Tag: Anas Sarwar MSP

Anas Sarwar to open Scotland’s first BPoC Recording Studio

The First Scottish free BPoC recording studio for young people launches in the heart of Leith!  

Join Intercultural Youth Scotland on November 16th for the launch of ‘BLOCK BEATS’, our new free music production program for BPoC young people! 

With Anas SarwarMSP (Scottish Labour leader) cutting the red ribbon, Scottish Rap Artist ‘Chef’ performing, and an Open Mic competition for young artists in which Anas himself is on the panel – what’s not to love!! 

You are invited to view the red ribbon cutting, ask questions to our panel and young performers and watch all of the following entertainment – 4 Duncan Place, Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 8HW, 5:30pm. 

Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS) is a youth-led movement dedicated to improving the representation and participation of Black and People of Colour (BPOC) young people in Scotland.  

Established two years ago as a small youth work organisation oriented towards BPoC youth, we have grown as a centre of support, creativity and activism for our community. 

IYS offers a range of participatory programmes for young BPOC to learn vital skills and further develop themselves,recording music has just become another one! 

Know a BPoC young person that wants to work with a music producer?  Or are they looking for some experience recording and producing their own music? BLOCK BEATS is the place for them! 

With a brand-new recording studio and access to our in-house producer, they can grow their skills to levels rarely seen in the Scottish music scene. 

Block Beats gives two, 2-hour sessions with our music producer to make a track tailored to them. After this, they can then come and record their finished track in our studio – all FOR FREE!

Young people who participate in Block Beats will also be offered other performance opportunities at other great events throughout the year with IYS like SixFive socials, Scotland in Colour as well as opportunities for performances with partners.  

For any questions please contact: blair@interculturalyouthscotland.org or call 07702546417  

Muslim communities urged to celebrate end of Ramadan safely

Ahead of the start of Eid al-Fitr, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Eid al-Fitr, the end Ramadan’s month of fasting, is a profoundly important event to Muslims across Scotland and around the world.

“This is the second Eid to have taken place during the pandemic, which I know has been incredibly challenging. I want to thank community leaders and members for doing an amazing job keeping each other safe during this difficult period.

“I understand how disappointing it will be to have to restrict celebrations. However, everyone celebrating Eid must do so safely and in line with the necessary public health restrictions – unfortunately that means not visiting other people’s homes and maintaining a two-metre distance with those from outside your household at all times.

“The changes to lockdown restrictions I announced yesterday will be welcome to many, but they do not come into force until Monday, so everyone should continue to follow the Level 3 restrictions that still apply in all areas of Scotland until then. We know from public health data that travel from India, Pakistan, Turkey and Nepal is a particular risk, so everyone arriving from those countries must follow the red list rules.

“I know following these rules during such a significant event will be difficult, particularly when the overall picture with the virus is positive. However, cases are high and rising in Moray, and Glasgow is seeing an increase in cases too. By sticking to the Level 3 restrictions for just a few more days, we can all help to keep the virus under control and ensure Scotland stays on the path to recovery.

“I’d like to say a deep thank you to all of Scotland’s Muslim communities for everything you have done during the pandemic, and wish you an enjoyable Eid.”

The First Minister visited Glasgow Central Mosque on Wednesday 12 May alongside Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour Leader and Glasgow MSP Anas Sarwar.

Mr Sarwar said: “Scottish Muslims have made sacrifices during Ramadan. But they have also made big sacrifices over the last year to get through this pandemic. 

“Like me, I know you are desperate to be reunited with your loved ones. But I would urge everyone to please follow the Covid rules closely in the coming days. 

“This is to keep you and your family safe and well. 

“There is hope and optimism again as the lockdown continues to ease. And if we follow the rules we will soon be able to see and hold our loved ones again safely. 

“I wish all Scottish Muslims a happy Eid, Eid Mubarak!”

Usdaw congratulates Sarwar on being elected new Leader of Scottish Labour Party

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has congratulated Anas Sarwar MSP on his election as the new Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

Stewart Forrest – Usdaw Divisional Officer for Scotland says: “Usdaw nominated Anas Sarwar for leader because we believe he is the right person to rebuild Scottish Labour and then rebuild Scotland. So we are delighted that he has won the support of Labour members and affiliated supporters.

“Usdaw members, their families and working people across Scotland need a strong Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament and across the country, speaking out for them on their issues. With the election coming in May, it is crucial that Scottish Labour comes together behind the new leader and puts forward a positive message to the country.

“The SNP Government are failing to deliver social justice, tackle poverty and address the crisis in health and education. Usdaw members need Labour in power to deliver change. I know that Anas does not underestimate the challenge ahead for Labour and Usdaw will be working with him to help improve Scottish workers’ lives.”