Scottish Government kicks off campaign to help Scots stay ‘Onside’ with their mental health

Last week, the Scottish Government launched their adult mental health campaign aimed at continuing the conversation around mental health and raising awareness of the free resources available through the Mind to Mind site on NHS inform.

Mental health concerns affect an estimated one in three people in Scotland*, with research indicating a direct correlation between poverty, social exclusion, and poor mental health. Additionally, those from marginalised minority backgrounds are often less likely to seek or find support.

This campaign aims to address these disparities across communities in Scotland to encourage those struggling with their mental health to get the help they need.

To mark the start of this phase of the campaign, a group of Scottish personalities and community advocates came together at the iconic Hampden Park to share their experiences of mental health, emphasising the importance of staying ‘onside’ by supporting others to access support and resources available to them.

Attendees included media personality Gail Porter, viral content creator Howey Ejegi (@HoweyDon), former professional footballer Zander Murray, Founder of Diversity Scotland Tony McCaffery, and David Duke, Founder of the social initiative Street Soccer Scotland.

Their standout advice focused on the importance of talking to someone they trust about their struggles and making use of resources like the Mind to Mind site (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind).

If you’re going through a difficult patch or are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or lonely, you are not alone and support is available.

Mind to Mind (nhsinform.scot/mindtomind) is a dedicated NHS Inform resource that aims to help people who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing.

The site helps people look after their mental wellbeing in ways that suit them, featuring over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to show others who may be going through the same that they’re not alone.

Mind to Mind aims to contribute to the national conversation around normalising mental health and wellbeing, giving people the courage and skills to open up and encouraging them to share their stories in a bid towards reducing stigma.

The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support.

Gail Porter, TV personality, said: “Mental health struggles affect so many of us, and it can be difficult to start those conversations around accessing support.

“I know that any time I’ve felt like I needed support, my first inclination is to keep it to myself and not burden anyone else – but the truth is there are so many resources out there like the Mind to Mind site, to start your journey.”

David Duke, founder of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland has never been more important, and at Street Soccer Scotland we do that through our shared love of football.

“We believe that by engaging in sport and physical activity, our players can create positive habits through our weekly football sessions.

“With dedicated mental health and wellbeing sessions across Scotland, we provide a safe space to socialise for players as well as offering an accessible environment for one-to-one counselling, but we’re not the only resource out there.

“Sites like Mind to Mind are such a great first port of call for anyone looking to start that mental health support journey.”

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd, said: “When you, a friend or relative is struggling with their mental health, it can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to understand and make use of the resources out there – help is available. 

“One of the key elements of the Mind to Mind campaign is asking us to think differently about mental health, and how we approach these conversations with each other. Visiting nhsinform.scot/mindtomind can be a really important first step, and there are so many resources that we can take advantage of to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives.”

The Mind to Mind multi-channel campaign is live across radio, press, social and digital channels, and out of home advertising, supported by a PR campaign.

For more information around supporting someone living with mental health struggles, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/MindtoMind

*According to research from the 2022 Scottish Health Survey

GY drop-in Youth Clubs at The Pitt

Our new drop in Youth Clubs @thepittmarket are starting tonight! As always, these are open access and you just have to be S3 or above to attend!

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-8pm and Fridays 1-4pm! We want the space to evolve and grow with our young people so come down, shoot some pool on our new table, and tell us how you want it to look!

PS: The Pitt isnt open on a Tuesday, but we will very much be there so give us a message if you have any questions – other times you will also be able to enjoy the delicious scran on offer from them too!

GY x

#grantonyouth

#thepittmarket

#youthclubsedinburgh

#layc

#grantonyouthclubs

#youthworkworks

#newera

#youthworkchangeslives

Starting With A Line: Jane Murray exhibition at Central Library

February exhibition in the Art & Design Library

This month we are showing the work of Jane Murray (1952-2024). The exhibition, titled Starting With A Line, was organised first by Jane herself and latterly by friends and family and includes paintings on wood, oil pastel on paper and mixed media works.

In a short introductory text in her own words, Jane shared reflections on her art practice which conclude: “As I have got older there is the realisation that the genre of my work was less reliant on observation and more on the expressive and instinctual, similar to that early child who put together visuals to make sense of her world.”

