LISTENING LEADS TO CHANGE
The Macmillan Transforming Cancer Care Lived Experience Programme has published it’s Peer Evaluator project report.
Read the full report that puts considerations of equality right at the heart of its engagement:
Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023.
This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.
Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.
This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes.
Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience.
Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale.Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.
The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.
The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.
The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.
He commented: “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned.
“As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”
Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty.
He commented: “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces.
“It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail. Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens.
“Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”
Event Details:
Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other.
For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website:
As East Lothian’s largest sporting and hospitality venue, Musselburgh Racecourse takes seriously its commitment to working with local communities.
In the last year, the racecourse and its staff have been engaged in a wide range of activities, sponsorships and partnerships with charities and local businesses.
Themed race days which partner with local businesses – like the Luca Ice Cream Family Race Day in July – are a platform to work with sports clubs and charities and to introduce families to the thrill of horse racing.
At this year’s event, Musselburgh Windsor FC offered free football skill session for kids and were able to showcase the club’s 70 year old connection to the Honest Toun, while Musselburgh Food Bank were on-site to accept donations as part of a longer-term association with the racecourse.
At the same race day, children enjoyed more than 500 free pony rides courtesy of a local equestrian yard Tower Farm Riding Stables and 1,200 free ice creams were handed out in association with Luca’s.
The racecourse also teamed up with home builders Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes to offer free admission tickets to new homeowners as part of a “welcome to the neighbourhood” initiative.
Musselburgh Racecourse Commercial Manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “Musselburgh has a strong sense of community and we want to support the ethos of looking out for each other by providing opportunities for local clubs and charities, and to highlight the important contribution they make to the town as a great place to live, work and thrive.”
Another event saw racecourse staff participate in the British Racing Community Day when they collected litter around the Musselburgh Lagoons, and racecourse staff helped with the testing of affordable cooked meal kits on behalf of East Lothian Foodbank to share with local families.
The racecourse was able to raise the profile of groups like Musselburgh Windsor and Musselburgh Athletic FC and events such as the East Coast Harbour Race by providing free space in the race day programmes, naming races after the organisations, and complimentary tv advertising.
And as part of Musselburgh Festival Week, the racecourse hosts a Festival Day which welcomes hundreds of riders and families to enjoy a wide range of free activities following the traditional ride out.
“It is very rewarding to be working with some of Musselburgh’s best businesses and community groups and we are looking at ways in which we can strengthen those bonds and support the vital work they do,” added Aisling.
“The racecourse is synonymous with Musselburgh and on top of providing a five-star racing and hospitality experience for racing fans, it is important to play a part in the social and civic life of the town.”
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has developed the Water Smart Schools Accreditation, which launched in time for the new academic year, to facilitate classroom-based Water Safety Education.
And the mothers of Joe Abbess and Sunnah Khan who tragically lost their lives at Bournemouth beach in May this year, have recently advocated for the programme.
The RLSS UK initiative has been designed especially for schools to help their students develop water safety skills for life in the classroom environment, in recognition of the fact that not all schools can access pool-based safety education.
A cross-section of schools have piloted and successfully completed this new initiative, and now over 100 schools have signed up to the programme to ensure their students are educated on water safety.
Joe, 17, and Sunnah, 12, tragically drowned on 31 May this year when a suspected rip current caused sea conditions to change.
Joe’s mum, Vanessa Abbess, said, “I am keen to support the RLSS UK Water Smart School initiative to educate and raise awareness to improve water safety, in memory of our son Joe.
“Joe and Sunnah lost their lives despite being only waist high in the water, on a lifeguarded beach.
“Joe was sensible, healthy, and strong but taken from us, due to the ferocity of the sea that day. I am certain that if Joe had survived, he would definitely want to warn others of the dangers, as he was a very caring young man.
“I feel education is the key to get water safety to be broadly discussed and thus potentially save lives.”
Drowning is one of the leading causes of child trauma-related deaths in the UK (National Child Mortality Database, Deaths of children and young people due to traumatic incidents thematic report, July 2023) and is largely avoidable through education and positive experiences around water.
Sadly, access to swimming tuition and water safety education differs across the UK and there is often disparity for those from low-income and ethnically diverse family groups. The most recent data shared through the 2022 Active Lives Survey shows that only 34.7% of children from low-affluence families are able swim 25 metres unaided, compared with 76.4% children from high-income families.
