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”.
First Minister outlines plans to help grow Scotland’s economy
A dedicated visa for international graduates from Scottish universities or colleges who want to stay in Scotland after their studies has been proposed by First Minister John Swinney.
Speaking at JP Morgan Chase & Co in Glasgow, the First Minister set out how a tailored visa route for students who have completed their studies could help to tackle population challenges in Scotland and grow the economy.
The ‘Scottish Graduate Visa’ would be linked to a Scottish tax code and be based on a requirement to live and work in Scotland. It would be granted for up to two years and would act as a bridge between Study and Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker Visa, giving international students an additional two years to gain the professional experience required to qualify for roles on the Skilled Worker Visa route.
As migration is a reserved issue, developing and delivering the Scottish Graduate Visa would require the cooperation of the UK Government ahead of it coming into force.
During the speech the First Minister also stressed the urgency of Scotland rejoining the European Union, ensuring access to the Single Market and reinstating freedom of movement, to help tackle Scotland’s distinct demographic challenges which would benefit from inward migration.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I have set out the areas where I believe urgent action, clarity of purpose, and collective endeavour are necessary if we are to truly prosper as a nation.
“Maximising the economic and community benefit from our massive energy wealth, acting now to address our looming population crisis, and committing ourselves once again to Europe and its single market is essential for the wellbeing of our society and the future success of our economy.
“The pragmatic approach I am setting out today when it comes to migration is an attractive proposition for international students and will ensure they can gain experience as they work towards the high salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa.
“I urge the UK Government to work with us – not dismiss this proposal out of hand – to ensure that we can attract and retain those students and graduates to Scotland, so that they can continue to contribute to our economy and society.”
Nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms will be built quicker thanks to changes to the rules to stop blockers getting in the way of the government’s Plan for Change
Major infrastructure needed for growth and clean energy to no longer be held up in the courts, as government scraps excessive three attempts to challenge decisions in the courts
Households set to benefit from reduced energy bills in the long term and faster commutes through quicker construction of renewable energy and transport projects
Latest step to drive economic growth – the number one priority in the Plan for Change – sending positive message to business looking to build
Nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms will be built quicker thanks to changes to the rules to stop blockers getting in the way of the government’s Plan for Change.
Current excessive rules mean unarguable cases can be brought back to the courts three times – causing years of delay and hundreds of millions of cost to projects that have been approved by democratically elected ministers, while also clogging up the courts.
Data shows that over half – 58% – of all decisions on major infrastructure were taken to court, getting in the way of the government’s central mission to grow the economy, and put more money in hardworking people’s pockets.
The government today confirms this will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for cynical cases lodged purely to cause delay rather than three.
This approach will strike the right balance between ensuring ongoing access to justice and protections against genuine issues of propriety, while pushing back against a challenge culture where small pressure groups use the courts to obstruct decisions taken in the national interest.
On average, each legal challenge takes around a year and a half to be resolved – with many delayed for two years or more – and the courts have spent over 10,000 working days handling these cases. This is holding back working people and is getting in the way of our progress as a nation. Examples include:
East Anglia wind farms were delayed by a group which dragged the case through the courts and lost at every turn – delaying it for over two years.
Sizewell C, which was taken to court by a small group of activists, with the High Court dismissing it and describing aspects as “utterly hopeless” – despite this, work was left uncertain for two years and legal costs increased
The A47 National Highway Project, which is improving our roads, was dragged to court by a former Green Councillor – his case was eventually dismissed as having ‘no logical basis’, after delaying the project by two years.
These cases put a hold on people’s lives – harming our efforts to drive down energy bills with clean energy, getting in the way of road improvements which will help people get to work on time, strangling the dream of homeownership and – importantly – scaring away business from building in the UK.
It also wastes tax money, with major road projects paying up to £121 million per scheme being dragged through the courts.
These changes will send a strong signal to global firms looking to do business – that the UK is a great place to invest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges – using our court processes to frustrate growth.
“We’re putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the NIMBYs and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation.”
“This is the government’s Plan for Change in action – taking the brakes off Britain by reforming the planning system so it is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure.
The current first attempt – known as the paper permission stage – will be scrapped. And primary legislation will be changed so that where a judge in an oral hearing at the High Court deems the case Totally Without Merit, it will not be possible to ask the Court of Appeal to reconsider. To ensure ongoing access to justice, a request to appeal second attempt will be allowed for other cases.
