Renowned talent management and theatre training programme, Stagebox, is back in Edinburgh this month hosting free auditions at Festival Theatre this Saturday ()17th July 2021.
Stagebox Edinburgh launched in February 2021, providing the region’s rising stars with unrivalled talent management and performance training programmes.
Amongst a number of success stories nationwide, Stagebox client Abby Wallace from Edinburgh recently landed a prime role in the brand-new BBC comedy series, Dinosaur, as Young Nina.
But Abby is not the first rising star from Scotland; she follows in the footsteps of 11-year-old Stagebox client, Lexi Sheppard, who is currently filming for a Netflix movie musical and previously trod the boards as Young Cosette in Les Miserables on London’s West End.
If you know a young performer aged 8-18 years old who is looking to take their talent to the next level, Stagebox is inviting auditionees to take to the stage at the in-person audition workshops.
Successful candidates will enjoy the exclusive award-winning performance training programme in Edinburgh during the school holidays, as well as benefitting from the talent management at Stagebox.
Commenting on the upcoming auditions, Stagebox’s General Manager, Jasmine Quinlan Gardner, said: “We’re thrilled to return to Edinburgh following our May auditions in the city – as a widely-respected hub for the creative arts we are so excited to bring this opportunity to the region’s budding talents.”
Kirsti Bagger, Head Agent at Stagebox said: “We have completely removed Stagebox audition fees this year as we’re passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. Whether you’ve got plenty of experience or are a complete newcomer, anyone can audition to become a part of Stagebox – we’re simply looking for passion, ambition and star quality!”
These auditions are guaranteed to fill up fast and limited spaces apply.
To register your spot for the Edinburgh audition date, please visit Eventbrite.
Diet is at the heart of beef’s race to net zero, according to respected Dr Karen Beauchemin, a federal scientist in Canada and an international authority on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from livestock farming.
Seaweeds, fat from crushed oilseed rape and feed additives have all been part of a practical research programme she and her colleagues are carrying out, looking at both feeding and breeding to make the economics and environmental commitment stack up for beef producers.
“The goals of economic and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand in beef farming and are complementary,” she says. “We have discovered multiple methods of reducing methane emissions in beef production, but the number one way is still to improve overall efficiency whether that’s through more kilograms reared per cow or improved grass utilisation.”
The studies have shown that methane is a direct result of the amount and quality of food, and in this week’s QMS podcast, Dr Beauchemin, who has worked in animal nutrition for over 30 years, looks at diet-related strategies that can be used to reduce methane emission patterns, and achieving the balance for producers to make cumulative gains.
“The research shows that methane emissions are highest when diets are higher in fibre, such as grass or silage, but this can be mitigated by cutting silage earlier to minimise the starch levels.
“And, although by feeding concentrates and grains producers can reduce emissions, we don’t want to overfeed these to beef cattle as their unique ability is to digest highly fibrous feeds like grass that cannot be consumed by humans and make use of that energy to produce food that can be.”
In Canada, consumers have been paying a carbon tax since 2019, $20/tonne soon to rise to $170/tonne, but it is not currently applicable on agricultural products.
There is pressure from the retailers, however, and the Canadian beef industry has introduced a low carbon beef framework to allow retailers to source from producers who are working to reduce their environmental impact.
The “badge” on the supermarket shelf is more than GHGs, however, explains Dr Beauchemin. It includes land use, water management, animal welfare and a healthy work environment.
On the challenges of consumer perception of livestock production on the environment, she adds: “Cattle do produce GHGs but they are producing food. With cars we’re talking about fossil fuels that are extracted from the earth and the CO2 emissions emitted are in the atmosphere for a long time.
“Methane from animals is part of a biological cycle. We have energy trapped in plants by photosynthesis, those plants are converted by animals into energy that goes into producing meat and milk for human consumption. The methane emitted in this system is short lived – it is broken down in about 12 years.
“Also, the animals are maintained on pasture and those pastures are sequestering carbon or have sequestered carbon, so they have large reserves. We have to be careful with comparing the emissions from animal production with fossil fuels.”
