, a Gaelic speaker, told Eòrpa: “Not many people use it. If your parents or your gran or grandad have it, then you’ll probably speak it. But if your parents don’t have it, any the people you speak to regularly don’t either, then you won’t”.

John, who grew up with the language but rarely uses it, added: “I think if you’re not speaking it home, it’s definitely going to die down and I think less and less young people are out less and so they are not interacting with people who have Gaelic and they don’t know about it as well.”

Responding to the 21% growth nationally in Gaelic speakers, and sharp growth in parts of the the country with comparatively few Gaelic Services, Emeritus Professor Wilson McLeod of the University of Edinburgh said: “In places like Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are Gaelic schools and these places have always attracted Gaels from the islands for work and study.

“But in other parts of the mainland, there isn’t very much being done. Despite that, the biggest growth is seen in places like Aberdeenshire, Falkirk, Dundee and similar places where not much is happening in terms of Gaelic.”

Indeed, encouraging those able to speak the language to use it regularly remains a challenge. The Census tells us how many people in 2022 reported being able to speak the language, but not how many actually do.

In the Scottish Government, the responsibility for Gaelic is part of Deputy First Minister and Economy Secretary Kate Forbes’ brief.

Asked if she thinks Gaelic is in crisis, the Cabinet Secretary remarked: “You can be happy about the numbers that have gone up. People would always ask how best to provide more support for learners, and we’re seeing progress there. That’s good news.

“But a language has to be alive, like English is alive. Gaelic is alive in the traditional communities, but it’s bad news that the numbers there are falling. People ask if Gaelic is in crisis.

“I’m prepared to say “yes it is”, but that’s not going to make any difference if all it is is words. We need the right policies, as well as money and funding.

Reporter Eileen Macdonald: “Having visited communities, and met campaigners, experts, and poilicy-makers, it’s clear there are positives and negatives to take from the state of Gaelic today.

A national rise in speakers is good news, with Gaelic Medium Education continuing to play a large part in feeding that growth. However, there’s real concern about the decline of Gaelic in its heartlands and the fact that it is now a minority language in terms of speakers in the Western Isles.

“The challenge persists too, of how to make sure those able to speak it actually do.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a range of domestic and European stories, ranging from the plight of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh, to the impact of mass tourism in the Canaries, and the issue of gender-based violence in rural Scotland.

The new episode of Eòrpa: Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig? premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC ALBA at 9.00pm on Wednesday 28 August (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Council extends financial support for tenants struggling to pay rent

City councillors have announced plans to increase the Tenant Hardship Fund maximum average payment to around £480.

Launched in 2023, the Fund was created in response to the additional financial burden that tenants were facing from the cost-of-living crisis. It offers financial assistance to tenants struggling to make rent payments.

By 31 March 2024, the Council had received 2,741 applications to the Fund with 2,585 approved.

For 2024/25, the award has increased to a maximum of two fortnightly charges which will help tenants who need intervention to prevent court escalation and secure an affordable repayment plan.

Around 80% of Council tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent in the form of housing benefits or Universal Credit. The changes will also apply to new Universal Credit claimants, where deferred payments may create a rent pressure. 

The new two fortnightly payment is expected to support tenants during this period and protect them against an arrears spike.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Jane Meagher said: “We don’t want tenants to fall into a situation where their debt becomes unmanageable, and we absolutely want to help people remain in their home. It’s so important that we continue to collect rent but that we do everything we can to support tenants in arrears.

“By extending the fund, we are providing a vital lifeline for those facing difficult times, allowing them to stay in their homes and avoid the devastating impact of eviction. I want tenants and residents’ groups to know that they can come to us if they’re worried about being able to pay their rent or have already missed payments.”

Tenants who are struggling to pay rent can speak to their housing officer or contact tenanthardshipfund@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024 Winners revealed

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.

The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.

Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.  

Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!

There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade. 

Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!

It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.

The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.  

In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade. 

Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.

The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award. 

Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.

