Thousands more carers now able to apply for benefit

Carers urged to apply now and get money they’re entitled to

Thousands of unpaid carers in Scotland can apply for a new benefit from today. Carer Support Payment, the replacement for Carer’s Allowance, is now available in Angus and North and South Lanarkshire.

Carers living in these areas are the first to be able to apply for Carer Support Payment since it was introduced in the pilot areas of Perth & Kinross, Dundee City and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles) in November 2023.

New rules that come into effect today also mean the benefit, paid by Social Security Scotland, is available to more student carers.

Since its introduction, the benefit has been available to carers aged 16-19 in full-time “advanced” education, carers over 20 in full-time education at any level, as well as carers in part-time education.

However, from today, some 16-19-year-old carers in full-time “non-advanced” education, such as school, are also eligible for Carer Support Payment.

In addition, some carers – mostly full-time students – can now have their benefit payments backdated to when Carer Support Payment was first introduced.

The benefit will be rolled out to more local authorities in the next few months and will be available in all of Scotland from 4 November.

Carers who live in areas where Carer Support Payment is not yet available are urged to apply for Carer’s Allowance to make sure they don’t miss out on support.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “I’m delighted that more carers in Scotland can now get Carer Support Payment and I urge every carer who is eligible for the benefit to apply as soon as possible.

“I also encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to check if they can apply. This includes students studying full-time who are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

“The work unpaid carers do is invaluable and I want every carer to get the money they are entitled to.”

Keira Carruthers, 18, will be one of those applying for Carer Support Payment. The Blantyre woman, who has been looking after her dad since she was 13, is due to start an HNC in August.

She said: “People really underestimate how hard it is to be a young carer. Caring for my dad can be difficult if he’s down with an illness or having a bad day.

“Sometimes it’s full-blown medical issues but other days it’s keeping him company and keeping him occupied. Being a young carer while balancing my studies is a full-time job.

“It’s really important that young people, who look after someone, get support while they’re studying. I’ll definitely be applying for Carer Support Payment.”

Carer Support Payment opens for new applications today, 24 June, in Angus, North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire.

From 19 August, it will be available in Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and North, East and South Ayrshire.

It will be available in the rest of Scotland from 4 November.

Carers can use the postcode checker to see if Carer Support Payment is available in their area. postcodecheck.socialsecurity.gov.scot.

Carers can also find out more, and apply at https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

RSV vaccination programme in Scotland

Following last year’s advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Public Health Scotland has been working with the Scottish Government and NHS boards to develop plans for the roll out of Scotland’s  Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants and older adults. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms. Most cases recover after 2-3 weeks of illness, but RSV can cause severe illness in some people, including newborns, infants and older adults, leading to complications and hospitalisation. 

With the new programme set to commence later in the summer, some information is now available on NHS inform and more detail will follow soon.   

View the JCVI advice on RSV immunisation programmes    

View NHS inform information for newborns and infants and older adults

Assault at Royal Infirmary: Police release CCTV images

Police Scotland has released images of a man they believe may be able to assist their enquiries into an assault which occurred outside the Ann Rowling building at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Thursday, 16 May 2024 at around 1.35pm.

Officers believe that the man shown in the images may have information that could assist them and would urge the man or any members of the public who recognise him to contact police.

The man is described as being of Asian appearance, 5ft 9ins in height and of large build with short, black hair and a beard. He was wearing a black top, black padded jacket, green cargo trousers with black and yellow trainers.

Constable Hazel Longworth said “I’m appealing to the man pictured or anyone who has information relating to him to contact police.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 2042 of 16 May 2024.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”

Family tours of the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Physic Garden available for the first time this summer

Over the summer holidays, as the Palace of Holyroodhouse opens for seven days a week, visitors can discover over 900 years of Scottish royal history. Families can join tours of the Physic Garden for the first time, get their hands on history, and try out arts and crafts activities inspired by Georgian fashion.

Physic Garden Family Tours

Friday, 19 July and Friday, 2 August, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00.

For the first time, families will be able to join free short tours of the beautiful Physic Garden at the height of summer. On these guided, drop-in tours, which are open to visitors to the Palace and the wider public, families can discover more about the history of the Garden and listen to stories of its past plants and the people who used it. 

