Shameless Youths celebrate success of campaign for healthy relationships

Young people who have been leading a campaign to remove shame from conversations about relationships and online safety have celebrated their achievements with an event at Clydebank Town Hall. 

The Shameless Youths campaign, involving 17 young people supported by NSPCC Scotland, in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Youth Council and West Dunbartonshire Council, launched last November.

It was set up to support parents and carers, professionals and young people to have realistic, judgement free and informed conversations about healthy relationships, on and offline.  

During the past six months the group of young people from West Dunbartonshire Youth Council have spread their message of healthy relationships, including what consent online looks like, through their web pages, video content, social media, posters and leaflets. 

They have reached at least 470 professionals, 104 parents and carers, 365 young people, and had 2,334 views of their video. 

The group, who named their campaign ‘Shameless Youths’, also worked with Glasgow artist Maya Rose Edwards to help create sculptures and other artworks that were displayed at Clydebank Town Hall earlier this year.  

At the event, on June 26, Shameless Youths took to the stage to explain their goals and motivation for getting involved and what they have enjoyed most and gained from the experience.  

Ilse Sanchez Posso, Lead Officer with Violence Against Women and Girls, and West Dunbartonshire Provost, Karen Murray Conaghan, also spoke about why the campaign matters to West Dunbartonshire.  

Euan MacLaren, NSPCC Campaigns Officer in Scotland, said: “The young people of Shameless Youths have been amazing to work with. They have engaged with a challenging topic head-on with courage, determination and a passion for change.  

“They have inspired parents, carers and professionals across West Dunbartonshire and beyond to have positive, supportive conversations with the young people in their lives, and helped young people understand what healthy relationships look like.  

“It’s been an honour to work with the West Dunbartonshire Youth Council. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.” 

Rhianna (16), a member of the Shameless Youths group, said: “There’s been lots of fun moments working on this campaign, including making the video. It has really strengthened our bonds. 

“Working with Maya was also incredible; they were brilliant at engaging us and allowing our voices to be heard. It’s been lovely to see how many people we’ve reached with the campaign; it’s really inspiring.” 

Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, said: “While many children are confident online, technology is constantly evolving, and it is important for groups like this to raise awareness to the benefit and the dangers of being online. 

“Shameless Youths is sending a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges to create an online world where children and young people feel safe, included and empowered and I thank them for raising awareness of this important subject.” 

West Dunbartonshire Provost, Karen Murray Conaghan, said: “Keeping young people safe online is essential and the Shameless Youths should be very proud of everything they’ve achieved to advocate for others.

“It’s brilliant that they have been willing to step up and give voice to what’s important to them. 

“They have done a great job of working together collaboratively to spread some very important messages including letting other young people know that if things do go wrong help is available.” 

Resources for parents, carers, professionals and young people will continue to be available on the Shameless Youths website. The campaign also has plans to reach more young people and adults over the next year. 

If you are worried about the welfare of a young person, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email: help@nspcc.org.uk.    

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday. 

The Shameless Youths campaign was led by a group of 17 young people aged 15 to 20. They named it ‘Shameless Youths’ because they want to be supported, not shamed or judged for their choices, even when something went wrong or mistakes happened. 

STEM NEXT: Students invited to enter Annual Essay Competition hosted by Scottish charity

  • Scottish charity TechFest invites students aged 16-18 worldwide to enter STEM NEXT, its annual essay competition celebrating ideas and passions in science, arts or humanities. 
  • TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 
  • Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “I’ve met so many young people with brilliant ideas and real potential to drive change, especially in STEM, but often they don’t see it in themselves. Through the STEM NEXT competition, we’re not just offering a challenge, we’re giving them the support and real-world connections to help them build confidence and see a future for themselves in these industries.”

Scottish charity, TechFest, challenges students from around the world to take part in its annual essay competition, STEM NEXT, as part of its mission to empower young people to share their ideas across science, arts and humanities. 

Students aged 16–18 are invited to submit a 1000-3000 word essay on a topic of their choice within one of the three main categories: Energy & Innovation, Medicine & Psychology or Chemistry & Biological Sciences.  

The competition presents an independent challenge for students, offering them a platform to sharpen their research and writing skills while building better critical thinking and communication, which prove to be essential for future studies and careers. 