“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

David & Ruth Wither

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

 The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh

Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Absent Ear – Glasgow

Campari Bar Apprentice 2024

Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry

Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year 

Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow 

Deanston Whisky Guru 2024

Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow

DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024

Tempura – Ayr

Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year

Cru Hospitality – Inverness

De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year

Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh

Favela Latin American Venue of the Year

Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow 

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Ship – Irvine

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Manorview Hotels – Howwood

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year

Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee

Unsung Hero Award

Jules Clark – Montpeliers

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Malones – Aberdeen

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

The Stravaig – Ayr

Media World Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy – Edinburgh  

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge

Schweppes Bartender of the Year

Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To the Industry Award

Gordon McIntyre

Sims Automatic Sports Bar of the Year

Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar – Milngavie

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Janet Hood

Boss of the Year

Steven Muir – Beatbox Leisure, Ayr

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality 

Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Community Pub of the Year

The Craw’s Nest – Carnoustie

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

The Smokin’ Fox – Glasgow

Social Security Scotland: Make sure you’re getting all the help you need

To be eligible for some of our payments you need to already be getting a qualifying tax credit or benefit.

Use one of these handy independent benefit calculators to check all the financial support that may be available to you:

http://bit.ly/BenefitCalculators

Safety Tips ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend casualty spike 

  • August sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average
  • Over last 10 years, July and August have been most frequent months for water-based fatalities
  • RoSPA has issued some lifesaving tips for how to stay safe ahead of busy long weekend

With August Bank Holiday approaching, many will have plans to head outdoors on road trips or splash about in waterways. But health and safety experts at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) are warning the public to take heed of the hazards that often lay ahead during this busy weekend.

Typically, August sees a bump in incidents on the road and in water, with men overwhelmingly bearing the brunt of the casualty rate. According to the Water Incident Database (WAID), 83 per cent of people involved in water-based incidents over the last ten years have been male. [i]

Likewise, according to the Department for Transport’s provisional figures[ii], last year 75 per cent of fatalities and 61 per cent  of casualties of all severities were male, sparking concern among RoSPA’s road safety team ahead of the approaching long weekend. August also sees over 350 more reported road casualties than the monthly average.[iii]

Speaking on how to stay safe on the road, Caitlin Ann Taylor, Road Safety Manager, said: “As we approach the summer bank holiday, it’s crucial to remember that safe driving isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

“Whether you’re heading off on a long journey or just popping out, take your time, stay alert, and make safety your top priority. With more road users out and about, including cyclists and motorcyclists, it’s vital to stay vigilant and share the road responsibly.

“We often see tragic collisions in the news and think that will never happen to us, but the reality is that it can. By driving carefully, staying alert, and respecting all road users, we can all contribute to making this holiday safer for everyone.”

Caitlin’s Road safety tips to stay safe:

  • Plan your journey in advance
  • Watch your speed
  • Check your coolant levels and tire pressure, especially if there is hot weather
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not leave children or pets in the car

Regarding staying safe in and around water, Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager, said: “We urge everyone to follow the Water Safety Code, especially during busy weekends and hot weather. What is the water safety code? Can we link to our website here?

“Always swim in lifeguarded areas and remain within the designated zones. Never enter the water alone—ensure someone is aware of your intentions.

2Be mindful of the dangers of cold water shock, even on warm days, and avoid consuming alcohol before swimming. Check the conditions beforehand and be considerate of others in the water. By staying vigilant and adhering to safety guidelines, we can all enjoy the water safely.”

“Never enter the water alone, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. Always let someone know where you are, and exit immediately if you feel unsafe. Before venturing into wild or open water, check the weather and tide conditions—if it’s rough, wait for calmer seas.

“For watersports, always use the proper safety gear. Listen to your body: if you feel tired, swim to shore; if short of breath, float until you’re in control, then swim to safety.”

For more information, on road safety during summer, visit our latest News & Views piece here: https://www.rospa.com/news-and-views/prepare-properly-to-ensure-a-safe-holiday-drive

Future Asset competition encourages schoolgirls across Scotland to tackle gender disparity in financial services

Now in its fifth year, the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition challenges 13-18-year-old schoolgirls in Scotland to become investment whiz kids by identifying and pitching a company with great investment potential.

Teenage girls in Scotland can register for the competition now and are in with a chance to win prizes of up to £1000 for their school and up to £200 in vouchers per student.

Until recently, there were more men named Dave working as UK fund managers than women in total. Today, only 12% of UK fund managers are women. Future Asset aims to close the gender gap in this sector, empowering teenage girls across the country by teaching them the skills they need to consider a career in investment management.

Scotland is the 2nd largest financial hub in the UK after London, yet a poll commissioned by Scottish Financial Enterprise found that almost 60% of 16-24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services, while just under a quarter (23%) of people in Scotland do not believe financial services represents an attractive or secure career for young people.

