The final seven countries have been removed from the international travel red list, meaning travellers to the UK from those destinations will no longer have to stay in hotel quarantine for 10 days on arrival.
The decision was made on a four nation basis and will take effect at 04:00 on 1 November. It affects arrivals from Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.
In addition vaccine certificates from a further 35 countries and territories will be recognised to allow quarantine-free travel to Scotland. Going forward this list will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Despite no countries remaining on the red list from 1 November, the policy is continuing and some managed quarantine capacity will stay in place in Scotland in order to react to any change in risk assessment that would see a country added to the red list.
Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “Today’s decision is a further sign of the success of the Scottish Government’s vaccination programme and will enable the travel and tourism sector to take another step back towards normal operations.
“However, the pandemic is not over. The situation will be closely monitored and regularly reviewed and If the situation demands it we will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions on international travel to safeguard the health of our citizens and protect Scotland’s recovery.”
UK Transport Grant Shapps said: “We have been able to do this now because the variants of concern that we have been tracking are no longer of concern to the chief medical officers.”
Today, Friday 29th October, Big Issue Invest (BII) has announced the eight social ventures which have been chosen to receive support from the Big Issue Invest’s Power Up Scotland scheme.
Power Up Scotland is a lending scheme that offers investment, advice and support to early stage social ventures across Scotland. This year the scheme has been able to offer £500,000 worth of investment in total.
Big Issue Invest’s Power Up programme, launched in 2017, was opened to organisations across Scotland from July to September this year. The funding scheme aims to enable organisations to build on the good work they currently do within their communities.
Whether it’s buying equipment, hiring new talent, or progressing with business development plans. Successful applicants receive mentoring and business development support to social ventures for the two-year period.
Danyal Sattar, CEO of Big Issue Invest, said: “It is challenging as a social venture to secure early-stage funding. We are, therefore, so pleased, working with our brilliant partners in Scotland, to be able to support these organisations with the investment and business development expertise that they need in order to make an even greater difference.
We are incredibly excited about working with this year’s Power Up Scotland applicants. The work they do in their communities is incredible and it will be an honour to help them take this further.”
Cat Divers, My Pickle CIC Founder and CEO, added: “Starting a social enterprise, particularly a not-for-profit, is extremely challenging and having access to expert advice, support and funding is critical.
“We are so grateful to be accepted onto this programme. My Pickle CIC is all about co-creating new solutions that help people, and particularly the most vulnerable in society, to find and access the support they need when they need it.
“We want to see a world where anyone facing crisis can get the help they need when they need it, regardless of their location, finances or other personal circumstances.”
Steven McCluskey, Founder and CEO of Bikes for Refugees, added: “Bikes for Refugees Scotland is very excited to be part of the Big Issue Power Up Scotland programme as we continue to meet the challenges of the pandemic and an increasing demand for our service from New Scots.
“We have no doubts that this valuable programme will provide us with the much-needed support that we require at this pivotal stage in our growth and development as we aim to increase impact and become financially secure and sustainable in our work with refugees.”
The programme has been designed for early stage social ventures, no matter whether it is just in the ideation phase or whether it has been trading for a couple of years, we are happy to help and offer support where needed. For many of the applicants this is the first time they have accessed finance.
Young people will be the conscience of COP and world leaders must act on their demand for urgent action to tackle climate change, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is expected to say today when she launches the 16th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth.
Addressing 400 delegates from 120 countries, Ms Sturgeon is set to praise children and young people’s activism across the globe which had “spurred on, challenged, and inspired governments around the world”.
The First Minister will say: “It is important that young people are represented at this Summit. It is only right that you have a say in the decisions which affect you most – that’s a simple matter of fairness – but your presence also gives the Summit its very best chance of success.
“Your activism in recent years has spurred on, challenged, and inspired governments around the world. I can honestly say that you are the reason why, in 2019, Scotland became one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency.
“And your efforts are continuing to put this issue front and centre – in your own communities, in your home countries, and on the international stage.
