TOM ARTHUR VISITS ‘INSPIRING’ SPARTANS TO ANNOUNCE FUNDING PLANS
A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.
The funding will help Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton, complete construction of a permanent classroom. This would replace temporary cabins where students who may struggle in school receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, art and physical education.
The project also assists young people to access jobs, apprenticeships and college placements as they leave school.
Other regeneration schemes earmarked for support in the draft Budget include:
clearing three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to make way for affordable homes
restoring Arbroath’s Courthouse as a centre offering careers advice and skills training
redeveloping Glen Urquhart Public Hall into a community hub
Visiting Spartans to hear about the organisation’s work within the local community, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government – as it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.
“This inspiring scheme run by Spartans illustrates how local people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able step in with support.
“The new classroom will help more young people leave school with qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as well as enjoy free football sessions. It is an example of delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the grassroots.”
Other recent local projects to regenerate northern Edinburgh include the transformation of derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces and the ongoing development of a community hub with an early years centre, library and space for North Edinburgh Arts on Pennywell Road.
The First Minister has urged people to follow Police Scotland advice not to travel today (Friday 24 January).
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been activated ahead of the red weather warning for wind from 1000 until 1700 today, covering parts of Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders, all of Strathclyde and the Lothians & Borders, as well as the Forth Valley and southern parts of Fife.
A wider amber warning for high winds covers much of Scotland and a yellow warning for snow in parts of Scotland has also been issued.
Storm Éowyn will bring dangerous conditions and disruption throughout the country, including danger to life from flying debris, large waves and structural damage, such as roofs blown off and power lines brought down.
Transport routes and travel services are expected to be affected for a prolonged period and while for individual local authorities to decide, a majority of schools are expected to be closed. NHS boards are standing up local business continuity arrangements. This will include communications with patients and staff. Some NHS and social care services are expected to be disrupted.
SGoRR met this afternoon to assess measures in place. It was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Deputy First Minister, and Cabinet Secretaries for Health; Education; Transport; Finance and Local Government; Rural Affairs and Islands; and Net Zero and Energy. They were joined by representatives from the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.
A rare red weather warning has been issued by @MetOffice for Friday. @PoliceScotland is urging people not to travel in affected areas.#StormÉowyn is expected to cause danger to life and significant disruption.
First Minister John Swinney said: “The Met Office has, this morning, issued a very rare red weather warning for Storm Éowyn tomorrow. Their advice is clear that potential impacts include danger to life, structural damage to property, and transport and power disruptions.
“Police Scotland have made it clear that people should not travel in affected areas, and local services including schools are likely to be significantly impacted.
“The government, of course, is ready to respond. SGORR – our resilience and emergency system – was activated this morning to co-ordinate help and to support Scotland’s front-line responders, including police fire services and the ambulance service.
“Red weather warnings like this are very rare. Our message is simple, please follow the advice from the Met Office and the police.
“Please look out for each other and your neighbours during this time. Take this seriously and stay safe.”
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan Head of Police Scotland Road Policing said: “Our advice throughout the duration of the red weather warning is not to travel, as the conditions outside and on the road network could be extremely hazardous and put you at risk.
“Please keep tuning into media broadcasts and following updates from Traffic Scotland and Police Scotland until the weather has improved.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.
“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular.
“Storm Éowyn is a multi-hazard event, with snow likely for some, rain for many and strong winds for much of the UK. As a result, a number of weather warnings have been issued, with all parts of the UK covered by one warning at some point on Friday.”
Amber Warning for wind for northern half of Scotland from 13:00 Friday to 06:00 Saturday.
Flood alerts are issued by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and can be viewed on their website.
Follow Traffic Scotland for the most up-to-date information on the trunk roads throughout the warning periods, via their website, social media channels and radio broadcasts. Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.
To report a power cut or damage to electricity power lines or substations call the SP Networks national Freephone number 105. More information on what to do during a storm can also be found on SP Energy Website.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind from 10am to 5pm Friday 24 January. An Amber warning is in place from 6am to 10am.
