It’s The Scottish Sun wot won big at Scottish Press Awards

The Scottish Sun swept the board at the 42nd annual Scottish Press Awards last night as the industry celebrated the very best of Scotland’s journalism.

The Glasgow-based titlescooped the prestigious Newspaper of the Year Award, Journalism Team of the Year and News Website of the Year accolades, for its coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic.

It was also a triumphant year for the publication’s Political Editor Chris Musson, who was named Journalist of the Year, Reporter of the Year, and Scottish Political Journalist of the Year.

He also secured Scoop of the Year with colleague Graham Mann for their shocking expose that saw Finance Secretary Derek Mackay quit in 2020 after revealing he sent hundreds of messages to a schoolboy, aged 16, 

Chair of judges Denise West, chief commercial officer at DC Thomson Media and ex-Trinity Mirror (North) managing director said: “Journalists dig up stories, but their titles have to know what to do with them, and with its usual panache, The Scottish Sun knew exactly what to do when the good were delivered.

“Our daily paper of the year has lost none of its style and vigour and resisted political pressure to deliver one of the most important stories of 2020 and to keep well ahead of the pack when it came to the big political scoops.”

Denise said the decision to give Chris Musson Journalist of the Year was one of the “easiest decisions” judges have had to make in the awards’ recent history.

She added “Chris was involved in scoop after scoop which made the political weather week after week and even cost a Scottish cabinet minister his job.”

Sunday Times Scotland became the first Sunday Newspaper of the Year as judges praised the publication for its “agenda-setting news stories” as well as hard-hitting commentary and analysis.

And the Lennox Herald was chosen as the Weekly Newspaper of the Year by a panel of Scottish daily newspaper editors.

A total of 33 awards crediting the vital work of print and digital journalism were announced, with The Daily Record scooping the Campaign of the Year title with its ‘Addicted: What Do We Do About Scotland’s Drugs Deaths” series.

The Press and Journal’s Julia Bryce won the first ever Food and Drink Writer of the Year award, Gabriella Bennett of The Times won the Travel Writer category and DC Thomson’s Lesley-Anne Kelly was named Specialist Reporter of the Year.

The Nicola Barry Award, which was introduced in 2018 in honour of the late award-winning columnist and feature writer, was awarded to The Sunday Post’s Laura Smith.

Alan Muir, the ex-editor of The Scottish Sun who recently left after 34 years at the newspaper. received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award.

And The Orcadian received the inaugural Chairperson’s Award for how they’d served their local community and “stood up for its readers” during the pandemic.

Denise praised the newspaper, adding: “This one small title went out of its way to do its bit with tangible help for its community by giving up vital revenue to reduce advertising rates so small local companies could market their services cheaply and rebuild.”

This year’s judging panel comprised 37 independent judges compromising 21 women and 15 men drawn from across the Scottish media, communications, and public affairs industries.

The event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central was hosted by former BBC Scotland newsreader Jackie Bird.

The 42nd Scottish Press Awards are sponsored by VisitScotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Diageo, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Openreach, BIG Partnership, Women in Journalism Scotland, DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central, Event Consultants Scotland and SGN.

Scottish Newspaper Society Director John McLellan said: ““There is no question that 2020 was the most difficult year news publishing has ever faced, keeping readers properly informed through the biggest crisis any of us have ever known at the same time as the revenues on which all titles depend all but collapsed.

“But as an industry we were more than up to the challenge, as all our entries and our growing audiences clearly demonstrate.

“It has been brilliant to have our first in-person awards since the pandemic began and it’s a clear statement of intent that the sector will recover and continue to serve our communities.”

More information about all Scottish Press Awards winners can be found at: 

https://www.scotns.org.uk/awards/

Independent advocacy support service for disabled people

New service will launch in the New Year

Disabled people are to benefit from a ground-breaking new advocacy service which will support access to Scotland’s social security services.

The Scottish Government has committed £20.4 million over the next four years to the provision of the new and free programme, unique in the UK.