While there is a lot of interest in using breeding to improve feed efficiency, Dr Beauchemin focuses on diet over genetics. She has been very involved in the commercial-scale study of 3-NOP, a feed additive from manufacturer DSM which inhibits methane in the rumen.
In collaboration with several teams including experts in large-scale methane measurement, feedlot nutrition and health consultants, the results from 15,000 cattle have shown that it can reduce methane in a forage-based diet by up to 25% and by 80% in a feedlot finishing diet.
The podcast series is available through Apple Podcast, Buzzsprout, and Spotify, as well as via the Quality Meat Scotland website and social channels.
Carers Trust Scotland today is releasing research about the experiences of the pandemic among unpaid carers and carer service support workers across Scotland.More than 500 participants shared the challenges of caring, and supporting unpaid carers, throughout the pandemic.
The pandemic has been difficult for unpaid carers, with 90% of respondents stating they are spending more time caring and 82% saying they have had no respite since the beginning of the pandemic.
With lockdowns and restrictions, many unpaid carers have been unable to share the responsibilities with family and friends and many services have had to pause or reduce their input.
These challenges also impact those carer service workers supporting unpaid carers. As other services paused, 76% of carer support workers that participated found their workload increased. 65% say that their job role has changed, as delivery of support moved online.
Carer support workers highlighted the emotionally demanding calls from unpaid carers, and the challenges of taking these calls in a home working environment without the support of colleagues that you would have in an office.
Hannah Martin, Research and Engagement Officer for Carers Trust Scotland, said: “The pandemic has been a very challenging time for both unpaid carers and carer support workers.
“The challenges unpaid carers have faced, have directly impacted those supporting them. Through the lived experience of unpaid carers and carer support workers, this research illuminates those challenges throughout this unprecedented time.”
In addition to providing an evidence base of experiences, the research puts forward recommendations and suggestions to support carer services and staff as they move out of the crisis phase of the pandemic. This includes recognising and valuing the incredible contribution of unpaid carers, and carer support workers over the pandemic period.
World-leading researcher on unpaid carers’ rights and Carers Trust Ambassador, Professor Saul Becker, said: “During the pandemic, unpaid carers of all ages, have been spending more time caring and more people than ever before have taken on unpaid caring responsibilities while statutory and other support services have been reduced or not available.
“This has also added additional pressures on carer support services that have had to adapt their practices quickly and provide holistic support to unpaid carers during very challenging circumstances.
“I welcome this COVID-19 in Scotland impact report on unpaid carers and carer service workers and believe every effort should be made to support the implementation of the report recommendations and suggestions, which could further improve the lives of unpaid carers and recognise and value the vital role of carer support services.”
Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart, said: “Carers, and the services that support them have done a remarkable job in very difficult circumstances over this past year during the pandemic. I want to thank them for all their hard work and effort.
“During the pandemic, we have invested an additional £1.9 million in extra carer support via carer organisations. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with the Carers Trust and national care organisations to ensure that carers continue to receive the support and the services they rely on. We will continue to do so as we move into a new phase of the pandemic and society starts to open up.
“The Scottish Government is committed to establishing a National Care Service by the end of this parliament to oversee the delivery care, invest in better terms and conditions for the workforce and provide better support for unpaid carers.”
A service supporting autistic adults to set up their own micro-enterprises, a project helping people with disabilities to find love and friendship and a family support project for those living with down’s syndrome are amongst 23 groups in the capital today sharing in £610,119 from The National Lottery Community Fund.
An Edinburgh business mentoring service supporting autistic adults to set up their own micro-enterprises today receives £9,500, IWORK4ME will deliver its service Scotland-wide via face to face and online meetings.
Artist Ruth Mutch trades as Penguin Parade. She continues to grow her business having increased her range of merchandise from just a few items to over 200.
Ruth, who is supported by her mother and IWORK4ME, said: “Trying out self-employment and running a micro business with the support of IWORK4ME and my mum has really given me a purpose in life and helped my mental wellbeing and self-esteem.
“I now feel I have achieved something and am successful whereas before I felt a failure.”
Sue Hope, Development Manager, IWORK4ME, added: “We are delighted with this National Lottery award.