Besides promoting and developing research, analysis, and communication skills within the participants, the solo digital competition offers them a unique chance to interview and engage directly with industry professionals, gaining valuable first-hand insight into their chosen field.  

The project, held in partnership with CNOOC International, Serica Energy, SSE Renewables and Thistle Wind Partnership, will officially commence on the 16th of June with the deadline for submissions 29th of August.  

TechFest is a charity that embraces challenges, delivering STEM-based initiatives created in partnership with industry and education to shape the future workforce. 

Wendy Findlay, National Programme Manager at TechFest, said: “The STEM NEXT competition isn’t just about essays, it’s about unlocking the potential of young people who are genuinely excited about STEM but often unsure of where to start. 

“As someone involved in this project, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is for students to have a role model. Someone they can talk to directly, learn from, and show them that a career in STEM is within reach. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, to watch a young child’s confidence grow and know you played a part.” 

Mike Seaton, Project Director, Coire Glas at SSE Renewables said: “STEM NEXT is helping develop the skilled talent we’ll need to tackle real-world challenges.

“That’s why we believe it’s vital to engage young minds early, encouraging them to think creatively and practically about the future, especially as we work towards a more sustainable, renewable energy landscape.” 

Victoria Allan, Mechanical Engineer at CNOOC International, said: “We’re eager to hear bold, practical ideas from young minds who will shape the future.

“We can’t wait to see the innovative solutions this year’s participants bring to the table.” 

Elise Murray, Environmental and Compliance Advisor at Serica Energy, said: “Innovative ideas and fresh perspectives have never been more crucial for our industry.

” STEM NEXT empowers young people to question the norm and create solutions that will propel the sector ahead, all while inspiring the future leaders of STEM.” 

Kirsty MacAulay, Communications Manager at Thistle Wind Partners, said: “As a Scottish based developer, we’re thrilled about the opportunity to hear inspiring ideas from Scotland’s youth.

“Scotland has a proud tradition of innovation and leadership in shaping the future, and we’re eager to see how the next generation continues this legacy” 

Young people competing in the STEM Next competition are eligible for CREST Awards and it also provides an opportunity for students to add additional achievements to their UCAS application.  

Moreover, the 1st place winners in each category will be awarded with £200 of Amazon vouchers, 2nd place winners in each category will be awarded with £100 of Amazon vouchers, and 3rd place winners in each category will be awarded with £50 of Amazon vouchers. 

Students and volunteers who would like to participate must register their interest via the website by TONIGHT – 4th JULY 2025 at:

https://techfest.org.uk/education/ages-over-11/stem-next-essay. 

Suspected people smuggling gang taken down in nationwide strikes

A suspected people-smuggling gang has been arrested for allegedly using false identity documents to smuggle hundreds of people into the UK illegally, luring them into a life of exploitation and misery.  

On Tuesday 1 July, Immigration Enforcement officers executed warrants in Greater London, and Batley, West Yorkshire and arrested 7 suspects. The targets are believed to have used forged passports and visas of people with legitimate status in the UK to facilitate their illegal arrival, and subsequent employment in black market businesses.   

The gang is believed to have facilitated the illegal entry of over 500 people with no right to be in the UK.

Their alleged money-grabbing scheme is believed to have developed into a wide-scale, dangerous criminal network operating across the country, with the 5 men and 3 women believed to have sent fake documents to beneficiaries to evade detection from law enforcement.

The gang, who largely targeted Gambian nationals, are also suspected of re-using the fraudulent documents for different imposters hoping to make it to the UK illegally, with an ongoing investigation revealing a substantial quantity of images of passports found on the main suspect’s mobile phone.  

From booking flights to housing the migrants on arrival and providing them with illegal work, the gang provided a full service and charged around £5,000 per person. 

This particular gang, like many others, is believed to be charging substantial fees for arranging illegal entry to the UK, with the main suspect believed to have a turnover of over £1.3m in his bank account despite claiming to only earn £35,000 a year working for a furniture manufacturing company.

Another suspect is believed to have a turnover of over £1m across two bank accounts whilst simultaneously receiving Universal Credit. A further investigation will be launched in order to recover the profits made by this suspected organised criminal gang.

At the various addresses visited, officers seized several counterfeit identity documents which are believed to have been used in this criminal scheme.