Another study reveals that many women lack confidence around investing, with one quarter stating that they don’t know what to invest in, and 19% saying they don’t know how to invest.

However, there is clear evidence the sector would benefit from eliminating gender disparity. Analysis by Fidelity Investments found that on average women’s holding outperformed men’s annually by 0.40 percentage points.

Spaces in the competition are in high demand both in and outside the central belt. 110 teams competed last year from 30 out of 32 council areas of Scotland. Since inception in 2020, over 1800 students across the country have taken part.

Successful applicants will take part in a “Dragons’ Den” style competition over 10 weeks, which allows them to experience the role of an investment manager.

Competing teams each work with a professional “Competition Coach” – volunteer investment professionals from leading firms such as Martin Currie, Baillie Gifford and Stewart Investors who coach teams online and in person – to learn how to pitch a company with great investment potential.

Jen Mair, Chair of Future Asset and CEO of Martin Currie Investment Management, said: “Careers in finance can be rewarding, creative and lucrative, and we remain committed to eliminating gender disparity in this sector so that anyone can consider working in investment.

“In the last half-decade, it has been inspiring and encouraging to see girls from every corner of the country take advantage of the competition and the resources we have to offer, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy successful careers in the industry It’s clear that diversifying the financial workforce brings many benefits for all, and while there is still much work to be done,

“I believe the future of the investment sector looks very bright.”

Registration for the competition closes on 6 September 2024.

Competition Kick Off  workshops take place in August and September in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, and the competition deadline is on Friday 29 November 2024, with winners announced on Friday 07 March.

Meet Robert Fergusson on the 250th Anniversary of his death

The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic historic sites, is proud to announce an exciting new experience as part of its 2024 calendar: Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson. This special event marks the 250th anniversary of the death of one of Scotland’s most influential yet often misunderstood poets, Robert Fergusson.

In collaboration with the University of Glasgow’s research project, The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, The Real Mary King’s Close offers an extraordinary opportunity to step back into 18th-century Edinburgh and engage directly with the life and work of the poet who captured the essence of the city like no other.

Guests will begin their journey back in time with a one-hour guided tour of Mary King’s Close, exploring Edinburgh’s only 17th-century preserved street beneath the Royal Mile.

This experience is particularly poignant as Robert Fergusson himself would have walked these very streets, frequently visiting Craig’s Close—located just next to Mary King’s Close—where he was a member of the Cape Club, an after-hours drinking society. Following the tour, guests will be treated to a unique 30-minute “meet and greet” with Robert Fergusson himself.

During this session, Fergusson will recount the story of his short but vibrant life, share some of his most beloved poems, and invite guests to try their hand at writing their own verse, inspired by his work and the rich history that surrounds them. For those wishing to elevate their experience, an optional upgrade is available, including a dram of whisky, to be shared in a toast with Fergusson.

This event is part of a broader initiative by the University of Glasgow’s research project The Collected Works of Robert Fergusson: Reconstructing Textual and Cultural Legacies, which is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.

The project is preparing a new edition of Fergusson’s complete works, due for publication by Edinburgh University Press in 2026. As part of this initiative, they are holding numerous events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Fergusson’s death in 2024.

The project aims to give Fergusson’s literary, textual, biographical, linguistic, medical and cultural legacies the timely recognition they deserve.

Rhona Brown, Professor of Scottish Textual Cultures at the University of Glasgow, explained the significance of Fergusson’s work: “Robert Fergusson (1750-74) is one of Scotland’s most important poets, but he is often misunderstood.

“He is known for his enormous influence on Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and for his tragic early death in an asylum at just 24 years of age. But there’s so much more to Fergusson than this.

“Writing in both Scots and English, one of Fergusson’s key themes is the ordinary life of Edinburgh, and he depicts the city, warts and all, in his masterpiece, Auld Reikie (1773). His poetry is astute and satirical, funny and razor-sharp. So, although the end of his life may have been tragic, his legacy is anything but.

“At the 250th anniversary of his death in 2024, we have an opportunity to rethink Robert Fergusson and to understand his legacies in new ways. We urge you to read the poems and see for yourself!”

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the celebration of Robert Fergusson’s life and legacy.