COUNCIL SERVICES:
We will publish all the latest information about Council buildings and services on this page.
Schools, nurseries and early years
All Council schools, nurseries and early years settings will be closed on Friday 24 January. Schools will communicate directly with parents.
Bin collections
Bin collections – residents should not put their wheelie bins and boxes out for collection tomorrow. Friday collections will run over the weekend instead.
Residents should put their bins out for collection on Saturday when it is safe to do so for collection from Sunday.
Street cleansing will not operate.
Recycling centres – any bookings for recycling centres will be rescheduled
Special uplift services – residents who have booked a collection for tomorrow should not put the items out for collection. Appointments will be rebooked.
Housing and homelessness
Anyone who needs to present as homeless should contact us by phone on 0131 529 7036.
Only emergency council house repairs will take place. Non-emergency council house repairs will be cancelled and re-scheduled.
Scaffolding will be checked and taken down if possible.
Council buildings, services and parks
We will only run essential services on Friday 24 January.
The following buildings or parks/grounds will be closed on Friday 24 January:
All council cemeteries, Mortonhall Crematorium, and the Mortuary
All museums, galleries, monuments and cultural venues (Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Churchill Theatre – this includes cancellation of a rehearsal and performance at the Churchill Theatre). Building checks will be carried out before reopening.
Lauriston Castle grounds and Princes Street Gardens. These will also remain closed on Saturday due to extended wind warning and time needed to survey grounds.
For travel updates check @edintravel and @TrafficScotland on X (Twitter) as well as your travel provider.
Emergency social care service 0800 731 6969 – free phone.
NHS LOTHIAN:
EDINBURGH TRAMS:
Due to the red weather warning in place across Edinburgh tomorrow due to #StormÉowyn, Edinburgh Trams will be operating a reduced service on Friday 24 January. We will be monitoring wind speeds at key places on the track and will continue to operate in order to facilitate essential travel as long as it remains safe to do so.
Please follow @PoliceScotland guidelines and only travel if absolutely necessary.
Customers are advised to check the status of their service before travelling on Friday and Saturday, using the Bus & Tram App.
3.4 million Self Assessment returns still to be filed before 31 January deadline – those who miss the deadline risk £100 penalty
Customers urged to go online for help and advice
Payment for outstanding tax also due by 31 January
With only a week left until the Self Assessment deadline 3.4 million customers are yet to file their 2023 to 2024 tax return. And HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning them to file now or risk missing the 31 January deadline – and getting a £100 penalty.
More than 66% (8.6 million) have already filed their tax return. Those who are yet to start can go to GOV.UK to find all the support and guidance they need at their fingertips including live webinars, video tutorials as well as plenty of online help sheets.
Once customers have submitted their return, the quickest and easiest way to pay any tax due is via the free and secure HMRC app, which takes less than a minute with immediate confirmation of payment. Nearly 360,000 have paid their Self Assessment tax bill via the app since 6 April 2024, totalling more than £605 million.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Time is running out for the millions still to file their Self Assessment tax return by 31 January. Help and support is available for those who have not yet started their return. Visit GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to find out more.”
It’s important customers always include their bank details as part of their tax return to ensure that if there’s any repayment due, it can be done quickly and securely.
Customer’s reasons for not paying their tax bill or arranging a payment plan by the deadline will be considered individually. While customers who provide HMRC with a reasonable excuse may avoid a penalty, those without reasonable excuse face will be issued with a penalty including:
an initial £100 fixed penalty, which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time
after 3 months, additional daily penalties of £10 per day, up to a maximum of £900
after 6 months, a further penalty of 5% of the tax due or £300, whichever is greater
after 12 months, another 5% or £300 charge, whichever is greater
There are also additional penalties for paying late of 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months. If tax remains unpaid after the deadline, interest will also be charged on the amount owed, in addition to the penalties above.