“The idealism, creativity and sense of perspective that young people bring to this issue is a huge asset and I think it will help to ensure a successful outcome to COP. You should not have had to become the conscience of decision-makers around the world, but we will reach a better outcome if you are.
“We are determined that your voices will be heard.”
Councillors have unanimously agreed a series of recommendations including reforming the way it investigates complaints about abuse.
This follows the findings of an independent inquiry into how the Council handled complaints about the conduct of an employee who took his own life after being charged with serious sexual offences.
Susanne Tanner’s devastating report highlights catastrophic failings by the city council in dealing with a serious allegations which were first raised MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS AGO.
The inquiry was finally commissioned in October 2020 by Chief Executive Andrew Kerr following complaints about the historical behaviour of senior social worker Sean Bell, who was found dead in August that year.
In her report Ms Tanner makes a number of recommendations for the Council to act upon and an all party amendment was unanimously passed following the debate by Councillors at today’s meeting.
This includes taking forward the recommendations in the report and the subsequent action plan from the Chief Executive that will be brought to the next Full Council meeting in November.
The recommendations include reforming the Council’s system of investigation relating to sexual allegations, domestic abuse, physical violence, stalking or harassment, to make sure that it is independent and impartial and mandatory training for all managers on domestic abuse, coercive control and dealing with individuals making complaints of a potentially criminal nature.
They also cover improving policies and procedures relating to staff relationships and record keeping and the setting up of an appropriate redress scheme, without admission of liability, to compensate those who were abused by Sean Bell.
Chief Executive Andrew Kerr said: “Once again I want to offer my deepest sympathies to all the survivors of Sean Bell who suffered abuse at his hands over so many years, including those who came forward to speak to the independent inquiry and those who may not have felt able to do so.
“The report lays bare the extent of his abuse and the terrible and long-lasting impact it had, and continues to have, on their lives. I want to apologise to them on behalf of the Council – this should never have happened.
“The Council has now publicly discussed the report’s findings at length and accepted all the recommendations. It’s important we move quickly to put in place a plan setting out how we will implement these recommendations and I will bring this back to the Council next month.
“I want to reiterate my sincere thanks to the survivors and other participants for their courage in coming forward to give evidence to the inquiry team. I can only imagine how traumatic that must have been for them.
“We are grateful to Ms Tanner and the Pinsent Masons team who supported her inquiry for their sensitive and thorough approach to their investigation and we will do everything in our power to ensure this can never happen again.”
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “I want to thank the survivors for the courage, sincerity and perseverance in sharing their horrific experiences. I also want to apologise to them on behalf of all Councillors in light of their appalling experiences, which the independent inquiry has highlighted.
The detailed work carried out by Susanne Tanner and the Pinsent Masons team for this report has ensured the investigation, conclusions and recommendations were survivor-led and now gives us a clear way forward to strengthen the Council’s processes, policies and practice.
“I’m pleased that, as councillors, we were able to reach a unified position to endorse the inquiry’s recommendations in full. It’s vital that we continue to work together to ensure the failures of the past cannot be repeated in the future.
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “The bravery the survivors have shown in coming forward with their shocking testimonies of the abuse they experienced has been heartbreaking. No one should have to suffer as they have done and it’s due to their courage, honesty and openness in coming forward that we can makes changes for the future so I want to say sorry.
“Thanks must go to Susanne Tanner and her team for their thorough work and Council officers who co-operated fully with their requests for information. We have asked the Chief Executive to report back to Council next month, detailing how the inquiry recommendations will be implemented in full to ensure this cannot and will not happen again.”
For Bell’s victims, however, the Council saying sorry – more than twenty years too late – really just isn’t good enough …
This year two Dispersal Zones are being set up in North West Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th November.
Under the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, police have a Power of Dispersal within the designated zones authorised by Superintendent David Robertson.
This means that Police can instruct any people in groups of two or more who are congregating and behaving in an antisocial manner to disperse, and if they do not live there to leave the zones, and then not to return for up to 24 hours.
If they do return, they can be arrested.
Nine dispersal zones will be set up across the city in known ‘hot spots’. As well as West Pilton and Muirhouse, zones will be established in Portobello, Loganlea, Gilmerton, Moredun, Southhouse, Gorgie and Saughton.
