Prestonpans Tapestry is coming to Holyrood

It includes 10 million stitches, took 25,000 painstaking hours to complete and depicts the journey of one of Scotland’s most famous historical characters. The Prestonpans Tapestry is coming to Holyrood … Continue reading Prestonpans Tapestry is coming to Holyrood

£52 million spent to mitigate effects of Westminster’s Bedroom Tax

Over the past year almost 113,000 awards  have been made under the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme, with a total value of £51.9 million, according to the latest figures released by the Scottish Government. Local authorities paid out the money during the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, with an average payment of £460. Continue reading £52 million spent to mitigate effects of Westminster’s Bedroom Tax

Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time

Who blinks first? Something’s got to give as governments set on collision course

The Scottish Parliament has backed SNP plans to pave the way for a second independence referendum. MSPs voted 69 – 59 in favour, with the Greens supporting the SNP against Tory, Labour and Lib Dem opposition. Continue reading Holyrood says aye, but Westminster says it’s not the time

The right to food: ‘A real chance for Scotland to be a leading nation’

The UN Special Rappoteur on the Right to Food, Hilal Elver, visited Scotland for the first time last week, and Ben Macpherson MSP was delighted to welcome her to The Scottish Parliament for a discussion on the Right to Food. Continue reading The right to food: ‘A real chance for Scotland to be a leading nation’

Macpherson: Scotland must have choice over future

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, says it is absolutely correct and appropriate for the people of Scotland to be offered a choice, once the options become clear, between a Tory hard Brexit and becoming an independent country.

Continue reading Macpherson: Scotland must have choice over future

Pupils ready to vote in council elections

The formal notice was published ahead of the local government elections on 4 May yesterday – and a group of 16 and 17-year-old city pupils found out more about how to register to vote.

A voter registration event was held at Holy Rood RC High School, raising awareness among pupils about their eligibility to cast their vote in the Council elections for the first time.

Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “This is the first time 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote in Scottish Council elections and it’s a great opportunity for young people to get involved in local democracy and have their say about how services are delivered where they live.

“Registration for the 4 May election ends on 17 April and it’s quick and easy to do – find out more at yourvotematters.co.uk and make your vote count.”

Asked why it was important for young people to go out and vote, Holy Rood High S5 pupil Jason Stewart-Evans, 17, said: “It gives me, as an individual, more of a say in my political system.”

Niyoshi Dave, 16, also S5, said: “I believe it is important to vote because the laws being passed right now will significantly affect my future.”

And Christy Biju, 16, S5, said: “Voting is a right we have and we should use it, especially young people because we are the future. We need to make our voices heard!”

Pictures: Ian Georgeson