Amey marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week with apprenticeship pledge

To mark the launch of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 (1st – 5th March)  leading infrastructure company Amey, has pledged that 5% of its overall workforce will be made up of apprentices. 

In order to achieve this goal, 22 new apprenticeships, including degree-level roles, are being offered this year on Amey’s Scottish contracts.  

Amey’s Transport Infrastructure business in Scotland already employs 10 Modern Apprentices, 2 Graduate Apprentices and supports around 34 Foundation Apprentices. 

Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning qualification for secondary school students providing them with a stepping stone into a career and a full-time Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship with an employer.

Four of these apprenticeships are in North Lanarkshire, with a further thirty in Dumfries & Galloway. 

Kenny Kerr, Business Director of Amey’s Transport Infrastructure accounts in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Providing apprenticeship opportunities are a core part of our future growth, and essential to increasing diversity and the adoption of new skills across our business.

“Our continued support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week demonstrates our commitment to the entire apprenticeship family. We currently support Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships within our accounts, working closely with key partners such as Skills Development Scotland, colleges and universities and the Scottish Government. 

“We have learned the value of apprenticeships, as they allow our existing workforce to pass on their knowledge and experience to a future generation of skilled employees. Amey apprentices can obtain a range of practical, transferable skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their career. 

“Our investment in apprenticeships helps us meet the objectives of our clients, which include Transport Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council, by providing jobs, training and learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. With hopeful signs of a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and a return to economic growth, continued support for apprenticeships will ensure our company continues to develop and thrive.” 

Amey’s Transport and Infrastructure division looks after some of the most iconic and economically vital routes across Scotland, including the M8/M73/M74 network, North Lanarkshire roads and lighting and the Scottish South-West Trunk Road Network. 

Amey’s Apprenticeship Programme involves candidates completing both a technical certificate in their chosen area as well as a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) and incorporates the Duke of Edinburgh’s Business Award as a core part of the programme. 

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities with Amey visit: https://www.amey.co.uk/your-career/early-careers/apprentices/ 

Amey training and work experience learning in 2020/21 is delivered virtually in accordance with Scottish Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Follow us on Twitter @SWTrunkRoads

Find healthy recipes and get cooking!

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Sticking to a healthy diet can be easier if you cook from scratch. Ready meals, takeaways and pre-packaged foods can be high in fat, sugar and salt. Home-cooked meals are often cheaper, tastier, healthier and better for the environment.

It may also be quicker to rustle up a home-cooked meal, than wait for a takeaway to be delivered.

Here we provide some tips to help you find and cook some healthy recipes:

Finding healthy recipes

There are lots of healthy recipe books and websites available. When looking for healthy recipes, make sure you choose a trusted source.

Our new cookbook includes plenty of delicious and healthy recipes from well-known names, such as Joe Wicks and the Hairy Bikers. The recipes have been carefully selected by our Nutritionist for their use of fresh, healthy ingredients that promote good heart health.

You can download the book here – https://heartresearch.org.uk/cookbook/

Check the ingredients list


When looking for a healthy recipe, make sure you pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid recipes that include a lot of fat, salt, sugar or processed meats and cheeses. Healthier recipes include:

  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Wholegrain ingredients (e.g. brown rice, brown bread or whole-wheat pasta)
  • Lean sources of protein (e.g. fish, chicken (without skin), beans, pulses or tofu)
  • Low-fat dairy products (or alternatives), such as skimmed milk, fat-free yoghurt or soya products

Choose healthy cooking methods


Find recipes that use healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, baking or grilling, rather than frying or deep-frying in oil. Avoid recipes that cook with animal fats (such as lard or butter) and coconut oil as these are high in saturated fats which can increase your risk of heart disease. Choose recipes that use plant-based oils, such as rapeseed, olive, sunflower or vegetable oils. 

Adapt your favourite recipes

Eating healthily doesn’t mean giving up on all your favourite foods. Read through some of your favourite recipes and try to identify ways to make them healthier.

This could include adding extra fruit or veg, switching from white to brown rice or pasta, switching from cream to low fat yoghurt, reducing the amount of salt and sugar or switching to a healthier cooking method.

