Officer Of The Cheshire Regiment Killed In World War One Laid To Rest In France

A young soldier who worked as a schoolteacher and played for Bolton Wanderers Football Club has finally been laid to rest in France along with two unknown soldiers, nearly 110 years after his death

Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) James Arthur Greenhalgh, of 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, was buried with full military honours in a service organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.

The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner near Neuve-Chapelle on 22 May 2024. 

Rosie Barron, MOD War Detective said: “It has been an honour to have worked with The Mercian Regiment, which today recruits from Cheshire, to organise the burial of 2ndLt Greenhalgh and these two unknown soldiers, and to have played a part in the identification of 2ndLt Greenhalgh.

“Although two of these men were sadly not identifiable, the Greenhalgh family now have answers as to what happened to their relative and he now rests in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner alongside his comrades.”

2ndLt Greenhalgh, who came from Bolton, Lancashire, and had played for Bolton Wanderers Football Club, was killed on 22 October 1914 in the village of Violaines. 

At 5:30 hours the enemy attacked their positions on the outskirts of the village. The alarm was raised by a patrol from D Company, but their trenches were rushed before they could resist and bayonet fighting ensued. The entire battalion was forced to retire with six Officers and 209 other ranks missing, many of whom were taken prisoner. 

2ndLt Greenhalgh was reported later to have been in the trenches and to have been shot in the head. He was 25 years old. 

His men were unable to recover him and, after the enemy had captured the village, a serjeant of The Norfolk Regiment was taken by a German Officer to the location where 2ndLt Greenhalgh had fallen and allowed to bury his body. After the war no trace of 2ndLt Greenhalgh’s grave was found, and as he was listed as missing. He was commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.  

In 2020, the remains of three soldiers were found on the outskirts of Violaines during the construction of a new housing estate. Although two of the soldiers had no artefacts on them which would lead to their identification, one was believed to have been an Officer of The Cheshire Regiment. After DNA testing, this casualty was identified as 2ndLt Greenhalgh.  

The service was attended by members of 2ndLt Greenhalgh’s family. His great niece, Joanna Potts, was unable to attend the service, but placed a personal inscription on behalf of the family on his headstone. 

Joanna Potts, great niece of 2ndLt Greenhalgh said: “Hearing my Great Uncle had finally been found after all this time, has been an unexpected and surprisingly emotional time.

“We are so grateful that he will now be laid to rest and commemorated for the sacrifice he gave for us all.”

The coffin of Second Lieutenant Greenhalgh was carried to the graveside by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Crown Copyright)

The coffin of 2ndLt Greenhalgh was carried through the cemetery by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment and the service was conducted by the Rev Gary Birch CF, Chaplain to 19 Regiment Royal Artillery said: “I have officiated at a number of WW1 burials of both known and unknown service personnel, and each one is special and important in their own right.

“Being able to honour them and finally show them the proper dignity and respect they deserve reminds us of the fragility of life and gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect and learn the lessons of past conflict.”

The coffin of Second Lieutenant Greenhalgh is lowered onto the grave (Crown Copyright)

The graves will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. Xavier Puppinck, Director for the France Area at the CWGC, said:  “We are honoured to have played our part in helping to lay these exceptionally brave men to rest, more than 110 years after they put their lives on the line in Violaines.”

Udderly Amazing: Tracey no longer carries weight of the world on her shoulders

Being active is one of the Five Steps to Wellbeing that form the cornerstones of Farmstrong Scotland. We meet a dairy industry stalwart who has lifted her way to a glass (of milk, of course) half full outlook on life …

Tracey Roan is in many ways a modern multi-tasking farmer. By day she holds down a demanding job as NFU Scotland Dairy Policy Manager, coming home at night to feed both her calves and her family.

It is her hobby of weightlifting that sets Tracey apart; something she discovered she had a talent for completely by accident when she ventured – full of trepidation – down to the local gym.

“I hated PE at school and have never liked sport,” recalls Tracey, who many will remember from when her family’s Roan’s Dairy in Dumfries and Galloway featured on This Farming Life. The television series charted the ups and downs of farming life for Tracey and her husband Steven, brother-in-law Stuart and his wife Aylett along with both couples’ then young children.

