Gordon MacDonald SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands has welcomed the recent launch of Vodafone’s charities.connected, an initiative to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.
This initiative gives charities the opportunity to apply for free connectivity to help individuals and families they support get online or to improve its own digital capability.
The connectivity, in the form of SIM cards offering 20GB of data plus free calls and texts every month for six months, will work in any SIM-enabled device.
Registered charities of any size can apply by completing a simple online application form with applications closing on 1 November 2022.
Gordon MacDonald said: “The pandemic has highlighted the scale of digital exclusion and in particular its impact on the most vulnerable in society.
“Digital connectivity is increasingly essential to access work, education, healthcare and to keep in touch with family and friends.
“The Scottish Government is already providing support in tackling digital exclusion through their Connecting Scotland programme and this initiative from Vodafone contributes in those efforts to close the digital divide.
“I would encourage third sector organisations providing support to families and individuals that would benefit from this initiative to apply.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has praised the Scottish Government’s announcement that all residents in Scotland, under the age of 22, will be eligible for free bus travel from January 2022.
This new scheme, extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22, builds on the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland which starts this month.
The scheme which is set benefit thousands across Edinburgh, will be delivered in partnership with the Improvement Service, the National Entitlement Card Programme Office and Young Scot.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “This is fantastic news for young people in the city, and right across Scotland, that I am certain will be welcomed across the board.
“I am delighted that in addition to providing free bus travel to all under-19’s in Scotland from August this year, the SNP Scottish Government is going one step further and extending free bus travel to everyone aged 22 and under in Scotland.
“From Comiston to Currie, this will be of immense benefit to young people – especially those further outside the city centre like many in areas across Edinburgh Pentlands.
“It will ensure that young people do not have to face financial travel barriers to get to their education or work, as well as giving them more money in their pocket.
“It is decisive action like this that will also help encourage more sustainable travel behaviour from a young age, helping us in our journey to achieving the world-leading climate action targets which the Scottish Government have ambitiously set for us.”
Further information, including details on how to apply for the scheme, here.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, has urged projects across the capital to apply for the newly launched Scotland Loves Local Fund.
The scheme has been launched by the SNP Scottish Government to support local projects run by organisations like town centre partnerships, chambers of commerce or community and charity trusts. It will provide projects with match funding of between £5,000 and £25,000.
Eligible projects could include things like community shops, marketing and digital schemes, or enabling larger construction projects delivery.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “The Scotland Loves Local Fund has been launched by the SNP Scottish Government as a way to help our town centres recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic.
“There are a number of fantastic local community projects across Edinburgh Pentlands, and the wider city, which have the potential to stimulate growth and footfall into the different areas and this funding will allow them to continue to make our town centres a more vibrant place and stimulate the local economy.
“Not only is the funding important but when people shop locally and support local businesses it also boosts the economy here and ensure that money spent in the local area stays in the local area.
“I would urge local projects to apply for the Scotland Loves Local Fund and encourage people in Edinburgh to continue to support local business at every opportunity.”
Eligible families in Edinburgh are being encouraged to apply for the Best Start Foods payment after the SNP Scottish Government delivered on its promise to increase the support within its first 100 days in government.
The payment is increasing to £18 from £17 during pregnancy and for any children between one and three years old. It’s also increasing to £36 from £34 for children under one. Families already receiving the payment will automatically receive an increase.
Since its introduction by the SNP in December 2018, £60.8 million has been paid to 179,575 families across Scotland.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “I am delighted that the SNP government is delivering on another one of its commitments to increase the Best Start Foods payment, which is making a difference to the lives of families across my constituency of Edinburgh Pentlands, the entire city and right across Scotland.
“Whilst the Tories at Westminster prepare to cut support to families at a time when they need it most, the SNP is increasing support to families and ensuring that every child has the best start in life.
“If you have not applied yet I would encourage you to do so immediately or if you have any family or friends who may be eligible to encourage them too.”
The Scottish Government has set to support 6,821 school children in Edinburgh with £698,000 of support to buy school clothes through the School Clothing Grant.
The School Clothing Grant was increased this month by the Scottish Government and provides families with primary school children with £120 per child and £150 per child in secondary school.
The support helps families pay for school clothes and shoes.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “The SNP Scottish Government has already helped a significant number of families in Edinburgh with buying school clothes and shoes, and applications are still open for eligible families to apply for the start of the new school year.
“Meeting the costs of buying school clothes can be very challenging for thousands of families across Scotland and the SNP Scottish Government has introduced the School Clothing Grant to ensure every child in Scotland doesn’t miss out.
“Being in a uniform not only breaks stigma in school but gets young people in the right mindset for learning.
“This is another demonstration of our tale of two governments – one in Edinburgh building a social security system built on dignity, fairness and respect, in stark contrast to the one in Westminster preparing to cut Universal Credit which could plunge 20,000 children in Scotland into poverty.”