RLSS UK’s Water Smart Schools accreditation aims to improve this by providing schools with a framework and all necessary resources to facilitate this vital learning.
Sunah’s mother, Stephanie Williams, said “”I think educating our children on water safety is incredibly important. The very least we can do is give all children an equal opportunity to access information that could potentially save their life one day. You never think it will happen to you until it happens to you.
“Knowledge is power, let’s give our children the knowledge and start the conversation that may one day save their life. Sunnah had her whole life ahead of her and it was so brutally torn away from her that day, I want to do everything I can to prevent this from happening to other children.”
RLSS UK launched the free Water Smart Schools programme in line with the start of Autumn term and all educational settings are being encouraged to sign up and take part during the 2023-24 school year.
Flexibility is at the heart of the programme and the charity is proud that Water Smart Schools can be applied to any learning environment including further education and SEND settings. The charity has already seen lots of enthusiasm from a number of schools and they want to ensure all school children have the vital water safety knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.
RLSS UK’s Education Manager Andy Lane said, “We are excited to already have over 100 schools on board but want to grow this and get even more schools on board to ensure more children have the much-needed knowledge around water safety.”
If you are interested in taking part to become a Water Smart School, please email education@rlss.org.uk.
The City of Edinburgh Council is once again asking tenants to give their feedback on rent proposals and the financial pressures they face.
This year’s consultation closes on 17 December, and tenants across the capital are being reminded to share views on the rates rent could be set at next year and how this money should be invested to create more and better housing.
The full scale of the city’s housing challenge was highlighted earlier this month when the council officially declared a Housing Emergency in Edinburgh. This followed news that up to 5,000 households a night are now living in temporary accommodation due to homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing.
A budget strategy report published last month also reveals the gap between the amount of funding Edinburgh needs to improve housing and the budget available to achieve this, which is primarily funded by tenants paying rent and government grants.
By raising rent levels, the council could ensure homes meet statutory energy efficiency standards set by the Scottish Government, build hundreds of new affordable homes to help people who are currently homeless and improve the landlord service it provides.
Up to 80% of tenants in Edinburgh receive assistance with their rent, with costs covered by housing benefits or Universal Credit. The council intends to extend its Tenant Hardship Fund to support households who aren’t entitled to this support to access funding if they struggle to afford an increase in rent.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: Providing a better service to our tenants, improving their homes, and building more places for people to live is at heart of our housing budget strategy.
“We recognise that this year will be particularly challenging for all residents with rising inflation, spiralling prices, and the wider cost-of-living crisis.
“These price hikes are affecting us too and we’re seeing the cost of running our housing services increase, at a time when we desperately need to invest in new and better homes and tackle rising homelessness. That’s why we have declared a Housing Emergency, so we can work with partners to help everyone who needs a safe place to call home.
“In our last consultation tenants told us they want us to invest in homes to make them more energy efficient and that they need more affordable homes. So, we are looking forward to hearing from our tenants again and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”
Alongside charging a higher rent for newly built homes and newly modernised homes, the council is considering three possible rent increase options:
No decisions on rents or how the council spends the Housing Revenue Account in the next financial year will be made until February 2024, when the council sets a housing revenue budget as part of a wider budget setting process.
Find our more and share views here at the consultation hub.
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Reducing Sugar Intake
Sugar Awareness Week runs from 13th to 19th November and is organised by Action Against Sugar, it aims to raise awareness of the damaging effect of too much sugar in our diet.
Reducing our intake of sugar can have a beneficial impact on our heart health and reduce our risk of heart diseases.
As we head into the festive season, many of us will be surrounded by sugary temptations and in this week’s healthy tip, we give you some helpful ideas to reduce your consumption while still joining in the festivities:
Make your own desserts
A festive, family get-together wouldn’t be complete without a sweet treat or dessert to enjoy after your meal. While buying cake or biscuits from a shop is easy, if we make it at home ourselves, we can reduce the sugar content.
Many recipes work just as well and taste just as good with half the recommended sugar, simply reduce the amount you add to the mixture. Alternatively, find low-sugar or sugar-free recipes that use fruit such as bananas for sweetness.
Jazz up fruit
Fruit can make the perfect tasty treat and will offer you some extra fibre which contributes to heart health.