These arrests form part of this government’s Plan for Change to strengthen the UK’s border security, which is already delivering results, with almost 30,000 people with no right to be here returned since the election and a turbocharge in immigration enforcement activity across the country which has led to a 51% increase in the number of illegal working arrests. 

Organised criminal gangs who are driven by profit often go to extreme lengths to make their cash, disregarding the safety of humans. The suspects in this case are believed to have been exploiting those they promised to help by forcing them to work in private homes under their control, leaving the survivors trapped in unsafe situations and exhausted for little or no pay.  

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle said: “This operation is a clear display that we will not stand by and let evil criminal gangs abuse our immigration system. 

“This suspected gang promised their beneficiaries a better life here in the UK. Instead, they face heinous levels of exploitation which is exactly why we are working with law enforcement to ensure survivors of modern slavery are supported and the criminal gangs face justice. 

“Our Border Security Command has £280m of additional funding over the next 4 years to deliver the step-change required to break their business models and deliver our Plan for Change to restore order to the immigration system.

Ben Ryan, Chief Operating Officer at Medaille Trust, said: “Medaille Trust is delighted to have collaborated on this operation and to have played a part in ensuring that victims were identified and supported to begin their recovery as survivors.

“We believe that collaborative efforts like this between the Home Office and civil society provide a model for confronting the evils of modern slavery; with a focus on both pursuing abusers and recognising and supporting survivors.”

The Home Office’s Criminal Financial Investigations team works closely with charities like Medaille Trust to support the victims of organised crime by keeping them at the heart of any investigation, providing invaluable expertise and support to the most vulnerable.

Through closer collaboration we are able to identify victims and offer them a safe haven to come forward about the abuse they have faced. Medaille Trust provide refuge and freedom from modern slavery and are one of the largest providers of supported safe house beds for victims of modern slavery in the UK.   

Cracking down on abuse of the immigration system is central to securing the UK’s borders. As set out in the Immigration White Paper in May, the UK government will introduce tighter controls, restrictions, and scrutiny of those who attempt to abuse and misuse the immigration system.

This includes strengthening border security by rolling out digital identity for all overseas citizens through the implementation of eVisas and new systems for checking visa compliance.

Water scarcity remains a concern despite recent rainfall

Despite the recent rainfall over the last week, it has been insufficient to see much recovery across most of Scotland, with low river flows persisting, particularly in the east.

Although rain is forecast over the coming days, SEPA say well above-average rainfall will be needed to reverse the effects of the long dry spell. We are continuing to urge water users to be vigilant as parts of the country remain under pressure.

Eight river catchments all remain at Moderate Scarcity – the Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don, Dee, Esk, Firth of Tay and Tyne. The Findhorn, Firth of Forth and Almond catchments remain at Alert, however in the far north, southeast and southwest, there has been some improvement in river flows and ground conditions with the Wick, Helmsdale and Tweed catchments recovered to Early Warning.

Many of the areas in Moderate Scarcity have had less than 70% of their average rainfall since the start of the year. The result is that, for the first half of the year, many of the associated river flow stations have had the highest number of days at low flows on record. The time record of some of these river flow stations span almost 100 years.

Scotland’s water scarcity levels are grounded in current data, not forecasts. SEPA’s team of specialists maintain and calibrate a national network of river flow stations — a science-led system that gives an accurate picture of pressures on our rivers, lochs, and water supplies.

With the rivers already stressed after months of below average rainfall even brief periods of rain over the summer often will not have the impact the public might expect. Water may not soak into the ground properly or evenly enough to reverse the pressure. This means warmer temperatures, lower oxygen, and shrinking channels will increase pressure on fish, aquatic life, and habitats.

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said: “We’ve had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery.

“Although there has been relief in the West, most of the East Coast continues to experience water stress. Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference.

“We welcome the proactive steps taken by many abstractors, especially in areas of Alert and Moderate scarcity who have already been planning ahead and taking steps to use water efficiently. We urge them to continue to do that as we won’t wait until the situation reaches crisis point to act, and we don’t expect water users to either.

“We will continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity. Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy – and we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.”

SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to use water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.

  • Early Warning areas – conditions are dry, but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
  • Alert areas – water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
  • Moderate Scarcity areas – there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.

SEPA have issued advice against bathing at Dunbar East Bathing Water.

A routine sample showed a high level of bacteria. They also received a report from a member of the public about possible sewage near the site. This was reported to Scottish Water.

