SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the announcement that veterans and the families of those in the armed forces are to receive more tailored healthcare under a new scheme for GPs.
The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme is now open to GP surgeries across Scotland, including Edinburgh, following a successful pilot. It includes easy access to training materials setting out the specific issues these individuals face in clinical case to aid understanding of specific needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided.
This will better enable healthcare providers to focus on the specific health challenges they may face following military service.
Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The launch of this scheme will see more tailored, local support delivered across the wider city but is particularly important in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency given the high numbers of forces families and veterans living there.
“The SNP Scottish Government is taking meaningful action to support those who have served our country and continue to do so, along with their families, and this scheme will go a long way to addressing the specific challenges that these individuals face.
“It is also important to recognise the huge sacrifice that so many have made to keep us safe, particularly as we approach Remembrance Sunday.
“I encourage GPs both in the south west and the wider city who have not already done so to sign up so that more individuals and their families can benefit from this scheme.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia and will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Saudi Arabia after the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tokyo
He will hold high-level talks with regional Foreign Ministers in diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and work towards a two-state solution
He will push for a collective effort to get lifesaving aid into Gaza as quickly as possible, through as many routes as possible.
The Foreign Secretary will reiterate the UK’s commitment to prevent regional escalation to the crisis and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza on a visit to Saudi Arabia on 9 November.
James Cleverly will meet with Foreign Ministers from the Middle East, who are gathering in Saudi Arabia ahead of a League of Arab States emergency meeting on Gaza on Saturday.
He is expected to raise efforts to prevent wider regional escalation, including in Lebanon and Yemen, and offer continued UK support to bolster deterrence and counter threats from malign groups in the region.
The Foreign Secretary will also discuss initiatives to significantly increase the volume of aid reaching civilians in Gaza, including medicines, fuel and water, and ensure a pipeline of funds and supplies to support the relief effort. He will reaffirm the UK’s support for further humanitarian pauses in the fighting as soon as possible to deliver aid and provide a crucial window for hostages – including British nationals – to be released.
In his meetings with counterparts, the Foreign Secretary will also reiterate the UK’s condemnation of the rise in settler violence and call for Israel to hold those responsible to account to improve the situation in the West Bank. He will outline the UK’s support for reinvigorating diplomatic efforts towards a achieving a viable two-state solution.
His visit to Saudi Arabia follows on from his attendance at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where attendees agreed on the urgent need to allow humanitarian pauses to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement and release of hostages.
The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly said: “I have been focused on diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages, to ensure that foreign nationals can leave Gaza, to deter any escalation regionally and to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid at scale.
“I will continue this essential work in Saudi Arabia where I will meet with a number of my counterparts in the region to explore how we achieve those aims quickly and also look to the future of a lasting, peaceful, and prosperous two-state solution for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
His visit follows the UK’s delivery of vital equipment and lifesaving aid to support civilians in Gaza and a £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Since Hamas’ terrorist atrocities on 7 October, UK government ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East, as well as the international community.
The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary have all visited the region in recent weeks to push for lifesaving aid to get into Gaza, support the return of British nationals, prevent dangerous regional escalation and back Israel’s right to self-defence.
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Draft legislation aiming to prioritise homes for living in
Draft regulations allowing local authorities to charge up to double the full rate of Council Tax on second homes have been laid before the Scottish Parliament.
If approved, local authorities would be able to apply the Council Tax premium on homes that are not used as a main residence.
This change, a Programme for Government commitment, attracted majority support in a joint consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). It will bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes from 1 April 2024.
In the 2024-25 financial year, it will be based on rates from 2023-24.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “We want everyone in Scotland to have a home that meets their needs. We know second homes can sometimes benefit local communities, but they can also restrict the availability of housing and increase costs for people who want to rent or buy.
“Subject to approval by Parliament, this legislation aims to prioritise housing for living in by allowing local authorities to charge a Council Tax premium on second homes. Backed by a majority of respondents to our joint consultation with COSLA, it will enable councils to seek a fair contribution towards local services from second-home owners.”
COSLA Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said: “Subject to Parliamentary approval, COSLA very much welcomes the ability for councils to take the decision to increase the premium on second homes in their areas.