News of the establishment of Dispersal Zones will come as no surprise to local residents – the real surprise is that these dispersal zones will be in place over one weekend only.
In the lead up to everyone’s favourite spooky season, GoodBye Car are taking a look at the most ‘haunted’ roads in the UK and why they’re considered to be eerie and unearthly.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s still interesting to look at their history …
1. The Devil’s Highway
Location: A666 Near Bolton
When you name a road ‘666’, the chances are the future is going to be rife with plenty of occult shenanigans. There have been a number of sightings of a shady figure at the side of the road after the sun goes down, described by eye-witnesses as being hunched over with a slight limp.
There has even been some video footage of this, which you can make your own mind up on if you see it. Filmed on a dashcam, the white figure approaches the car slowly, much to the distress of the driver and their passenger…
2. The Ghost Road
Location: A75 Gretna to Annan
I mean, the name kind of speaks for itself here. This road, just over the border between England and Scotland, links Gretna to Annan and is notorious for being extremely badly lit. Driving along pitch black roads can play tricks on the mind at the best of times, especially if you’re aware that this road has seen incidents of the paranormal in the past.
Unnervingly, the police have recorded calls from drivers that describe having run over an old man in a tweed suit who they claim was crossing the road. But when they got out to check, the man was nowhere to be seen…
3. Blue Bell Hill
Location: A229, Kent
This particular road was the scene of an unfortunate tragedy back in November 1965 and has been haunted ever since, in the eyes of many. A young woman was due to be married when she was killed in a car accident.
Since then, the woman has been spotted wearing her extravagant wedding dress, veil and all, standing by the side of the road waiting for a lift. The scariest part of the story is that some people claim to have given the woman a lift, only for her to disappear completely soon after…
4. Stocksbridge Bypass
Location: Stocksbridge
A relatively new road when compared to the others on the list, the Stocksbridge Bypass quickly gained a reputation for events of the paranormal. Connecting the M1 with the A1616, the spooky shenanigans started occurring as soon as the building work started.
When construction was underway back in 1988, two security guards reported that they saw some young children playing right in the centre of the construction site. This would be an odd sight at the best of times, made even more bone chilling by the fact that the children disappeared without a trace as the guards approached them, with no signs of footprints…
5. M6 Bermuda Triangle
Location: M6
Named after the infamous Bermuda Triangle, it’s not a surprise to see that it’s gained this nickname for a negative reason. As opposed to the new style road seen above, there have been parts of this route that have been in place for around two thousand years.
What is now the M6 used to be travelled across by the Roman’s before the layers of concrete were added, and as such there have been numerous reports of Roman soldiers marching across the road. That’s not all though, as junctions 16-19 are particularly accident prone, leading to more tormented souls being seen, such as hitchhikers that vanish into the night and eyes that have been spotted watching passers by from the bushes. Slightly unnerving…
6. The Spaniard’s Inn
Location: Hampstead
When you pull up to the Spaniard’s Inn in Hampstead, it just looks like a normal pub. However, there are sinister undertones at play, with a rich history of ghosts and ghouls being spotted in the area. The building actually dates back to 1585, and became famous thanks to Dick Turpin’s father reportedly being the landlord of the pub.
The Inn gets its name from a Spanish Ambassador who used to meet with King James in the 16th Century. There were also reportedly two Spanish landlords named Francesco and Juan in the 17th century, to which the rumour exists that the duo fell out and eventually ended with Francesco killing Juan in a duel, who was later buried near the Inn.
I’m sure you can see where this is going, but it’s reported that Juan’s ghost still haunts the pub, looking for Francesco to claim his revenge…
7. Overtoun Bridge
Location: West Dumbartonshire
Probably the saddest story we’ve seen so far, this one is not for the faint of heart. Long story short, it’s said that the bridge located on the grounds of Overtoun House in West Dumbartonshire is haunted by the White Lady of Overtoun, who’s the ghost of the wife of former estate owner John White.