Jane was also a much-loved member of Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen Writers Group and some of her old pals have already visited the exhibition on George IV Bridge.

#artanddesignlibrary

#edinburgh

#exhibition

#abstractpainting

#contemporaryart

Edinburgh dance school triumphs at Global Dance Open qualifier

EDA celebrates as dancer Megan and 67 acts triumph at Scottish qualifiers event

Pupils from Edinburgh Dance Academy (EDA) have secured several places at the Global Dance Open (GDO), an international dance competition being held later this year. The EDA winners included Megan Hannah, who recorded the highest score at the GDO Scottish finals competition staged last weekend.

A total of 68 EDA performances triumphed at the event held at Broughty Ferry’s Gardyne Theatre which featured 434 acts from across Scotland. Among the host of successful EDA entrants, Megan’s individual dance score of 97 out of a maximum 100 points was highest ranked solo performance of the competition.

Judges at the Scotland event included Lucy Banfield, a former professional dance who is now Head of Jazz at Laine Theatre Arts dance college. Fellow judges were professional dancer Matthew Banks and Hayley Monaghan, a choreographer and professional performer.

The qualifying EDA performers will now represent Team Scotland in their respective categories at the GDO international finals event being staged in Birmingham between 16 – 20 July.

Securing places at the GDO finals follows EDA success at last year’s British Isles Dance Inspirations event in Blackpool where its pupils won a number of titles and the school was named as the ‘Highest Ranked Dance Studio in the UK and Ireland’ for the third year running. EDA dancers also secured a total of 15 medals, including four golds, at the 2023 Dance World Cup finals held in Portugal.

Julie Mitchell, Principal and Founder at EDA, said: “We are so pleased with the success of our all our pupils, including Megan (above) for her outstanding solo performance, and delighted they will now have the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Global Dance Open finals this summer in Birmingham.

“This is another fantastic achievement for EDA building on our successes at both UK and global competitions over recent years.

“Our dancers and teachers have worked tirelessly to create and perfect their routines and we are all delighted they have secured this great opportunity to showcase their talents at this international event.”

Mind Your Head: More Hours, More Risk

UK FARMING’S MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DEEPENS

  • 91% of all UK farmers* rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden dangers facing farmers today, a recent study by the Farm Safety Foundation reveals
  • The charity’s latest research also revealed that levels of mental wellbeing among young farmers have been steadily decreasing over the past four years.
  • 44% of farmers* between the ages of 41-60 yrs work more than 81 hours a week – which is longer than they did in 2023 – and longer working hours impacts on the farmers levels of mental wellbeing
  • 61% of farmers* still say poor mental health can be seen as a weakness in these challenging times
  • The latest Office of National Statistics** figures showed 44 suicides were registered in England & Wales among the farming and agricultural industry in 2022

There is no doubt that 2024 was a challenging year for farming in the UK and, given the added stress farmers are currently experiencing, ensuring farmers and farm workers prioritise both their physical and mental wellbeing has never been more important.

A recent study by leading rural charity, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), revealed that poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers continues to be a major concern. In the sample of over 750 farmers, 9 out of 10 respondents (91%) agreed that poor mental health is the ‘biggest hidden problem’ facing the industry today.

The reality of a farmer’s life is that there are multiple reasons identified as contributing to poor mental health in the industry. The known pressures on farmers – including traditional farm stressors, contextual stressors and barriers to support, coupled with the impact of measures announced in the Autumn budget – are leading to increased levels of stress and uncertainty in the farming community. 

Recent months have seen farmers travel from their fields to the front of the Houses of Parliament and supermarket car parks to show their frustration at the new wave of tax measures being introduced in April 2026. Measures that are increasing levels of uncertainty and anxiety and adding serious concerns about an uncertain future for the industry and food production in the country.

The charity’s research showed that, on average, farmers worked longer hours in 2024 than they did in 2023. The average number of hours a full-time worker in the UK works per week is 36.4 hours***, however UK farmers work an average of 60 hours a week with an alarming 44% of those aged between 41 and 60 years working more than 81 hours a week.

1 in 3 farmers (33%) who work more than 9 hours a day admit to having had an accident or a near miss in the past 12 months demonstrating the link between long hours and working safely.