As a precaution, SEPA have updated the bathing water signage at Dunbar East to advise against entering the water.

This advice will remain in place until water quality returns to a satisfactory level.

SEPA will take further samples on 7 July.

We are working closely with @ELCouncil and @scottish_water to monitor the situation and keep the public informed.

More info: https://beta.sepa.scot/news/2025/advice-against-bathing-at-dunbar-east/

For the latest updates and to find your local bathing water, please visit dedicated site at https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk

Have you seen Nihat?

*** UPDATE – NIHAT HAS BEEN TRACED ***

POLICE are appealing for the public’s assistance in tracing a missing man from the north of the city.

Nihat Karani, 63, was last seen at around 9.30pm last night (Thursday, 3 July, 2025) in the Royston Mains Crescent area. He left here on foot and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

He is described as around 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build, with grey/white hair and a moustache. He wears glasses which he has on a chain around his neck and was last seen wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

Nihat’s first language is Bulgarian and he speaks limited English.

Inspector George Nisbet from Drylaw Police Station said: “Nihat knows the city and is known to visit Edinburgh’s park and green spaces, but he rarely does this alone.

“He walks with a walking stick which he had in his possession when he was last seen.

“We have a number of police resources looking for Nihat and I would ask anyone who may have seen him, or a man matching his description, to report this to us as soon as possible.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0196 of 4 July 2025.

Hibs to unveil The Pat Stanton Stand

Hibernian FC is delighted to announce that the East Stand will be renamed as the new Pat Stanton Stand, honouring the legend’s iconic career.

Ahead of the Club’s 150th anniversary, Stanton’s impact on Hibernian FC and Scottish football has been recognised with his name sitting proudly at the top of the old East Stand.

Growing up a Hibs fan and watching from the terraces, Stanton joined his beloved club in 1963 before making his debut shortly after at the tender age of 19 years and 22 days. From that moment on he never looked back.

A calm, composed midfielder, he developed from a talented youngster into one of the best players in the Scottish game going on to win the SFWA Footballer of the Year award in 1969/70.

Establishing himself as a leader on the pitch, Stanton became Hibs captain and helped lead his side to win the Scottish League Cup in December 1972, scoring the opener as Hibs beat Celtic 2-1 at Hampden Park. He also helped lift two Drybrough Cups.

Pat Stanton was known for his ability to read the game, his tackling, and range of passing, and those three qualities were influential as Hibs beat local rivals Hearts 0-7 at Tynecastle in 1973, and recorded memorable victories over Napoli and Sporting Lisbon in Europe.

It was during his time at Hibs where he made his Scotland debut in 1966. He earned 16 caps in total and captained his nation on three occasions.

In 1976, he ended his 13-year spell at his hometown club, and in total made 617 appearances, scoring 78 goals.

After two years at Celtic, over 40,000 people turned out for his testimonial match, celebrating his career. He is regarded as one of Hibernian’s greatest ever players and is widely considered to be one of the finest Scottish players in the history of the game.

After hanging up his boots, Stanton was Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Aberdeen before going on to manage Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, and then his beloved Hibs. He has been involved with the Club in different capacities ever since.

Hibernian FC Chairman Ian Gordon commented: “It’s with great pride and pleasure that we are honouring Pat Stanton’s amazing contribution to Hibernian FC and Scottish football during our anniversary season.

“The Pat Stanton Stand will serve as a lasting tribute to his achievements and legacy, inspiring future players and supporters for many years to come.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Hibs – the fans, the board, the staff, the players, the entire Hibernian Family – I would like to thank Pat for everything he’s done for the Club.”

Reigniting the spirit of volunteering in Scotland 

Earlier in June, we marked the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week 2025, a moment to  celebrate the extraordinary impact of volunteers across Scotland. From 2 to 8 June,  organisations, communities and individuals came together to recognise the essential  role volunteers play in shaping a more compassionate and connected society (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY MSP).  

Behind every community hub, crisis helpline and mentoring programme in Scotland,  there is a volunteer quietly making a difference.  

This year’s campaign came at a critical time. Volunteering rates, particularly in Edinburgh  and across Lothian, have seen a worrying decline. They are down around 8 per cent since  2019, as a result of pandemic disruptions, the rising cost of living and reduced funding  for volunteer support programmes. Yet across food banks, youth services and elderly  care, the calls for help continue to rise. The need for volunteers has never been greater.  

