With the Scottish Parliament election just around the corner, the critical questions of who owns what and who benefits in the era-defining shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy are more pressing than ever.
Join us in person or online for a community energy hustings, hosted by the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (Community Energy Scotland, Community Land Scotland & Development Trusts Association Scotland) where candidates from across the political spectrum will face your questions on local power.
This is our chance to demand clear commitments on support for community-owned renewable energy, on ensuring local wealth stays local, and on making sure the energy transition benefits every household, village and town across Scotland.
Thursday 5th March
Doors open for refreshments at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm
Grassmarket Community Project, Edinburgh EH1 2QA (or join online!)
Schools will now need to inform pupils when a request is made by a parent or carer to withdraw them from religious observance and to consider any objection the young person may have, under legislation backed by MSPs.
The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill was passed in a final Stage 3 vote in the Scottish Parliament.
The Bill was introduced to Parliament to clarify the legal position around the withdrawal of pupils from religious observance in schools.
The changes will align legislation with existing guidance on religious observance to strengthen alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in its international form.
Once brought into effect, the legislation will strengthen pupil’s rights in relation to religious observance and religious and moral education.
Legislation which will clarify the law on religious observance in school has been passed by @ScotParl
The changes will strengthen alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This Bill strengthens the protection and promotion of children’s rights in education, as well as those of their parents and carers. It builds on the wider progress we have made around the human rights of children and young people, while also ensuring parents continue to have a say on the religious elements of their child’s education.
“I recognise the wide range of views heard as the Bill has proceeded through the Parliamentary process. We will continue to adopt a collegiate and inclusive approach as these changes are implemented, including in the development of the new statutory guidance to accompany the legislation.“
New proposals for onshore renewable energy developments
Communities across Scotland could see more money invested in their area as a result of onshore renewable energy developments – under new proposals published yesterday.
The proposed updates to existing community benefit guidance for onshore energy developments would recommend that local groups should receive yearly payments of £6,000 per Megawatt (MW) of onshore wind capacity – up from £5,000 per MW – for the lifetime of a project.
‘Community benefits’ are voluntary contributions provided by energy developers to local communities. Around £30 million in benefits was provided to groups across Scotland last year, supporting projects that matter most to local communities.
The proposals also include:
a new specific recommended range of £700-£1000 per MW per year for solar projects;
a new recommended level of at least £150 per MW per year for battery energy storage projects;
the pilot of a Community Benefit Peer Forum, run by Local Energy Scotland, so communities can work together, share learning and build expertise;
and improved guidance to support communities to maximise the long-term value of community benefit funds.
Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “For more than 10 years, Scotland has led the way in establishing the provision of community benefits as a common and expected practice across our renewables sector.
“This has led to communities and energy developers working together to deliver tangible and long-lasting legacy benefits for local areas – along with the wider benefits of local jobs, supply chain businesses and growing local economies.
“The updated proposals outlined today seek to strike a balanced approach to future fund levels which continue to serve communities well while reflecting the market challenges for developers over recent years.
“We will continue to engage with communities and the energy sector to help refine these proposals ahead of developing our final updated Good Practice Principles later this year.”
Stephen McCarron, Chief Operating Officer at the 9 Community Councils Group, said: “The 9CC Group warmly welcome the significant updates to the Good Practice Principles and are delighted that it adopts our key asks for communities to be at the heart of the decision making regarding the funding and delivery support for local and strategic priorities.
“It’s an excellent document; comprehensive and clear on best practice while striking fair balance on the interests of developers and communities.
“A partnership approach is critical to creating a lasting legacy for our communities and whilst we will continue to promote a collaborative and wider approach in terms of communities working together, we are pleased that there is a clear distinction between those who make local decisions on funding and those who administer the fund, that avoids the risk of self interest undermining the greater good for the wider community.”
Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions. The Group is looking for new members to shape decisions and help make positive change:
Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference group is looking for new members to shape decisions, amplify community voices and create positive change.
The Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights from our sector to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions.
The group aims to harness the power, knowledge and impact of our sector and to take that directly to the heart of decision-making to help influence policy, strategy and service design that affects communities across the city.
Share your experience and help shape better policy and services
Work collaboratively with peers, public sector partners and decision-makers
Influence decisions that impact communities and the third sector
Strengthen the collective voice of the third sector in the city’s decision-making
You will:
Act as an advocate for the third sector and the communities we serve
Contribute to meetings, workshops and consultations
Share insight, lived experience, challenge and constructively support advocacy and influencing activity that benefits the sector
Work collaboratively, in partnership and uphold high standards of integrity and accountability
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people who:
Are involved in the third sector and understand organisational sustainability
Bring lived or professional experience of working with communities
Are effective communicators and collaborative team players
Care deeply about equality, inclusion and social justice
Can commit time to attend meetings and contribute to written feedback on public policy, reports and design of future provision and support for the third sector
Time Commitment
Monthly Reference Group meetings, typically 60- 90 minutes.