The number of children and young people estimated will benefit from the minimum school clothing grant, broken down by local authority area, is provided within the following table:
Local Authority
Estimated number of children and young people (in each LA area)
Aberdeen City
3,471
Aberdeenshire
3,376
Angus
2,473
Argyll and Bute
1,463
Clackmannanshire
1,349
Dumfries and Galloway
3,374
Dundee City
6,045
East Ayrshire
4,167
East Dunbartonshire
2,014
East Lothian
1,682
East Renfrewshire
1,714
Edinburgh, City of
6,821
Eilean Siar (Western Isles)
416
Falkirk
4,678
Fife
11,882
Glasgow City
28,464
Highland
4,333
Inverclyde
3,114
Midlothian
2,018
Moray
1,434
North Ayrshire
5,186
North Lanarkshire
10,234
Orkney Islands
227
Perth and Kinross
1,850
Renfrewshire
5,498
Scottish Borders
2,220
Shetland Islands
309
South Ayrshire
2,926
South Lanarkshire
10,622
Stirling
1,692
West Dunbartonshire
3,530
West Lothian
6,498
SCOTLAND
145,080
The funding allocation of the £11.8 million in additional funding for the school clothing grant, broken down by local authority area, is provided within the following table:
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed the announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that Edinburgh will move from Level 2 to Level 0 on Monday (19th July).
Moving to level 0 means that 8 people from 4 households will be able to meet indoors and 10 people from 4 households in an indoor setting such as a pub or restaurant. 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors; up to 2,000 people can attend stadia seated, 1,000 standing, with 400 people indoors. The limit on attendance at weddings and funerals has increased to 200.
International travellers arriving from amber list countries will not have to self-isolate if they have had two COVID vaccines, but the advice remains not to travel unless it is essential.
The First Minister also made it clear that face masks will continue to be mandatory in certain settings and are likely to be in the future.
SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s announcement that Edinburgh will move to Level 0 from Monday July 19th, this is a welcome step in easing restrictions and returning to normality.
“This is our one last push towards normality, I am very grateful for the efforts of everyone in Edinburgh to follow the rules and keep everyone safe.
“To get us over the line we need to continue to follow the rules which understandably continue to state that we must still wear face coverings in the settings we have been doing so in for some time now.
“It is also very important, if you have not already, to get vaccinated. There is a walk-in centre set up here for anyone who has not yet had a first dose or if you have waited 8 or more weeks for your second dose.
“Vaccination is our route out of the pandemic and we are in a race between the virus and the vaccine and we cannot allow the virus to get ahead.
“I would urge everyone to follow the rules laid out in the First Minister’s statement to ensure we can move to a greater sense of normality on the Scottish Government’s route map on August 9th.”
Mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland is right, says Usdaw
– customers urged to follow the rules and respect shopworkers –
Retail trade union Usdaw has successfully lobbied for the continued mandatory wearing of face coverings in Scotland for the foreseeable future.
The union is calling on retailers to promote face coverings, hand hygiene and social distancing in their stores and urging shoppers to adhere to the law.
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland, said:“It is right that requirements to wear face coverings in Scotland’s shops continue, which is what Usdaw called for.
“We are asking retailers to promote to customers the wearing of face coverings, continuing with hand hygiene and maintaining social distancing. We also ask the public to show their support and respect for shopworkers by following the law.
“Wearing a face covering in a shop is an important measure to help protect workers who have no option but to interact with large numbers of people as a part of their job. Many retail workers are at a greater risk of catching the virus and bringing it home to their families.
“Supermarket workers and delivery drivers have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the country supplied with essentials. These key workers must be valued, respected and protected.”
In responding to the First Minister’s statement the Scottish Licensed Trade Association said: “Scottish licensed trade operators, while welcoming today’s announcement by the First Minister that Scotland will move to a modified version of Level 0 rules from Monday, remain disappointed that they must still operate under restrictions and at limited capacity.
Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said it was a “relief to have some clarity” from the Scottish Government but added: There’s still quite a lot of uncertainty about what will happen from August 9th.
“We urge the Scottish Government to give businesses – and the public – messaging that is both clear and consistent to avoid confusion. Clarity is key as our sector tries to save what is left of the summer.
“That hospitality can open until midnight if their current licence permits that from July 19th is, of course, good news and it will help some businesses tart to claw back lost trade. However, as the one-metre physical distancing rule remains in place, that will be very difficult for some premises, particularly smaller ones.
“The announcement also leaves those still unable to open because of their size or the entertainment they provide, such as late opening premises and nightclubs, no further forward.”
Mr Wilkinson also reiterated the SLTA’s call for further financial aid to ensure the survival of the licensed hospitality industry as it plays its part in rebuilding the economy.