The Physic Garden, just outside the gates of the Palace, was opened in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh. Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670, the original garden provided pharmacists with vital, fresh ingredients and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Magical Menagerie Activity Day

Saturday, 27 July, 10:00–15:00.

In July a special activity day will offer the chance for visitors to learn about the history of the Palace Gardens, where 500 years ago a medieval menagerie was home to a range of animals including lions, tigers and bears.

Children can craft paper masks of their favourite animal to wear as they explore the Palace and Gardens, keeping an eye out to spot the animals around the Palace on ceilings and walls, or in tapestries and portraits.

As well as exotic animals, the Gardens were home to a tennis court and used for bowls, hawking, archery, and other outdoor games. On the activity day, families can try some historic games in the garden as well as following the unicorn activity trail to spot all the places where Scotland’s national animal decorates the walls and artworks around the Palace and Gardens.

Weekly Family Activities

Hands on History, every Monday (Monday, 8 July – Monday, 26 August) and Midweek Makes, every Wednesday (Wednesday, 10 July – Wednesday, 28 August). Both 11:00–15:00.

Families visiting the Palace can take part in special activities every week. Every Monday, in Hands on History sessions, children will be able to get up close to a mix of historical and replica items including gauntlets, ink wells and quills and more. Children can learn about the many objects in the Royal Collection and discover the intriguing items that would have been used in the Palace hundreds of years ago.

Every Wednesday, visitors can join arts and crafts activities in the family room. In Midweek Makes, children can decorate their own crown while learning about the history of different crowns in the Royal Collection, including who wears them and what they are used for.

Recycled Fashion: Family Workshop

Saturday, 10 August, 13:30–15:00.

Families can also visit The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. The exhibition explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection. In the exhibition, families can use the family gallery trail and explorer bags to discover what life was like in Georgian times.

In the Recycled Fashion workshop, families will join a short, guided tour of the exhibition led by a member of the Learning team. They can discover how the practice of reusing and recycling fabric in the Georgian period was commonplace even among the royal family. Taking inspiration from the examples of Georgian clothing on display, they will then create a cloak using recycled materials.

As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.

The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the summer holidays.

Multi-million £ Edinburgh fraudster jailed for seven years

A 54-year-old man has been jailed for seven years following a multi-million pound scam in Edinburgh. Aasim Johar was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Monday, 24 June, 2024.

He was previously found guilty on Friday, 24 May, 2024.

Johar defrauded the University of Edinburgh of over £3.3million between 2005 and 2015 through his role as a salesperson. The fraudulent scheme saw him earn commission through false and over-inflated invoices for cleaning products that were either not delivered or not required.

Detective Sergeant Gary Dalgleish, of the Financial Investigation Unit, said: “The sentence is the result of a long and complex investigation carried out by our officers. We have worked closely with the University and COPFS throughout the investigation and thank them greatly for their assistance.

“We recognise the significant and devastating impact that financial fraud can have on those that fall victim, which makes us all the more determined to identify and prosecute those responsible

“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage the public to report fraud to us. We are committed to investigating all reports thoroughly and will bring those responsible to justice.”

You can find out more information and advice about fraud on our website here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/

David Martin: Closer alignment with EU essential to UK growth

  • “Labour’s ambitions for growth can’t happen unless we get closer to Europe.” says Labour’s longest-serving former Member of European Parliament“
  • Food safety agreement with EU could cut weekly foods bills by £2”

David Martin, who was the Labour Party’s longest serving Member of the European Parliament, has said Labour’s ambitions for growth in the economy can only be achieved by closer alignment with the EU.

Speaking today (24 June) in a Bylines Scotland podcast, Mr Martin said: ““The programme Labour has put forward for government is dependent on growth. In my view that growth cannot happen unless we get closer to Europe. It’s just not going to happen if we are outside all the European decision-making processes.”

He said realigning with Europe is a long-term process: “Things won’t happen overnight, but a new Labour government can reach early accommodations with the EU that can benefit the UK and EU.”

Mr Martin who is President of the European Movement in Scotland, the leading all-party pro EU organisation, cited post-Brexit rules on food safety controls that currently cost UK and European exporters £40 for every consignment passing between the UK and the EU.