It will offer advocacy support to disabled people looking to access Scottish social security benefits.

These include current and future disability benefits such as Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment.

The service will be operational in the new year and is entirely independent of the Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland. It will be available in each NHS board area and will create up to 100 new jobs across the country.

Social Security Minister Ben Macpherson said: “The service will provide advocacy to anyone who is disabled and requires support to communicate their needs when accessing Scotland’s social security services.

“This assistance will be person-centred and advocates will provide the most appropriate form of support to each individual based on their circumstances.

“This is a new and independent free service, with no equivalent provided by DWP.

“It builds on our human rights-based approach and makes social security more accessible to disabled people in Scotland, ensuring their voices are heard.”

VoiceAbility, a charity with 40 years’ experience delivering advocacy services, has been awarded the contract to provide the service.

They will establish a new base and training centre in Glasgow and create up to 100 jobs over the four years. There will be at least one advocate in each NHS area at launch, with more jobs to be created as disability benefits are introduced.

VoiceAbility CEO Jonathan Senker said: “We are proud to launch this new independent advocacy service and we look forward to establishing a base in Scotland and taking on the staff to deliver it.

“The advocacy we provide will support disabled people to make sure their voices are heard when it matters most and that more people will get the support they’re entitled to.”

Brian Scott of the Glasgow Disability Alliance added: “Our members have highlighted the barriers that many disabled people face in accessing support to find out about the social security benefits they are entitled to – and to apply for them. 

“We welcome this free advocacy service as it will ensure disabled people are more involved in the processes and decisions which affect them. 

“In making social security more accessible to disabled people, it shows real evidence of a rights-based approach to providing services.”

Union’s ‘deep dismay’ over Edinburgh care home closures

UNISON, the union for carers, has expressed deep dismay at the decision to close an Edinburgh care home. The decision was passed by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (IJB) – which commissions health and social services from the City – at a meeting on Tuesday.

 UNISON, Scotland’s largest union, has been campaigning to prevent the closure of five council-run Edinburgh care homes, including Drumbrae. A further four council-run homes – Ferrylee, Clovenstone, Fords Road and Jewel House are all being earmarked for closure but subject to public consultation. 

Tom Connolly, UNISON Edinburgh City branch secretary, said: “The people of Edinburgh can feel very let down by this decision to close a much-needed local service, not least the elderly and vulnerable who reside in the care home and now face an uncertain future. 

“UNISON will continue its campaign to save public sector-run care homes and prevent them going into private hands. People need to come before profit and UNISON will continue its fight to save Edinburgh’s public run care homes and call for all private run care homes to be brought into the public sector.”

Greig Kelbie, UNISON regional organiser, said: “The decision to close Drumbrae was made without any public consultation and is a real slap in the face to the most vulnerable people in the city. 

“UNISON understands there is a substantial waiting list for homes in the area, so if the need hasn’t gone away then why should the services?” 

Edinburgh Integration Joint Board is chaired by Labour councillor Ricky Henderson and membership includes local politicians Councillor Melanie Main (Scottish Greens), Councillor George Gordon (SNP), Councillor Robert Aldridge (Liberal Democrats) and Councillor Phil Doggart (Conservative).

Furlough scheme is over

“With the recovery well underway, and more than 1 million job vacancies posted, now is the right time for the scheme to draw to a close” – Chancellor Rishi Sunak

  • Chancellor hails Scottish workers as UK Government’s Plan for Jobs package enters the next stage
  • As furlough winds down flagship schemes such as the super-deduction and Kickstart scheme continue to support jobs and businesses
  • Rishi Sunak calls on Scottish firms to take advantage of ongoing support during a visit to a Legal and General modular homes factory and housing site in … Yorkshire!

The Chancellor will today (30th September) praise Scottish workers’ ongoing resilience as the government moves to the next phase of its Plan for Jobs, part of a £400bn support package for the economy. 

