All babies in Scotland due from today will be gifted a box full of essential items aimed at tackling inequality and promoting health. The boxes signal of the Scottish Government’s determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances should get the best start in life. Continue reading Starts today: baby boxes for all
Parents are being encouraged to consider safe sleeping practices by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer and the Scottish Cot Death Trust. The advice comes as Scotland’s Baby Box scheme is rolled out nationally from tomorrow (Tuesday). Continue reading Safety advice issued on eve of Baby Box roll out
SHE Scotland showcase event at PYCP – Friday 25th August, 1 – 4pm
Health Minister Aileen Campbell visits Pilton Community Health Project
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell visited Pilton Community Health Project today ahead of the Scottish Government’s consultation on the diet and obesity strategy. She joined a mum and dad’s cooking class which aims to get parents and children to cook together, increase their confidence and cooking skills and promote healthy eating on a budget. Continue reading Helping people make healthy choices
Young people from North Edinburgh are set to benefit from resilience and confidence coaching from Edinburgh based charity U-evolve. Continue reading Self Factor project launches in North Edinburgh
The team behind an innovative project which helps older people benefit from cycling is to receive additional Scottish Government support. Officials will work with Cycling Without Age to ensure it has the funds and expertise needed to allow the scheme to be rolled out across the country. Continue reading Cycling Without Age to be rolled (wheeled?) out across Scotland
The UK is leading the final global push to eliminate polio around the world for good, International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced today. Continue reading UK leads final push to make polio history
Unite Scotland has repeated it’s call for the devolution of employment law. The appeal follows Wednesday’s decision by the Supreme Court that the UK government was wrong to raise employment tribunal fees. Continue reading Fair’s fair: Unite calls for devolution of employment law
The most recent data for NHS Scotland reveals that 96.6% of patients in NHS Lothian’s emergency departments were seen, admitted or discharged within four hours – beating the 95% target. Continue reading NHS Lothian hits four-hour A & E target
Ten-year plan to stop decline of pollinating insects
A new strategy has been launched to make Scotland a more pollinator friendly place by protecting indigenous bee and butterfly populations.
Since 1980 the number of pollinating insects in Scotland – honey bees, bumble bees, the solitary bee, butterflies and hoverflies – have declined by an estimated 51%, leading to fears of a negative impact on agriculture, food security, the economy and human health.
The Pollinator Strategy calls for:
Speaking at The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham (pictured above) said: “Scotland’s biodiversity is one of our key assets, and the contribution the humble bumble bee and other pollinators make to this wonderful environment should not be underestimated. That is why we are committed to making Scotland a more pollinator friendly place.
“Pressures like land use change, pesticides, pollution, disease and climate change are threatening these life-giving insects, so we must act now to protect the pollinators and in turn safeguard our environment, our food and in turn our health.”
Scottish Natural Heritage has led the development of the Pollinator Strategy working closely with a range of environmental and land management organisations.
SNH chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Growing evidence shows our native bees and insects that carry out pollination are facing tough times. Pollination is crucial for our environment – and, therefore, our own health, wealth and wellbeing.
“This strategy, a key part of the Scottish Biodiversity 2020 route map, sets out what needs to be done to ensure these bees and insects survive and thrive for generations to come, contributing to healthy ecosystems and landscapes in our country. We look forward to continuing this important work with our partners to strengthen the resilience of our native pollinator species.”