For more tips on how to improve your heart health, visit the ‘Healthy Tips’ page on our website and don’t forget to check out our new Cookbook.

Extension to one way system within the Western General

To ensure the maximum safety of patient and staff pedestrians, access to Hospital Main Drive from Entrance A (Crewe Road South) will be closed to vehicular traffic through to August 2022.

From Monday 15th March, Hospital Main Drive and car parks (listed below) will only be accessible to vehicles entering the hospital via the Telford Road entrance (Entrance D). No vehicular access will be available to Cancer Services or patient car parks from Crewe Road South.

As part of this closure, a new pedestrian footpath will be constructed to the south side of Hospital Main Drive, from Turner House to the junction between Ward 1 and Car Park 4a, and a shared cycle/ pedestrian lane constructed from Ward 1 to Crewe Road South.  Details of these new paths are attached to this communication.

Pedestrians and cyclists will now be safely segregated from construction activity on the north side of Hospital Main Drive, notably from the LINAC construction site and Infrastructure improvement works. All diverted routes into buildings will be signposted accordingly.

Construction traffic will continue to use the temporary construction site access to the south of the SHSC on Crewe Road South and will access the LINAC site across Hospital Main Drive. Pedestrians and cyclists will be assisted by Traffic Marshalls when crossing in this vicinity.

The following car parks will now only be accessible from Telford Road:

  • Car Park 6
  • Car Park 4
  • 2 x blue badge spaces at SHSC

Entrance to the hospital from Porterfield Road will remain unaffected by these works.

HOSPITAL MAIN DRIVE INDICATIVE ONE WAY SYSTEM PROPOSED DIVERSION ROUTE PLAN Option 2

HOSPITAL MAIN DRIVE INDICATIVE ONE WAY SYSTEM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT OVERALL PLAN

Letters: The Coming Attack

Dear Editor

THE COMING ATTACK

At the end of the War in 1945 the population including the armed forces were exhausted, having also lived throught the 1930s of unemployment and poor living conditions. The population were determined to change things after 6 years of war.

The main thing to tackle was the formation of a National Health Service. In 1948 this would tackle the poor state of the nation and provide an example of how the nation could be organised for the people.

Now 70 years on, the foresight of setting up the NHS has been experienced and it is paying off, particularly in the circumstances of the Covid19 epidemic.

Millions of people have expressed their gratitude for the NHS, for its originators and for all the people who work within it.

But now a danger looms over our NHS. The Conservatives, who voted AGAINST the formation of the NHS feel they are able to start ‘ Reorganising’ the service to allow the private sector a controlling role in it.

This infiltration is a first step by the Tories in a plan to kill off the NHS as a service for all.

Tony Delahoy

by email

Report of the first Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland welcomed by Holyrood Parliament

The Scottish Parliament debated the report of Scotland’s first Citizens’ Assembly on Thursday 18 February.

MSPs welcomed the Assembly’s shared vision and 60 recommendations for the country’s future, ahead of an action plan on the Assembly’s findings to be published by the next Scottish Government and a further debate to be held by the new Parliament following the election in May.

Parties were urged to take forward the Assembly’s work through manifesto pledges.

The debate can be viewed here.

The Assembly’s report was published last month. The vision and recommendations were agreed by an overwhelming consensus of members, and cover a wide range of areas including future citizens’ assemblies, incomes and poverty, tax and the economy, health and wellbeing, support for young people, sustainability and further powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Following the report’s publication, Assembly members met virtually to discuss their vision and recommendations with ministers from the Scottish Government, including the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs Michael Russell and a number of other ministers. 

Last week, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Futures Forum held an event convened by the Presiding Officer which brought together members of the Assembly, a political panel and a number of MSPs to discuss and consider the vision and recommendations of the Assembly ahead of the Parliamentary debate on Thursday. 

The report of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland can be read online at citizensassembly.scot

To accompany the report, a short film on the Vision and Recommendations agreed by the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland, and featuring the voices of members is here: 

Our Vision and Recommendations – YouTube

And a second one that considers the deliberative process is here:

Finding common ground through deliberation – YouTube

All of the materials including evidence from previous weekends, an interim report and range of supporting papers covering previous work and articles and videos about the impact of COVID-19, together with recordings of plenary sessions, are available on the Assembly website 

www.citizensassembly.scot 

Scotland has another Citizens’ Assembly underway. Scotland’s Climate Assembly is tackling the question: “How should Scotland change to tackle the climate emergency in an effective and fair way?” and will continue its work over the next few months.

