First Minister: ‘A very fragile and volatile situation’

Statement given by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing in St Andrew’s House, on Wednesday 4th November:

Thanks for joining us today again. Let me give you the daily updates on the COVID statistics.

The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 1433.

That represents 7.9% of the total number of tests, and the total number of confirmed cases is therefore now to 68,444.

602 of today’s new cases were in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, 318 in Lanarkshire, 163 in Lothian and 88 in Ayrshire and Arran.

The remaining 262 cases were spread across 8 other health board areas.

I can also confirm that 1257 people are currently in hospital – that is an increase of 3 from yesterday. And 94 people are in intensive care, which is 2 more than yesterday.

And finally, I deeply regret to say that 50 deaths have been registered in the past 24 hours of patients who first tested positive over the previous 28 days.

That means that the total number of deaths, under our daily measurement, is now 2,927.

National Records of Scotland has also just published its weekly update, that of course includes cases where COVID is a suspected or contributory cause of death.

Today’s update shows that by Sunday just past, the total number of registered deaths linked to COVID, either confirmed or presumed was 4,649.

167 of those deaths were registered last week, which is 61 more than in the week previous.

Of last week’s deaths 127 occurred in hospital, 31 were in care homes, and 9 were at home or in another non-institutional setting.

Now I report all of that as statistics but particularly when we have numbers such as those that I reported today, it’s always really important to remind ourselves that these deaths are not, and should never simply be, seen as statistics.

Every single one of them represents an individual who was cherished and loved and whose loss has been mourned by family and friends across the country.

So again, I want to send my deepest condolences to all those who have been bereaved as a result of this virus.

I am joined today by Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director. I am also joined by Martin Blunden, Scotland’s Chief Fire Officer, who will say a few words about fire safety – as we look ahead to what of course will be a very different 5th of November from the ones we have been used to.

The Scottish Parliament yesterday discussed longer term measures to prevent the misuse of fireworks. But there is also an immediate need to ensure that this year’s bonfire night passes safely, and the Chief Fire Officer will talk more about that shortly.

Before then, I want to cover two points and I will do so reasonably briefly.

Firstly, a quick return to the situation in relation to furlough payments. As you know, the Scottish Government welcomes the fact that the current furlough scheme has been extended until the 2nd December.

That will help employees and businesses across Scotland and the UK who need to use it over that period.

However we continue to make the case – as do our counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland – that the same level of furlough support must also be available after November. The same level of help for the self-employed should also be made available.

We cannot have a situation where businesses are fully supported, rightly fully supported, when England enters a lockdown, but comparable support isn’t made available, if all or part of Scotland, or Wales or Northern Ireland face similar restrictions.

So I very much welcome the apparent commitment of the Prime Minister to equal treatment, that he gave in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon.

As a result of that commitment, we hope and expect that the furlough scheme will be available at its current levels, those levels that will apply through November if we need to impose stronger restrictions in any part of the country in the future.

But we still have not seen any detailed written commitments on this from the Treasury. And we need to do that, as a matter of urgency. The current confusion and lack of clarity is, and I think this is an obvious point, is not helpful for our decision-making, but it is not helpful for businesses and employees who of course are anxious about jobs and wages at this time.

So I hope, although I’m mindful that I said the same thing at this point yesterday, that we will get that clarity over the course of today. (NOTE: UK Chancellor is finally expected to confirm this in a statement today – Ed.)

The second point I want to highlight also relates to support for businesses.

Back in July, we announced a £38 million package of support for new companies, in emerging sectors of the economy as well as supporting existing businesses through this crisis, we want to support the sustainable recovery of the economy in ways that help us meet our challenges of the future, not least climate change.

That support included a £25 million fund for recent start-ups, that’s being shared today between 90 businesses. They will receive a combination of grant and investment funding worth up to £300k.

These companies operate are operating in areas which are likely to grow in importance in the years to come – such as software development, space engineering and sustainable packaging.

And so we hope that this support will help them to innovate and grow, despite the crisis currently being caused by COVID.

Today’s funding also shows the mix of measures we are looking at as we try to support economic growth, both throughout and in the future, as we emerge from this crisis.