He argues that having mutually agreed new food hygiene standards would cut out these costs and protect public health.

“A new accord between the UK and EU on veterinary standards would benefit farmers, food importers and exporters. Most importantly, it’s estimated that it could cut household shopping bills by around £2 a week.”

The former MEP believes the UK’s hospitality and retail sectors would benefit from the UK agreeing to the EU’s proposal to allow people between the ages of 18 and 30 the right to study or work in the UK or EU for up to four years. Labour has rejected the proposal. David Martin thinks that if Labour wins the general election, it must be open to reviewing its position on Europe.

“The EU proposal on limited free movement would be beneficial to both sides. It would give our industries a source of valuable labour,”

RCEM responds to Liberal Democrats’ 12-hour A&E waits data

Responding to the Liberal Democrats’ data which it says shows the number of patients waiting 12 hours or more in A&E has risen 100-fold since 2019, Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “We very much welcome the Liberal Democrats’ focus on this extremely important issue, and for responding to our request for more focus to be given by all pollical parties to the crisis happening right now in our A&E departments.

“These figures, and our own research, clearly evidence the shameful and shocking reality of poorly patients who need to be cared for on hospital wards having to wait many hour hours, ever days, often on trolleys in corridors because there is not enough capacity in the system.

“There simply are not enough beds to admit people to, often because the people in those beds are medically well enough to go home but can’t because of inadequate or delayed social care support.

“It is not just a matter of inconvenience or lack of dignity – which is bad enough. The longer people’s in-patient admission is delayed, the greater the risk the risk to their life. 

“There is no one quick fix, but the problems are fixable. RCEM is ready to work with whoever forms the next Government to begin the process of resuscitating our health system and ending these unacceptable and dangerous long waits.”

#ResuscitateEmergencyCare

Webinar examines the key role of higher education in supporting enhanced healthcare innovation

InnoScot Health’s last ‘lunch & learn’ session for the first half of 2024 is entitled Engaging students in healthcare innovation for an improved NHS and will provide interesting perspectives on this key facet of turning ideas into health service improvements. 

Hosted on Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 26 June from 12 until 12.45pm, the free to join webinar will be introduced by Innovation Manager, Fiona Schaefer. 

She will discuss InnoScot Health’s work over the past two years in providing more than 10 teams of students from Heriot-Watt University Engineering Design and Manufacture and Glasgow School of Art’s product design manufacture students with real world project briefs from NHS innovators. 

Fiona will be joined by two guest speakers: 

  • Dr Faezeh Shalchy, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences who has been providing academic support to engineering design and manufacturing students working on healthcare projects 
  • Lorraine Thomson, Business Engagement Manager at Interface who works with organisations to match them to Scotland’s world-leading academic expertise, helping to turn innovative ideas into reality 

Fiona said: “Over the past couple of years, InnoScot Health has successfully engaged with students at Heriot-Watt University and Glasgow School of Art. This has resulted in enduring collaborative relationships and this webinar will provide a showcase of successes to date. 

“We’re also delighted to have great guest speakers – Dr Shalchy who is a forward-thinking engineer specialising in projects which aim to enhance lives. 

“Interface will also provide engaging views which draw on its role as a central hub connecting industry and academia, often leading to enhanced healthcare innovation. 

“A Q&A section will round off the webinar, allowing attendees to probe and receive guidance on their own particular areas of interest.” 

“While InnoScot Health is pausing its webinar series for the summer holiday season and recommencing in late August, we’re already looking to the autumn for innovation challenges which could suit engagement with engineering students to explore a new concept, test ideas, or explore solutions to a pressing problem.” 

Wellerman singer reveals ‘pinch-me’ moment as song is included in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Audiences can see it for themselves with 50% off Preview Night tickets on sale now

Scottish musician Nathan Evans has revealed his pride after discovering his hit ‘Wellerman’ will be part of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this summer.

The 29-year-old shot to fame when the sea shanty went viral across TikTok in 2020 which led to a record deal and a Number 1 single in several countries.

Now it has been revealed that the famous track will form part of the Tattoo performance, with His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band taking it on, alongside some traditional navy tunes and sea shanties.

Nathan said: “What an incredible honour to have my song featured as part of the Tattoo.