IWORK4ME is a small charity which promotes self-employment as a beneficial career solution for autistic people like Ruth across Scotland. This funding ensures that we can continue our Business Mentoring service on Zoom and promote the service on social media to a wider audience.”
get2gethersupports adults with disabilities to lead their own lives whist finding love and friendship.
Over the next three years, with an award of £150,000, they will provide a range of activities from party nights to exercise classes that reduce isolation and help people realise their full potential.
Marion Smith, Project Manager, get2gether, said: “A huge thanks to the National Lottery for continuing to support us. get2gether supports adults with disabilities to lead independent, self -determined adult lives.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ll be able to continue bringing members together through a wide range of activities.”
Based in Edinburgh, but supporting families across the country, Down’s Syndrome Scotland receives £197,214 to deliver essential information, advice and support through a new extended helpline, a live chat facility and other online platforms.
Chief Executive, Eddie McConnell, said: “We are so grateful to have received this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. It will allow us to continue to provide vital support for people with Down’s syndrome and their families across Scotland.
“Our Family Support team offer specialist support and information to families on a variety of topics via our helpline as well through video sessions.”
Families with disabled children are to benefit from an award of £9796 to Firsthand Lothian for a programme of one to one and early intervention support.
Bev Read, Director, Firsthand Lothian, said: “This National Lottery funding enables us to provide much needed support for families across the city of Edinburgh who have children with disabilities or are disadvantaged.
“Through our direct 1:1 work with children, engaging them in stimulating activities that both aids their development and are fun, we will help children and families become more resilient. Thank you so much to National Lottery players for making this award possible.”
Across Scotland, 184 community projects are today sharing in£4,435,695.
Announcing the funding,The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “It’s great to see these community projects being funded in Edinburgh to help people as they recover from the pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects improve communities and the lives of local as people as they start to come together again to re-build and re-connect.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raDOgetise is making such a difference to people’s lives.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Thanks to National Lottery players, last year we awarded over half a billion pounds (£588.2 million) of life-changing funding to communities across the UK.
Over eight in ten (83%) of our grants are for under £10,000 – going to grassroots groups and charities across the UK that are bringing to life amazing ideas that matter to their communities.
Corra Foundation are welcoming applications from community groups, organisations and charities for a number of funds currently open.
Focusing on a variety of themes, the grants open are aimed at supporting communities at local level, from support for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic charities delivering projects on mental health, to funding for grassroots organisations working with homelessness and small funding pots for neighbourhood projects.
The Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund, Enabling Neighbourhoods and Communities Fund and The Local Support Fund are administered by Corra Foundation on behalf of the Scottish Government. #ShiftThePower Scotland Comic Relief Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation working as an intermediary partner with Comic Relief in Scotland.
July closing dates for two of the funds – Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund and Henry Duncan Grants are fast approaching. Please see below for more information and links to guidelines and applications.
A round-up of current funds from Corra Foundation:
Supporting Third Sector Armed Forces community organisations whose operations have been affected by COVID-19. Up to £75k available towards running costs until the end of March 2022.
Up to £30k, multi-year funding for grassroots organisations and charities working under 2 themes:
Gender Justice – contributing to gender equality by reducing violence and discrimination and promoting increased opportunity for women, girls and LGBTQI+ community.
A Safe Place To Be – homelessness support including for refugees & asylum seekers.
Up to £3,000, open to groups with strong local relationships with the community and which support people to connect and improve wellbeing – whether that’s community garden projects, children’s groups or local sport clubs.
Supporting small community-based groups delivering frontline services to people who use or used drugs, people in recovery and families affected. £1,000 to £10,000 available per year, up to 5 years.
More detail on all the open grants and the application process can be found at https://www.corra.scot/grants/. For questions or to discuss ideas or applications, please get in touch at hello@corra.scot.
The charity Coram Voice will celebrate the awards ceremony of Voices 2021, its national creative writing competition for children in care and young care leavers, virtually again this year due to ongoing pandemic restrictions.
The ceremony will be streamed on the Coram Voice YouTube channel from 5pm tomorrow (14 July) and will be co-hosted by award-winning Scottish actor and former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi, a long-standing supporter of the competition, and Voices 2019 winner Sophia Hall.