“Allowing the politicians who are closest to their communities to take decisions about what best suits local needs and circumstances is well aligned to the Verity House Agreement.”
UK Government: Self-driving vehicles ‘will help make travel more convenient and accessible, improving the lives of millions of people who can not drive‘
new Automated Vehicles Bill puts UK at the forefront of regulation of self-driving technology, in boost to safety, investment and jobs
an estimated 38,000 new jobs to be created in the UK from £42 billion industry
self-driving vehicles will make transport more convenient and more accessible, improving the lives of millions of people
New laws introduced into Parliament yesterday (8 November 2023) will put safety at the heart of the roll-out of self-driving vehicle technology and position the UK as world-leaders of this exciting £42 billion industry.
As announced in the King’s Speech on Tuesday 7 November, the government’s new Automated Vehicles (AV) Bill will deliver one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks of its kind anywhere in the world for self-driving vehicles, with safety at its core.
The new safety framework will ensure clear liability for the user, set the safety threshold for legal self-driving and establish an in-use regulatory scheme to monitor the ongoing safety of these vehicles.
Self-driving vehicles could help reduce deaths and injuries from drink driving, speeding and driver tiredness, with 88% of road collisions having human error as a contributory factor. But before these vehicles are allowed on our roads, they will now have to meet or exceed rigorous new safety requirements, set out in law.
The technology will also help make travel more convenient and accessible, improving the lives of millions of people who can not drive.
They can be used to better connect rural communities, improving access to essential services and reducing isolation. They can make last-mile delivery and long-haul freight services more efficient, reduce congestion and they can provide on-demand transport services.
This Bill will help cement the UK’s position as a global leader in this high tech and high growth industry, which could create up to 38,000 jobs.
It comes amid wider government funding and support for trials of self-driving technologies in the UK, like the £66 million Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility fund which is supporting 20 projects in nearly 50 organisations to develop prototype passenger and logistics self-driving services.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “Our new Bill ensures safety is at the heart of our plans to see self-driving vehicles on our roads, making the UK a great place to develop this technology.
“We have the opportunity to put the UK at the forefront of a fast-growing, multi-billion-pound industry by providing the clarity and certainty for business to develop and invest in this exciting technology.
Transport Minister, Jesse Norman, said: “Today marks a landmark occasion as we usher in the future of transport, aiming at safer, greener and more efficient travel for all.“
The AV Bill’s comprehensive legal framework has safety and the protection of the user at its core. This will be done through:
creating a rigorous new safety framework: setting the safety threshold for self-driving vehicles in law, while giving government the tools it needs to enforce standards and hold companies to account
ensuring clear legal liability at all times: making companies responsible for how their self-driving vehicles behave on the road and protecting users from being unfairly held accountable
protecting consumers and the public: ensuring only vehicles that meet rigorous self-driving standards can be marketed as such
All self-driving vehicles will be required to undergo robust safety testing before they are permitted to drive on UK roads, and the AV Bill will ensure clear legal liability when a vehicle is driving itself by creating new legal entities responsible for self-driving.
Every authorised self-driving vehicle will have a corresponding Authorised Self-Driving Entity– often the manufacturer – which will be responsible for the behaviour of the vehicle when self-driving. Companies will have ongoing obligations to keep their vehicles safe and ensure that they continue to drive in accordance with British laws.
The Bill will prohibit misleading market practices, including around using ambiguous terminology in advertising material around whether their vehicles classify as self driving. Regulations under the Bill will set out specific terminology and symbols which will be reserved for marketing authorised self-driving vehicles. Unauthorised and improper use of this terminology will be against the law and a criminal offence.
The laws implement the recommendations of the review of self-driving vehicle regulation carried out by the Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission. This landmark review brings together over 4 years of legal work, 3 rounds of public consultation, and hundreds of responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals.
Alex Kendall, Co-founder and CEO of Wayve, said: “Today’s announcement that the government will bring forward legislation for self-driving signals to the global self-driving industry that the UK government is committed to fostering innovation for the future of transport.
