Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has welcomed a deal which will almost restore the workforce lost at the site of the old Michelin tyre factory in Dundee.
Advanced textiles manufacturer Wilkie has become the major shareholder in the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, planning to invest up to £50 million and triple its workforce to 600. This will be in addition to just under 200 staff already on site at MSIP.
When the Michelin tyre factory closed down in 2020 with 850 jobs lost, the Scottish Government began working to retain the site as an economic hub which would bring jobs back to the region.
Ministers played a leading role in putting together a partnership with Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise which invested almost £50 million to create the Parc.
Since it opened, MSIP has become a centre for innovation and skills with 16 tenant companies and 190 workers. It includes an Innovation Hub and Labs and a Skills Academy led by Dundee and Angus College. The Parc has also supported 53 new businesses through its Innovator Accelerator programme, creating more than 80 jobs elsewhere.
On a visit to the Parc with Wilkie CEO Hamish Rowan and General Manager John Reid, the Deputy First Minister said: “When Michelin closed the doors on its tyre factory, the Scottish Government promised to reinvest in the site’s economic future. We hoped that we’d be in the position we find ourselves in today, bringing in a major employer like Wilkie with a strong Scottish heritage.
“Dundee has long been known as the home of industry, and I consider myself fortunate in having seen Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s transition from a spark of an idea to the business community we see today, connecting industry trailblazers with academia to bring about greener economic growth across the country.
“Wilkie will guide MSIP into its future as a major centre for manufacturing, while continuing to work with companies focused on sustainable innovation and decarbonisation.”
Scottish Enterprise is staying on as a minority shareholder to work with Wilkie, which will be relocating from its current base in Kirriemuir where it employs around 200 workers.
Wilkie has made clear its focus on expansion and that current employees are a critical part of its success. Transport will be provided for the workforce to commute to Dundee. The Scottish Government will work to support the workforce and the wider community as this transition takes place.
Braw Beard, Scotland’s pioneering beard care company, is thrilled to announce the return of its celebrated Beard and Moustache International Championship. The 7th annual event will take place on Saturday, 15th February 2025, at the iconic Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.
Next month, we will see the Beard Festival upgrade to a 2 day event called the Braw Beard Weekender for the first time.
Night 1 on Friday, 14th February, will feature a live in-person chat show hosted by comedian Billy Kirkwood and Braw Beard founder John Jackson with four special guests:
• International and Isle of Man TT motorcycle racer Jamie Coward • Professional wrestler and actor Jack Jester • Musician, Cammy Barnes • Artist and author, Tragic O’Hara
Night 2 on Saturday, 15th February, will showcase the beard and moustache competition with 13 categories, the Best Fake Beard and the Over 12” Beard and Freestyle categories continue to be crowd favourites, showcasing incredible creativity and grooming skills.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 championship is set to feature a diverse international line-up, with competitors hailing from the USA, Germany, Belgium, and Norway. This global participation underscores the event’s stature as a not-to-miss gathering in the international beard and moustache community.
Braw Beard continues its tradition of supporting meaningful causes, partnering with Chris’s House Suicide Awareness charity for the 3rd time, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility.
Chris’s House said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the Charity to benefit from your annual raffle. We are a small charity that relies solely on donations, this means that every penny raised is vital to ensure that our services continue to run supporting the local community.”
The championship will culminate with a live music performance by the popular Scottish rock band, In Charge. In addition, attendees can look forward to exclusive products: a limited edition Braw Beard oil, with only 100 individually numbered bottles available, and a unique Brawtherhood lager, a collaboration between Braw Beard and Drygate Brewery.
John Jackson, the founder of Braw Beard and the brainchild behind the championships, maintains his pivotal role in orchestrating the event.
This year, the festivities will be hosted by renowned Scottish comedian Billy Kirkwood, guaranteeing an atmosphere filled with humour and camaraderie.
Tickets for the championship are selling fast and are expected to be a sell-out, mirroring the success of previous years. Interested attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly at www.thebrawbmc.com
The Braw Beard and Moustache Championship is renowned for its relaxed, fun, and feel-good atmosphere, making it a unique and anticipated event in Scotland’s cultural calendar.
A GROUNDBREAKING project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland.
Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative by Blackwood Homes and Care in collaboration with The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI during a visit.
The visit took place at the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service, where Mr Gray experienced first-hand the innovative use of technology and data designed to support healthier, independent living for Scotland’s elderly and vulnerable populations.
Launched in 2022, the £12.5 million Peoplehood Project has engaged over 500 participants across Buckie, Dundee and Glasgow. The three-year project has co-designed new independent living models, incorporating cutting-edge assisted technologies and digital skills training aimed at improving quality of life while reducing dependence on social care services.