“I was turning 40, had put on a bit of weight and felt sluggish. Diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and – with some health issues in the family such as diabetes and high blood pressure – I decided to try the gym to shift a bit of mum tum.”

As well as the usual running machine and exercise bike, staff at the gym introduced Tracey to weights, explaining that working on strength is good for female bone health, helping in the fight against conditions in later life such as osteoporosis.

“It was really quite funny – and I put it down to a lifetime carrying buckets of milk, chucking tyres on the silage pit and so-on – but I naturally found the weights easy,” recalls Tracey.

“I just expected to be doing half an hour of traditional aerobic exercise but have inadvertently found something I love doing among a really friendly and supportive community I would never have met in my normal life.

“It’s also a bonus that when I look around the gym, or at weightlifting competitions, everybody is drinking milk and eating protein yoghurts. The fitness community are definitely supporters of the dairy industry!”

That first visit to the gym was back in the autumn of 2022 and Tracey, who is now 42 and mother to Andrew, 15, and 13 year-old Lucy, remembers turning up wearing an old t-shirt for her first weightlifting competition.

“There were all these cool outfits, but everybody was really friendly and I came third in this first strong woman competition, with the deadlifting – using the legs – my strongest event, lifting 135kg for 11 reps in 60 seconds,” recalls Tracey.

“I’m never going to be Scotland’s strongest woman, but I enjoy going to competitions as it gives me a goal to train for. I still go down to the gym at least twice a week, it helps clear my head and I feel so much better for it.”

Tracey heard New Zealand farmer Marc Gascoigne speak about Farmstrong at the NFU Scotland Conference last year and “totally related” to all that he was saying.

“Dairy farming is a seven-day-a-week way of life and with calving all year round it’s difficult to take any time off,” says Tracey.

“The Farmstrong message that to farm well you need to live well is absolutely true. Even now, I still feel guilty for taking some time away, but the difference is I now realise you cannot be productive if you aren’t looking after yourself.”

Not only does Tracey have plenty on her plate at home on the farm, but her job which also includes responsibility for the Government-funded Scottish Dairy Hub, a signposting service for the dairy sector, can leave her “living and breathing farming and all its problems.”

“Going to the gym definitely helps clear my head,” explains Tracey. “I love my job, but before the weightlifting I was feeling drained and unmotivated. The thing is, it’s so hard not to get emotionally involved as I typically speak to other farmers when they are having a tough time.

“Clearing my head through exercising has helped me realise that I can’t wave a magic wand – I wish I could – when it comes to big issues like milk prices.

“Lifting the weights and taking some time out – away from the farm and away from work – helps me think things through much clearer, which has to be a good thing for everybody.”

Another area that Tracey feels has helped her overall wellbeing is the body positivity aspect of weightlifting.

“I was the chubby kid at school whose PE report always said, ‘could do better’ and it’s taken me 40 years to realise that there is no such thing as a perfect body,” explains Tracey.

“My aim when I first went to the gym was to lose a bit of weight and feel fitter, not so out of breath, when doing jobs on the farm. Looking back, I have got so much more out of it than that. The gym and the weightlifting world are full of people of all different shapes and sizes; it has shown me you certainly don’t have to be thin to be fit and healthy.

“Especially with social media, it’s so easy to always be comparing ourselves to others and I have learnt you shouldn’t judge others – or more importantly yourself – on looks.

“I definitely plan to take my children down to the gym, so they can learn that body positivity and the importance of looking after themselves. I also think it’s very healthy when you live on a farm – or any rural place – to push yourself out of your comfort zone and meet people who are from a different walk of life to those you normally mix with.”

Tracey’s three favourite events are deadlifting using her legs, with a personal best of 180kg and aiming to lift 200kg this year, and the appropriately named Farmers’ Walk, carrying around 75kilos in each hand for a distance of 40 metres.

“It must have something to do with all the buckets of cattle cake I’ve carried over the years,” smiles Tracey, whose other speciality event is yoke carrying – a weight of around 150 kilos carried across her shoulders.

And what does Steven, who milks 240 pedigree Holstein cows just outside Dalbeattie, make of his wife’s weightlifting?