It is vital for businesses across the country that we work with the UK Government, and agree the details of furlough support.

The Scottish Government is also responsible for deciding funding for some major economic interventions – whether that is business rates relief, and the support grants available for companies which are hit by COVID restrictions.

But alongside that help, we are also responsible for more targeted measures. So today’s support is an example of that and we hope it will help a relatively small number of companies, but companies that have significance for the future, innovate, build and grow.

These are the two main points I wanted to cover today. However before I hand over to the Chief Fire Officer, I just want to emphasise again the current rules and guidance.

And I want to repeat that although we continue to see some positive signs in our data just now, and that’s all down to the sacrifices that people across the country are making. We are still dealing with a very fragile and volatile situation and therefore it is the case that we have a lot of work to do.

As I set out yesterday, given the nature of what we are dealing with right now, it’s not enough and we cannot take sufficient comfort from a situation where we stop the spread of the virus deteriorating. We also need to be seeing a significant and sustained improvement.

Otherwise the risk we would bear is going deeper into winter with a high baseline of infection – that would mean any increase in the R number could quickly see the virus overwhelm us and overwhelm our hospitals.

So we will be monitoring the situation closely ahead of the first review of our new levels system next Tuesday.

In the meantime though, I ask everyone to remember that we all have a part to play in this. The more all of us abide by the rules, the more chance we have of making the progress we need to see.

And it’s another opportunity to remind everybody that though this virus makes us all feel a little bit powerless and at times bewildered, no of us are powerless in the face of this if we all stick to the rules, we make an individual and a collective impact on the spread of it.

So let me just briefly in conclusion remind you of what these rules are.

If you are living in one of the areas categorised as level three at the moment – most parts of the central belt, and now also Dundee – do not travel outside your own local authority area unless it is essential. You can find more detail of what we mean by ‘essential’ on the Scottish Government website. But it includes, for example, work that you cannot do at home, or caring responsibilities.

And people in other parts of Scotland should not travel into level three areas except for the same essential purposes.

We are also asking you now not to travel outside of Scotland – to other parts of the UK, or overseas – again unless there is an essential reason for you to do so.

This is, I know, very restrictive but it is essential to avoid us taking the virus from areas of high prevalence to areas of low prevalence and that point is important to stress.

In addition to the travel restrictions across the country right now, none of us should be visiting each other’s homes – again except for specific purposes, such as childcare, or looking after a frail or vulnerable person.

When we do meet people from other households, outdoors or indoor public places, please stick to the limits. No more than six people from no more than two households.

Avoid car-sharing if you can.

Work from home if you can.

Download the Protect Scotland app.

And remember the five rules that everybody needs to abide by to minimise the risk of transmission:

· wear face coverings when you’re out and about
· avoid places with crowds of people
· clean your hands regularly and clean surfaces regularly
· keep two metres distance from people from other households
· and self-isolate, and get tested, if you have any of the symptoms of COVID.

I set this out in some detail yesterday, and you hear me say in regularly over the course of the days to come, we have taken early action in Scotland.

Your sacrifices are adding to that, to put us in, not a strong position because no country in the face of a global pandemic can claim its position is strong, but put us in a position that is less severe than many other countries across the world.

But it is a fragile position and we must continue to see progress, that obviously will guide decisions government takes but right now, that need to continue to suppress the virus if we are to avoid tougher restrictions that last for longer, is something all of us need to remember in complying with all of this advice and with all of the rules.

So my thanks again to everybody for joining us today and for all the sacrifices that you continue to make.

Morrisons launch explosive spicy sausages for Bonfire Night

Morrisons has brought back a set of fiery bonfire night bangers made with three of the hottest chillies known to mankind. 

Back by popular demand, The Morrisons ‘Hellfire’ sausages contain an explosive combination of Naga Ghost, Trinidad Scorpion and Carolina Reaper chilli – some of the spiciest chillies you can get according to the Guinness World Records.

They have been expertly blended with Morrisons 100% British ‘The Best’ sausage meat to create the ultimate hair-raising banger.