Neil Gray MSP commented: “The integration of technology into every-day lives is a key requirement in supporting individuals to live well at home for longer, and to support our health and social care services. We recognise that innovation must be at the heart of how we deliver these services across Scotland.
It is therefore important to recognise and to take the opportunity to learn from projects, such as Peoplehood, which are paving the way for a more sustainable and person-centred approach to social care.”
During the tour, Mr. Gray explored a Blackwood Home, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and witnessed how the Edinburgh Community Rehabilitation and Support Service is using the technology to the benefit of users.
Steph Sutherland, Development and Commercial Director at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “At Blackwood, our vision is to help people live their lives to the full.
“The Peoplehood Project has demonstrated the transformative potential of assistive technology in creating homes and communities that support independence.
“The learnings from the project will help shape our approach to independent living, ensuring that we can support as many people as possible to thrive in their homes and communities while leading healthier, more connected lives.”
Heather Thomson, Interim CEO of The Data Lab, added: “This collaboration demonstrates Scotland’s immense potential for innovation in health and social care. Through the power of data and AI, we are delivering ethical, impactful solutions that benefit communities across the country.”
The Peoplehood Project aligns with the UK Government’s Healthy Ageing Challenge Framework, addressing critical themes such as reducing social isolation, promoting independence, and fostering healthier lifestyles. The project’s insights are expected to influence Scotland’s social care sector on a national scale.
Blackwood Homes and Care, operating over 1,700 homes across 28 local authority areas, is renowned for its innovative approach to accessible housing, exemplified by the award-winning Blackwood House and CleverCogs technology.
Collaborating with The Data Lab – which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council National Innovation programme – the University of Edinburgh, CENSIS, Carebuilder and Mydex, the project harnesses data science to develop sustainable solutions for healthy ageing and independent living, contributing to Scotland’s leadership in data-driven social care innovation.
SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald is encouraging all eligible people across Edinburgh to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness.
Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Flu is still circulating at high levels and PHS is urging those eligible to get their free winter vaccines as soon as possible.
Drop in clinics are available in most areas. Check the NHS Inform website for details.
Latest figures show that so far this winter 53.2% of eligible adults in NHS Lothian have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines. People have until 31st March to receive their jags but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect them against serious illness this winter.
Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless.
Gordon Macdonald said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection.
“The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill.
“It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone across the city, who hasn’t already done so this winter, to check if they are eligible.
“Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.”
People who are eligible for winter vaccinations should check Winter vaccines | NHS inform and their local health boards for available drop-in clinics.
UK Government investment in the City Region and Growth Deal programme in Scotland is now £1.5 billion – meaning more than £3 billion in total
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, has today [15 January] confirmed that, following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, the total UK Government investment specifically on City Region and Growth Deals in Scotland has now reached £1.5 billion.
The Scottish Government is also investing £1.6 billion in the City Region and Growth Deals programme. That means that total investment now tops £3 billion in total.
Of the UK Government contribution, £527 million was part of a nearly £1.4 billion package of local growth investment signed off by the Chancellor in her Autumn Budget. That means that the UK Government is also, separately, investing £840 million in some two dozen local growth projects and programmes across Scotland. Driving growth and improving living standards across the UK is a key part of our Plan for Change, and these investments are an important part of that.
The Scottish Secretary gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee yesterday [15 January]. He is the first Cabinet Minister since the General Election to appear before a Holyrood committee.
Mr Murray was invited by the Committee to give evidence on the UK Government’s involvement in the City Region and Growth Deals programme, which is delivered jointly in Scotland with the Scottish Government.
Delivering economic growth across the whole of Scotland is the UK Government's priority.
Mr Murray said: “I am delighted to confirm that UK Government investment in City Region and Growth Deals alone in Scotland is now £1.5 billion. This is our Plan for Change in action, and this funding will drive economic growth and improve living standards right across Scotland.
“I am very pleased to be the first minister from this administration to give evidence at Holyrood. We have changed the way we do business and work with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament.
“We have reset those relationships to ensure we can work together to deliver for people in Scotland. That means genuine partnership working with the Scottish Government, and the City Region and Growth Deals programme, delivered jointly across Scotland, is an excellent example of that.”
City Region and Growth Deals are packages of funding agreed between the Scottish Government, UK Government and local authority partners.
At the Autumn Budget, the Chancellor confirmed additional funding for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal to support Grangemouth refinery workers and their communities, confirmed funding for a number of projects not yet in delivery, and gave the go-ahead for the signing of the Argyll and Bute Growth Deal.