A simple fruit skewer drizzled in a little chocolate looks great on a platter and can be enjoyed by everyone as a healthier, sweet option. Or why not arrange various fruits into the shape of a Christmas tree to entice people to dive in.
Watch out for hidden sugars
Added sugar is sneaky, and can crop up in foods we don’t even realise they are in. When trying to reduce your intake, a great first place to start is to check the labels of food products you regularly eat and swap them for lower sugar versions.
Common culprits are yoghurts, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, soft drinks (even if they look healthy), condiments and sauces. Try lower sugar alternatives by swapping any foods you regularly consume that contain more than 5g of sugar per 100g.
In the run up to Christmas, we like to make our food packs a little more festive!
If you’d like to contribute, please drop any donations off at our warehouse by the beginning of December – it would be lovely to bring a little festive cheer to people’s lives at this time of year!
The Government has announced £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing to increase investment in eight sectors across the UK. The funding will be available from 2025 for five years, providing industry with longer term certainty about their investments.
Over £2 billion has been earmarked for the automotive industry and £975 million for aerospace, supporting the manufacturing, supply chain and development of zero emission vehicles, and investment in energy efficient and zero-carbon aircraft equipment.
Alongside this, the government has committed to £960 million for a Green Industries Growth Accelerator to support clean energy manufacturing, and £520 million for life sciences manufacturing to build resilience for future health emergencies and capitalise on the UK’s world-leading research and development.
With the entire manufacturing sector making up over 43% of all UK exports and employing around 2.6 million people, this funding is targeted at the UK’s strongest, world leading sectors; including where the industry is undergoing fundamental changes to remain at the forefront of the global transition to net zero, like the move to zero emission vehicles in the automotive industry.
The Green Industries Growth Accelerator investment will support the expansion of strong, home-grown, clean energy supply chains across the UK, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage, electricity networks, hydrogen, nuclear and offshore wind. This will enable the UK to seize growth opportunities through the transition to net zero, building on our world-leading decarbonisation track record and strong deployment offer.
The funding forms part of the Prime Minister’s pledge to grow the economy, and his focus on making decisions for the long-term, ensuring the fund doesn’t just focus on the most successful sectors today but looks ahead to how we keep pace internationally and build the UK’s expertise for the industries of the future.
Together with our existing manufacturing support and plans for net zero transition, this package will help unlock private investment, provide certainty to investors, boost energy security, and protect and create jobs. This approach has already mobilised £198 billion in public and private investment in low carbon energy deployment since 2010.
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the second Global Investment Summit later this month, which will showcase innovative companies from across the UK, with significant investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, sustainability, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.
It will also help ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the global transition to net zero and can seize growth opportunities in the new green economy. The UK remains a world-leader in cutting emissions, having decarbonised faster than any G7 country since 1990 and set out clear plans to meet all our climate targets and deliver energy security.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, said: “Britain is now the 8th largest manufacturer in the world, recently overtaking France. To build on this success, we are targeting funding to support the sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading.
“Our £4.5 billion of funding will leverage many times that from the private sector, and in turn will grow our economy, create more skilled, higher-paid jobs in new industries that will be built to last.”
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “The UK is a global hub for advanced manufacturing, with world-leading automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors.
“This package builds on recent investment wins, such as the £4bn gigafactory, and the £600m invested to build the next generation of electric Minis, and ensures that the government can continue to help create jobs, grow the economy, and secure the future of great British manufacturing.”
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Today we are announcing nearly £1bn to back our green industries.
“While we’ve already attracted £200bn in low carbon investment since 2010, with another £100bn expected by 2030, this will unlock even more. We have long been energy pioneers in advanced manufacturing, and this will allow us to carry on that great British tradition.”
The Government has also published its response to Professor Dame Angela McLean’s review of the role that regulation and standards can play in driving innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing.
The Government accepts all 14 recommendations in the industry expert-backed report which builds on the UK’s role as a global leader in setting industrial standards and sets out how, with the right regulations, advanced manufacturing processes can enhance safety and support the drive to net zero and a more sustainable economy.
Among the recommendations accepted is to accelerate the deployment of digital twins, which enables companies to create accurate digital replicas of the full manufacturing process. Used across a range of sectors, digital twins have seen significant uptake in the automotive sector including car production where they offer a transformative approach to product development, manufacturing and maintenance, helping firms test how to fix problems or make processes more efficient.