“By setting out a clear path to commercialisation, new primary legislation for self-driving vehicles gives us the confidence to continue investing in research and development and growing our talent base here in the UK.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to cement the UK’s role as a global centre of excellence for self-driving technology that will make our roads safer and unlock new growth.”
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced an incredible programme of free events to start 2024, as First Footin’ and Sprogmanay return on New Year’s Day, inviting audiences to enjoy a free programme of music and live events in venues and city centre attractions throughout the capital’s Old and New Towns.
First Footin’ invites audiences to explore the historic city, discovering an eclectic range of live music in outstanding venues, embracing Hogmanay traditions of friendship, love, and resolution, not forgetting some delicious food and drink along the way.
Featuring some of Scotland’s most beloved artists alongside exciting newcomers and some very special guests, music-lovers can enjoy an afternoon of performance and guest collaborations from award-winning artists including Lau, Fergus McCreadie, Kathryn Joseph, Hot Chip (DJ set), Bemz, Cloth, Sean Shibe and much more, to welcome in 2024 on New Year’s Day.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, created and produced by UniqueAssembly on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council, has collaborated with award-winning musician and composer Aidan O’Rourke to curate the First Footin’ programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund and supported by Essential Edinburgh and Cold Town Beer.
On the afternoon of 1 January, locals and tourists alike can enjoy live music at the First Footin’ culture trail, with performances ranging from folk to rap, indie to classical, and much more.
Aidan O’Rourke, Lau who guest curated the First Footin’ programme said: “The first day of the new year. Normal rules don’t apply. Emotions are big and wobbly. Hopes are high. The light seems different. Resolutions are … pending.
“We might feel refreshed but also (possibly) heftily hungover. A special sensitivity! A perfect day for listening, resetting, turning off the phones and sitting still for a moment or several. It’s been a joy to curate these free concerts: incredible musicians playing in up-close, low-key and immersive settings.”
First Footin’ highlights include:
An exclusive collaboration between pioneering folk trio Lau, who will be joined by special guest and cult singer-songwriter Kathryn Joseph for a New Year’s Day party like no other at St Giles’ Cathedral, greeting their first-footers with songs and a warm welcome
Aspecial day time club event at Virgin Hotel with very special guests Hot Chip (DJ Set) and guest DJs
An afternoon of award-winning jazz from Fergus McCreadie Trio and special guests Juliette Lemoine & Chris Amer at Greyfriars Kirk
Edinburgh bornguitarist and recipient of the 2022 Leonard Bernstein Award Sean Shibe and special guest violinist Mira Benjamin at the Fruitmarket Gallery
Live music score performed by the Graeme Stephen Trio to classic silent movies, at the new St Andrew Square Spiegeltent
An afternoon of ceilidh dancing with Mull’s Hannah Fisher Ceilidh Band at the Assembly Rooms Ballroom
Plus an evening of revelry at the First Footin’ Sessions with Cold Town Beer taking place in Edinburgh’s best city centre pubs and bars
In a special collaboration with The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award and partners Stirling Council, First Footin’ will this year welcome a selection of 2023’s Shortlisted artists to the live music trail, with nominees Becky Sikasa, Bemz, Cloth, and this year’s Sound of Young Scotland winner No Windows performing at the Assembly Rooms Music Hall. Named amongst the 10 most outstanding Scottish Albums of the Year, this showcase of SAY Award alumni presents the very best in contemporary Scottish music.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “I’m delighted to see the announcement of this year’s First Footin’ and Sprogmanay. Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the start of 2024 with an eclectic, exciting and free programme of events.
“From experimental folk music, to award-winning rap, all the way to arts, crafts and family activities there is truly something for everyone of all ages.
“I’d like to thank the organisers for their efforts, and I can’t wait to experience what this year has in store for our city.”
A spokesperson from UniqueAssembly who produce Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council said: “We’re thrilled to be able to announce our free New Year’s Day activity thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.
“With family events at the National Museum of Scotland and Assembly Roxy, and an eclectic music trail across the city, there’s hopefully something for everyone to enjoy.
“This is the second year of our First Footin’ Culture Trail – an opportunity for music fans to see some of Scotland’s best local talent alongside international acts right on their doorstep. The Festivals Expo Fund has enabled us to continue this new tradition, showcasing the amazing artists performing in Scotland year round and the incredible live music venues that support them.”