The sad part comes in when people claim the bridge affects dogs in particular, causing them to terrifyingly throw themselves off the side of the bridge. It’s said that more than 300 dogs have suffered this fate over the years. Our advice would be to keep your dog on a lead if you’re passing over the bridge any time soon.
If you don’t want to believe in the supernatural, non-believers say that the smell of wild animals in the woods below is what compels the dogs to jump over the side. But what if…
8. Blairgowrie
Location: A93
On the subject of wild animals, that takes us on nicely to the Hellhound of Blairgowie. This plagued pooch is said to have glowing red eyes and patrols up and down the side of the road. If you’re unfortunate enough to encounter it, you’ll likely smell it before you can see it, as it’s said to carry a stinking odour.
The hound is particularly a menace to dogs and horses, who become incredibly spooked when in the area, particularly at night.
There’s even a legend that says if you stare directly into the Hellhound’s eyes three times, then you’ll die. So that’s fun…
9. Platt Lane
Location: Westhoughton
Infamous to locals in the area, Platt Lane is another sad story of a tragedy leading to plenty of haunting stories. The incident in question was the Pretoria Pit mining disaster on 21st December 1910, leading to 344 of the 900 men and boys who went into the mine on that day never making it out alive.
The issue came from a gas leak due to a broken lamp, which then ignited an explosion. Some died from the flames, while others suffocated from carbon monoxide in what was a terrifying event for such a close-knit community.
Now it’s been said that when you drive along Platt Lane you can see the eyes of the miners watching on from the bushes, and the road is also partial to an eerie mist overcoming it at all parts of the year…
10. The Ghost of Gracious Lane
Location: A21, London
Normally when a road is made into a duel carriageway, life just goes on without incident. However, the ghost of Gracious Lane did not take too kindly to the road being split, and it prowls the street looking to take revenge by leading cars off the road and the unfortunate drivers to their death.
After drivers travel underneath the bridge, an odd phenomenon occurs where the standard A21 road seems to disappear and a new road takes its place, which actually points in a different direction.
Oddly, it’s not the only cursed activity in the area, as there are also reports of a white haired woman being seen stood in the middle of the road. Most drivers try and swerve to avoid what they think is a living and breathing human being, but inevitably run her over.
When they get out to check if she’s alright though, the woman is nowhere to be found …
Scotland’s electrical training body has saluted an “excellent” start to the academic year after the number of electrical apprentices and adult trainees beginning their studies reached a 12-year high.
More than 800 new learners have enrolled on the Electrical Apprenticeship and Adult Trainee Programmes for 2021, with colleges and training centres reporting full classrooms as future professionals take their first steps on the electrical ladder.
The intake is the highest in Scotland since 2009 – and the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) says it’s another encouraging sign of the determination to tackle the UK-wide skills shortage .
Barrie McKay, Training and Development Manager at SECTT, which manages high-quality training on behalf of the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), said: “I’ve been at SECTT for more than 20 years and it’s really encouraging to see a return to such high numbers.
“The figures are particularly satisfying given the position the industry was in this time last year, when only 500 people began training due to the impact of COVID-19.
“This improved intake illustrates that people recognise that the future is electric and also understand that their personal prospects will be brighter if they’re part of a sector that is going to play a key part in all our lives.”
A total of 2,158 electrical apprentices and adult trainees are currently training in Scotland, including the 715 apprentices and 126 adult trainees recruited for the 2021 intake.
Barrie added: “Not only are the numbers looking good, but the quality of the young people being taken on – both male and female – is really impressive.
“The industry has been concerned for some time about skills shortages as the demand for qualified electricians accelerates, and the enthusiasm and dedication of these new recruits goes a long way to easing these fears and suggesting that there is an appetite to learn among the electrical talent of tomorrow.
“As colleges continue to recover from the challenges of COVID-19, they will now help their students embrace all the modern technologies which will play such a huge part in a greener and more sustainable future.”
Both bodies also pointed towards the altered perception of employment in the sector, thanks to the long-running campaign for regulation of the electrical industry spearheaded by SELECT, Scotland’s largest construction trade association.