It will also feature members of the competition judging panel announcing this year’s winners, including the children’s authors Abi Elphinstone and Cynthia Murphy, novelist Kirsty Capes and the poet Joelle Taylor.
Peter Capaldi said: “It is an honour to host the Voices awards ceremony again this year. The competition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the creativity and talent of care-experienced young people and builds greater understanding around their lives and experiences.”
Sophia Hall said: “I am delighted to be co-hosting this year’s award ceremony with Peter. I’m a proud care experienced person, but that wasn’t always the case. I used to hide the fact I was in care, and never really spoke about it when I was a teenager.
“Today, after being encouraged by organisations such as Coram, my peers, and the wider community, I embrace my experience as an important and integral part of my identity. The Voices competition means a lot to me because it’s all about encouraging young people in care to use their voices, and encouraging non-care experienced people to listen”.
This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Voices competition, which is sponsored by UK management consultancy Cadence Innova.
The competition received over 250 entries on the theme of ‘What Makes Life Good’ submitted from across the country. Just 24 of these have been shortlisted over four age categories: primary (age 4-10), lower secondary (age 11-14), upper secondary (age 15-17) and care leavers (age 18-25).
Brigid Robinson, Managing Director of Coram Voice, said: “The uncertainty and disruption of the pandemic has made the past year incredibly challenging for many children and young people in and leaving the care system.
“But reading the competition entries, we have been so inspired by the stories and poems that show how children and young people are using their strength and creativity to deal with these difficult experiences. Their motivation and resilience is an inspiration to all.
“I want to congratulate all the young people who entered this year’s competition. This is your night, and we are delighted to be able to host the awards online so that we can all celebrate together and share the talents of every young person who took part.”
Gary Ashby, Founding Partner at Cadence Innova, the Headline Sponsor of Voices 2021, said: “It is our third year sponsoring the Voices competition and we are delighted to be working with Coram once again. The Voices Awards champion children’s creativity and development and we are immensely proud to be a part of this inspiring contest. We hope that the artistic exploration of this year’s topic – What makes life good – will not only help the participants explore their creative sides, but also grow their confidence for the future.”
To find out more about the Voices 2021 competition and how you can tune in on 14 July, please visit coramvoice.org.uk/voices.
People should continue to follow public health measures to protect one another as all of Scotland prepares to move to Level 0 at 00:01 on Monday 19 July.
Confirming the change to Level 0, the First Minister urged people to adhere to protective measures and sensible precautions to suppress coronavirus (COVID-19) to help create conditions that allow Scotland to move beyond Level 0 on 9 August.
From 00:01 on Monday 19 July, physical distancing in Level 0 will reduce to 1 metre in all indoor public settings and outdoors. Additionally, informal social gatherings of up to 15 people from 15 households will be permitted outdoors without physical distancing. Gatherings of up to 10 people from four households will be permitted in all indoor public settings with 1 metre physical distancing.
Other easings to Level 0 taking effect at that time include:
under-12s will no longer count towards the number of households that can gather indoors in public spaces and homes
hospitality settings can open till midnight, if their current licence permits that, and customers will no longer be required to pre-book a two-hour slot to go to a pub or restaurant but will still be required to provide contact details to assist Test & Protect
up to 200 people will be able to gather at weddings and funerals
Employers are asked to continue to support home working where possible until we move beyond Level 0.
From 04:00 Monday 19 July, travellers who are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and children arriving into Scotland from Amber List countries will no longer be required to self-isolate and take a day eight test, but adults and children over 12 will still take tests before travelling and on day two after arrival. Anyone testing positive for or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will still require to isolate for 10 days.
A survey is being launched for those at highest risk from COVID-19 to gather views on what additional support might be needed as restrictions ease. Later this week, the Chief Medical Officer will also write to this group with advice on what moving to Level 0 will mean for them.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “While Scotland will move to Level 0 from next Monday, we will do so with certain modifications to our original indicative plans. This is intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions is sensible in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.
“There is no doubt that Delta has become, unfortunately, something of a game-changer – even for countries on course to achieving full vaccine protection – so COVID does remain a threat that we must treat seriously.