With coronavirus restrictions putting a dampener on many Halloween and Bonfire plans this year, these scorching six chilli rating sizzlers are sure to heat up even the smallest at home celebrations. But be quick, as the sausages are available for a limited time only.

Morrisons Sausage Buyer, Campbell Breakwell said: “These sausages cooked up a storm amongst our customers last year, so rightfully we had to bring them back!

“For those feeling dare devilish enough to try them for the first time, we’d suggest having a glass of milk at the ready!”

Available in Morrisons stores for £2.65 for a pack of six – or two packs for £4 if you’re feeling brave.

Available in the majority of Morrisons stores – whilst stocks last

Four tips to help keep routines on track amid uncertainty

Scots have been encouraged to build extenuating circumstances into their plans, look at the smaller goals and reward themselves to help them stick to their routines during this difficult time.‎

The team from Blackwolf Workout  have offered those struggling four tips to help keep their days more structured.‎

A lack of motivation and productivity is normal for anyone during a global pandemic, whether this is in terms of keeping to a gym routine or adapting to working from home.  ‎

Everyone is feeling different day to day so it’s important to not let your entire week or routine be overshadowed by one slip-up. ‎

A spokesperson for  Blackwolf Workout  said: “This has been a very uncertain year for everyone where normal routines, such as commuting to and from work, have been disrupted.  

“It can be difficult to stick to the routines of the ‘new normal’ when everything is so uncertain with further potential lockdowns still possible.

“By planning ahead and building any uncertainty into your routine you’re more likely to stick to it.” ‎

These are Blackwolf Workout’s  tips on how to keep to a routine:

1. Goals

Everything seems more achievable with smaller goals. If you have one finish point in mind, try and break down the journey between where you are now and the endpoint. Within the journey, you should highlight several markers or smaller goals to help show you’re on track. ‎

2. Reward

Everyone likes a reward and they can sometimes be just the motivation you need. If you’re struggling to motivate yourself to go to the gym, why don’t you treat yourself to your favourite meal on a Saturday night if you go three times a week? Be careful not to burn yourself out otherwise you’ll never want to get back to a routine. ‎

3. Remind

Write down exactly what you want to achieve by our routine. Do you want to lower your body mass, look more toned or reach a lifting goal? By writing your goal down and displaying it somewhere within your house, maybe on your desk or the door of your fridge, it’ll remind you of why you’re doing what you are and help motivate you. ‎

4. Location

With further potential lockdowns looking likely it can be hard to create a routine which you know will look the same in the next few months. Try and incorporate things that you can do at home, such as home workouts, into the routine.

If you do want to go to the gym, consider how you could do this at home if they shut. By planning as much as you can and considering these options before they happen it means you’re less likely to be thrown out of routine if they do.

Are you FIR real?

Conifox accepts no imitations as it supplies homegrown Christmas tree for The Mound

Family run, for family fun, Conifox Adventure Park has marked the launch of its yearly Christmas tree market by supplying a Scottish grown Christmas tree for The Mound.

Standing at a majestic 60ft tall, the Edinburgh Mound spruce will be supplied directly from Scotland, promoting the festive feeling of ‘shop local’ this Christmastime, with Conifox Christmas Trees hoping to encourage other Edinburgh residents to source their tree locally, reducing their carbon footprint.

With installation scheduled for 8am on Saturday (7th November), Conifox Adventure Park director, James Gammell, will be there to witness the yearly event.

James said: “From its origins in 1949 when the traditional gifted tree came from Scandinavia, through to 2008 and beyond when it’s been sourced directly from Scotland, the tree on The Mound has always been the starting beacon for Christmas in the capital.

“Seeing the community come together to marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights on a spruce that has united Scotland and Norway for over 70 years, is incredibly heart-warming. Although this year we will all be celebrating Christmas a little differently, we will still feel at home when we look up and see this symbol that is the spirit of Christmas.”

Edinburgh based company Bernard Hunter Cranes and Field and Lawn Christmas lights and city dressing, are both involved in erecting and decorating the Sitka Spruce, which was sourced from a forest in Kintyre.