Fiona Harper, Director of Employment & Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The industry as a whole is committed to the next generation of talent coming through, and employers are clearly supportive of creating a pool of highly-trained, highly-qualified personnel to take their business and the sector forward.”
The National Living Wage (NLW) will rise to £9.50 from 1 April 2022. This represents an increase of 59 pence or 6.6 per cent.
The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations set the minimum wage back on track to reach the Government’s target of two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. The recommendations were unanimously agreed by Commissioners and accepted in full by the Government.
The increases announced yesterday will support the wages and living standards of low-paid workers at a time when pay growth is robust across the economy. They come against a backdrop of strong GDP forecasts, employment returning to pre-pandemic levels and businesses advertising record numbers of vacancies.
Bryan Sanderson, Low Pay Commission Chair, said: “The rates we recommended will put money in the pockets of care-workers, food distributors and many other groups of the lowest-paid members of our society up and down the UK. Many of them have made a vital contribution during the last few difficult months.
“The impact on communities is considerable – Blackpool for example will benefit by at least £6.1m from pay increases to its low-paid workers.
“The pandemic has been an exceptionally difficulty period for businesses and workers alike, but the labour market has recovered strongly and the economy is expected to continue to grow over the next year. This is attributable in no small part to comprehensive Government support.
“Our value as a social partnership is to find a consensus recommendation acceptable to both sides of industry.”
Alongside the NLW increase announced yesterday, the Commission recommended significant rises in National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for younger workers.
The 21-22 Year Old Rate will increase to £9.18, narrowing the gap with the NLW and leaving this age group on course to receive the full NLW by 2024.
NMW rates for 18-20 and 16-17 year olds will increase in line with underlying wage growth, protecting earnings for young workers while recognising their higher risk of unemployment.
The minimum wage for apprentices will increase by 51p, bringing it in line with the 16-17 Year Old Rate.
Rate from April 2022
Current rate (April 2021 to March 2022)
Increase
National Living Wage
£9.50
£8.91
6.6%
21-22 Year Old Rate
£9.18
£8.36
9.8%
18-20 Year Old Rate
£6.83
£6.56
4.1%
16-17 Year Old Rate
£4.81
£4.62
4.1%
Apprentice Rate
£4.81
£4.30
11.9%
Accommodation Offset
£8.70
£8.36
4.1%
Commissioners’ advice to the Government this year covers several areas.
The LPC has reviewed minimum wage rules for domestic workers and recommended that an exemption that has prevented au pairs and domestic workers from earning the minimum wage is removed.
Commissioners have also examined the evidence around the NLW’s impacts on different regions of the UK and on groups of workers with protected characteristics.
Stark gaps in educational attainment in Scotland could be reduced through the rollout of mentoring and tutoring support, according to a new report.
Highlighting evidence showing that mentoring and tutoring have positive impacts on attainment for young people living in the grip of poverty, the report, based on research conducted by the Poverty Alliance for The Robertson Trust, calls for mentoring and tutoring to be available and targeted to all school-aged children and young people at risk of poverty in Scotland.
It showed that high-quality tutoring programmes, in particular, can significantly reduce inequalities in educational attainment. Despite this, the report reveals that the provision of free tuition for young people living in Scotland is sparse.
In comparison to the National Tutoring Programme, which provides free tuition for pupils in England and Wales, the Scottish Government has not committed to widespread, accessible tuition as part of Covid-19 recovery.
Published yesterday on National Mentoring Day, the report highlights the success of mentoring as an effective intervention for improving self-confidence and raising aspirations amongst young people affected by poverty.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government and The Hunter Foundation committed to the expansion of mentoring and leadership support for care-experienced young people through funding the roll-out of MCR Pathways’ Young Scottish Talent and Columba 1400’s Leadership Academies across Scotland.
However, this report reveals a mixed landscape in terms of mentoring provision, with geographical gaps and a lack of provision directed at groups of children and young people who are more likely to be living in poverty compounded by other forms of disadvantage.
Dr Jim McCormick, Chief Executive, The Robertson Trust said: “Too many young people across Scotland are seeing their life chances restricted by poverty.