To boost growth in small and medium sized manufacturing businesses more widely, it has also been announced today that the Government will expand the Made Smarter Adoption programme to all English regions in 2025 before working with the Devolved Administrations to explore making the programme UK-wide from 2026/7.
The programme helps small and medium sized manufacturing companies to use advanced digital technologies which can reduce carbon emissions and drive-up productivity, and its expansion will also involve inclusion of digital internships.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said: “Make UK has long campaigned for Made Smarter to be a fully national scheme so that all SME manufacturers can benefit from the expertise the programme delivers and we are delighted at today’s decision from Government to commit to a national rollout.
“Made Smarter has already transformed thousands of companies in the North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & the Humber and now it can help turbo-charge industrial digitalisation in SMEs across the whole of the country.
“The end-to-end specialist support the programme delivers has successfully helped smaller businesses dramatically boost productivity, improve energy efficiency, drive growth, upskill roles and deliver new jobs in digital skills to create workforces of the future which will allow Britain’s smaller manufacturers to continue to grow and remain globally competitive.”
Additionally, the Government yesterday committed to extend the Connected and Automated Mobility Research and Development programme with up to £150 million of funding between 2025/6 and 2029/30. This will help the UK secure first-mover advantage in the deployment of self-driving vehicles and services.
The UK’s first Battery Strategy is also expected to be published next week, which will outline the Government’s activity to achieve a globally competitive battery supply chain in the UK by 2030 that supports economic prosperity and the Net Zero transition.
They have also set out their plan to launch a Hydrogen industry taskforce, delivered in partnership with the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative and Innovate UK, supporting our ambition to maximise investment opportunities for UK manufacturing of hydrogen propulsion systems.
The Government will set out more about its offer to the manufacturing sector next week with the publication of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan.
Kevin Craven, Chief Executive, ADS Group said: “On behalf of industry, ADS is very pleased to welcome the measures announced by the UK Government to support UK aerospace, re-affirming long-term backing for our world-leading advanced manufacturing sector.
“The UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors are powerhouses of growth, hubs of ground-breaking innovation, and pioneers of the UK’s advanced manufacturing capability.
“Set against a backdrop of increasing global competition, the continued commitment towards aerospace R&D is significant and will provide a boost to continued investment in innovation and advanced manufacturing in the UK. This is a very timely intervention given the growing pace of aerospace recovery, huge aircraft order backlog and industries’ continued commitment to net zero.”
John Harrison, Chairman, Airbus UK and General Counsel, Airbus said: “Airbus welcomes the funding earmarked for aerospace and advanced manufacturing which offers greater certainty for long-term investment in sustainable aviation and highly skilled jobs here in the UK.
“This is positive for the UK economy both in terms of R&D investment today, as well as securing future growth”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “Today’s announcement is an unequivocal vote of confidence in the UK’s critical automotive industry.
“Coming on the back of almost £20 billion committed by the sector in next generation plants and technologies this year alone, it is indicative of the scale of investment such support can leverage and the result of substantial collaboration between Government and the industry.
“This additional Government investment reflects the fact the UK automotive sector has the talent, the innovation and the determination necessary to thrive in the face of fierce global competition. It will deliver benefits not just for the automotive sector but for the whole country in terms of growth, high value jobs and productivity. It also sends a powerful signal that the UK is open for business.”
Richard Torbett, Chief Executive, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) said: “We’ve long believed that the UK’s has the potential to be a world leader in advanced and sustainable medicines manufacturing.
“This £520 million will supercharge UK life sciences manufacturing, combatting the increasing international competition to attract major manufacturing investment. Added to our existing strengths and technical expertise in manufacturing innovation, today’s announcement is a major step forward in delivering on our shared ambitions for long term growth.”
Dan McGrail, Chief Executive, RenewableUK’s said: “At a time when international competition for investment in clean technology manufacturing is fierce, the Chancellor is right to take a more proactive approach to stimulate green industrial growth.
“The UK’s leadership in areas like offshore wind has given us a strong foundation to build on, with supply chain companies already in place across the country employing thousands of workers. But with the global market set to skyrocket in the years ahead, we should be looking to capture as much of this multi-billion pound opportunity as we can through a more strategic approach to building the UK’s manufacturing base.