Although grown in Scotland and supplied by Conifox Christmas Trees, the tree continues to be a gift from the citizens of Hordaland to mark the help given by the Scots to Norway during WWII.

James Gammell added: “As always we will be offering a little magic at Conifox Adventure Park, with our annual Christmas tree market, where we will have hundreds of beautiful firs ready to take home and enjoy.

“Remember to stop by and pick yours after your trip through our Christmas Drive-Thru Experience.”

Available from late November 4, 14ft Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruces and Fraser Firs will be stocked and displayed at Conifox Adventure Park ready to be netted and taken away, or delivered in Edinburgh, South Queensferry, West Lothian and more.

Potted Christmas trees and wreaths are also available, with commercial venues able to take advantage of this local supplier, bagging themselves a Christmas tree up to a 60ft. Email us  christmastrees@conifox.co.uk or Tel. 0131 333 2288

Those with tickets to the park’s Christmas Drive-thru will be enticed to shop their at-home range of real trees before or after their visit, to further experience the magic.

Tickets available now for the Christmas Drive-thru and are subject to additional government guidelines. A full refund guarantee is in place in case of event cancellation due to local lockdowns or restrictions. 

Tickets can be purchased via: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/conifox

To find out more visit the Conifox Adventure Park Facebook page @conifoxadventurepark or www.conifox.co.uk.

Nominations now open for Asian Restaurant Awards 2020

The 4th Asian Restaurant Awards in association with Just Eat will return to Scotland on 7 December 2020.

The awards recognise outstanding culinary excellence, sumptuous creativity, and achievement by those who have worked hard to help their local community during the recent pandemic that has rocked the hospitality industry. 

Nominations are now open and the public have until the 20 November to vote for their favourite restaurant online:

https://asianrestaurantawards.org/scotland-nomination-form/

This year, because of Covid-19 restrictions the judges won’t visit individual restaurants, so their winning decisions will rely entirely on customer nominations and any information supplied by the nominee.

The winners will be announced at a virtual award ceremony broadcast live from the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on NTV Europe (Sky 780) on Monday 7 December from 6 – 8pm.

Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat, said “Just Eat has worked closely with the Asian Catering Federation for a number of years. During an exceptionally challenging year, I’m delighted to celebrate our partnership by helping to recognise those who have worked tirelessly through the last 10 months and continue to do so.”

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation, the awards have become a pinnacle for uniting the Asian restaurant industry in achieving recognition for innovative vision and exceptional food.

Categories will cover a range of national cuisines, including Chinese, Bangladeshi, Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern, and also include the highly anticipated Chef of The Year, Best Newcomer and Local Hero awards.

Industry legend and Curry Club founder, Pat Chapman, a judge at this year’s awards, said: “Things have always been tough for the curry restaurant sector with immigration regulations and competition, and the virus has enforced closures (some permanent) and loss of income, so this year, more than ever, it is a pleasure to be involved in these uplifting ceremonies.”

The 2019 awards in Edinburgh were hosted by BBC TV news anchor Samantha Simmonds and over 70 Asian restaurants from across Scotland were shortlisted for an award. Winners in 2019 included Mother India’s Café in Edinburgh, Masala Ram’s in Falkirk and Panache in Elgin.

As Chairman of the Asian Restaurant Awards, Yawar Khan (above) is keen to uphold the traditions of honouring great food and maintain a strong stance on how recent measures are affecting the hospitality industry.

He said “During these difficult times, we need more support from the government, and the Asian Restaurant Awards 2020 are a wonderful way to give recognition to hardworking people in the Asian food industry.”

No Road Safety Audit or Economic Impact Assessment carried out for Spaces for People initiative

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has said that City of Edinburgh Council have not followed the correct procedures for the Spaces for Peoples initiative.

The initiative has caused significant controversy since being put in place, including floating bus stops, reduced parking and increased congestion.

Local shops in the South of Edinburgh have spoken out this week about the adverse effect the initiative is having on their businesses, with a number being forced to close.

A Freedom of Information request by Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, revealed that no road safety audits or Economic Impact Assessment had been made before road closures were put in place.

A Written Answer from the Scottish Govt. responded that 56 letters or emails had been received concerning Spaces for People projects in Edinburgh which cover a range of issues.