This announcement marks another victory for the ‘builders over the blockers’, with the government proving – with actions – that it is set on kickstarting growth and putting more money back in people’s pockets.
It follows a series of interventions from the Prime Minister – dating back to the State Opening of Parliament where he outlined plans to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to expedite the delivery of high-quality infrastructure.
Since then, the government is speeding up 150 major economic infrastructure projects, including railways and roads – doubling the record of the previous government, unlocking growth, and taking the brakes off Britain.
The government has also set out major reforms to end the block and delay to building homes and infrastructure from current environmental obligations.
A new Nature Restoration Fund would enable developers to meet their environmental obligations more quickly and with greater impact – accelerating the building of homes and improving the environment.
The new common-sense approach doesn’t allow newts or bats to be more important than the homes hardworking people need, or the roads and hospital this country needs.
Growth is the number one Mission of this government. That is why the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change is focused on boosting growth to put more money in working people’s pockets and improving living standards across the country.
Since the election, real wages have grown at the fastest rate in three years, worth an extra £20 a week after inflation, and the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is now about half a percentage point lower than it was at the election.
This UK says it will government will not relent in its determination to deliver economic growth and fight for working people, which is why the Chancellor hosted regulators in No11 last week to discuss how they can support growth going forward. She will give a speech on economic growth next week to drive home this determination.
Lord Banner KC, author of the Independent review into legal challenges against Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said: “My review concluded that there is a clear case for streamlining judicial reviews on consenting decisions for nationally significant infrastructure projects, given that delays to these projects cause real detriment to the public interest.
“In the course of my review, I saw broad consensus from claimants to scheme promoters that a quicker system of justice would be in their interests, provided that cases can still be tried fairly.
“I am therefore pleased to see the government acting on the back of my review. In particular, reducing the number of permission attempts to one for truly hopeless cases should weed out the worst offenders, without risking inadvertent delays because judges choose to err on the side of caution.
“I look forward to seeing these changes help to deliver a step change in the pace of infrastructure delivery in the months and years ahead.”
The Met Office has issued an AMBER Weather warning for WIND.As such, there may be a HIGH RISK OF DISRUPTION for road users in the following areas:
• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling) • Grampian (Aberdeenshire) • Highlands & Eilean Siar (Highland) • SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian • Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, Eat Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire).
The AMBER warning is effective from 0600 hours on Friday 24th to2100 on Friday 24th January 2025.
This runs in conjunction with a YELLOW weather warning for WIND which is effective from 0000 hours on Friday 24th to 1500 hours onSaturday 25th January in the following areas:
• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling) • Grampian (Aberdeenshire, Moray) • Highlands & Eilean Siar (Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland) • SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian • Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire) And a further YELLOW weather warning for SNOW which is effective from 0300 hours on Friday 24th to 1200 hours on Friday 24th January in the following areas: • Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth & Kinross, Stirling) • Grampian (Aberdeenshire, Moray) • Highlands & Eilean Siar (Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland) • SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (Dumfries & Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian • Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire)
Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing to the northeast on Friday night.
This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with peak gusts of 60-70 mph fairly widely inland, 70-80 mph in some areas, and 80-90 mph along more exposed coasts and hills (perhaps even higher in a few locations).
It should be noted that there may be a slight reduction in wind strength for a time as the centre of Storm Éowyn passes overhead, this most likely in parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland, before winds rapidly increase again.
Winds will gradually ease later on Friday.
General advice for road users:
• Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel • All road users should consider if they really need to travel during adverse weather • Consider delaying travel until conditions improve • If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions • Ensure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route • Have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed • Do not ignore road closure signs – they are for your safety • Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance • Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland |Traffic Scotland radio player | Traffic Scotland or visit Traffic Scotland | Trunk road traffic updates & route planner • Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, Twitter/X or their website • Other information can be found on the Met Office and Ready Scotland websites. For public transport information visit https://www.traveline.info. • Follow @policescotland and @trafficscotland on Twitter/X for up-to-date travel information.
Wind
HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police.
Drivers of vehicles vulnerable to being blown over should plan their route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should consider the risk of being blown over or into the path of other road users.