When mental wellbeing is factored in, the evidence revealed that farmers with lower mental wellbeing scores were significantly more likely to admit to working unsafely and risk-taking, something that raises alarm bells with the Farm Safety Foundation, especially as their research shows that the levels of mental wellbeing in those working in the industry have been steadily deteriorating over the past four years.

In the industry with the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK, making sure farmers are prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing can be a matter of life or death. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 23 farm workers lost their lives in farm accidents in GB in 2023/2024. There were also 44 suicides registered in England and Wales among the farming and agricultural industry in 2022 (Office of National Statistics).

This week (10-14 February 2025), the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) will be running its eighth annual Mind Your Head campaign.

The campaign will continue to raise awareness of the various challenges facing the UK’s farming industry, break down the stigma attached to poor mental health, and sow the seeds of wellbeing and resilience in the sector.

Stephanie observed: “Farming has always been one of the most demanding industries, but the added strain of long hours, rural isolation and financial insecurity is putting farmers at risk.

“For us to change the cultural reluctance to discuss mental health, we need to listen and learn what farmers are feeling, what their attitudes are and what they are doing to address it themselves.“

To do this, the Farm Safety Foundation travelled to Carnoustie to launch ‘In Discussion With…’ a new series of roundtable events devised to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of various groups to both farming safely and looking after their mental wellbeing.

The event was the first of four roundtables planned across the UK in 2025 and gathered together some members of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs to learn about the challenges of loneliness and rural isolation in advance of the Mind Your Head campaign.

The young farmers from the Angus area were, however, royally surprised when, during the discussions, His Royal Highness, The Duke of Rothesay popped in to join the conversation.

During his visit, His Royal Highness met with five members of local young farmers clubs and SAYFC National Chair Ally Brunton at the roundtable hosted by Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation.

When Stephanie asked him why he was interested in what they were doing, he said: “I love the countryside and I love farming as well. And I am conscious that it’s an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers.”

He added: “Because I think in the farming world it’s maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors – and yet we know it exists”

His Royal Highness then asked the young farmers what they do to look after their wellbeing…

William Grant (22) past chair of Strathmore JAC and from a family mixed arable and beef farm beside Auchterhouse commented: “It’s a constant cycle of work work work, but then if there’s a Young Farmers meeting you might just go to that.”

Vikki Johnston (25), who farms with her family on the Glamis Castle estate and also works on a farm near Forfar, added: “Hard work is kind of ingrained in you.”

Alistair McCarthy (22) originally from Caithness but now splitting his time between home and a livestock farm near Glamis highlighted: “It’s easy to be your own critic, but you need to look for the light ahead.

When asked what they would do if they noticed someone was struggling or if they were struggling themselves, Lois Scott (26) a Primary School teacher and member of Forfar JAC commented: “You sometimes don’t realise you need help until you’ve had it.

“Sometimes it takes someone saying to you ‘are you okay’? We (SAYFC) have the ‘Are Ewe OK?’ campaign and Yellow Wellies can give you a lot of help.”

The roundtable took place at East Scryne Fruit Farm run by James and Kate Porter, His Royal Highness was also shown some of the polytunnels damaged by the recent Storm Eowyn. Something that James pointed out was just one more thing adding stress and challenge to farming life but this was farming was all about. Starting again, constantly learning and staying optimistic.

As Ally Brunton, National Chair SAYFC and member of East Fife JAC put it: “If we weren’t all optimistic about the future in agriculture, we wouldn’t have a career in the industry.”

Stephanie reflected: “It was an absolute honour to have His Royal Highness join our roundtable. We are a small charity and have been running this campaign for eight years now so, to have such a high-profile guest interested in what we are doing gives the issue greater visibility.

“This week we will release two new hero films, our traditional launch day hero film and a second one – on Valentine’s Day – featuring some very familiar farming faces which will hopefully end the campaign on a positive note. After all, positivity is something I think we could all do with a bit more of at this time.”

For more information on the Mind Your Head campaign please visit:

www.yellowwellies.org 

or follow them on social media – @yellowwelliesUK on Facebook, Instagram and X using the hashtag #MindYourHead.

Safer Internet Day: Top Tips

TAKE FIVE – STAYING SAFE ONLINE

Safter Internet Day is a great time to get together to talk about staying safe online and protecting ourselves against fraud and scams.

Whether that’s educating yourself, your kids, your friends, family or even colleagues.