In answer to being asked what consultation with local residents and businesses has been carried out, a City of Edinburgh Council representative responded:

“It is important that we put temporary measures in quickly as our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and support businesses. This means we are not able to follow a full engagement process but we have encouraged communities to submit their views”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The initial measures put in place when lockdown started, to give people more spaces on pavements, were understandable.

“Edinburgh has started moving again, shops have reopened and schools are back, so traffic has come up again to pre lockdown levels.

“City of Edinburgh Council has clearly stated that they want to move towards more walking and cycling as lockdown restrictions are eased, but full public consultation must be carried out before any permanent changes are made.

“The lack of any safety audits or an Economic Impact Assessment have led to all of the issues that we have seen with the Spaces for People initiative since it was put in place.”

Nine disperal zones now in place for bonfire season

This year nine dispersal zones have been authorised in Edinburgh to combat antisocial behaviour and disorder over the bonfire period. The zones will be in operation between 2pm and midnight from today (Wednesday 4th) to Saturday 7th 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 we 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.

The nine zones are Muirhouse, West Pilton, Portobello, Loganlea, Saughton, Gorgie, Gilmerton, Moredun and Southhouse.

They will be in place from 2pm today (Wednesday 4 November) until midnight on Saturday 7 November.

Maps have been published on local police social media.

Capital’s creative projects share in over £1.6m National Lottery funds

The development of picture books for children with complex additional needs, a project to sustain community singing and an exhibition about life after lockdown are among the Edinburgh-based projects and research and development initiatives sharing in over £1.6million of National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland in the latest round of Open Fund awards.  

These funds are supporting creative individuals, projects and organisations across the country to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about by COVID-19, and helping to sustain people’s creative development at this challenging time. 

A project to develop picture books specifically designed for children with complex additional needs has received development funding.

Led by Edinburgh-based author Ailie Finlay and illustrator Kate Leiper, the project will explore how elements of movement, multi-sensory stimuli and musical interludes can help make picture books more engaging, ergonomic and cost-effective. The results will be shared with publishers, authors, illustrators and booksellers to help encourage accessibility in children’s literature. 

Ailie Finlay said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received funding and we’re very much looking forward to developing innovative books that are fun and inspirational for children with complex needs and their families and friends.”

Love Music Productions have received development funding for Connected Choirs to help local community singing groups find ways to successfully come together for distanced community singing. 

As part of this project, songwriters across different genres will be paired with a choir and commissioned to develop a creative response to the challenges of sustaining community singing in times of restricted social contact. The resulting choral materials will assist with distanced teaching and learning, and will be available for free to singing groups across Scotland. 

Talbot Rice Gallery have received research and development funds for a new exhibition exploring what ‘normal’ might look like following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Normal will look at how culture can shape the future, and examine ways in which individuals and communities can help ensure that whatever becomes ‘normal’ after the pandemic is founded upon equality, respect and ecological harmony. 

Tessa Giblin, Director, Talbot Rice Gallery said:“We want to look at what this pandemic year has meant to us from a variety of angles – from viruses and their relationship with evolution, to the asymmetry of this pandemic due to social and racial inequality, to its proof that we can step off the train of progress.”

A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website. 

Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund is supporting the creative sector to explore new, safe ways of working, developing practices and reaching wide audiences.

“From poetry festivals to theatre programmes, these projects reflect the resilience, innovation and determination of Scotland’s creative community in the face of COVID-19.” 

“Through these challenging and unpredictable times, creativity, art and culture are bringing us together and supporting our emotional wellbeing. Made possible by the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these awards are helping to sustain the value that creativity adds to our lives.” 

National Stress Awareness Day

4th November 2020

National Stress Awareness Day falls on the first Wednesday in November each year. Some stress is good for us. It helps us to respond to changes in life. However, too much stress causes harm to our health and relationships. This year has been highly stressful for most of us.

However, you’re not alone with your mental health.

The Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services to support people experiencing anxiety and other common mental health concerns.

Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support.

Information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as stress and anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

Self-help guides are available 24 hours a day from NHSinform.scot/youmatterwecare .