First Footin’ takes place at venues throughout the city from 2pm – 8pm on New Year’s Day. A full line-up of artists and venues along with First Footin’ trail map will be released in early December, for participants to plan their fun-packed New Year’s Day.
Celebrations for families and young revellers run throughout New Year’s Day with the return of the hugely popular Sprogmanay in collaboration with the National Museum of Scotland. Enjoy lively performances and activities for all the family with a vibrant free programme including; music performances from Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock, arts and crafts, and the ‘Resolution Tree’, where children are invited to write their hopes and ambitions for 2024 on a star – sure to be a special moment for families on the first day of the New Year.
Dance the day away at the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh hosted by the incredible Fruin Ceilidh Band at Assembly Roxy. The fun, relaxed environment is the perfect chance to embrace tradition and introduce the kids to a classic ceilidh for the first time with an expert caller on hand to ensure everyone of all ability can join in. Running all afternoon, families are invited to stay for the afternoon or drop in and out of sessions to catch their breath!
Sprogmanay and First Footin’ Culture Trail round off four days of world-class celebrations in Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year, thanks to support from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund.
Celebrations begin on 29 December with the Torchlight Procession and Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, plus the Night Afore Disco Party and Night Afore Hoolie on 30 December.
On Hogmanay night itself New Year Revels with its all-night ceilidh, makes a welcome return to Assembly Rooms, while Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens will host 50,000 party goers at the world-famous Street Party and Concert in the Gardens with Pulp and special guests Hot Chip (DJ set).
Further information and tickets for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 30th anniversary celebrations are available now from www.edinburghshogmanay.com.
HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a museum celebrating the remarkable history of Scotland’s firefighting tradition in Edinburgh.
Her Royal Highness is now one of more than 7,200 visitors who have visited the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage since it opened its doors to the public in McDonald Road at the end of June.
The Rt. Hon Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, was one of several dignitaries to greet The Princess Royal. He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the city and the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station on behalf of the people of Edinburgh.
“To have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of firefighting in Scotland was also an extremely interesting and proud experience.
“I would like to thank the team at McDonald Road for accommodating us today and pay tribute to our fantastic firefighters, alongside our other emergency services, who make sure we are all kept safe.”
Ross Haggart, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was at the museum to extend a warm welcome to Princess Anne. He said: “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to show Her Royal Highness the fascinating exhibits that chart the remarkable history of our firefighting tradition.
“This special building is home to an array of artefacts dating back almost two hundred years, including fire appliances, uniforms and equipment.
“Next year, our service will be marking the bicentenary of the world’s first municipal fire service founded in Edinburgh by James Braidwood.”
As part of the visit, The Princess Royal was also given a tour of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station, which has been newly refurbished as an emergency hub building alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service. HRH was greeted by a contingent of firefighters and ambulance crews.
Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service, Tom Steele, said: “I was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station alongside our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“The museum is a fantastic celebration of the fire service’s history. As well as sharing a number of co-locations with the fire service, including here in Edinburgh, we share a strong history of caring for and improving the lives of the people in Scotland.
“We look forward to many more years of working together to provide life-saving work.”
After watching a demonstration of how firefighters use a high reach appliance, HRH was presented with a posy by Crew Commander Blair Muir, who carefully manoeuvred the vehicle so he could hand deliver the flowers from onboard the appliance.
The Princess Royal spoke with staff and volunteers, including Jim McDonald, a museum volunteer. Mr McDonald said: “It was a truly remarkable and humbling experience to meet Her Royal Highness. Her genuine interest in our exhibits left a lasting impression on all of us.”
At the end of the visit, The Princess Royal officially unveiled commemorative plaques, marking the official opening of the museum.
McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station has undergone renovations and modernisation and last month won a Commendation in the Large Projects and Regeneration/Strategy Award Categories for the 2023 Edinburgh Architectural Awards.
Criminals’ ill-gotten gains re-directed to support young people to make positive choices
A unique programme funded from seized criminal assets has helped to provide new opportunities for more than 28,000 young people in the past year.