“There needs to be an extension to the current support schemes available such as furlough, VAT reduction, deferral of loan repayments and so on.”
NHS Lothian has been given £27 million in extra COVID-19 funding from the Scottish Government as part of a £380 million package allocated to health boards across Scotland.
This comes on top of the £1.7 billion already provided to health boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships last year.
The additional funding includes ongoing support for the vaccination programme, the Test and Protect system, and personal protective equipment for health and care workers.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald MSP said: “NHS Lothian has been under incredible pressure during the pandemic, not only will this additional funding support the health board with its efforts to treat patients but it will also play a role in supporting our NHS in its remobilisation programme as we come out of the pandemic.
“It is essential that our health services can be on a sure footing as we re-emerge from the pandemic and other services that have been disrupted can restart smoothly.
“This is a demonstration again that the only party in Scotland that can protect Scotland’s NHS is the SNP.”
Gordon MacDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, is urging young people in the area to apply for the Job Start Payment if they are starting a new job after a period of unemployment.
The Job Start Payment is available to 16-24-year-olds who have been on certain benefits for six months or more. Eligible young people can apply for the one-off payment worth £252.50, or £404 if they have children.
The payment will help with the costs of starting a job including travel, new clothes or childcare. People can apply via www.mygov.scot/job-start-payment or by calling 0800 182 2222.
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said: “The pandemic has been particularly difficult for young people in Edinburgh and the Job Start Payment is a fantastic source of support for young people to ensure they can get off to a good start in a new job.
“Starting a new job can be very expensive for young people when you take into consideration the costs of travel, buying clothes and other costs associated with a new job.
“I would encourage all young people who have been unemployed for a long period of time and are starting a new jo or have recently started one to apply for this support.”
Edinburgh Pentlands MSP, Gordon MacDonald, is urging everyone aged 18 and over, who has not received a first coronavirus (COVID-19)vaccination appointment or has missed their first dose for any reason, to sign up to the self registration portal from Monday (28 June 2021).
The portal will be open from 8am on Monday 28 June until the initial vaccination programme ends in September. The online system, which was used successfully to encourage unpaid carers and 18-29 year olds to come forward, will be available to every adult in Scotland. Those who sign up will receive a text or email with details of their appointment which they can change if the time or location is unsuitable.
SNP MSP, Gordon MacDonald said: “The roll-out and high take up of the vaccine has been brilliant. I thank everyone who have worked so hard on to make it the success that it is and every single person who has went along to their appointment.
“This new portal will make sure that as many adults as possible in Scotland receive the vaccine as quickly as possible – no matter if you’ve just arrived in Scotland, are not registered with a GP or you don’t have an up-to-date home address.
“It’s clear from the evidence that vaccination is helping protect people from serious health harms and it is vaccine which offers us the best route out of this pandemic.
“I urge everyone to take the opportunity to protect themselves, their families and their community by getting the vaccine – and help us all get closer to normality as soon, and as safely, as possible.”
SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, is highlighting the Wednesday 30 June 2021 deadline for the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Whilst The SNP Scottish Government continue to work to convince the UK Government to reform the EU Settlement Scheme and extend the deadline, for now the local MSP is encouraging all EU citizens living and working in Edinburgh to apply by the 30 June 2021 deadline to retain their rights.
Support funded by the Scottish Government is available from Citizens Advice Scotland to any EU citizen living in Scotland yet to apply to the EUSS. Their team of specialist advisors can be contacted on their freephone EU Citizens Support Service helpline, 0800 916 9847.
EU citizens can learn more about rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens in Scotland in a series of factsheets written by JustCitizens. The factsheets include information about EU citizens’ rights to live, work, study and access healthcare, benefits and housing in Scotland. These factsheets are free for anyone to download, print and share with others.
The Scottish Government’s Stay in Scotland toolkit also includes further information on the EU Settlement Scheme, including information on rights, education and where to access support.
Gordon MacDonald is also reaching out and encouraging constituents to get in touch with him for help or advice on the EUSS or any other issue by emailing him at Gordon.MacDonald.MSP@parliament.scot or by calling his constituency office on 0131 443 0595.
The SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald, said: “Scotland is a welcoming, inclusive nation and we want EU citizens to stay.
“I share Scottish Government and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s view that EU citizens should not have to apply to retain their right but given the risks it is important that I do all I can to support my EU citizen constituents.
“EU citizens have long lived with unacceptable levels of uncertainty about how Brexit will affect their lives, careers and families, and the COVID pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties faced to secure their rights and their future here.
“EU citizens are our friends, colleagues, neighbours and, in many cases, our family in Scotland and make valuable and valued contributions to life in Edinburgh and across Scotland. I want all EU citizens who have chosen to live and work in Scotland to stay.”