Snow/Ice
Keep well back from the road user in front. Stopping distances can be up to 10x greater than on dry roads.
Check your windscreen washer levels and effectiveness of wiper blades.
Check your vehicle’s lights.You must ensure your lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible.
Ensure your windows are completely clear before driving. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
Scottish Opera is delighted to welcome 15 rising stars from the National Opera Studio for a week long residency, culminating in Lust & Laughter at Theatre Royal Glasgow on 21 February.
Building on a 45 year-strong partnership, 11 singers and four repetiteurs work intensively for a week with Scottish Opera music staff to rehearse their repertoire, before taking to the stage with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera, conducted by Music Director, Stuart Stratford.
The director of the showcase is Emma Jenkins, who has previously directed for Scottish Opera the National Opera Studio’s Anarchy at the Opera performance in 2022, Opera Highlights 2022/23, and the critically acclaimed Scottish premiere of Strauss’ Daphne in 2023.
This international cohort consists of artists from all over the world, including South Africa, Russia and the UK, as well as Scottish soprano Rachel McLean, who graduated in 2023 with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Audience members can look forward to afun and energetic show with a programme that includesexcerpts from Hansel & Gretel by Humperdinck, The Merry Wives of Windsor by Nicolai, Cendrillon by Massenet and Così fan tutte by Mozart.
Director Emma Jenkins said: ‘This showcase performance is a rollercoaster ride through fairy tale romances, vengeful encounters, love triangles and mistaken identity, all taking place on one crazy night.
“We invite you to jump down the rabbit-hole of human emotion, and celebrate with us as conflict becomes harmony and love finally conquers all.’
Eric Melear, Artistic Director of National Opera Studio said: ‘The National Opera Studio’s partnership with Scottish Opera is one of our most valued relationships. Working with their team provides our Young Artists with an immersive, professional experience that’s essential to their development.
“The unique mentorship and practical skills they gain here are invaluable to their careers. We share a commitment to nurturing emerging talent, and our artists consistently find Scottish audiences to be wonderfully welcoming and supportive.’
The National Opera Studio offers intensive and bespoke professional training for the next generation of opera stars. Alumni include Gerald Finley, Alfie Boe, Lesley Garrett, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Nicky Spence, who was the Patron of Scottish Opera Young Company.
Scottish Opera audiences will be familiar with NOS alumni including current Emerging Artist soprano Kira Kaplan, and tenor Robert Forrest. They are both cast members in the Opera Highlights tour this year. Kira has already appeared in the Company’s production of Albert Herring, and will perform in Trial by Jury and A Matter of Misconduct! in May.
Following five years of nationwide success, The Piper’s Rest in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is celebrating its fifth birthday on Burns weekend by inviting their loyal fans for a night of live music, and the chance to win Scottish-themed prizes including a VIP day at the Six Nations plus a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
Edinburgh pub-lovers rejoice as The Piper’s Rest celebrate their fifth year in business by hosting a huge party to say thank you to their loyal customers.
Located just off the Royal Mile, the pub opened just before the global pandemic, and has maintained a devoted fan base throughout the last five years by championing traditional Scottish produce and supporting local live music.
Over the last five years The Piper’s Rest’s welcoming reputation and high-quality service has earned the pub one of the top-rated spots on Trip Advisor’s ‘Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh’ and even caught the eye of the Come Dine With Me: The Professionalsproducers where the pub not only starred but was victorious in Season 2 Episode 20.
Friday 24th January will be an open-to-all night of traditional Scottish celebration as customers will toast to Burns weekend and raise a glass to an outstanding five years for The Piper’s Rest.
Lucky locals will have the chance to win two platinum Six Nations tickets to see Scotland host Wales at Murrayfield, including breakfast at Piper’s, transport to the game, and then dinner and a party back at Piper’s afterwards.
The night will also see a tasting from Scottish moonshine brand Highland Moon and a prize-draw to win a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
An advocate for Edinburgh’s live music scene, The Piper’s Rest is one of the only pubs in the city to host different local artists 7-nights-a-week. Regular appearances from cult favourites such as Acoustic David and Ted Christopher have made the venue a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Commenting on the fifth birthday, Frazer Henderson, General Manager at The Piper’s Rest, said: “When we opened Piper’s, we had the vision to utilise the best Scottish produce available, the best local live music out there, and serve customers with a smile on our face.