“Just the other day they had a cow that was struggling to get up, Steven proudly told everybody ‘Not to worry, Tracey will be able to help her’…” 

Trio & Tested: Three simple steps that helped set Tracey Roan on the path to better wellbeing:

  • There is no such thing as the perfect body; stop comparing yourself to others. “If you spend your life trying to be everybody’s cup of tea, you’ll just end up being a mug,” says Tracey.
  • Taking some time for yourself isn’t selfish; to be productive you have to look after yourself.
  • Meeting people from outside your usual friendship and family circles is good, widening your outlook and understanding of other people’s lives.

Letters: Volunteers Week and Big Help Out

Dear Editor

This June brings two celebrations of the amazing work carried out by people who give up their spare time to help charities across the UK. Cats Protection will be marking these events – Volunteers Week (3-9 June) and The Big Help Out (7-9 June) – by saying a huge thank you to our 9,000 volunteers who help 157,000 cats every year.

From hands-on cat care, helping in our shops or running fundraising events, Cats Protection volunteers make an incredible difference to help cats and their owners. Thanks to them, we’re able to rehome around 30,000 cats every year, run services to support cat owners fleeing domestic abuse and those grieving the loss of a cat, and campaign for better animal welfare legislation.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all ages, united by a shared love of cats. We’re always happy to welcome new volunteers, whether it’s a one-off for a couple of hours or a long-term slot.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference in the community.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities at Cats Protection, please visit cats.org.uk/volunteering

Yours sincerely

Julie Meredith 

Head of Volunteering, Organisational Engagement and Inclusion

People and Culture

Cats Protection 

Scottish Hindu Foundation hosts inaugural ‘Dharmocracy Works’ event

The Scottish Hindu Foundation held its inaugural ‘Dharmocracy Works’ event on May 25, 2024, at The Fred Paton Centre in Glasgow. The event aimed to engage and inspire Scottish Hindu youth to understand and actively participate in the political system.

The well-attended event featured representatives from all the major political parties, including:

  • Alison Thewliss, MP and candidate from the Glasgow Central region-Scottish National Party
  • Paul Sweeney MSP from Glasgow Region-Labour
  • Pam Gosal MSP from the West of Scotland Region and Deputy of the Scottish Conservative Party
  • Susan Murray, Councillor and MP candidate for Mid Dunbartonshire from the Liberal Democrats
  • Naveed Asghar, MP candidate for Glasgow North and Chairman from the Conservatives
  • Abdul Bostani a former refugee and councillor  from the Maryhill ward from SNP

Youth Engagement and Insights

The program kicked off with introductions and an interactive session where questions by young members of the community were posed to the panel of politicians. young aspirant Shreya Deshpande [12] asked if they had always wanted to go into politics or had other career aspirations. The panellists shared how most grew into politics after time in either the private sector or through the ranks of their respective parties.

The second question posed concerned professional skills gained in their time in politics, the politicians uniformly agreed on  – listening skills and problem-solving abilities. 

The third question that was selected for the Panel requested insights for the next five years on the Scottish economy, expected to be a central issue following the recently called general election on July 4th 2024.

Alison Thewlis shared her vision on how future industries will be connected to the environment whilst Paul Sweeny offered an integrated example referencing the Beatles record label also being an investor in Medical Technology leading to breakthroughs in CT Scans.

Mr Bostani said Scotland’s inability to borrow means we can’t put money back into the economy as we should. Naveed Asghar raised his concern on rising taxes in Scotland and supporting the best of existing industries, health care etc and ensuring that higher professional earners are not de-incentivised from staying in Scotland due to punitive taxes.

This must be controlled to make Scotland more lucrative for people to move. Pam Gosal talked about how AI as an industry can fuel growth.

All the panellists concurred that Scotland had a pivotal role to play and the next generation is capable of thriving and succeeding.

Keynote Address:

Dhrishti Bhardwaj [17], the first elected Hindu MSYP (Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament) from Dumbarton and the Vale, shared her inspiring journey into politics.

Driven by a desire to explore her Hindu and Scottish roots and a passion for public service, she gained experience with more than ten organisations and charities, from food banks to youth groups and work experience with MSP Jackie Baillie.

Importance of Hindu Representation

Dhrishti emphasised the crucial need for Hindu representation to ensure their voices and needs are considered in politics.