“The Scottish Government understands the temptation to lift more restrictions more quickly. In our view, and in line with clinical advice and modelling, a gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life – and also because a gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach, it will be better in the long term for the economy as well.
“We are easing restrictions next week – but we are not abandoning them. We will also keep in place for now certain other measures – such as the requirement to wear face coverings, co-operate with test and protect teams, and comply with advice on good hygiene and ventilation.
“If we do all of this, frustrating though it all continues increasingly to be, we will help protect ourselves and our loved ones. As we continue to complete the vaccination programme, which does offer us still the route back to greater normality, we will make it easier for more restrictions to be gradually and sensibly lifted in the weeks ahead.”
Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 13 July 2021:
Presiding Officer,
I will update parliament today on the decisions the government has reached in relation to the current Covid restrictions.
In doing that, I will reflect on the mix of positive and more challenging developments we have experienced recently.
And I will emphasise that this is a time for continued caution – for government to take the tough decisions necessary to help safeguard the health and wellbeing of the country.
That means that while Scotland will move to level 0 from next Monday, we will do so with certain modifications to our original indicative plans.
This is intended to ensure that our pace of easing restrictions is sensible in light of the challenge we continue to face from the Delta variant.
And I will confirm that certain mitigations – such as the mandatory wearing of face coverings – will remain in place not just now but, in all likelihood, for some time to come.
It is important to stress that measures like the continued wearing of face coverings are important, not just to give added protection to the population as a whole, but also to give protection and assurance to those amongst us who are particularly vulnerable and who previously had to shield.
Lifting all restrictions and mitigations right now would put all of us at greater risk – but in particular it would make it much more difficult for the most clinically vulnerable to go about their normal lives. It would risk the imposition of shielding by default and, in my view, that is not something we should do.
Before I turn to the detail of all of this, let me summarise today’s statistics.
The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 2,529 – 11.5% of all tests.
The total number of confirmed cases is now 318,566.
There are currently 506 people in hospital – 37 more than yesterday.
And 41 people are in intensive care – 1 more than yesterday.
Sadly, 4 more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths registered, under this daily definition, to 7,761 .
As always, my condolences go to everyone who has lost a loved one.
3,941,571 people have now received a first dose of the vaccine – an increase of 7,163 since yesterday.
And 10,286 people got a second dose yesterday, bringing the total number of second doses to 2,903,557.
The continued success of the vaccination programme continues to give us real hope.
We are in the final stages of offering first doses to all adults.
More than 80% of 30 to 39 year olds have had a first dose, along with around two thirds of 18 to 29 year-olds.
All 18 to 29 year olds have now had a first dose appointment scheduled.
Turning to second doses.
Virtually all over 60 year olds have now had both doses – uptake is 96% among 55 to 59 year olds, 89% in 50 to 54 year olds, and 61%, so far, in 40 to 49 year olds.
Second dose appointments are being scheduled for 8 weeks after the first dose – so in the next couple of weeks, coverage of 40 to 49 year olds will get much closer to the levels achieved for older age groups.
Walk-in vaccination centres are now open in all mainland health board areas for anyone over 18 who has not yet received a first dose, or who received a first dose eight weeks or more ago.
I appeal to everyone due to receive a first or second dose to get it as quickly as possible. It is the single most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves and each other.
As I said earlier, in coming to today’s decisions, the government has had to weigh up both positive and more challenging developments. The continued progress of the vaccination programme is obviously positive.
Also encouraging is that case numbers – which were rising sharply two weeks ago – now appear to have levelled off. In fact, they have fallen in recent days.
In the week to 4 July, an average of 3,300 positive cases per day were recorded.
That is now just under 2,700 – a reduction of more than 15%.
However, cases are still high – more than twice the level when I last updated parliament.
And not all cases are confirmed by testing. So although the current fall is encouraging, we continue to monitor all data – including, for example, on wastewater sampling – to get the fullest possible picture.
Another positive is that vaccination is definitely weakening the link between case numbers and severe acute illness.