Best wishes,

Citizens’ Assembly Secretariat

New COVID testing site opens at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre

The UK Government has opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre Car Park.

The test centre, which opened yesterday, is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises 7 drive through sites, 33 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all COVID testing and test processing outside of the NHS. Around two thirds of all daily tests are provided by the UK Government, in support of Scotland’s health services.

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816. People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste).

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Walk-through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 700,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said: “The UK Government is doing everything it can to support people in all parts of the UK through the pandemic.

“Testing continues to play an important role how we manage the virus alongside the roll out of vaccines, helping to identify local outbreaks, slow down the rate of transmission and protect communities. I would like to thank the public for continuing to do the right thing and come forward to be tested when they display symptoms.

“The UK Government continues to provide the bulk of testing in Scotland, with this new walk-through centre in Edinburgh just the latest in our extensive network. We have also secured and paid for millions of doses of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines for all parts of the UK.

“Hope is on the horizon, but we can’t let up on our efforts to contain the virus.”

Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader said: “Our number one priority is keeping Edinburgh’s residents safe and the best way to do that is to keep encouraging everyone to follow the latest guidance and to arrange to get themselves tested if they develop any Covid-19 symptoms.

“Our other testing sites across Edinburgh have been helping hundreds of people every week to get tested so it’s really welcome that this new site is opening in the north of the city.

“We’ll keep the use of the Ainslie Park Leisure Centre under review to ensure that when it’s possible for Edinburgh Leisure to reopen for sport and leisure use, venues can operate efficiently.”

Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: “Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running.

“Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Edinburgh, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”

Scottish construction praised for following safety guidance, but warned: Don’t take your foot off the gas

Scotland’s construction industry has been recognised for playing its part in the battle against COVID-19 – but has been warned not to take its “foot off the gas” after recent cases were reported on sites across the country.

The alert came from Russell Adfield, Head of Construction Sector and Policy at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during a recent online meeting of the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum.

Mr Adfield told the industry collective that it should be congratulated for helping to ensure the sector followed correct protocols – and said its role was more vital than ever if the industry was to continue to stay safe.

He also acknowledged that the CICV Forum has provided businesses with the guidance they need to protect their workers, friends and families and meet the COVID-secure requirements of Construction Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Mr Adfield said: “During 2020, construction rose to the challenge and triumphed, protecting staff and providing the bedrock of the UK economy throughout the year.

“However, although plenty of good work has been done, it is vital that we don’t take our foot off the gas and must all continue to work hard to protect against the very real threat that remains.

“This year is a time of optimism and hope, and a time to be steadfast and disciplined. We need to reflect and learn, but also to develop and advance as we maintain and improve our health and safety performance.”

Mr Adfield said there had been 856 spot checks and 850 COVID site visits in Scotland since the start of the pandemic, which revealed 136 social distancing concerns.

He told the Forum at their latest meeting (18 February): “Although December, was encouraging, January and February this year have seen an increase in positive reports of COVID cases on construction sites with the main issues continuing to be around social distancing and cleaning regimes.

“This is a critical period in the pandemic and diligence must be maintained at all times.  Pandemic weariness and vaccination optimism can adversely affect personal and corporate behaviour, but we mustn’t take our eye off the ball.

“Communication, cooperation and coordination in everything we do will be key in 2021 – and I know the CICV Forum will continue to help its members protect themselves and each other as we rebuild and recover.”

Becky Crosland, Chair of the Forum’s health and safety sub-group, said: “It’s encouraging to hear this recognition of the work that has been done, and good to know that the collective efforts of the CICV Forum are appreciated.

“However, Russell is right – we can’t take our foot off the gas. There is a long way to go and the end of the current need for stringent health and safety measures is not yet in sight.

“The construction industry has mostly been extremely patient, but we can’t let complacency creep in and spoil the good work that’s been done by so many in the past few months.”