She highlighted the difference Scottish Hindus could make by being involved and the pride they would feel through participation. She also highlighted that professional career and politics are not mutually exclusive and can be balanced efficiently.

As the only Hindu MYSP, she proved it is possible despite the underrepresentation of Hindus in the political system. Hindu youth can make strides over the coming generations and represent the best of both Scotland and the Hindu Community. 

Closing Remarks: “Dharmocracy” Concept and Voter Registration Drive

Dr. Yatish Rangappa, the Scottish Hindu Foundation’s Public Relations Officer, explained the unique ‘Dharmocracy’ concept, a compound word combining ‘Dharma’ (righteousness, truth and Justice) and ‘Democracy.’

Dr Richa Sinha, Chairperson of the Scottish Hindu Foundation, shared insights on future Dharmocracy Works engagements planned across various cities due to significant community interest.

She also highlighted their “Register to Vote” campaign to ensure Hindus, including those new to Scotland from Commonwealth countries and a large number of Indian students coming to Scotland, are registered for the upcoming July 4th elections. 

The event concluded with a networking session over chai and samosas, allowing youth to interact informally with various party leaders. Some youth were even roped in for campaigning!

*Scottish Hindu Foundation is the official representative body of Hindus with All Scottish Mandirs part of it.

See behind the scenes of policing at our recruitment showcase event

See behind the scenes as we showcase our policing talent at our Recruitment and Training Centre in Jackton on Saturday, 1 June, 2024 between 10am and 3pm.

Come along on Saturday, 1 June to find out more about the wide variety of jobs available in policing from police officer to support staff roles and opportunities to volunteer as a special constable.

At this event you can:

  • Speak to serving police officers, staff, forensics teams and special constables and find out what it is like to work for Police Scotland or the Scottish Police Authority. 
  • See demonstrations from our dog unit, mounted branch, marine unit, public order and armed policing specialists.
  • Have the chance to take part in a mock fitness assessment we use for police officer and special constable recruitment.
  • Learn more about the recruitment and vetting process.
  • Find out about high quality training and development opportunities.

Policing is a job like no other. It’s not just about upholding the law and catching criminals, it’s also about supporting communities by building trust, respect, and positive relationships. It can be physically and emotionally demanding, but you will be there to make a difference to those who need it most.

All policing colleagues, from police officers to staff in support roles and our volunteer special constables, play an important part in improving the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities across Scotland.

Find out more and sign up for our recruitment showcase event.

Please note that sign up for this event is not required. However, those who do register for the event will be able to receive reminders and updates about the behind the scenes recruitment showcase event, any future recruitment events and job opportunities

Behind the scenes – recruitment showcase event

What can you expect at the event

See behind the scenes as we showcase our policing talent at our Recruitment and Training Centre, Jackton, G75 8GR on Saturday, 1 June, 10am – 3pm.

At this event you can:

  • Speak to serving police officers and police staff, find out what it is like to work for Police Scotland and learn about the wide variety of jobs available from police officer and support staff roles to opportunities to volunteer as a special constable
  • See demonstrations from our dog unit, mounted branch, public order and armed policing specialists
  • Have the chance to take part in a mock fitness assessment we use for police officer and special constable recruitment
  • Learn more about the recruitment and vetting process
  • Find out about high quality training and development opportunities.

Event timetable

Our behind the scenes recruitment showcase event will run from 10am-3pm.

However you can drop in throughout the day at any time that suits you based on the inputs you would like to see. 

We will have mock fitness assessments and demonstrations of various policing specialisms.

Policing specialisms on display include:

  • public order
  • traffic and police vehicles
  • dog unit
  • mounted branch
  • dive and marine unit
  • armed policing and taser
  • air support unit
  • working at heights

There will be opportunities, throughout the day, for you to talk to representatives from our Positive Action and Probationer Training teams.

Our Police Staff Recruitment teams will be there along with lots of business areas such as, Vetting, Contact Command and Control service, Forensic Services, Digital Division  and others. 

You will also be able to learn about wellbeing support and speak to representatives from Diversity Staff Associations, which are open to all colleagues of Police Scotland, and police charity partners.