In January more than 10% of people who tested positive for Covid had to go to hospital. That is now around 3%. It is also the case that people admitted to hospital with Covid are being discharged more quickly.
All of this reflects the fact that a much greater proportion of cases now are in younger people who are much less likely to become seriously ill.
However, for all the welcome signs, there are still reasons to be concerned – and certainly not complacent – about the current level of infection.
Firstly, if case numbers are high, even just 3% ending up in hospital puts pressure on the NHS.
We can see that already.
Three weeks ago, there were 171 people with Covid in hospital, and 18 in intensive care.
Today, it is 506 and 42 respectively.
Hopefully, with new cases starting to fall, we will also see hospital admissions fall over the next few weeks.
But at the moment, the pressure on the NHS is of concern.
First and foremost, it means a significant number of people suffering illness. It also means more pressure on a workforce that has already given so much.
And it holds back NHS recovery. Every hospital bed occupied by a Covid patient is one less bed available to tackle the backlog of non Covid care.
Another reason to take the current level of infection seriously is the risk of long Covid.
Many people, including young people, who get the virus but never need hospital care will still suffer long Covid.
This is a condition that experts still don’t yet fully understand – but we do know that it is causing misery for many.
Indeed, it is one of the main reasons that, in my view, we cannot be complacent about young people getting this virus.
To say that it just doesn’t matter – when we don’t yet fully understand what the long term consequences might be for some young people – would risk treating them as an experiment and it won’t surprise anyone to hear that i don’t think we should do that.
These are just some of the reasons for continued caution – even as our optimism about the impact of vaccination continues to grow.
That sense of caution is reinforced by looking at the international situation and listening to the WHO.
Several countries across Europe – for example Portugal and Spain – are now dealing with very sharp rises in cases. Holland has just reintroduced restrictions that were lifted at the end of June.
Israel has also seen a significant rise in cases as a result of Delta – despite its very high level of vaccination.
And some countries which did well in suppressing the virus last year – for example in the Asia and Pacific region – are now seeing cases rise. Japan, for example, has decided not to allow spectators at the Olympics.
As the Delta variant becomes more dominant in more countries, we are likely to see resurgences elsewhere too.
There is no doubt that Delta has become, unfortunately, something of a game-changer – even for countries on course to achieving full vaccine protection.
So Covid does remain a threat that we must treat seriously.
The Scottish Government understands, I understand, the temptation to lift more restrictions more quickly – of course we understand that.
But in our view, and in line with clinical advice and modelling, a gradual approach stands the best chance of minimising further health harm and loss of life.
And also because a gradual approach stands the best chance of being a sustainable approach, it will be better in the long term for the economy as well.
So we will continue to ease restrictions, we are not slamming on the breaks, but we will do so carefully.
Let me turn then to the detail of our decisions.
From Monday 19 July, all parts of Scotland not currently there will move to level 0.
However, this move will be made with certain modifications – applied consistently across the country – to ensure that we are not easing up faster than is sensible.
Full details are on our website.
However I will highlight some key points just now
In level 0, up to 8 people from up to 4 households can meet indoors at home – compared to 6 people from 3 households in levels 1 and 2.
Up to 10 people from up to 4 households can meet in a public indoor space – such as a pub or restaurant.
And up to 15 people from up to 15 households can meet outdoors – whether in a private garden or public place.
Children under 12 already don’t count towards the total number of people. From Monday, they will not count towards the total number of households ether.
In level 0 up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.
Soft play centres can open – as they could at level 1, but not at level 2.
And for hospitality businesses, at level 0 – unlike in level 2 – there is no requirement for customers to pre-book a two-hour slot to go to a pub or restaurant.
However, customers will still be required to provide contact details to assist Test & Protect. And they will still be required to wear face coverings except when seated.
There will still be limits on the size of events and stadia attendances – but these will increase outdoors to 2000 seated and 1000 standing, and indoors to 400.
As of now, organisers will be able to apply to stage larger events.
Let me turn now to the modifications to our indicative plans.
Firstly, hospitality venues in level 0 – in all parts of Scotland – will require to close at midnight. This is a change to what we had previously indicated for level 0 – that venues should follow local licensing rules.