Users are able to choose strategies for immediate support, using tried and tested self-care options, or where appropriate, may be guided to other means of support such as telephone helplines.

NHS 24 offers a range of mental health services in addition to the NHS inform self-help guides, including the 111 Mental Health Hub, and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.

A new 24/7 Mental Health Hub provides support for those contacting the 111 service. In addition, people calling Police Scotland in mental health distress are also now offered access to the 111 Mental Health Hub service.

Collaboration work with the Scottish Ambulance Service is also underway to develop a similar pathway.

Applications to open early for Scottish Child Payment

The new Scottish Child Payment – which is unique to Scotland – is to open early for applications from next Monday (9 November).

Social Security Scotland will be taking applications ahead of its introduction on Monday 15 February 2021 to help manage the expected demand.

The new benefit, which will give eligible families on low incomes with children under 16 an extra £10 per week for each child, is planned to be fully rolled out to children under the age of 16 by the end of 2022, subject to data on qualifying benefits being received from DWP.

Ministers have prioritised the early introduction for families with a child under six and despite the impact and disruption of Covid-19, are able to start payments from early 2021.

Scotland is the only part of the UK where this additional payment for families with young children will be available. The payment could support up to 194,000 children this financial year and the payment will be made every four weeks.

The Scottish Government committed to introduce this new payment in June 2019 as part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Child Payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK.

“Almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family where a child is under six so I am proud we are able to introduce it early for families with young children – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for this new benefit to be introduced.

“We are expecting a significant demand for this new payment so are opening applications early from Monday 9 November and will make the first payments in around 15 weeks.

“A great deal of effort has gone into creating this payment – including overcoming the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on plans and work schedules to ensure we get money to the families who need it.

“I encourage all parents and carers who may be eligible to apply now and am asking families to help us by getting their applications in early so that we can process and start making payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts in February next year.

“Significantly more families are now relying on benefits due to the events of this year – some perhaps for the first time – and this payment will help lift children in Scotland out of poverty.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1324025255715868679

Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland, said: “Action for Children staff see the effects of child poverty every day and the impact it has on many of the children and families whom we support, care for and work with.

“We recognise that the impact of child poverty is not only felt in purely financial means but is also measured by children having an increase in poverty of opportunity. One simple act to help reduce child poverty is by putting money in the pockets of parents.

“The Scottish Child Payment can ease the struggle some families face in providing the basics and necessities of life. The impacts of poverty are profound for Scotland’s children, from poor mental and physical health and wellbeing to poor performance at school. The Scottish Child Payment will offer vital financial support for children, young people, and their families. It can give back choice and dignity. We urge all eligible families to apply for this.”

 MSP Gordon MacDonald has encouraged parents and carers across Edinburgh who are eligible to apply now so that the Scottish Government can process and start making payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts in February next year.

The SNP Government has prioritised the early introduction of the new benefit, which will provide eligible families on low incomes with a child under 6, an extra £10 per week for each child. 

Latest figures estimate that 194,000 children aged under-6 in Scotland will be eligible for the new Scottish Child Payment – with over 17,500 children set to benefit in Edinburgh.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “The Scottish Child Payment is an ambitious, game-changing new benefit which will directly tackle child poverty across Edinburgh and across Scotland. 

“This support is needed more than ever, and it’s early introduction for under 6s – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for a new payment – will be a lifeline for so many families in Edinburgh.

“While the SNP does everything it can to tackle poverty, the Tories at Westminster are still helplessly trying to defend their shameless decision to deprive children of free school meals over the holidays. 

“Children and families simply shouldn’t have to depend on the whim of Boris Johnson’s callous Tory government to get through this Covid-19 crisis. 

“This benefit will be a lifeline for many children, young people and their families in Edinburgh. I’d encourage anyone who is eligible to apply as soon as possible.”

People can apply for Scottish Child Payment from 9 November 2020 by visiting mygov.scot/benefits or calling 0800 182 2222.

For those who apply before Monday 15 February, their payment will be calculated from Monday 15 February. For those who apply after Monday 15 February, their payment will be calculated from the date they apply.