Here are Take Five’s top tips to stay safe online:

💻 Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts

💻Turn on 2-step verification to add an extra layer of security to your accounts

💻 Avoid clicking on links from social media, emails, texts or online ads

💻 Update your software and apps regularly

💻 Check your online privacy settings and be mindful of what personal information you share on social media, online forums or dating apps

#SaferInternetDay

#OnlineSafety

#TakeFive

#StopChallengeProtect

Edinburgh AI eyecare innovation to be ‘game-changer’ for NHS staff and patients

A formal NHS Scotland partner has welcomed the prospect of eyecare waiting times being cut thanks to new artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, calling it ‘a real showcase of homegrown expertise’.

Edinburgh-based Eye to the Future’s clinical software support tools are designed to help optometrists optimise referrals to hospital eye services during a critical period which has seen NHS ophthalmology waiting lists grow by 138% since 2012.

The company’s innovative, collaboration-driven technology – incorporating background technology developed by the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee – analyses images from routine eye examinations to help identify early signs of conditions like glaucoma and reduce blindness.

It has also commanded widespread interest which has led to strong support – from universities and eye care professionals to Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Edge, Innovate UK, and more.

InnoScot Health’s Innovation Manager Frances Ramsay believes that Eye to the Future, a culmination of 20 years of collaborative research, represents an important Scottish success story.

She said: “Harnessing the potential of software like this could be a game-changer for both NHS Scotland staff and patients by optimising existing resources and adopting a more efficient approach to tackling backlogs.

“Eye to the Future has benefited from a package of support to transform academic research into commercial technology. This very much mirrors our approach at InnoScot Health – tapping into the vast knowledge and expertise across NHS Scotland, before collaborating further to turn ideas into commercial reality, and importantly, improving patient outcomes.

“It shows how just one individual’s moment of inspiration can lead to a big impact when the knowledge and support of others is drawn upon to catalyse great ideas, echoing our own assistance for pressured ophthalmology through the encouragement of Scotland’s next generation of clinical entrepreneurs.”

Professor Emanuele Trucco, co-founder of Eye to the Future said: “Only 24% of NHS eye units currently believe they have enough consultants to meet demand.

“By using sophisticated analytics tools to help optometrists make more accurate referral decisions, we can ensure the right patients get specialist care at the right time, while reducing unnecessary hospital appointments. This is crucial as every delay risks worsening eye conditions and ultimately irreversible sight loss.”

Eye to the Future was named runner-up in the Converge Challenge category of the 2022 Converge Awards, which works in close partnership with universities to encourage academic entrepreneurs.

Through Converge, the company received funding – part of a broader package of support – to help accelerate, what Professor Trucco called, “academic research towards real commercial impact,” while benefitting from “valuable insights into how our technology could make a meaningful difference to patients and clinicians”.

Frances continued: “We wish Eye to the Future well as it prepares to launch its product this year, with a pilot currently underway at Glasgow Caledonian University’s School of Optometry.”

More innovative solutions are needed to tackle growing pressure on NHS eye care across Scotland with ideas welcomed through InnoScot Health’s ophthalmology innovation call. It offers a package of support for NHS Scotland staff including advice and guidance in areas of intellectual property protection, regulation, funding, project management, and commercialisation.

The organisation has supported and worked with innovators on solutions including Peekaboo Vision, an app created by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the iGrading platform, a diabetic retinopathy screening tool developed alongside NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen.

UK-wide blitz on illegal working

Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working

A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).     

Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system. 

Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.   

Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.    

More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.   

In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.  

In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.   

Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.    

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:   ”The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.

“Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.   

“That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.”

While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.  

An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.  

As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.    

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said:  ”These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.   

“I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.   

“We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.”

Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK.

Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.  

Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.   

The Labour government is also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.  

Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit. 

In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.    

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest. 

Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.   

A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.   

The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.

Fettes College chef crowned best in Scotland

Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Edinburgh’s Fettes College, has been named School Chef of the Year at the Scottish School Food Awards.

The awards were held at Glasgow Academy on 6 February 2025.

Chef Vlad beat stiff competition from the chefs at the Highland Council, Gordonstoun School, Barrhead High School and Dollar Academy.