Occasional events
Contribute to consultations/policies/reports
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
How to Apply
Please submit a short expression of interest (no more than one side of A4) outlining:
Your background and connection to the third sector
What you feel you would bring to the Reference Group
Up to 30,000 extra hours of adult social care work are expected to be secured every month through the Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme.
The scheme, backed by £500,000 Scottish Government funding, is helping employers recruit international workers who are already in the UK and find themselves without sponsored employment at no fault of their own.
Up to 250 workers are projected to be re-employed once checks are complete this spring and visa rules mean each must earn at least £25,000 a year.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur said: “The UK Government’s hostile approach to migration and decision to close the adult social care visa route to new overseas applicants means this important sector faces serious recruitment challenges during a time of enormous need.
“Our displaced workers scheme supports a sustainable social care service and workforce for Scotland. This mitigates the loss of international recruitment caused by changes to the UK immigration system and helps meet the care needs of our older population, by allowing providers to deliver thousandsof extra hours of valuable support.
“It also indicates the type of society we are working to support – one with kindness and fairness to the most vulnerable at its heart.”
The Adult Social Care Displaced Worker Scheme covers additional costs which employers face when hiring a displaced worker already in the UK who has lost an employer’s sponsorship and where there are unfilled vacancies.
These costs will often prevent an employer from employing them. The scheme opened on 3 December and closed on 31 January.
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre: 2nd March 11am
A free performed reading of a play based on memories from Royston Wardieburn Social History Group performed by professional actors with the participation of Granton Primary School pupils.
People in Scotland will have access to expanded 24/7 mental health support, backed by an estimated £1.5 billion of investment on mental health and wellbeing support from the Scottish Government.
This funding includes £3.5 million of new investment announced today which will make it easier for people to get the help they need, reducing pressure on A&E and other emergency services like Police Scotland.
The funding will enable the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub to expand, offering psychological support for people who will benefit from early access to treatment. The Hub provides round-the-clock help to anyone in Scotland requiring urgent mental health support or who is experiencing distress, connecting callers to trained professionals for assessment, advice and directing them to the most appropriate support.
A new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People, backed by an initial £1 million, will also improve emergency mental health responses across six NHS Board areas.
This complements the success of the Distress Brief Intervention programme, which has already supported over 100,000 people since its establishment with rapid support and follow-up care.
Visiting The Lighthouse for Perth, which offers mental health crisis support for children and young people, First Minister John Swinney said: “We are working hard to ensure everyone in Scotland, wherever they live, has 24/7 access to the right mental health and wellbeing support.
“Our 24/7 NHS 24 Mental Health Hub has been set up so that calls from anyone in distress are redirected to specially trained practitioners. The service is supporting thousands of people each month and is easing pressure on other frontline services like A&E and the police, and strengthens the range of emergency mental health support available across Scotland.
“We are also launching a new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People today, to improve how young people and their families can access urgent mental health support. I am grateful to organisations like The Lighthouse who have helped shape our approach and who are delivering essential services in our communities.
“Over the last two years almost 80,000 children, young people and family members accessed Scottish Government-funded community services, and our new Crisis Intervention Fund will enable local areas to go further in offering the right crisis response.”
Sharon Thomas Operations Manager The Lighthouse for Perth said: “The new Crisis Framework for Children and Young People will be an excellent resource for everyone working in crisis support.
“The Lighthouse have been working hard over the past 6 years delivering this type of person centred service across Perth and Kinross and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to the new framework to ensure this will now be available across the whole of Scotland.
“It is a pleasure to have the First Minister visit today and the announcement of additional funding is very welcome. Young people are the future of this country and we need to ensure they have the support they need, when they need it to shape the future of our communities.”
To celebrate 100 years since the Castle was gifted to the nation by the Reids, this year’s programme has a strong 1920s theme.
The centenary programme was officially launched with a visit from Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, who joined colleagues and volunteers at the castle to mark the beginning of a year-long celebration.
Featuring an exciting and varied selection of events, the programme will include talks, creative workshops, film screenings, and family fun activities. Highlights include:
Immersive heritage experiences inspired by different periods of the castle’s past
Interactive outdoor activities and themed trails for families
Seasonal festivals celebrating culture, craft and community
Costumed interpretation and live performances
Creative workshops, talks and special tours
A highlight of the year will be the original murder mystery plays, composed and performed by Edinburgh Living History, where guests can use their sleuthing skills to uncover the culprit.