CashBack for Communities used £19 million recovered from criminal activity to support 24 organisations during Phase 5 of the programme, which ran from April 2020 to March 2023, to support young people, including those who may be at risk from being drawn into antisocial behaviour or criminality.
Projects supported included the Vow Project, run in partnership with Police Scotland, which uses peer mentors with experience of the criminal justice system to support young people to break the cycle of criminality and offending.
The Access to Industry project, which provides employability support to young people in HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution (YOI) Polmont, and Action for Children who support young people at risk of involvement in offending or antisocial behaviour, were also supported through CashBack.
A new evaluation of activity support in 2022-23, has found that of the young people who took part in projects:
75% reported an improvement in their wellbeing
75% reported an increase in their confidence
59% gained new jobs, skills or qualifications
Since its inception, Cashback for Communities has committed up to £130 million to fund a range of projects, delivering more than 2.5 million activities and supporting around 1.3 million young people across Scotland.
Community Justice Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The success of the Cashback for Communities projects show what can be achieved when young people are given the right opportunities.
“It is important that we support and encourage young people to make choices that allow them to develop their aspirations and potential.
“CashBack for Communities is a valued programme that everyone involved should be rightly proud of. I am grateful to all those who have helped to make the past three years such a success, and supported so many young people in such a positive way, particularly in a period impacted by COVID-19.
“For the past 15 years, Cashback has helped well over a million young people across the country to find better futures.
“This unique initiative underlines our commitment to support all of Scotland’s young people to live full, healthy lives and to help address some of the underlying causes of crime and antisocial behaviour.”
The team from Amazon in Dunfermline made donations totalling £2,000 to Glasgow Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital as part of the company’s global Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer campaign during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Since 2017, Amazon employees have helped raise awareness and joined in the fight against childhood cancer thanks to the Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer campaign.
A gold ribbon is the universal symbol for childhood cancer and Amazon employees from Dunfermline held a month-long series of gold-themed events in recognition of the international emblem.
The Dunfermline team also showed solidarity to children with cancer by donating a total of £2,000 to Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.
One of the events this year at Amazon in Dunfermline was a Pyjama Day, which saw the team wear pyjamas to work in honour of children who spend every day in their pyjamas during treatment.
Other events taking place at Amazon in Dunfermline included packing kits including over 200 activity packs and 66 teddy bears for children undergoing treatments at Glasgow and Edinburgh Children’s Hospitals.
The team from Amazon in Dunfermline also visited Glasgow Children’s Hospital to help set up and decorate the hospital’s ‘Games for Weans’ game room.
The aim of Amazon’s Goes Gold campaign is to support kids impacted by cancer as part of the company’s commitment to have a meaningful impact in the communities it serves around the world.
Over 400,000 children across the globe will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and Amazon has an opportunity to make a difference for thousands of these children and their families by raising greater awareness and supporting the work being done in cancer research and front-line care.
Amazon Dunfermline General Manager, Jamie Strain said: “Amazon has proudly supported Childhood Cancer Awareness month since 2017 and this year, we’re pleased to continue playing a part at Amazon in Dunfermline with our pyjama party and gold-themed events.
“We’re pleased to support the efforts of Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital, organisations that have a profound impact on children and families in our community.”
Christina Watson is one of the Amazon employees who took part in Amazon Goes Gold for Kids with Cancer. She added: “Everyone at Amazon in Dunfermline loved taking part in our gold-themed events to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
“I think it’s brilliant that we’re also able to support Glasgow Children’s Hospital, CHAS and Edinburgh Children’s Hospitals whose staff and volunteers do incredible work for families in our area.”
Amazon employees in the UK also had the opportunity to support children and families affected by childhood cancer by packing activity kits for children facing cancer, which were distributed to nearby hospitals and hospices.
Employees also took part in volunteering with childhood cancer charities and organisations, and had the opportunity to write short stories for children spending time in hospital.
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK. Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.
Earlier this year, Amazon partnered with Comic Relief to become the official home of the Red Nose. Amazon employees across the UK hosted fundraising activities and together with their customers and partners, raised £2.7 million to support those going through the toughest time of their lives.