“The Meet the Poet experience offers our guests a rare and immersive experience, where they can not only walk in the footsteps of Edinburgh’s past but also engage with one of its most compelling voices.

“This collaboration with the University of Glasgow allows us to bring Fergusson’s work to life in a way that is both educational and deeply personal.”

The Meet the Poet: Robert Fergusson event is a must-see for those interested in Scottish history, literature, and culture. It offers a unique chance to explore the lesser-known aspects of Fergusson’s life and appreciate his impact on the literary world, all within the atmospheric setting of Mary King’s Close.

Booking Information:

Tickets for the event are now available for purchase on The Real Mary King’s Close website. Due to the intimate nature of the event, spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended.

The events will be held on Friday 20th and Friday 27th of September.

For more information or to book your tickets, please visit:

https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/event/meet-robert-fergusson/

Edinburgh International Festival announces free immersive Philharmonia Orchestra VR experience at Space @ Broomhouse

The Edinburgh International Festival announces the opening of the Philharmonia VR Experience at Space @ Broomhouse Hub, which will be available for four days of music and discovery from 20th – 24th August.

This 360° experience, which is free to attend and unticketed, brings the classical music experience to Broomhouse with the opportunity to see the UK premiere of the Philharmonia VR Experience’s performance of Vaughan Williams’s iconic piece, The Lark Ascending, performed by Festival Director Nicola Benedetti with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Attendees will wear a VR headset which will allow them to sit right in the heart of the orchestra and experience this profoundly moving performance in astonishing detail. This VR experience will be staffed by graduates and members of Space Station, an entry level skills development course designed to support local people into the hospitality sector.

The Philharmonia VR Experience marks the first Edinburgh International Festival event held at Space @ The Broomhouse Hub which was named as the Edinburgh International Festival’s inaugural Community Connections Hub earlier this year. Which is an 18-month partnership exploring opportunities for creative collaboration and connection between the Festival and the local community.

Neil Hay, CEO, Space @ The Broomhouse Hub said: “This is a wonderful thing to be able to bring to Broomhouse. Despite being in Edinburgh, it can often feel as though big cultural activities are set very far apart from communities like those in Southwest Edinburgh.

“This partnership will allow people to experience things they never have before or take part in things that they simply would never have considered. This is the first event as part of our link with Edinburgh International Festival and we are excited to see what the next 18 months might bring.”

This event is free and unticketed. Each slot is 20 minutes long. Listed below are the times the VR Experience is open:

Wed 21 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.00, 17.00-18.40

Fri 23 Aug 11.30-13.45, 15.00-16.40

Sat 24 Aug 10.30-11.45, 13.15-14.00, 15.00-16.40

More information on the Edinburgh International Festival’s Discovery and Participation programme, which runs year-round, can be found here: 

https://www.eif.co.uk/social-impact.

Third of Scottish Tory MSPs endorse Tom Tugendhat to be party Leader

NEW SCOTS TORY MP ALSO BACKS THE FORMER-SOLDIER

Eight Members of the Scottish Parliament, a third of all eligible Conservative MSPs, have announced that they are backing Shadow Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat MP to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party.

The MSPs include Douglas Lumsden, Tim Eagle, Roz McCall, Stephen Kerr, Tess White, Maurice Golden, Finlay Carson and Sandesh Gulhane. 

Endorsing Tom for Leader, they said that he is the only candidate who has spent the time needed to understand the challenges facing Scotland, including those surrounding energy security, fisheries, farming and rural communities.

Likewise, he is the only candidate who has taken the time to meet with Scottish Conservative Party members, regularly campaign in the country and attend Scottish Conservative Party Conference multiple times. 

Proud champions of the union, the MSPs explained they wanted someone who would not only protect and fight for the union, but understood that if Scotland failed, everyone across the United Kingdom would feel the consequences. With Tugendhat as Leader, they argue they would always  have a champion for the Union – and the priorities of Scotland – at the helm in Westminster.

As a soldier, Tugendhat spent over 10 years keeping the entire United Kingdom safe before entering Parliament. He was one of the first MPs to warn about the threat of Russia and China.

As Security Minister, he was responsible for the National Security Act, which resulted in Britain arresting and charging more Russian and Chinese spies in his time as Minister than in the previous decade.

The MSPs said they were supporting Tom as they know he will deliver for the Scottish people, ensuring energy security and economic rejuvenation, and support rural communities, including Scotland’s cherished farming and fishing industries. 