The change comes as latest figures show more employees on payrolls than before the pandemic, underlying wages increasing strongly and the OECD predicting the UK to see the fastest growth in the G7 this year and next. 

Having protected over 910,000 jobs in Scotland during the toughest times of the pandemic, the furlough scheme closes today after gradually winding down as the economy began to recover. With the majority of Covid restrictions removed and the economy open again, the government is focused on investing in jobs and skills.

The UK Government’s Plan for Jobs will carry on helping to fuel the economy’s bounce-back by supporting employers across the UK to create new jobs and workers to boost their skills.

The UK Government has also provided the Scottish Government with an additional £14.5 billion in funding since the start of the pandemic.

During a visit to Legal and General’s modular factory in Yorkshire, the Chancellor will ‘double-down’ on his call for firms across the UK to make the most of billions in further support on offer, including the super-deduction – the biggest business tax break in modern British history – and the Kickstart Scheme which offers fully-funded jobs to young people.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said:  “I am immensely proud of the furlough scheme, and even more proud of the determination and resilience of Scottish workers and businesses through the pandemic. With the recovery well underway, and more than 1 million job vacancies posted, now is the right time for the scheme to draw to a close.

“But that in no way means the end of the UK Government’s support in Scotland. Our Plan for Jobs is helping people into work and making sure they have the skills needed for the jobs of the future.” 

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “From day one of the pandemic, the UK Government put in place an unprecedented package of support. The strength of the UK Treasury has protected the livelihoods of nearly a million Scots, providing certainty for many during extremely difficult times.

“Thanks to the successful UK vaccine programme, businesses are trading once again, and the furlough scheme is winding up.

“Our focus now must be on recovering our economy, investing in Scotland’s communities, and getting people into work though our Plan For Jobs.”

Whilst some other countries ended their economy-wide support schemes earlier in the year, the UK’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-employment Income Support Scheme continued into the Autumn.

Over 18 months on from its launch and with over £68 billion spent on the scheme, today marks the final day of the furlough scheme which has been instrumental in protecting workers and incomes from the worst of the crisis. 

The Resolution Foundation said this week that the furlough scheme has “prevented catastrophic rises in unemployment”, and there are now almost 2 million fewer people forecast to be out of work than was feared at the height of the pandemic.

While emergency support draws to a close, the UK Government says it will continue to maximise employment across the country, create high quality, productive jobs, and deliver the skills that people, businesses and the economy need to thrive.

Today, the Chancellor will visit Legal and General’s modular homes factory and housing development in Yorkshire to see some of the Plan for Jobs in action. The super-deduction has allowed them to expand their factory capacity and has supported over 1900 across the UK, including 400 new jobs.

The Chancellor will meet employees including an employee who has secured a placement with Legal and General through the Kickstart scheme.

Fore Play Crazy Golf celebrates third birthday celebration with new cocktail and wristband prizes

Tunnocks Tea Cake Cocktails, Tequila Rose Cart and Free Cocktail Week Wristbands For Happiness Guaran-tee-d    

Glasgow favourites Fore Play Crazy Golf is turning the ripe old age of three and whilst it’s not technically a milestone birthday, they’ve decided to go all out with a month of celebrations that are gauran-tee-d to leave their guests happier than when they arrived. 

Marking their first three successful years in business, Scotland’s favourite adult-only alternative night out are supporting local with sweet collaborations with Tunnocks Tea Cakes and Glasgow Cocktail Week. What’s more, if it’s your birthday during their celebrations, you’ll be in for a special treat on your visit to the venue. 

Running now until the middle of October, there are endless surprises for guests including party favours, birthday badges and cake-cocktails and on the spot prizes on the green. 

Feeling lucky? Guests can win one of Fore Play’s countless prizes including discounted games, gift vouchers and free food, what’s not to love?

With supporting small businesses at their core, they’ve teamed up with Tunnock’s Tea Cakes to create an exclusive birthday cocktail that sweet tooth lovers will adore. Complete with Unicorn Gin 20, Malibu, Monin creme de cacao, toasted marshmallow syrup, milk, chocolate sauce and a full Tunnocks Snowball – this is a must try. 