Vlad joined Fettes College as Executive Chef in November 2023 and has since refreshed the school’s menu with dishes like teriyaki salmon and sushi platters, which have been a hit among students and staff. One standout favourite is his chicken katsu curry, served with jasmine rice and chili-garlic pak choi—a dish that has quickly become a dining hall staple.

Vladimirs Kruus, Executive Chef at Fettes College, said: “Being nominated was an honour in itself, but to be named Scotland’s best school chef is truly incredible.

“I love seeing the excitement from students and staff as they try new flavours and rediscover old favourites. It’s a privilege to create menus that are fresh, seasonal, and nutritious while introducing diverse ingredients and global cuisines.”

Vlad spent a season as Head Chef at the famous five-star Balmoral Hotel before taking up his post at the school. As part of his culinary career, Vlad also worked as Head Chef at Apex Hotels and Sous Chef at Radisson Blu.

John Hutchison, Catering Manager at Fettes College, said: “In the short time I have known Vlad I have been incredibly impressed by his deep culinary knowledge, cooking and menu skills.

“His years of experience are clear and evident in every dish and menu he creates, balancing flavours with precision; and consistently delivering high quality food on the plate every time.

“Beyond his technical abilities, Vlad’s leadership skills in the kitchen are truly inspiring. He handles pressure with ease, mentors his team with care, passion and patience and brings a level of professionalism that elevates the whole catering department, which also make him very approachable with staff and students alike.”

The catering team runs regular theme days to celebrate different countries and cultures and introduce new foods to the students. The team always aims to cook nutritional food and have a well-stocked salad bar to ensure balance.

Dedicated to sustainability and quality, Vlad and the catering team prioritise locally sourced ingredients, with over 80% of the school’s food coming from Scottish suppliers. They also champion sustainable practices by consolidating orders from each supplier to minimise their carbon footprint.

For more information about Fettes College, go to https://www.fettes.com/

HTA champions Scottish horticulture at Holyrood reception and Royal Botanic Garden member event

LAST week, The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) hosted its first Scottish regional event of the year at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, followed by a reception at Holyrood.

HTA members gathered for a behind-the-scenes tour of the site, an introduction to the Royal Botanic Garden team, and an update on the HTA’s policy work in Scotland. Following the regional event, the HTA hosted the Cross-Party Group (CPG) for Gardening and Horticulture for their Annual General Meeting at Holyrood, with MSPs and the HTA in attendance.

The evening reception was hosted by Christine Grahame MSP, with a speech from Professor Sir John Curtice, who advocated for the use of gardening and horticulture as a policy solution for the Scottish government, especially for an ageing population, to enable them to live better and not just longer. 

The HTA’s Chairman, James Barnes and Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity of Scotland, also spoke at the reception.

Christine Grahame, MSP said: “I am delighted to sponsor this event in the Parliament to raise awareness of the importance of the horticultural trades and their contribution to the economy. I’m also passionate about promoting the great health benefits and enjoyment horticulture offers to millions of Scots.

“If anyone was in any doubt before, the Covid pandemic certainly demonstrated the importance of having access to good quality green spaces and, better still, for those of us lucky enough to have a garden, our wellbeing, and the horticultural trades are key to enabling that.”

Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister of Agriculture and Connectivity of Scotland, said: “I was pleased to attend the HTA parliamentary reception and speak about my engagements with the horticulture sector over the last several months, which the HTA helpfully arranged.

“Environmental horticulture is a diverse sector and I have developed a real sense of the sector’s important contribution to the environment, the economy and the Scottish population’s wellbeing. 

“I very much welcome HTA’s ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government, in identifying where the sector and Scottish Government can work together to achieve shared ambitions.”

James Barnes, Chairman of HTA, said: “We were delighted to have Christine Grahame MSP, Professor Sir John Curtice, and Minister Jim Fairlie speak at our Holyrood Reception.

“We have seen the horticulture industry in Scotland being recognised from our constructive engagement with the CPG – led by Rachael Hamilton MSP- which has been helpful in gaining a common understanding.

“Be it on the cost of running a business, encouraging the next generation of skilled workers, engaging those in education or finding floral-based health and wellbeing solutions, the HTA is committed to our work in Scotland.”

The HTA hosts a vast schedule of regional meetings throughout the year, details of which are updated regularly on the HTA website: https://hta.org.uk/regional-member-events