There are also various information sessions taking place in our Lecture Theatre during the day:

  • 10.30 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team 
  • 10.50 – Vetting Input
  • 11.00 – Scottish Police College
  • 11.15 – Probationer Training
  • 11.30 – Lecture theatre interval
  • 11.50 – Specialist Crime Division
  • 12.00 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team 
  • 12.20 – Vetting Input
  • 12.30 – Scottish Police College
  • 12.45 – Probationer Training
  • 13.30 – Recruitment Process and Positive Action Team 
  • 13.50 – Vetting Input
  • 14.00 – Scottish Police College
  • 14.15 – Probationer Training
  • 14.30 – Lecture theatre close

Refreshments will be available to purchase from our canteen throughout the day.

Travel and Parking

You can travel to Jackton Police College, Eaglesham Road, East Kilbride G75 8GR by car or train.

Hairmyres train station is a 24 minute walk from Jackton Police College. Frequent trains run from Glasgow Central station to Hairmyres.

For those planning to travel by car, limited parking is available on site. We have set up various overflow car parks.

Our overflow car parks are located at:

Redwood Avenue, East Kilbride

Redwood Court, East Kilbride

Orbital Court, East Kilbride

Redwood Nursery, East Kilbride

A shuttle bus will be available to collect you from Redwood Court, East Kilbride, if you have parked in an overflow car park, to take you to our Recruitment and Training Centre. Our shuttle bus will run regularly throughout the day.

Register now

You can attend our event with your family and friends, and children are welcome. No dogs, except guide dogs are permitted at this event

You can sign up for our event online now using the register button below. However, sign up for this event is not compulsory.

Those who do register for the event will be able to receive reminders and updates about the behind the scenes recruitment showcase event, any future recruitment events and job opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Letter: Education must be at heart of general election campaign

Dear editor

For too long, our children’s education has been sidelined and underfunded. The general election is a critical moment for politicians of all parties to change this.

Parents and teachers will be expecting politicians to explain how they will solve the growing crises in education – affecting everything from crumbling, unsafe school buildings, to the worst teacher recruitment and retention crisis in a generation, and special educational needs provision – where there is a huge and increasing mismatch between children’s needs and the resources available for schools to support them.

School leaders and their staff nevertheless do everything in their power to ensure children receive the best possible education. But it is becoming harder to shield pupils from the impact of these problems.

NAHT’s election manifesto for England sets out solutions to the crises facing our schools which have been informed by dedicated school leaders who know better than anyone what is needed.

We are calling for immediate practical steps – including urgent plans to invest in school buildings, help for schools to support children with special educational needs, and the school workforce.

A series of pay rises are needed for teachers and school leaders over the course of the next parliament to restore the value of pay following years of real-terms cuts and once again make teaching a competitive graduate career.

All candidates and political parties must prioritise education in this election campaign, and heed these proposed solutions – committing the funding to deliver them and help ensure all children receive the education they deserve.

Doing so is not only vital for children’s learning and social development, it will also set them up for a happy and productive adulthood in which they contribute to the country’s future economic prosperity.

Paul Whiteman,

general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT

Edinburgh set to be ‘enchanted’ by Taylor Swift

With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.

The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.

To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.

We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.

There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.

“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.

“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”

To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.

Please also check the dedicated webpage of the Scottish Rugby Union with detailed advice for attendees.

Scotland launches refreshed National Events Strategy

SCOTLAND – THE PERFECT STAGE?

Scotland has launched its refreshed national events strategy designed to provide strategic focus for all involved in the planning, securing and delivery of events across Scotland. 

Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035* aims to build on the event industry’s many achievements to date, as well as respond to the ongoing challenges faced by the sector.   It also focuses on a range of national priority outcomes and critical success factors for the sector as it looks towards the next ten years.  

An extensive consultation was undertaken across 2023 to shape the strategy. This involved an online consultation, a programme of industry engagement workshops delivered in partnership with Local Authorities across the country and a series of online webinars with additional stakeholder groups.  More than 300 organisations and individuals engaged and their responses informed the strategy’s key themes and priorities.   

Building on this approach, and in order to ensure a strong, shared ambition, the development and approval was a collaborative effort involving Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA and Trade Union representatives. 

At the strategy’s core is the need to sustain and develop a dynamic, resilient, and responsible events sector that is recognised as a global leader and valued for its contribution to Scotland’s wellbeing economy.    