Customers need to be aware of the risk of falling victim to scams and should never share their HMRC login details with anyone, including a tax agent, if they have one. HMRC scams advice is available on GOV.UK.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is recruiting volunteers to join its North Berwick Community First Responder (CFR) group.
CFR group members respond to potentially life-threatening emergencies such as a cardiac arrest or seizure in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives.
Anyone over 18 with a driving licence can apply to become a community first responder and no previous medical experience is needed.
Training will be provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service and will cover the Basic Life Saving (BLS) skills that may be required when attending an emergency call.
Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive said: “CFRs come from a variety of backgrounds and play a vital role in starting treatment whilst an ambulance is on route.
“They are highly valued by the Scottish Ambulance Service, and I would encourage those with an interest in supporting their community to apply for this opportunity.”
To register to become a CFR or to find out more about becoming a CFR, visit:
A family from Tyneside was this week given the chance to make lasting memories after a challenging two years, thanks to South Shields-based children’s charity, The Charlie and Carter Foundation and its community partner, train operator, Lumo.
At five years old, Evie Green has already faced challenges beyond her years. Diagnosed with myocarditis at just four months old, Evie’s condition progressed to the point where, by the age of four, she was in urgent need of a heart transplant.
In the spring of 2023, Evie was placed on a Berlin Heart Ventricular Assist Device while awaiting a heart transplant. While the device was lifesaving, it meant she had to stay in the hospital and couldn’t run or play freely because she was connected to the machine.
After more than a year in hospital and a national call out for a new heart, Evie finally received a transplant in the summer of 2024 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. While Evie was in hospital her family was supported by The Charlie and Carter Foundation, which provides financial relief to families of critically ill children, so that they can stay by their side without the worry of financial strain.
Lumo, who selected The Charlie and Carter Foundation as its charity partner of the year for 2024/25, following a unanimous internal vote and as part of its ongoing commitment to the organisation, were delighted arrange a special trip to Edinburgh for Evie and her family to enjoy some much-needed family fun.
The day to the Scottish capital included a complimentary visit to Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura and even a ride in Lumo’s driver’s cab.
“This beautiful and brave little girl has spent so long in hospital and her family have spent so long worrying, they deserve the world and more.
“Our charity provides financial support to families who care 24/7 for their sick children who are suffering from life limiting conditions and we know only too well how much they struggle and worry each day.
“Days like these would have just been a dream before Evie received her gift of life. Thank you never seems enough, but thank you Lumo, it was a day they will remember forever.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have given Evie and her family a wonderful day out in Edinburgh. After spending so much time in hospital and missing out on experiences most children enjoy, providing them with a memorable day of fun together was truly the least we could do.
“We’re proud to partner with South Shields based Charlie and Carter Foundation, whose incredible work supports families like Evie’s right across the country. We look forward to continuing our efforts together to make a meaningful difference.”
Evie’s mum, Chloe Green, said: “We are very grateful to Lumo for providing a VIP day out in Edinburgh and to The Charlie and Carter Foundation for nominating our family for this special trip.
“Evie received a heart transplant last summer and was in hospital for 18 months overall, so it is so nice to be able to go on days out thanks to Evie’s special donor heart. We had a fantastic trip exploring Edinburgh, going to the zoo, Camera Obscura and walking along the Royal Mile and we will be forever grateful for this trip.”
Funding for local authorities to test and improve how they deliver wrap-around support for parents and families will be doubled to more than £6 million by the 2025-26 budget, helping expand work towards eradicating child poverty.
The Scottish Government’s Fairer Futures Partnerships will help test new approaches and identify lasting solutions rather than quick fixes, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said. Increased funding will allow Fairer Futures Partnerships to expand to more areas, supporting new approaches and holistic support.
On a visit to Irvine Royal Academy, Ms Somerville met parents and pupils and saw how North Ayrshire Council’s work is supporting families and informing the Fairer Futures programme to drive innovations in tackling child poverty.