That means that we will shortly have City Region and Growth Deals covering every part of Scotland, with UK Government investment in them specifically, since 2014, totalling more than £1.5 billion.
Evaluating the introduction of the Redesign of Urgent Care
Patients using a new service to direct people to the right urgent care service had a mostly positive experience, a new report has found.
An evaluation of the Redesign of Urgent Care, which was launched in December 2020, found that people given appointments at A&E or minor injuries via NHS 24 111 reported shorter waits than those who visited A&E without an appointment.
The report also found an increased use of NHS 24 111 service during weekday in-hours, reduced unplanned attendances to Emergency Departments and fewer ambulance callouts and trips to hospital, noting there are several factors that may have contributed to these changes.
The report recommends, supporting NHS 24 to reduce call waiting times calls, improving the availability and capacity of alternative services available via flow navigation centres– which direct people to the most appropriate service for their health and care needs- and continuing to provide public messaging on when to call 111.
The Scottish Government is working with boards to drive improvements in how health care services are accessed.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I welcome this report which gives us some valuable insight into how we can improve the way the health service manages demand for urgent care services.
“We know there is still work to do, but it is encouraging that this evaluation found patient experience of the Redesign of Urgent Care was largely positive, and that people given appointments experienced shorter waits. I thank all the staff involved in this important piece of work.
“Work is already underway to implement the recommendations of this report, including increasing staff numbers at NHS 24. This winter there are a record number of NHS 24 call handlers available to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances.
“Our Right Care Right Place campaign, launched ahead of winter, is continuing to give guidance to the public on the best way to access services, and I thank everyone who is following that advice.
“The Scottish Government’s draft Budget, if passed by parliament, will provide a record £21 billion for health and social care, including £200 million to reduce waiting lists and improve capacity further.
“All of this will help to improve the flow of patients through hospital, and reduce pressures on urgent care. I urge parliament to back the Budget Bill.”
Travel Agents of Change project showcases stories of flight-free holidays from Edinburgh
Local sustainable transport project Porty Community Energy launches an exhibition this coming Saturday featuring the stories of local people who have bucked the holiday trend and opted not to take a cheap flight to their vacations from the capital, choosing to travel more slowly instead.
Porty Community Energy launched their ‘Travel Agents Of Change’ project last November as a competition for people in Edinburgh, asking to be sent the best stories of flight-free travel from the capital.
The project organisers were delighted to receive more than sixty entries. The best stories have now been published as a colourful Zine that will be sold in bookshops across the city.
And a smorgasboard of colourful photos, top slow travel tips, recommendations for the best places to go, and quotes from contributors explaining the highlights of their trips, has been made into a 21 panel outdoor exhibition that will tour the city.
While some contributors to the project found scenic adventures in Scotland and the UK, many more travelled further afield.
Competition entrants shared their slow travel adventures which included a trip to a monastery in Belgium, taking the Eurostar to a hotel in Venice, family Eurorail passes to go skiing in the Alps, and biking and sailing in the Friesian isles.
What’s more, contributors argued that, far from being a second-rate option, travel by bus, train and ferry is the very best way to go on holiday, offering a chance to wind down, enjoy the view, and is very sociable too.
The aim of the exhibition is to persuade people of the delights of a flight-free holiday and to help make it easy to plan such a holiday whether they have a small family, are looking for something more active, or really want a once in a lifetime experience.
The first exhibition opening will take place in Portobello and will feature presentations from two of the contributors. Councillor Jane Meagher, Head of Edinburgh City Council will officially open the exhibition.
Future destinations for the exhibition will include a couple of weeks at the Water of Leith visitor’s centre in February, and a Pancake Day launch in Bruntsfield organised by BANZAI – Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative in March.
Project coordinator Hazel Darwin-Clements said: “‘Less than 20% of the global population has been on a plane. It’s time we stopped seeing it as either normal or aspirational to fly regularly for holidays.
“As someone who now considers it quite normal to plan a summer holiday with my family using trains, buses or a car share, I know what great holidays there are out there for people who no longer wish to burn the excessive carbon needed for a cheap flight abroad.
“Dark, cold January is apparently the most popular time for people to book their holidays away. So this exhibition is to inspire this year’s holiday-makers – because it’s easier than you think to choose a flight-free holiday and there are so many hidden gems out there.’
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy
Treaty will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression
Will bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects
New UK-built Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.
The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.
From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.
The partnership underpins the Prime Minister’s steadfast leadership on Ukraine as his government continues to provide support. Spanning nine key pillars, it will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion; and foster it to support long-term security and growth for both our countries. The Treaty and political declaration, which form the 100 Year Partnership, will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.
It is expected to bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression, bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects.
It also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraine’s energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.