The venue has also had a birthday makeover with balloon arches, bunting and countless birthday secret shenanigans, Fore Play Crazy Golf is the gift that keeps on giving. Bonus points: if you happen to share a birthday with Fore Play, flash your ID and the odds are sure to be in your favour. 

This weekend you’ll also find a Tequila Rose cart popping up as part of Glasgow Cocktail Week, with free wristbands on offer for guests. While in Edinburgh, they will be collaborating with Edinburgh Beer Factory on some thirsty prizes. 

After opening their doors back in 2018, Fore Play Crazy Golf opened their flagship venue in Glasgow, followed by their year-long temporary venue in Edinburgh in late 2020. After a pause through COVID, they’ve continued to grow and have cemented their place as a much-loved institution for fun-filled naughty nights out and competitive socialising. 

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “We can’t believe it’s been three years since we swung open Fore Play Crazy Golf. It’s been one hell of a journey so far, and we wanted to mark our anniversary by celebrating our success with some of our favourite independent businesses. 

“The support from our guests and local businesses has been incredible and we continue to seek out new experiences in our venues to ensure our mission of ensuring people leave happier than when they arrived. Come and help us celebrate, you won’t be disappointed.” 

To make a booking visit their website:  https://www.foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk 

Edinburgh Napier student’s film showcased at prestigious film festival

A film which won a prize in this year’s prestigious Gaelic Film Festival, FilmG, has been screened at a prestigious Film Festival in Glasgow which celebrates emerging filmmakers.

John Nicholson (22) from Bearsden, won Most Promising New Director at the FilmG awards in March for his film Bròn, and it was selected to be shown at the Assumption Studios short film showcase at SWG3 in Glasgow in July.

The film incorporates a dark atmosphere and clever writing to centre on the feeling of isolation – a topic many of us can relate to following this past year’s circumstances. 

Bròn tells the story of two brothers that drifted apart who finally confront each other and their past. It then comes to light that after a freak accident one of the brothers had killed their father and lived with the guilt for all those years.

Speaking about his success, John said: “To think that I’ve only just started out and my short film has won an award and has been screened at a festival gives me the inspiration and the hunger to create more films and be even more creative.

“I really enjoyed writing and directing my own film which was made better by the chance to include my Gaelic.”

John’s passion for filmmaking began when he got the chance to do some work experience for BBC ALBA and he discovered he had a talent for directing and writing scripts.

A recent graduate from Edinburgh Napier University, the talented young filmmaker studied a BA (Hons) in Television, after previously studying at Glasgow College.

John grew up in Glasgow and attended Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) Primary and Secondary, where he immersed himself in learning through the Gaelic language.

Debbie MacKay, FilmG Project Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for John. We hope to see many films from him in the future and look forward to tracking what we believe to be a very promising career.”

This year’s FilmG competition will be launching soon, with this year’s theme announced on social media as ‘Lorg’ (Find).

Watch John Nicholson’s film Bròn on the FilmG Website.

Shred your personal information for charity at Morrisons on National Shred Day


BSIA partners to take nominal donation for charity Crimestoppers to safely and securely dispose of business and personal information    


A new nationwide event that aims to help members of the public to dispose of their personal information safely and securely using professional services is taking place in Glasgow and Edinburgh at the beginning of October.

National Shred Day, organised by the British Security Industry Association in partnership with independent national charity Crimestoppers, is an opportunity to safely dispose of confidential waste for a nominal donation using the services of the BSIA Information Destruction (ID) members.

All donations will go towards regional projects carried out by Crimestoppers and your confidential waste will be shredded in an eco-friendly and safe way.

The event is taking place over multiple locations with the assistance of Morrisons superstores on Saturday (2 October) at 9.00am, and members of the public will be able to bring along as much as they wish to dispose of, including lever arch files, paper documents and boxes of statements, which will be securely shredded on-site before being baled and recycled into paper and tissue products.