At Irvine Royal Academy, where 32% of pupils are in receipt of free school meals, parents have been helped to maximise their incomes through welfare and debt advice and provided with support to find employment, while pupils run a ‘cost of the school day’ initiative to help ease the pressures on families.
Ms Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission. But we can only do that by providing long-term, sustainable solutions, not quick fixes.
“The Scottish Child Payment, only available in Scotland, will this year help the families of over 330,000 children, and our five family payments could be worth more than £25,000 by the time an eligible child turns 16.
“We are extending provision of free school meals to pupils in P6 & P7 who receive the Scottish Child Payment, committing a further £14.3m to support the school clothing grant, and investing in the systems needed to end the two-child cap by April 2026.
“Through the Fairer Futures Partnerships we are working alongside local authorities, local communities and the Third Sector to test and improve how they deliver services to promote family wellbeing, maximise incomes and support people towards education and into sustained employment.
“I’m visiting Irvine Royal Academy to hear about some of the programmes and activity North Ayrshire Council has in place to tackle child poverty, support families and children in the local area with the cost of the school day and maximise incomes.
“The work with the school community is a great example of the results that can be delivered when services work together to provide wrap-around support for families. We want to explore how we can do this even better and that is why we have doubled our budget for Fairer Futures Partnerships to £6 million for the next financial year.”
North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns added: “Tackling child poverty is the number one priority for our administration.
“We have the second highest rate of child poverty in Scotland and we are determined – with support from the Scottish Government and our hard-working partners in the public, private and third sectors – to improve life for families across North Ayrshire.
“We look forward to welcoming the Cabinet Secretary to Irvine to hear, first-hand, about some of the great work that is being done to support families who are struggling to make ends meet.”
A brand-new tartan has been created by Samaritans Scotland to raise awareness of suicide prevention and the charity’s services in Scotland. Named the ‘Samaritartan’, the new tartan was chosen by Samaritans volunteers across Scotland.
A preview of the tartan took place at the Scottish Parliament this week ahead of Burns Night, a time where people all over the world are connected through Scotland’s iconic music, poetry, cuisine, and tartan as they celebrate the National Bard. MSPs from across political parties joined together to support suicide prevention and Samaritans Scotland’s commitment to a world where fewer lives are lost to suicide, including the Minister for Health, Social Care, and Sport, Maree Todd.
As a charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide, the new tartan is a symbol of connection and weaves together the volunteers, branches, communities, and the wider organisation in Scotland.
Samaritans Scotland Head of Policy and Communications, Danielle Rowley, said: “The first Samaritans branch in Scotland opened in 1959, and we’ve been connecting with people ever since. We want the tartan to be a way to connect with the communities we work with, and a way for people to proudly show their support and passion for suicide prevention.
“The symbolism of the lines in the tartan crossing over and the weave of the tartan highlights the importance of connection, and how our lives touch the lives of others.
“Something as simple as saying ‘hello’, or having a coffee with someone can be enough to make a difference. We hope that the Samaritartan, as something bright and visual, will act as a conversation starter and help to address the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.”
The officially registered Samaritartan was designed in partnership with International Tartans’ Retweed, tartan weavers House of Edgar, and was brought to life through the creation of Samaritartan kilts, ties, and scarves by local business, Kinloch Anderson, close to the charity’s central hub in Leith.
Angela Merola, Marketing Coordinator at Kinloch Anderson, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the creation of this brand-new tartan for Samaritans Scotland. We know how valuable the work of the charity is, with volunteers across the country supporting people in some of their most difficult times.
To help bring this bright and vibrant tartan into the world and connect the groups that help so many people every day was special for us.”
Award-wiining Scottish poet and current Edinburgh Makar, Michael Pedersen, has also written a beautiful and unique poem around the tartan and the meaning of connection.
Speaking about Samaritans Scotland and his involvement with the charity’s new tartan creation, Pederson said: ‘I’m in admirative awe of all the vital, life-altering, and deeply courageous work Samaritans do.