The 100 Year Partnership is a major step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security – ensuring they are never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia – and committing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.
Ukraine has a highly trained military, and a thriving technology sector that is rapidly designing and deploying state of the art battle-ready equipment: a security partnership with Ukraine will make Britain stronger.
To mark the signing of the partnership today, the Prime Minister is expected to announce new UK support for Ukraine from lethal aid to economic resilience.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.
“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.
“The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our Plan for Change.
“Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.”
The Prime Minister will join a Ukrainian class dialling into a primary school in Liverpool today, who will be joined by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. He will hear from the next generation about how the partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters.
100 schools in the UK and Ukraine will be partnered over the coming months as part of a two-way programme built around reading for pleasure. Through sharing stories from their own cultures, they will explore the power of reading to overcome adversity – building links between the countries for generations to come.
The Prime Minister is also expected to see firsthand how UK aid is supporting Ukrainians living under bombardment through a visit to a Ukrainian hospital. He will meet patients and doctors and hear how £100m of UK humanitarian funding is supporting needs across Ukraine and specialist medical care for burn victims, including those maimed by Russian missiles raining down on neighbourhoods.
The hospital is being supported by specialist NHS doctors, who are upskilling Ukrainian medical teams and providing lifesaving opinions on treatment for severely injured patients, both virtually and through short deployments to the country. Many admitted to the hospital have burns to between 30% and 40% of their body surface.
The Prime Minister will also announce £40m for a new economic recovery programme to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private lending to bolster the growth and economic resilience of small and medium businesses in Ukraine, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The programme will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine, opening up enhanced trade and investment opportunities with one of our closest allies. The funding will be targeted at businesses supporting the green economy, and marginalised groups including women and veterans.
It is hoped over the long term, the programme, called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), will reduce reliance in Ukrainian communities on humanitarian support and help build economic resilience.
And as part of the partnership, a new Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. The UK developed the new scheme following an ask from Ukraine to the G7 to help trace snatched grain from Ukraine fields under Russian control, which is then relabelled and sold on.
Using cutting edge science to help determine where grain has been grown and harvested, the UK has developed a database to support Ukraine’s efforts to trace and stop theft of grain from occupied regions.
Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks.
Today’s announcement builds on the £12.8 billion package of support the UK has given Ukraine, including £7.8bn of military assistance, a commitment for £3bn in military aid until as long as it takes, and ongoing energy infrastructure support to help hospitals and community facilities provide light and warmth to innocent civilians impacted by Putin’s invasion.
The UK and Ukraine will use an annual high-level Strategic Dialogue to ensure progress on the partnership for decades to come.
Drugs with an estimated value of £300,000 have been recovered at an address in South-East Edinburgh.
Around 9am on Monday, 13 January, 2025, officers attended at a flat in Ochiltree Gardens, The Inch.
Enquiries were carried out an as a result a cannabis cultivation was discovered. Around 500 cannabis plants, estimated to be worth around £300,000, were discovered.
A 25-year-old man and a 22-year old woman have been arrested and charged in connection and are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 15 January, 2025.
Inspector Scott Casey said, “Serious and Organised Crime remains a priority and along with our partners and specialist resources, we are committed to detecting offences and disrupting criminal enterprises.
“We rely on the public to provide us with information to help us do so.”
If you see any suspicious activity, please contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Thousands of families will be helped as part of the Scottish Government’s plans to remove the two child benefit cap, First Minister John Swinney has said as he repeated calls for the UK Government to end the policy immediately.
The First Minister made clear that if the UK Government was to scrap the policy, the investment the Scottish Government intends to allocate to its mitigation would be used on other measures to tackle eradicate child poverty.
At an event in Stirling hosted by The Robertson Trust, Mr Swinney addressed representatives from community and third sector organisations across Scotland and set out his vision for a country in which no child lives in poverty.
The First Minister said: “The eradication of child poverty is my government’s number one priority, and I want it also to become our nation’s number one goal.
“The cornerstone of our approach is investment in more dignified and generous social security support.
“It includes the resources we need to build the systems that will allow us to effectively remove the two child cap for families in Scotland.
“I can offer two guarantees today. Firstly, if we are able to safely get the systems up and running in this coming year, the first payments will be made in this coming year – helping to lift thousands more children out of poverty.
“And secondly, if the UK government does the right thing and abolishes the two-child cap across the UK, the resources we have committed to this policy will continue to be used on measures to eradicate child poverty in Scotland.”
The Scottish Fiscal Commission has also published estimates of the number of children in Scotland impacted by the two-child limit this year, and who would benefit from mitigation were it to commence in 2026-27 (39,000 in 2025-26, rising to 42,000 in 2026-27.