The venues for National Shred Day in Scotland are:

  • Portobello Road, Edinburgh EH8 7BQ
  • 900 Crow Road, Anniesland, Glasgow G13 1JD

Under the theme of ‘Shredded, sorted’, National Shred Day aims to raise awareness of the potential risk of fraud if personal information is not disposed of effectively.

Kristian Carter, Chairman of the BSIA’s Information Destruction section and Commercial Director of Shred Station, said: “No matter how well you may think you’ve shredded your personal information and confidential waste at home it is not 100% safe from thieves.  

“Over lockdown many small companies and independent traders will have stored up a considerable amount and often small shredders will not be sufficient enough to dispose of it safely. 

“It is essential now more than ever that confidential documented information on people and businesses is destroyed securely to avoid the possibility of fraud occurring, and the BSIA’s ID companies play a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality with all kinds of paper data. 

“For a small donation you can dispose of your data securely and professionally and be assured that they won’t get their hands on your personal information.” 

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I know that many of us – from businesses to people – have kept too much personal information as a result of lockdowns and the pandemic, especially with people working from home.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to protect yourself by safely disposing of your or other’s personal information – and at the same time help raise valuable funds for Crimestoppers and our important work locally.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to BSIA for supporting our charity.”

For more information visit www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day

False Alarms Consultation: Firefighters respond to 30,000 workplace false alarms each year

Around 64,000 hours of firefighters’ time is needlessly spent each year checking out false alarms from workplaces, figures from the latest Scottish Fire and Rescue Service consultation show.

The Service mobilises on average two fire appliances and nine firefighters to each of the 28,479 false alarms – equating to around 57,000 unnecessary blue light journeys annually.

Most alarms are activated by faults or other causes like steam or burnt food with only two per cent actually involving a fire, most of which are put out before the arrival of crews.

The information has been shared by the national Service as part of its consultation on how to safely reduce call outs to false alarms, known as Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS).

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens says businesses and partners can play a key role in reducing the figures and called on them to get involved in the consultation.

“The advantages of getting duty holders to accept their legal responsibilities and reducing these callouts are clear” said ACO Stevens, “Making this change means we can free up firefighters’ time, be even more responsive in genuine emergencies and use SFRS resources more effectively.

 “We can also carry out more training and fire prevention activity, as well as realising the related benefits of improving road safety and reducing our carbon impact. These unnecessary blue light journeys bring risks to our crews, other road users and pedestrians as well as impacting the environment with an estimated 575 tonnes of carbon emissions produced – the equivalent of heating 230 homes a year.

“Businesses will also experience less disruption as they no longer need to wait for us to attend to give the all clear after a false alarm.”

The twelve-week consultation – which seeks views on three proposed options – is underway and while early analysis is encouraging with many members of the public taking part it also indicates a low response rate from the businesses and workplaces that are potentially most affected by the proposed changes.

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens added: “It may be that these businesses and organisations are taking their time to fully consider the proposed options and I’m also aware last month we were just coming out of a holiday period which is why we’re issuing this appeal for those most affected to take part in the consultation and play their part in helping to shape the future response model.”

The consultation brings the SFRS into line with the majority of UK fire and rescue services response to workplace automatic fire alarms (AFAs) explained Assistant Chief Officer Stevens: “The legal responsibility for dealing with an AFA alert lies with the duty holder of a property and most UK fire and rescue services now seek confirmation of a fire before attending. It’s now time for the SFRS make this change too.”

ACO Stevens added: “Each of the options, which have all been risk assessed, will see a significant reduction in the number of UFAS calls we attend. We want to know what those most affected think of our three proposed options I urge them to have their say on how they think we can best use our resources to keep them, their families and their communities even safer.”

The consultation document ‘Time for Change: Reducing Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals’ (UFAS) and survey can be accessed online at /consultations/ufas-consultation.aspx until Monday, October 11.