In August, the 1920s-inspired scavenger hunt, reflecting popular leisure activities of the era, will have guests following the clues to meet some characters from the past whilst enjoying the beauty of the grounds.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the return of much-loved Japan Sakura, offering another weekend of fun, with the opportunity to take part in traditional crafts and hands-on activities for all ages.
To mark the centenary, guests can also watch a series of film screenings of titles both made and set in the 1920s starting with ‘The General’ (1926).
Many events will be free to attend, with some ticketed experiences available through advance booking. Details of all events are listed on the Culture Edinburgh website.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “Lauriston Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured sites, and the centenary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both its past and its future.
“This programme brings together heritage, creativity and community in a way that reflects the spirit of Mr and Mrs Reid’s generous gift.
“We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to discover everything that Lauriston has to offer in 2026.”
£300,000 fund distributed in partnership with STV Children’s Appeal
32 community projects across Scotland have been awarded a share of £300,000 of funding to help build strong and connected communities.
The Scottish Government has partnered with the STV Children’s Appeal to identify grassroots organisations and charities that are helping to break cycles of poverty, strengthening social cohesion and promoting inclusion and dignity at a community level.
Funded organisations include Y Sort It in Clydebank – to help fund upgrades to a communal cookery programme; Govan Help – to support their Parent Wellbeing Programme, which aims to empower parents to improve their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing; and CentreStage Kilmarnock – to expand community activities currently at capacity for people experiencing social isolation.
One of the charities to benefit is Dundee-based community centre Boomerang, which offers a range of services to the local community including a Stay and Play Toddler Group, Cosy Café, Food Larder and Latin Dance Class. Boomerang has received an award of almost £6,000 to help extend funding for a Cosy Café Support Worker through the winter months.
Visiting Boomerang to announce the awards, Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Equalities said: “Inclusive and connected communities are a ‘must-have’ for a resilient, safe, and thriving Scotland.
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to partner with the STV Children’s Appeal to make these awards, which will support vital grassroots projects that are uniting people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths.
“Our commitment to looking out for one another is one of the things that we should be very proud of as Scots, and I have seen some fantastic examples of this here today at Boomerang. We are also proud of Scotland’s diverse society which is why the Scottish Government will continue to invest in building the strong, connected communities that all of us want to see.”
Carrie Reid, Centre Manager at Boomerang said: “Thousands of people have benefited from our Cosy Cafe over many years. It has improved people’s mental health and wellbeing, fostered deeper social connections and has encouraged creativity.
“We’ve also seen increased confidence and self-esteem with our loyal volunteers who run the Cafe as they have learned new tasks and socialised with the people who attend, building up their self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
“Thank you from all the staff, volunteers and service users for your support.”
Natalie Wright, Head of the STV Children’s Appeal, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Government to disburse this fund, which will enhance the work that grassroots organisations are doing up and down the country to strengthen their communities.
“We work with a wide range of charities who are doing fantastic work, bringing people together and responding quickly to people’s needs, and we know that this additional support will make a difference where it really matters.”
Scots European Movement general election social media campaign
The European Movement in Scotland (EMiS) has launched its Scottish Parliament election campaign with a call for voters to ask party leaders and candidates where they stand on Scotland and the EU.
EMiS urges voters “to do what Scotland wants.” A recent opinion survey that found 73% of Scottish voters want to reverse Brexit.
“Reversing Brexit is what the Scottish people want,” says David Clarke, chair of EMiS. “So do what Scotland wants and vote for pro-EU parties on 7th May.
“Voters and the media should check where the parties stand on Brexit. The economic damage is undeniable and is delivering a country in the doldrums, with young people in particular losing out.”
EMIS’ campaign will run mainly on social media. It focuses on a poll by Survation for the business consultancy True North Advisors, published in January. It found that 73% of voters in Scotland want to go back into the EU.
EMiS says the SNP, Scottish Greens, Scottish LibDems and Scottish Labour all favour closer ties with the EU. While favouring the UK reestablishing ties with the EU, the SNP and Scottish Greens want to see an independent Scotland inside the EU.
The poll found that 73% of Labour voters, 88% of SNP voters, 70% of Lib Dem voters and 89% of Scottish Greens voters want to rejoin. Eighty percent of under 35-year-olds want to return to the EU.
EMiS points out that it is only the minority parties of Reform and the Conservatives that favour Brexit. The Survation survey found that 34% of Reform voters want to reverse Brexit.
Thursday 5th March
Doors open for refreshments at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm
Grassmarket Community Project, Edinburgh EH1 2QA (or join online!)
Find out more and secure your ticket here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/shape-scotlands-energy…