“Five years on, the welcoming, warming nature of the pub is what makes us proud. We can’t thank our loyal locals enough for making The Piper’s Rest what it is. Here’s to the next five years!”
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Most recently the bar and restaurant group took over Gordon’s Trattoria after a 43-year ownership as the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella, which plans to continue serving authentic Italian cuisine for now in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
The Piper’s Rest is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a menu consisting entirely of Scottish favourites, using recipes passed down from parents & grandparents, with a modern twist – “Hearty, warming, traditional and comforting.”
Exciting announcements for our new project Drylaw Good Apples; our first session will start on Saturday 25th January 11 – 1pm. This will be a general introduction and some maintenance.
All sessions are for adults and accompanied children and are free.
After that our sessions are:
Weds 29th 1-3pm. Pruning with RBGE- strictly bookable. FREE
Weds 5th Feb 11-1pm. Mulching and den building
Sat 15th Feb 1-3pm. Mulching and games
Weds 19th Feb 11-1pm. Bench making and woodcraft.
Meet us at the front door of Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre at the time stated above and we will walk over to the orchards with tools wheelbarrows etc. All welcome!
PLEASE WEAR WARM CLOTHING AND GOOD STRONG FOOTWEAR.
Still time to sign up for our Community Councils webinar at 6pm on Wed 29 January, when we will get an update on the Democracy Matters consultation from the Scottish Government.
The Democracy Matters engagement process asked communities to consider what the future of community decision making should look like where they live.
On 19 September 2024, COSLA and the Scottish Government published the Democracy Matters National Conversation report alongside a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to this work.
In this session Scottish Government officials will be presenting the process findings and outlining next steps for this important work.
SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.
The Foundation has provided £4,500 to Dr Bell’s to support its ‘mindful dips’ initiative which provides wild swimming sessions for parents who are looking for a break from the challenges of parenthood.
Founded in 2006 in Leith, Edinburgh, the charity provides a welcoming space for families with young children where they can receive encouragement, support, and advice in a relaxed atmosphere.
For parents, the demands of caregiving can often come at a cost of their own wellbeing as they prioritise the needs of their children.
Recognising the need for a respite, Dr Bell’s introduced a groundbreaking wild swimming programme, giving parents the chance to take a mindful break from the pressures of parenthood.
Designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing for parents facing stress, anxiety, and isolation, the sessions cater for all levels of swimmers, whether they are seasoned veterans or new to the water.
Held at nearby natural swimming spots, the mindfulness dips provide parents with guided experiences in cold water immersion from trained professionals, helping them to reduce stress, improve their mood, and build resilience against the pressures of life.
“Parents often put themselves last time and time again, and that often takes a toll,” explainsMegan Henry, Early Years Manager at Dr Bell’s Family Centre.
She said: “This programme is about giving them a moment to focus on themselves, surrounded by nature and a supportive community. It’s not just swimming, it’s a chance to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
“Many of those who attend the sessions have never done wild swimming before, and while they may be nervous, stepping into the cold water has an immediate impact. They feel calmer, more in control, and even excited to face the challenges of parenting.”
The programme’s success lies in its holistic approach. Alongside the swims, parents benefit from mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and ongoing support from the Dr Bell’s team.
By combining physical activity with mental health strategies, the programme offers parents the support to help their wellbeing.
The Scottish Building Society Foundation’s funding has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, and will help the programme expand in the future, offering more parents the opportunity to experience wild swimming.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: “By supporting the wild swimming programme, we’re not only helping parents, we’re also creating ripple effects that benefit their families and communities.
“We’d encourage any parent who is struggling, or just needs a little bit of support to contact Dr Bell’s. While you may not want to take the plunge into Scotland’s wild waters, they will be on hand to offer help and advice where needed.
“As a mutual organisation, we are committed to strengthening communities across Scotland. The charities supported through this round of funding reflect the incredible work happening on the ground to tackle issues such as isolation, mental health, and youth development.
“All of the charities The Foundation supports are fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.
“We look forward to supporting them further in 2025, empowering them to continue making a positive difference, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”
Hello Hello orchard lovers!
PLEASE WEAR WARM CLOTHING AND GOOD STRONG FOOTWEAR.