In response, Inspiring Scotland commissioned Catalysts for Change, a new report  exploring what motivates people to volunteer, the barriers they face, and how Scotland’s  volunteering landscape can evolve. The report was launched during Volunteers’ Week  and shared with the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, offering  practical and timely recommendations to strengthen recruitment, engagement and  retention.  

Two of Inspiring Scotland’s initiatives bring this work to life. The Specialist Volunteer  Network brings together professionals who offer their time and expertise to support  charities and community organisations.

Meanwhile, Intandem, a mentoring programme  for care-experienced young people, is entirely powered by volunteer mentors. Last year  alone, more than 280 volunteers provided consistent weekly support to young people  navigating life in or on the edge of the care system.  

During the most recent Cross-Party Group meeting, several organisations spoke about  the far-reaching benefits of volunteering for both communities and individual wellbeing.  Vintage Vibes, a project combatting loneliness among Edinburgh’s older population,  matches isolated individuals with committed volunteers. One pairing, Natalia and Maja,  shared the joy, connection and sense of purpose their weekly visits bring to both their  lives.  

Similarly, the RNLI, where volunteers fill 97 per cent of frontline roles, emphasised how  life-saving work in schools and coastal communities depends on public goodwill and civic action.

One volunteer, Rachel, described how volunteering gave her confidence, a  sense of community, and a renewed sense of direction, something that positively  influenced her career. It is proof that volunteering may begin as an act of giving, but it  often gives you so much more in return. 

While Volunteers’ Week is a national moment of recognition, the value of volunteering is  felt year-round. Whether by offering time, skills or simply a listening ear, volunteers form  the backbone of Scotland’s social infrastructure. From mentoring teens to delivering  meals to vulnerable neighbours, their quiet work touches every corner of our society.  

As Co-Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, I would like to extend my  heartfelt thanks to everyone who dedicates their time to supporting others.

But  appreciation alone is not enough. We must make it easier for people to get involved by  offering more flexible opportunities, investing in local initiatives, and creating pathways  that remove barriers to participation.

By working together, we can rebuild a thriving  culture of volunteering and ensure that no community is left behind.  

The Scottish Government must match recognition with meaningful investment, stronger  coordination, and long-term policy support to help volunteering thrive across the country. 

To explore local volunteering opportunities, visit https://volunteer.scot  

You can also read the full Inspiring Scotland report: Catalysts for Change: Understanding  the motivations of volunteers in Scotland (new report published)

Local school kids team up with viral Grammy-longlisted young rappers to create new rap song in Irish and Scottish Gaelic

Young musicians (aged 9-12) from Edinburgh and Cork are breaking new grounds with a unique hybrid international hip-hop collaboration, blending Irish and Scottish Gaelic in a creative celebration of language, culture, and connection.

The project, led by Cork’s Kabin Crew (the collective behind the Grammy Award longlisted viral hit ‘The Spark’) and Tinderbox Collective, brings together nine young artists from Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce (Parkside Primary School), a Gaelic-medium primary school in Edinburgh and five experienced young performers from the Kabin Studio’s ‘Kabin Crew’ project in Cork, who have been co-writing a rap song exploring their shared heritage.

Funded by the Foras na Gaeilge – Colmcille Fund, and supported by Barr na gCnoc, University College Cork, the initiative has seen the group connect through eight online writing sessions, where they have shared stories, built friendships, and co-written a rap track that explores the theme “Edinburgh vs Cork.” 

During the online sessions, the young artists shared stories about their hometowns, swapped slang, and exchanged other phrases in Irish and Scots Gaelic. The writing process became a cultural exchange as much as a musical one.

Each group writes in their own language, yet the similarities between Irish and Scots Gaelic have sparked a lot of interest, fun and humour, which really highlights the deep linguistic and cultural ties between Scotland and Ireland. The result is a vibrant, joyful track that reflects their creativity, curiosity, and cultural pride.

Jed Milroy, General Manager at Tinderbox Collective, said: “Tinderbox Collective are so excited to be collaborating with The Kabin Studio on this unique creative project.

“Their ambitious approach to making youth music both accessible as well as of the highest quality is truly inspiring for us all and to be part of them using that platform to promote Gaelic and Irish is a real honour. Long may it continue!”