“The Chancellor has been clear that the Green Industries Growth Accelerator is for strategic industries, targeted to unlock maximum private investment where the UK can be competitive – and there couldn’t be a better fit for that than offshore wind and renewables.
“With the right support, the likes of which we’ve seen from Government today, industry estimates that the offshore wind supply chain alone could boost the UK’s economy by £92bn by 2040. The sector is working to develop an Industrial Growth Plan which will set out how we can capture this opportunity to boost our energy security, grow our domestic supply chain and provide affordable power to consumers”.
Brian Holliday, managing director at Siemens Digital Industries UK, and co-chair of Made Smarter, said: “Today’s announcement clearly says that UK manufacturing matters. It represents a tremendous investment boost for our makers that will enable the confidence to invest in innovation, productivity and sustainability.
“Key sectors benefit but so does the long tail of small and medium firms which is really important to directly address our recent challenges of weak overall productivity and investment.
“The business benefits of digitalisation are now clear, while being an enabler for industrial decarbonisation too – the package of measures announced in bolstering Made Smarter, targeted regulatory reform and sector support, along with our world-class Catapults and Universities now makes the UK one of the best countries on the planet to sustainably design, make and export goods.“
Flight Club’s new, highly anticipated venue in Edinburgh is NOW OPEN! The award-winning bar infamous for reinventing darts for the 21st Century and encouraging fun ways to socialise, has officially opened its doors to the public at the newest St James Quarter location.
Flight Club’s unique concept will supercharge the social scene in Edinburgh, bringing groups of friends together with multiplayer games, show-stopping cocktails and tasty bites: all under one roof. From small plates to meat and vegetable sharing to pizza, washed down with one of the signature cocktails or cocktail slushies.
Whether you’re a seasoned dart sniper or have never thrown a dart before, Flight Club extends a warm welcome to all. Instant scoring eliminates any need for counting and reimagines matches into fast-paced, exciting events, with many players finding themselves unexpectedly hooked.
This lively bar is sure to establish itself as a hub in Edinburgh’s social landscape, with an impressive number of 18,000 guests already booked in for unforgettable experiences of Social Darts, cocktails and brunch.
Located in the bustling St James Quarter, Flight Club boasts an impressive array of 10 oches (Social Darts playing areas) and a stunning bar, ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and toasting to success (or commiserating losses!).
Flight Club is the ultimate destination for all group sizes, from couples to corporate events, multiple oches are effortlessly connected for an immersive experience, perfect for team building, weekend brunches, company socials or Christmas bookings (Christmas bookings now open for up to 250 people).
CEO, Steve Moore, said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone, Edinburgh is such an incredible city, we’re really proud of the venue and look forward to showing it off in all its glory!”
Flight Club is located at Level 3, 300-306 St James Crescent, EH1 3AE and is open every day from 11.30am until Midnight.
To book your spot, visit here. Reservations are now open.
Independence is the only realistic route for Scotland to regain the benefits of EU membership, according to a new paper published by External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson.
The seventh paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out the benefits for people and businesses that would occur from Scotland having direct representation in the European Union for the first time.
These include:
The paper also highlights what Scotland could contribute to the EU as a member state with its strengths in renewable energy, research and innovation, and shared values such as respect for human rights and international law.
Mr Robertson said: “Seven years after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain, the paper we are publishing today sets out how we could meaningfully reverse the damage of Brexit and regain and enhance the benefits of EU membership by joining as an independent country.
“This would give Scotland direct representation in European decision-making for the very first time, providing opportunities for our economy to grow inside a market which is seven times the size of the UK and escape the damage of the UK’s hard Brexit, which is hitting Scotland’s economy and communities hard.
“Our knowledge, shared values and close alignment with EU law mean Scotland is well placed to fulfil all necessary steps required to become a member state, whilst creating a new and better relationship with our close friends in the rest of the UK.
“We are also well placed to give back to the EU as a welcoming and inclusive country with strengths in research and renewables, and a steadfast commitment to advancing human rights and the rule of international law.
“I hope this paper and the proposals it puts forward will be read and debated widely by people in Scotland. I look forward both to that continuing debate and to the day when Scotland becomes independent, working closely with all our friends in a great shared endeavour that can help bring about a better Scotland and a better Europe.”