The CICV Forum has been at the forefront of issuing industry guidance since the Scottish Government strengthened lockdown restrictions on 13 January, reinforcing pleas for everyone in the sector to take responsibility.

In the last few weeks, it has issued updated Construction Operating Guidance and information for those working in domestic and commercial premises, as well as a unique homeworking advice document and checklist.

Set up in March 2020, the Forum is now made up 30 full member bodies, and more than 120 individuals drawn from leading industry trade associations, private companies and professional bodies.

Since its inception, it’s campaigned for a consistent approach to the issues facing the industry, arguing that a common goal is more effective and mutually beneficial.

Greens: Railways can pave way to green recovery

Scotland’s railways can play a crucial role in getting Scotland moving again while cutting dangerous climate emissions, the Scottish Greens have said.

In a parliamentary debate this week the Greens outlined the party’s fully costed £22 billion Rail for All proposals to upgrade, nationalise, and electrify the railways.

The plan includes a new cross Forth rail tunnel, which would transform journeys between Edinburgh and Fife, and up the east coast to Dundee and Aberdeen, and north to Perth and Inverness.

Alison Johnstone MSP said: “Making rail the natural choice for passengers and freight would be a strategic investment in the recovery from the COVID crisis and could play a big role in cutting transport emissions as we tackle the climate crisis too.

“Crucially, the fully costed plans from the Scottish Green Party use technology that already exists, rather than pin our hopes on new inventions that we can’t afford to wait for. This investment could alleviate congestion on our roads and open up Scotland to those who don’t drive.

“And if we’re going to show the ambition we need, there’s no place for private profit or offshore companies in providing public services. It will be up to the next parliament, elected in May, to show this ambition.

“Reopening the Edinburgh South Suburban line and better connecting our towns and cities to the wider network can transform the lives of local residents, while helping tackle our lethal levels of air pollution.”

The Rail For All report can be found here: 

https://greens.scot/sites/default/files/Rail%20For%20All.pdf

Letters: Stroke research survey

Dear Editor

Six years ago, completely out of the blue I had a sudden and life-changing stroke. I’m not alone in this: stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, and around 1.2 million survivors are living with its devastating effects.

Yet, despite this research into stroke is severely underfunded. Just 1% of the total UK public and third sector health research spend goes towards stroke research.

When I had my stroke I was incredibly frightened and I thought I was going to die. But three weeks later, I was out of hospital and started physiotherapy. Within months I was able to start working again. My recovery has been made possible thanks to stroke research, which continues to improve care and find new ways to rebuild lives.

The Stroke Association have launched a unique opportunity for stroke survivors, like myself, and those who care for stroke survivors, both informally and as health and social care professionals, to have our say on the future of stroke research.

Partnered with the James Lind Alliance, the charity will find out what matters to us most so research can make the biggest difference to our lives.

With such limited funds for stroke research, worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s  vital that we come together and make our voices heard. If you’re a stroke survivor, or you care for or work with someone affected by stroke, join me and speak up for stroke.

Don’t miss your chance, visit: www.stroke.org.uk/jla by the deadline of 21 March. 

Yours Sincerely,

Chris Tarrant

Radio and TV Broadcaster

MSP urges projects to apply for new Food & Drink funding

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has urged food and drink projects across Edinburgh to apply for a new Scottish Government fund launched to drive projects that celebrate locally sourced and produced food and drink. 

The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership was launched to help the sector with its recovery from COVID and prepare for Brexit, supported by £5 million from Scottish Government for 2020/21. An additional £50 million will be provided over 2021/22. 

Since 2018 the fund has awarded over £350,000 to 79 creative, innovative & collaborative projects across the regions of Scotland.

Grants of up to £5000 are available to applicants, and the deadline to apply is 15th March 2021. 

MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “Our world-class food and drink sector has faced an extremely challenging year, so this funding – which will contribute to its recovery from Covid-19 – comes at an important time.

“Between Brexit and COVID-19, there are very few food and drink businesses which haven’t been seriously affected – but it’s vital our food and drink industry keeps growing and bringing benefits to Scotland and Edinburgh.

“This money will play an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.

“I’d encourage all eligible groups and businesses in Edinburgh to apply before the deadline on 15th March.”