A report based on analysis of the consultation responses – including a preferred option – will be considered by the SFRS Board in December 2021. Any changes to service delivery will be implemented in a carefully managed process and in partnership with directly affected stakeholders.

The Big Dog Walk goes to Glasgow!

Event designed in a Covid safe environment

Touchpoint Live Media, the organisers of the hugely popular DogFest events, are delighted to announce that their Big Dog Walk Series is coming to Chatelherault Country Park,  Glasgow on October 10th, our first in Scotland.

The Big Dog Walk is a unique opportunity for dog owners and their families to walk together in the stunning Chatelherault Country Park. Dogs and their owners can choose from either a 2k, 5k or 10k route and walk times have been staggered this year for the comfort and safety of all taking part. 

Brand new this year, there will be a Puppy’s First Socialisation Walk, this will be a 2k walk for those with little legs and is a fabulous opportunity to introduce your new addition to other dogs and socialise them in a safe organised way.

If your dog is not one for crowds you can join our ‘Beat the Rush’ walk for dogs who love their walkies, but may be a but more anxious s and prefer having their own space. You and your dog will be left to explore the walk at your own pace on our first walk of the day.

Our walks aim to bring together dog lovers and dogs to encourage socialisation and exercise. The walk will be the best walk ever for dogs as you join hundreds of  other pups and their owners on a beautiful route with photo points and pit stops on the route for you and your dog to stop and have a drink and a snack at.

Back at the Event Village there will be plenty to do and see including  shopping, expert advice, the fun dog show, and plenty of festival food and drink. 

We are delighted this year to have the Dogs Trust on board as our Official Charity Partner who will be bringing along their Temptation Alley to challenge your dog. Participants can also raise more money for any charity of their choice upon signing up.

Prices are £10.50 per adult and children 5-16 years are free of charge. For more information and to book tickets, visit The Big Dog Walk.

Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of Touchpoint Live Media, says: “The Big Dog Walk is a wonderful opportunity for all dog lovers to get out and walk with the four-legged member of the family.

“We are so thrilled to be hosting walks again this year at these six beautiful locations, and very excited to be bringing these events to Scotland for the first time. These walks are a brilliant way to all get together in the great outdoors with all the family, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone.”

Students fly the Edinburgh College flag at WorldSkills UK competition

Four Edinburgh College students have qualified for national WorldSkills UK finals having triumphed in a series of qualifying heats in their respective fields of study.

Damian Tchorzewski and Liam Ward have qualified for the Automotive Technology final, while Ben Nicolson and Corrie Kettrick have qualified for the Stonemasonry final.

Automotive Technology

Damian, who recently studied Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, and Liam, who studies Light Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Principles, reached the finals following a qualifying process.

Stage one saw the duo sit a test that consisted of 30 questions in 30 minutes. The highest scorers from regions across the UK then progressed to stage two where they were tasked with completing five challenges on a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) program, under timed conditions.

Damian and Liam were among the six best performers in this qualifier and will compete in the national final taking place at Cardiff and Vale College on Friday 19th November.

Stonemasonry

This year’s Stonemasonry qualifiers – SkillBuild – did not take place due to COVID-19, however Ben and Corrie will have the chance to experience competition as they have been selected to participate in the national final.

The duo, who study at the College’s Forthside Construction facility, will travel to the National Construction College in Norfolk on 16-18 November where they will complete a set of stone-cutting challenges in competition with two Stonemasons students from Bath College.

Scott Warden, Head of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at Edinburgh College, said: “Congratulations to Damian, Liam, Ben and Corrie on qualifying for their WorldSkills finals – it is an outstanding achievement.

“WorldSkills UK, and skills competitions in general, are a fantastic way for our students and apprentices to network with peers from across the country, to test their skills in a new and challenging environment, and to boost their confidence.

“We’re delighted that four of our students will experience that this year and have the opportunity to be named among the best in the UK in their field. We wish them the best of luck.”