Delivery of the strategy’s vision is centred on three critical interconnecting focus areas: Developing Events, Developing the Industry and Developing Scotland.   

A range of aligned priority themes are also identified and form a key strategic focus.  These include: 

·         Inclusive & Responsible Events 

·         Investment and Support  

·         Measuring, Monitoring and Reporting Impact 

·         Portfolio Approach enabling a variety of events and a balanced programme 

·         Attracting, Retaining and Developing a diverse talent pool 

·         Quality Planning and Delivery 

·         Infrastructure and Services 

·         Reputation and Profile  

·         Visitor Economy  

A detailed action plan will be created, building on the set of suggested ‘next steps’ for each priority theme. The Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), together with partners, will help develop and oversee this action plan.  

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The launch of our refreshed national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage 2024-2035 marks a significant milestone for Scotland’s events sector. 

“This strategy is a testament to our collaborative efforts and shared ambition, designed to build on our achievements and address the challenges ahead.  

“With a focus on inclusive and responsible events, investment and support, and a dynamic portfolio approach, we’re committed to developing a sustainable events industry that contributes to Scotland’s economy. The new strategy will ensure Scotland remains a global leader in the events industry.” 

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland said: “Since the development of the first national strategic approach to events in 2008, which was updated in 2015, Scotland has achieved an enviable global reputation as a major events powerhouse, hosting a scale and breadth of major international sporting championships, cultural festivals and much-loved regional events.

“Events are ideally placed to continue to deliver tangible results against a range of national priorities. They serve as catalysts for innovation, bring people together, and span a range of socio-economic impacts that propel society forward.    

“The impact of this consistent and sustained focus on developing Scotland’s events industry over the last twenty years has been transformative. The refreshed strategy not only emphasises the hugely valuable importance of the sector, but it sets out a shared ambition for the next decade which is critical for ensuring Scotland maintains its world-leading events destination status.”  

Peter Duthie, Chair of Scotland’s Event Industry Advisory Group (EIAG) said: “Scotland’s events industry is an established global leader, delivering world-class events and experiences that contribute vital social, economic and cultural value for Scotland. 

“The refreshed strategy provides the focus necessary to retain our global status as we look to the future.   It will require us all to work collaboratively, innovatively and responsibly with confidence, determination and purpose, whilst also recognising the part we each play in the continued success of our sector.  It also emphasises the need for continued support and investment to drive continued growth. 

“On behalf of the Advisory Group, I welcome this strategy as we continue to move forward producing an enviable portfolio of business, sporting, and cultural events.” 

scotlands-national-events-strategy-2024-2035-summaryDownload

Volunteers needed to help NSPCC keep children safe from abuse and neglect

  • Last year, the NSPCC delivered its Speak out Stay safe programme to nearly 63,000 children in Scotland
  • The assembly helps children understand abuse in all its forms and where to ask for help.
  • The charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme earlier this year alongside a new promotional video and is encouraging schools across the UK to sign up
  • NSPCC Scotland is appealing for volunteers to help share these vital messages in primary schools

NSPCC Scotland has released new today which reveals that their Speak out Stay safe educational programme was delivered to 62, 986 children across 348 schools in Scotland last year (April 2023 to March 24).

Speak out Stay safe, which has been running since 2011, aims to help primary school children understand abuse in an age-appropriate way, as well as teach them where to ask for help.

The NSPCC believes empowering children with this knowledge is vital as on average two children in a primary school class across the UK have experienced abuse or neglect.

Educating children on abuse and neglect helps them to recognise situations or signs which will enable them to share their concerns with a safe adult.

Earlier this year the children’s charity rolled out a refreshed version of the programme, with a new promotional video. The updated version of Speak out Stay safe, which is available to all UK primary schools, includes a range of resources – which varies depending on the age of the children. Schools can benefit from virtual assemblies, lesson plans and face-to-face workshops with NSPCC trained volunteers.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Speak out Stay safe was delivered in more than 90% of all primary schools across the UK. This was affected due to the lockdown and using its refreshed service model, the children’s charity is ambitious to rebuild numbers and reach more children.