Tom recognises that the Conservative Party has been undermined by infighting and factionalism in Westminster, which led to a failure to deliver and a breakdown in trust with the public.

He has made it clear that this leadership election is about choice. A choice between drawing a line under the infighting and a future focused on uniting the Party and rebuilding it around core Conservative values.

He argues that people across the United Kingdom deserve better and as Leader of the Conservative Party, he promised to rebuild our party, regain trust and beat Labour at the next election.

The MSPs outlined that they want a leader who will end the infighting in Westminster and return the Party to traditional conservative values, something Tugendhat has always fought for, including when he voted against Covid vaccine passports and did not support the National Insurance rise.

At the general election, the MSPs believe the Scottish people rejected the SNP in a sign they want to move on from the independence debate and want their government to focus on delivery.

As a man who delivers on his promises and can unite the party, the MSPs are backing Tom as they believe he will be an electoral asset for the Scottish Conservatives at the next 2026 Holyrood elections. They believe Scotland deserves better and that Tugendhat will take the Scottish Conservatives and Scotland into a new era. 

In a joint statement, the MSPs said:

“We are backing Tom Tugendhat to be our next UK Party Leader. We believe – indeed we know – that he is the best person for the job.

“A Leader to create a united party for our United Kingdom. A man of principle, service and duty. 

“Someone who says what he will do, then gets it done. Someone who gets Scotland, is a friend of Scotland, and is an asset to the Party in Scotland.

“We need a UK Leader who will be a help, not a hindrance, to the Scottish Conservatives in the battles ahead – Holyrood 2026 and the local elections the year after.

“We do not need a caretaker leader of the opposition, but someone capable and hungry to be the next Prime Minister for all of the UK.

“That Leader is Tom Tugendhat.“

ALSO supporting Mr Tugenhadt is new MP for Gordan and Buchan, Harriet Cross, who commented: “I am delighted to endorse Tom Tugendhat MP for Leader of our Great Party. As a newly elected MP for the Conservative and Unionist Party, it is my duty to support a Leader who will protect and fight for our Union. With Tom at the helm of the Conservative Party, the Union will always have a champion. 

“This is because Tom gets Scotland. He has taken the time to attend multiple Scottish Conservative Conferences, and meet local associations and members. He is someone who cherishes the union and wants all its nations to succeed.

“As part of the new generation of Conservatives, I want a Leader who will take forward traditional conservative values for the Party to unite around, and promise we deliver for all nations. I know that Tom Tugendhat is a man of his word. When he promises something, he delivers. And in ensuring our Party rebuilds trust with the voters of Scotland on a Conservative platform, Tom Tugendhat is the best hope for our Party.”

Welcoming the support, Tom Tugendhat said: “It is an absolute privilege to have so many of my Scottish Conservative colleagues backing me to be the next Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party today.

“I am thrilled to have their support. Unionism is indivisible from Conservatism and as leader, I promise to always fight for the Union and deliver on the priorities of the Scottish people.” 

Creative Scotland: Open Fund to Close

HUGE BLOW TO CULTURE AND CREATIVE SECTOR

Creative Scotland has taken the difficult decision to close the Open Fund for Individuals to new applications due to the Scottish Government being unable to confirm release of £6.6m in Grant-in-Aid budget in the current financial year, 2024-25.

The Fund will close to new applications from 2pm on Friday 30th August 2024.

Creative Scotland planned to apply £3m of the £6.6m budget to support the Open Fund for Individuals in 2024-25, alongside £3m of National Lottery income.

Without confirmation of release of this budget, Creative Scotland does not have enough funds available to support all the funding routes that we currently provide, as set out in our Annual Plan for 2024-25.

All currently submitted Open Fund for Individuals applications will be processed as per the published Guidance. The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations remains open.

Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said: “The level of uncertainty regarding the provision of Grant-in-Aid budgets from the Scottish Government is creating critical problems for the ongoing support we can provide to Scotland’s culture sector.

“This decision to close the Open Fund for Individuals is not one we would have wanted to take but is unavoidable without the funding from the Scottish Government being available.

“Like everyone working in Scotland’s culture and creative sector, we understand the extreme pressures on public finances but want to see longer term budget certainty from the Scottish Government, including the additional £100m announced in October 2023, details of which have yet to emerge.”