This reflects the fact that indoor hospitality – despite the sector’s sterling efforts – remains a relatively risky environment, particularly later at night when people may be less likely to follow rules. A midnight closing time represents progress from level 1 and 2 but it will help mitigate some of this risk.
The second modification is to physical distancing. Let me be clear, what I am about to set out applies to public places. We have already removed the requirement to distance for groups of family and friends meeting in private houses or gardens – as long as these are within the permitted limits.
In indoor public places – as indicated previously – where there isn’t already a 1m rule in place, the physical distance requirement will reduce from 2m to 1m and will apply between different household groups.
The main modification is in relation to outdoor public places.
We had hoped to lift physical distancing outdoors completely and, by extension, remove any limit on the numbers who can gather together outdoors.
However, for precautionary reasons at this stage, we intend to keep in place a limit on the size of outdoor group gatherings – as indicated earlier, this will be up to 15 people from up to 15 households.
Because meeting outdoors is less risky than indoors, there will be no requirement to distance within these groups of 15. However, for the next 3 weeks at least, there will be a requirement for 1m distancing between different groups of 15.
The Economy Secretary intends to work with the events sector on guidance to explore how events already organised might still go ahead, with appropriate modifications.
The final and perhaps most substantial modification to what we had indicatively planned relates to working from home.
We had indicated that a gradual return to the office could begin from level 0.
However, given the current situation we intend to postpone this until we move beyond level 0 – which we still hope will be on 9 August.
Until then we will continue to ask employers to support home working where possible.
I know this will be disappointing for many businesses – and also some employees who are finding home-working hard.
But this will reduce the extent to which people are meeting up in enclosed environments or travelling together, and so will help to contain transmission during this phase.
Presiding Officer
I hope that the move to level 0 – albeit in a modified form – will be welcomed.
It is not a complete and wholesale lifting of all restrictions – it was never intended to be.
However, it does restore yet more freedom to all of us.
Indeed, it is worth emphasising that we are no longer in lockdown – nothing like it. Life is much more normal than at any time since the start of this pandemic.
However, the gradual approach we are taking means that sensible precautions will remain in place to limit transmission while we make even more progress on vaccination.
To that end, as I indicated earlier, we will also keep in place for now certain other measures – such as the requirement to wear face coverings; co-operate with test and protect teams; and comply with advice on good hygiene and ventilation.
On the issue of mandating mitigations like face coverings, let me say this.
It is my view that if government believes measures like this matter – and we do – we should say so, do what is necessary to ensure compliance, and take any resulting flak from those who disagree.
We shouldn’t lift important restrictions to make our lives easier and then expect the public to take responsibility for doing the right thing anyway.
Presiding Officer
I have addressed today the move to level 0.
We previously indicated that we hope to move beyond level 0 on 9 August. That remains our expectation.
By then almost everyone over the age of 40 will have had their second vaccine dose at least two weeks previously.
However, as with today’s decisions, we will assess the data before coming to a final decision nearer the time, and I will provide a further update to Parliament in the week before 9 August.
Presiding Officer
Finally, today I want to confirm our future intentions in relation to the requirement for close contacts of positive cases to self isolate. We know how onerous and disruptive this is.
So, firstly, when we move beyond level 0, we intend to remove the blanket requirement for close contacts to self isolate, as long as they are double vaccinated – with at least two weeks having passed since the second dose – and take a PCR test that comes back negative. We will publish guidance on the practical operation of this shortly.
Secondly, as part of our wider preparations for the new academic term, we have asked our education advisory group for advice on whether, to what extent and with what mitigations we can remove the self isolation requirement for young people in education settings who are close contacts of positive cases. We will set out our conclusions well in advance of the new term.
We are of course still waiting for advice from the JCVI on whether children over 12 should be vaccinated.
Lastly, from next Monday, 19 July, self-isolation will no longer be required for people arriving from countries on the amber list, provided they are fully vaccinated through a UK vaccination programme and take a PCR test on the second day after arrival.
We will continue to take a precautionary approach to the inclusion of countries on the amber list.
And, notwithstanding this change, we continue to advise against non essential overseas travel at this time.
