Cyber security experts issue Snap Map warning

SNAPCHAT users are being warned of the inherent dangers associated with the opt-in ‘Snap Map’ feature that can allow live locations to be visible to other users. In the run-up to Safer Internet Day, the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) is urging users to be vigilant when using the feature which, when opted-in, grants the app permission to publish your exact location to everyone on your friend list. Continue reading Cyber security experts issue Snap Map warning

Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

Anyone applying for social security assistance under Scotland’s new system will have a right to have someone with them during assessments or meetings, under new Scottish government plans. In a change from the current system, the amendment to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill lodged by Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman would ensure any applicant has the right to be accompanied if they need or want it.

The minister described the step as proof that Scotland would “do things differently”. Continue reading Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

CCTV appeal following West Port violence

Police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to trace as part of an investigation into a serious assault in the Grassmarket area. The incident took place in West Port around 12.30am on Tuesday 2nd January 2018, when a 20-year-old man sustained a serious injury to his chest. Continue reading CCTV appeal following West Port violence

Tories are bad for your health, Macpherson warns

Tory tax proposals could mean cuts of up to £74.2M in NHS Lothian, according to new Scottish Government analysis.

With the Scottish Parliament set to vote on Stage 1 of the budget this month, the Tories are proposing tax cuts for high earners that would leave a £500 million hole in the budget. With health receiving the largest share of devolved spending, a £500 million fall in available spending would see the NHS in the firing line – and NHS Lothian could lose up to £74.2M.

SNP MSP Ben Macpherson said: “Under the SNP, the NHS has record staffing and record funding – and the draft Scottish Government budget would see that funding increased. 

“But this investment is only possible because of decisions taken by the Scottish Government, with progressive policies seeing higher earners paying slightly more to support our public services. 

“Ruth Davidson’s Tory tax plans would blow a £500 million hole in the Scottish Government’s budget – this would be another Tory cut to Scotland’s public spending, on top of the £2.6bn of cuts that the Tory UK government are already imposing on Scotland over a decade of Westminster austerity. 

“Scottish Conservative policies would damage public services in our capital city, including cuts to the NHS, and their Tory cuts would be equivalent to cutting 1777 nurses in our region – the Tories should explain why they’d prefer to give a handout to millionaires than to fund our hospitals.” 

 Territorial Board

£501 million reduction

Equivalent number of nurses

£m

Ayrshire and Arran

-37.1

888

Borders

-10.5

251

Dumfries and Galloway

-14.9

356

Fife

-34.1

816

Forth Valley

-27.2

651

Grampian

-49.5

1185

Greater Glasgow & Clyde

-111.9

2680

Highland

-32.3

773

Lanarkshire

-61.9

1482

Lothian

-74.2

1777

Orkney

-2.4

57

Shetland

-2.5

59

Tayside

-39.3

941

Western Isles

-3.3

79

Total

-501.0

12000

 

 

Police issue travel warning

Drivers across Scotland are reminded to travel with caution during this evening and tomorrow morning’s rush hour.

A Met Office yellow warning for ice and snow is currently in place across almost every area of Scotland. You can check if these warnings apply to where you live and work here. Police Scotland advice remains to travel with extra caution, and to keep informed in case of any changes in weather or traffic disruption.  Continue reading Police issue travel warning

Eat Better, Feel Better: Aileen and Yogi relaunch healthy eating campaign

Sports stars have helped relaunch the Scottish Government’s Eat Better Feel Better campaign – telling primary school children about their favourite snacks and the benefits of healthy eating. Continue reading Eat Better, Feel Better: Aileen and Yogi relaunch healthy eating campaign

Co-op customers in Edinburgh help save Scotland’s animals

The Scottish SPCA is overwhelmed by the generosity of Co-op members from Edinburgh – Scotland’s animal welfare charity was delighted to receive a donation of £1,035.18 to help rescue more abused, abandoned and injured animals in Edinburgh in 2018. Continue reading Co-op customers in Edinburgh help save Scotland’s animals