“The people they reach, the lives bolstered, the minds fortified, and the connections nurtured, forged and fostered because of their compassionate and mettlesome presence is, quite frankly, astounding.
“Suffice to say, Scotland, and the world, is a better, less lonely, more sentient place because of them. To have written a poem to champion them and help celebrate the arrival of their stunning new Samaritartan range is a supreme privilege. Long live the Samaritans (and Samaritartan).’
The poem can be heard as part of a new video unveiling the tartan, which will be released on Burns Day this weekend.
The tartan is expected to feature at this year’s Tartan Parade in Edinburgh on the 10th May, and it is hoped that the tartan will soon be available through a variety of merchandise for people to buy.
The preview event was held at the Scottish Parliament on the 22nd January, alongside an event highlighting the latest research undertaken by Samaritans in partnership with Strathclyde University, ‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’.
The report highlights the impact of employment and financial insecurity on suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Participants shared their experiences of feeling the pressure of insufficient pay and poverty, of the stigma placed on them when reaching out for financial support, and of the sense of being trapped in debt.
Since the first Samaritans branch in Scotland answered its first call for help in 1959, there are now 19 branches and nearly 1,000 volunteers stretching from the Borders to the Highlands & Islands.
Volunteers are available every day and night through the helpline, with the charity also providing community outreach support in Scottish prisons, schools, hospitals, and on the rail network.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
‘Paid Yesterday, Broke Today’ research can be found here.
The funding system which covers universities, colleges and apprenticeships, as well as student support, will change in Scotland.
Under plans published today, responsibility for providing national training programmes, including apprenticeships, will move from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
SFC’s responsibilities for funding further education student support will move to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), bringing this together with SAAS’s existing responsibilities for higher education student support.
The plans are being taken forward following extensive consultation across the sector and legislation will be published in the coming weeks with the intention of making these changes in autumn 2026.
Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “We want to ensure that Scotland has a world-class skills system to meet the demands of the changing economy and that our £3 billon of investment in the tertiary skills system delivers the greatest impact for learners.
“The need for this change is now clear, with consultation responses and other evidence supporting reform to arrangements for post-school funding. These changes will help to reduce complexities and provide greater clarity around the roles and responsibilities of each funding body.
“We will now look to press ahead with the next stage in taking forward these changes, through legislation and other preparations. We also will work closely with SAAS, SDS and the SFC to reassure staff and ensure continuity of services.”
The Scottish Hindu Foundation, in partnership with Bob Doris MSP, successfully hosted a landmark Parliamentary Reception on Hinduphobia at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 21st January 2025.
The event chaired by Bob Doris MSP, held in Committee Room 5, brought together policymakers, community leaders, and members of the public to address the critical issue of Hinduphobia.
Through insightful discussions and keynote speeches, the reception aimed to foster understanding and promote solutions to combat prejudice against the Hindu community in Scotland and beyond.
The First Minister John Swinney had congratulated The SHF on this achievement and had sent his apologies. However prominent Members of the Scottish Parliament, including Bob Doris MSP, Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP, Pam Gosal MBE MSP, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane MSP, Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP and former MP Martyn Day attended the event, lending their support to this vital cause.
Their presence underscored the cross-party commitment to addressing Hinduphobia and fostering an inclusive society.
In addition to MSPs, distinguished speakers and guests included Lt Cdr Robert Swift [Royal Navy], Else Kek, Operations Manager; for Interfaith Scotland, Harry Dunlop, Programme Manager for Interfaith Glasgow; and Sergeant Valerie Gray from Police Scotland. Each provided valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across sectors and communities to combat discrimination and promote mutual understanding.
Bob Doris MSP, a vocal advocate for inclusivity, highlighted the need for collective action to build a harmonious society. The event featured expert perspectives, personal testimonies, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward inclusivity and respect. Guests praised the reception as a critical step in raising awareness and building bridges between communities.
The Scottish Hindu Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters of this important initiative. Together, the event underscored a shared commitment to fostering a society that values respect and dignity for all”.