For the avoidance of doubt, let me be clear that anyone testing positive for, or experiencing symptoms of, Covid will still require to isolate for ten days.
The decisions I am setting out today show that – despite the impact of Delta – vaccination is allowing us to continue easing restrictions, albeit cautiously.
That will be a relief to the vast majority. But it will be a source of anxiety to some.
So let me address again those at the highest clinical risk – many of whom previously shielded.
I know that many of you feel anxious about any easing of restrictions – particularly if you cannot have the vaccine; or have conditions, or are on treatments, that suppress your immune system.
The Scottish Government is very aware of that. We will not abandon you.
For as long as necessary we will ask people to take sensible precautions – like the wearing of face coverings – to allow you, like everyone else, to enjoy more normal life again.
We are also launching a survey this week for those on the highest risk list to tell us what additional support you need.
And the Chief Medical Officer will write to you this week with further advice.
Lastly, we know that there are around 13,000 people at high clinical risk who haven’t yet had both doses of vaccine.
If you are one of them – and if you are able to get the vaccine – please do so.
Presiding Officer
That final note of caution explains again the careful balance at the heart of our decisions today.
The vaccination programme is working, it definitely is working, and that gives us confidence to ease restrictions further.
But case numbers are still high. Covid still poses a risk to the health of many.
In the race between the vaccine and the virus, we believe the vaccine will win. But we cannot allow the virus to run too far ahead.
So we must stick to a cautious approach.
We are easing restrictions next week – but we are not abandoning them.
And even when we move beyond level 0, we will continue to require some baseline measures such as face coverings for a period longer.
I will end by emphasising again what we can all can do to protect each other.
First, get vaccinated. If you are over 18 and haven’t had a first dose appointment – or if you are 8 weeks or more from your second dose – register on the NHS Inform website for an appointment or go to a drop-in clinic.
Second, please get tested regularly.
Free lateral flow tests are available by post through NHS Inform, or for collection from test sites and local pharmacies.
If you test positive through one of these devices – or if you have symptoms – make sure you self-isolate, and book a PCR test as quickly as possible.
Third, stick to the remaining rules, and follow basic hygiene measures.
Meet other people outdoors as much as possible.
If you are meeting indoors, stick to the limits on group sizes. And open windows – the better ventilated a room is, the safer it is.
And remember physical distancing, hand-washing, the cleaning of surfaces, face coverings – all of these basic measures are as important now as ever.
If we do all of this, frustrating though it all continues increasingly to be, we will help protect ourselves and our loved ones. And as we continue to complete the vaccination programme which does offer us still the route back to greater normality, will make it easier for more restrictions to be gradually and sensibly lifted in the weeks ahead.
THE STUC HAS WELCOMED THE ANNOUNCEMENT
STUC General Secretary, Roz Foyer, stated: “We welcome the more cautious approach set out today by the First Minister. The trade union movement has consistently called for a cautious approach to easing restrictions, based on the data in conjunction with vaccine uptake.
“Many workers will be breathing a sigh of relief at the continuation of mandatory use of face masks. However, for hospitality staff, many of whom will not yet be fully vaccinated, the announcement of larger indoor events may understandably cause fear and worry.
“When planning for the return to office working, we need employers to work with trade unions and employees to consider a phased and flexible approach for their return to work, ensuring workers’ health and wellbeing is protected while working from home or in the office.”
ELREC organised a lunch for their team of volunteers to say thank-you for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
ELREC’s chair Foysul Choudhury MBE MSP explained: “We wanted to show our appreciation to all our volunteers who have helped us deliver vital work during Covid 19.
“The volunteers came together every Friday to collect Fareshare food, prepare food boxes, order and include halal chicken and then deliver to local communities in Edinburgh.
“Since June 2020 we have supported over 250 families with food boxes. The demand is still high however due to end of funding we have had to reduce our supply to 25 boxes per week.
“The event was attended by 32 of our dedicated volunteers and staff members. We had lovely lunch and provided gift bags and certificates to everyone involved.”
The lunch was organised by Foysol (above left), ELREC secretary Ragnish Singh and Honorary President Sir Geoff Palmer OBE.