“Growing up in Scotland, I think the Tattoo is something you’re always aware of and feel that sense of pride about so to have my song included is a real pinch-me moment.

“Since I released Wellerman, things have obviously changed dramatically for me but this is the icing on the cake and I can’t wait to see the song come to life as part of the amazing performances this summer.”

This year’s Tattoo performances will run from 2-24 August, with guests from around the world coming to experience the Journeys Show.

For fans eager to see the special performance of Wellerman alongside other world-class acts from across the globe, special preview night tickets are on sale from TODAY Monday 24 June, with up to 50% off standard ticket prices.

Journeys will celebrate the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.

The Show will be the third under the Tattoo’s bold brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, and will follow the successes of the last two years shows, Voices and Stories, under creative Director Michael Braithwaite Journeys merges the traditional military elements that the Tattoo is known and loved for, with modern touches through creative projection, technology, costume design and music inspirations.

Michael Braithwaite, Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, says “While the Tattoo has a proud history of the very finest world-class military and civilian performances; innovation and Scottish culture have also been a core tradition of the show since its first days.

Nathan’s much-deserved success and passion for Scottish music represent everything we hold dear at the Tattoo. He has taken a 19th century sea shanty and brought it to the modern era to great acclaim. We are thrilled to be presenting Wellerman, as a feature with the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, our lead service, and a highlight of the journey our audience will embark upon this year.”

The Castle Esplanade will be filled with over 800 international performers from far and wide to showcase their epic journey, through vibrant dance, music, visual artistry and so much more.

Expressing their unique cultures, this Show will host talents from the USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and homegrown acts from around the UK. Through an artistic odyssey, expect a wide variety of enthralling action featuring world-leading talent.

With the Royal Navy as lead service, the Show will pay homage to the seafarers that brave the ocean to travel across continents bringing people and cultures together

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 2-24 August 2024, with Presenting Partner, Innis & Gunn, offering a bar service at the event.

Tickets for 2025’s Show celebrating the 75th Anniversary of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will go on sale in August during Journeys.

Improving the planning and regulation of processions

Action to ensure safe and peaceful assembly  

New proposals to improve the planning and regulation of public processions and marches are to be introduced to uphold the rights of safe and peaceful assembly. 

An Action Group, set up to consider how to better facilitate processions, has set out six recommendations in a newly published report, which have been accepted by the Scottish Government, the local authority group COSLA, and Police Scotland. 

The recommendations include: 

  • extending a pilot programme – following successful evaluation in April 2024 – to train stewards and marshalls to build their capacity to plan, prepare and manage processions and other forms of public gathering in a safe way 
  • developing a minimum standard for information provided on the notification process for processions
  • providing consistent information on local authority websites that ensures transparency and confidentiality
  • statutory organisations, including local authorities, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, to work together so information they provide relating to marches is clear and easy to understand
  • developing or improving training packages for local authority officials and elected members to enable the sharing of good practice to facilitate peaceful public processions and on how to protect human rights
  • consideration of an annual review mechanism that contributes to the sharing of best practice and learning of the management of processions. 

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government established the Action Group to ensure that processions are conducted safely and peacefully across the country.

“I am grateful to the members of the group for these carefully considered recommendations, which represent the culmination of extensive work by partners. 

“The freedom of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of a democratic society and it is vital that the right training, planning and regulations are in place so processions run smoothly, while ensuring those attending and surrounding communities are kept safe. 

 “In accepting the recommendations of the Action Group’s report in full, what is clear is that achieving success must be a joint endeavour. We will work with Police Scotland, COSLA and members of the Group to implement the recommendations as quickly as possible.” 

A COSLA spokesperson said: “COSLA has worked collaboratively with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland through the Action Group on Processions, to work through the conclusions and recommendations of the Report for the Short Life Working Group on Facilitating Peaceful Assembles. 

“In April, the COSLA Community Wellbeing Board endorsed the recommendations of the Action Group, and COSLA Officers will continue to work with partners of the group to deliver these actions.” 

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie said: “Police Scotland is a rights based organisation.

“We welcome this report as we continue to work with our communities and partners to continually improve our practices and the awareness and visibility of the rights of those who wish to take part in processions.”