Speak out Stay safe volunteer, Karen Duncan (60) from Auchterarder, Perthshire, said: “Speak out Stay safe is a brilliant programme that helps children recognise what may be happening to them, that’s it not ok, and that they can speak to someone.

“I was a teacher for 30 years, but you don’t need previous professional experience of working with children to do this.

“The most important thing is that you are concerned about the wellbeing of children and would like to help keep them safe. The training and support are exceptionally good and it’s great to be part of a team with the same goal in mind.

“I feel I’m making a difference. If I can prevent abuse happening to one child, then I’ve done what I set off to do.”

Enola Butler, NSPCC Scotland Schools coordinator, said: “Speak out Stay safe is a vital safeguarding service in schools which helps them to understand what abuse is and where they can turn for help.

“We know many children might not be aware that they are experiencing abuse, and they might be scared about speaking out because they are worried about repercussions.

“Our volunteer numbers have reduced in recent years, and we would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining us for just a few hours each month.

“Many volunteers have told us they feel privileged to be helping to spread these really important messages and we’d like to reach every child in Scotland to let them know that abuse is never their fault, and help is available.”

The programme is available in English, Welsh and incorporating British Sign Language and there is also a version of the programme for children with additional needs and disabilities.

To find out about volunteering visit: NSPCC | Volunteers

To sign up to Speak out Stay safe visit: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/services/speak-out-stay-safe/

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk.

Holyrood passes Visitor Levy Bill

TOURIST TAX: Local authorities empowered to invest in tourism

MSPs have backed legislation giving councils a new power to introduce a visitor levy that would raise funding for local visitor facilities and services.

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill will enable local authorities to apply a levy on overnight stays with all money raised to be reinvested in services and facilities largely used by tourists and business visitors. Similar levies already apply in tourist destinations across Europe, including Amsterdam and Berlin as well as in countries outside of Europe, such as Canada.

Councils that want to introduce a visitor levy will be able to do so after they have consulted with local communities, businesses and tourism organisations.

An 18-month implementation period will then apply before any local authorities can introduce a visitor levy scheme in their area. This is to provide adequate time for councils and businesses to put in place the systems needed to collect and administer a levy.

An expert group of representatives from the tourism industry, COSLA and other partners will continue to work together to produce guidance for local authorities putting in place a visitor levy scheme.

Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “We share a vision with the tourism industry for Scotland to be a global leader in tourism and one of the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destinations in the world.

“A visitor levy can help achieve that vision by empowering councils to raise funding, if they wish to do so, that can be invested in local visitor services and activities.

“This Bill has been a clear example of partnership working between the Scottish Government, local authorities and the tourism industry, in line with the New Deal for Local Government and New Deal for Business.

“We have sought to deliver as much flexibility to local authorities as possible and to listen to businesses to make it as easy as possible for them to adopt these measures.”

Councillor Katie Hagmann, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “I am extremely pleased that the Visitor Levy Bill has now passed through stage 3 in Parliament. With the introduction of these new Visitor Levy powers, councils across Scotland will have the ability to use a discretionary mechanism, that is firmly based on local flexibility.

“The opportunity of these new powers recognise the great diversity of Scotland’s communities, acknowledging that a one-size-fits all approach does not work. It will allow councils to respond to the needs and circumstances of both the local communities and our important visitor economies.

“The revenue raised through the introduction of visitor levy powers will be to the mutual benefit of residents, tourists and businesses. There will be opportunities for much-needed additional investment, potentially available across a range of facilities and services, from transport and culture to maintaining and improving our world-famous natural heritage and environment.

“The visitor levy is a crucial step towards greater empowerment for local government, and we will continue to progress joint work with the Scottish Government in ensuring the smooth progression of these powers into the hands of councils across Scotland.”

Council Leader Cammy Day has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to pass the Visitor Levy Bill.

He said: “We will continue to work closely with the sector, @VisitScotland and other partners to develop the scheme in the months and years ahead.”

Former Edinburgh city council leader SNP Cllr Adam Nols-McVey said: “Delighted to see this pass! It took a great deal of work, determination, engagement & collaboration when I led this process & changed @scotgov policy.

“The tourist tax can create investment for Edinburgh to help communities & local businesses thrive!”

The earliest a visitor levy could come into force would be spring 2026.