From grass-roots youth work to award-winning productions, Tinderbox aims to ignite a spark in people – one which fills them with confidence, imagination, and sense of possibility, and helps them achieve things they never thought possible.

Their work uses music and the arts to bring people together and strengthen communities, providing exciting opportunities to those who need them most, and supporting young people to build their confidence, skills, self-esteem, and professional experience.

Máire Dineen, Programme Manager at Kabin Crew, said: “The Kabin Studio is delighted to be part of this project and looks forward to building new relationships with our Scottish friends through music and language.”

The collaboration will culminate in a professional recording and music video. Five of the Edinburgh participants will travel to Cork on 27th June to record the track at the Kabin Studio, while five members of Kabin Crew will later visit Edinburgh to film the video alongside their new collaborators.

The Kabin Studio, based in Knocknaheeny, Cork, is a dynamic youth music and creative hub known for empowering young people through songwriting, rap, and performance. It provides a safe and inspiring space for young artists to express themselves, collaborate, and develop their talents.

Talking about this project, Heidi from Kabin Crew, said: “I feel it’s an amazing way for kids in the North Side to learn Irish and Gaelic.

“I can’t wait to meet my new friends in Edinburgh, they were really nice over Zoom, super sweet and I can’t wait to meet them”

Archie, aged 10, from Edinburgh said – “It’s been working really well getting to write a song in Gaelic and Irish and meeting the Kabin Studio guys.

“It’s really interesting to meet Irish Gaelic rappers. I hope is that if we keep doing this we could get as famous as the Kabin Crew!”

By writing and performing in Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic, these young artists are helping to bring these rich, historically underrepresented languages to audiences who wouldn’t usually engage with them and showing them that Gaelic languages are not only alive but thriving in the voices of the next generation.

The Tinderbox and Kabin Crew collaboration will be released later this year.

Swinney pays tribute to Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem

First Minister marks lives given in public service

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to the eight Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem.

The emblem is awarded posthumously to family members of those who died in public service. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or a terrorist attack.

The First Minister said: “I warmly welcome the awarding of The Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.

“This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service. They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray said: “I pay tribute to all of those Scots who have been recognised today. Every one of these brave public servants gave their life to protect others. They are people who stepped forward when most of us would step back, and they paid the ultimate price.

“I am particularly pleased that Dunblane teacher Gwen Mayor has been recognised. No-one will ever forget the horror of the shooting at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, when Mrs Mayor was killed trying to protect her pupils.

“I hope that the families of all those recognised will take some comfort in knowing that their loved ones, and their service, has not been forgotten.” 

The family of Dunblane Primary School teacher Gwen Mayor including her husband Rodney Mayor said: “As a family we are extremely proud and honoured to be receiving this award on behalf of Gwen. We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.

“You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care. She paid the ultimate price for that commitment. Finally we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”

The full list of Scottish recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem are:

  • Joseph Stewart Drake, a Constable with Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. He died on 11 August 1967 when a stolen lorry intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it. 
  • Gwen Mayor, Primary 1 teacher at Dunblane Primary School died on 13 March 1996 alongside 15 of her pupils when a gunman entered the school.
  • Rodney (Rod) Moore, a retired NHS paramedic from Falkirk with 40 years’ service, rejoined the Scottish Ambulance Service to support its Covid-19 response and died on 21 November 2020 having contracted coronavirus.
  • Roderick Nicolson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter died at Perth Harbour on 4 December 1995. He was attempting to rescue workers who became trapped in a silo filled with five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash.
  • Richard Paul North, a Constable with Tayside Police died on 17 March 1987. He was on duty driving a marked police patrol car when it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drink and drugs.
  • William Oliver of the Glasgow Salvage Corps died at the Cheapside Street whisky bond fire on 28 March 1960. He was instantly killed alongside 18 others when some casks ruptured causing a massive boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion.
  • Ewan Williamson, a Scottish Fire & Rescue Service firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service. He became trapped in a fire at the Balmoral Bar public house in Edinburgh and died on 12 July 2009.
  • Alastair Soutar, of HM Customs and Excise died of his injuries on 29 July 1996 after he was crushed between ‘The Sentinel’ HM Customs and Excise vessel and the ‘Ocean Jubilee’ smugglers vessel. Mr Soutar, from Dundee, was participating in Operation Balvenie to apprehend drug smugglers.

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