“At a time when painstaking progress is at risk of unravelling, it is deeply concerning to see any research which highlights an uneven educational playing field. The lack of free tutoring support is just one example of this and something that will invariably put young people living in poverty at a further disadvantage.
“We are keen to use these findings to understand what the role of an independent funder should be in working towards equal access to tutoring/mentoring opportunities which can lead to positive academic, developmental and emotional outcomes.
“Based on what we’ve heard, we are calling for greater collaboration between funders and support organisations to help bridge the gaps, both to level the playing field and to build a stronger evidence base of what works.
“Equally, we hope that this review will stimulate renewed commitment to act on the poverty-related attainment gap across Scotland, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact Covid-19 has had on those most affected.”
Dr Laura Robertson, Research Officer at the Poverty Alliance and lead author of the review, said: “The Scottish Government has put tackling the poverty-based attainment gap at the heart of its agenda.
“However, inequalities in education attainment remain stark. Covid-19 has not only tightened the grip of poverty on the lives of many children and young people, but has also exacerbated these inequalities. Now, more than ever, children and young people need access to additional support.
“This report reveals that – despite the evidence that it works – young people living in poverty still don’t have equal access to high quality tutoring free of charge. In a just society, all children and young people should have access to support that allows them to reach their potential, so the Scottish Government must – if it wants to end the attainment gap – respond with action.”
National charity Scottish Book Trust has today launched a major fundraising campaign, backed by The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, to drive its new ambition of ensuring everyone in Scotland has access to books and that no one misses out on the many lifelong benefits this brings.
Since the pandemic, the charity has been overwhelmed by increasing demand for its vital work to support vulnerable children and families.
Featuring a woodland illustration of The Gruffalo’s ‘deep dark wood’ from the iconic picture book, with the main Gruffalo character missing from the scene, the campaign refers to the famous line from the story that ‘there is no such thing as a Gruffalo’ and uses it to illustrate that for many children this is true because they don’t have books at home.
Without books, children are missing out and the impact of this lasts a lifetime. Books help families bond, bring joy and comfort, give children a sense of escapism and, importantly, improve their mental health and wellbeing.
New research conducted by Scottish Book Trust revealed that 85% of parents from Scotland’s most deprived areas said that reading helps them bond with their child and that reading makes their children happy, while 95% of all parents in Scotland said they think it is important for children to own their own books.
Julia Donaldson said: “I have read and performed my stories to many children in Scotland and when The Gruffalo was published, I was writer-in-residence at Easterhouse in Glasgow. I have seen first-hand how books can light up a child, catch an imagination and change a life.
“A lot of the work I have done has been alongside Scottish Book Trust and I have seen the important and effective work that they do for children and families throughout Scotland.
“I couldn’t be more pleased that The Gruffalo is now leading a fundraising campaign for the charity at a time when families need books and support more than ever.”
Axel Scheffler said: “It is sobering to see these well-known pictures from The Gruffalo without the characters included and to be starkly reminded that so many children and families have no access to books.
“Helping them to gain access is an urgent issue and I hope that this campaign will be able to raise the funds needed for Scottish Book Trust to make a difference to children’s lives in Scotland.”
Scottish Book Trust also surveyed education and early years practitioners and their responses underlined the need for books at home was great, with over two thirds stating some children they work with only own books gifted to them by Scottish Book Trust. Over 90% of respondents also stated that some pupils had lost reading skill and vocabulary due to lockdown.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:“The need for our work has never been greater than now, and the stark, long-term effects of the pandemic have only exacerbated this. Access to books and reading are absolutely essential for a child’s development and life chances – without books at home, young people in Scotland are missing out.
“By supporting Scottish Book Trust’s fundraising campaign, you can help us deliver more of our vital work to support those who need our help the most. We are incredibly grateful to Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books for their support.”
Funds raised from the campaign will enable Scottish Book Trust to deliver more of its life-changing work. Some examples of its programmes include specialist outreach support for young families through Bookbug for the Home, providing tactile books for children with additional support needs, supporting those living with dementia and the people who care for them, and giving books to families in need through food banks and community hubs.
