With nine weeks to go until the Scottish Parliament Election, Edinburgh’s citizens are being urged to think about how they are going to vote.
People living in the capital will join voters across the country to elect MSPs to represent them at Holyrood on Thursday, 6 May.
While most people who registered to vote in the last UK Parliamentary General Election will still be eligible to take part in the Scottish Parliament Election in May, first time voters or anyone who has since moved house will need to make sure they are registered.
On polling day there will be additional hygiene and distancing measures at polling places to keep voters and staff safe. These include a fresh pencil for each voter, protective screens for polling staff, one-way systems in some venues and limits to the number of voters in polling places at any time.
If voters do not want to go to a polling place to vote they have the option of voting by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote and this should be done as soon as possible.
Andrew Kerr, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council and Returning Officer for the Edinburgh constituencies and the Lothian Region, said: “We have experienced a real enthusiasm for taking part in the democratic process in this city over recent years and we want this to continue for the forthcoming Scottish Parliament Election.
“We’re encouraging people to think now about the way they vote and make sure they’re registered in plenty of time. Polling places will be safe places to vote but you may want to consider using a postal vote.
“More postal votes would help us reduce the impact of social distancing measures and any hesitancy among voters who don’t want to attend polling stations or risk queuing. We would also suggest you apply now to make sure the application can be processed in plenty of time.
“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be following all public health guidance on 6 May.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight Monday 19 April, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 6 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.
Find out more about voter registration and the election, including the safety measures we’re taking to ensure polling stations are safe and covid secure, on the Council’s website.
Those who were looking to vote in new local councillors will have to wait, though – the local government elections won’t be held until 5th May 2022.
The 2nd Scottish Parliament Diwali was celebrated on Fri (13th Nov), virtually, on the auspicious day of Dhanteras (1st day of the 5 days of Diwali festival).
Puneet Dwivedi, Vice President Hindu Forum Britain (HFB) Scotland Chapter, took the lead in organising the Diwali event, which was co- chaired by multi party MSPs including Rachael Hamilton (Scottish Conservative), Sandra White(SNP) and Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Lib Dem).
Last year Diwali was celebrated for the first time in Scottish Parliament – it was a first of its kind of celebration ever, in Scottish parliament, to bring the rich & diverse Hindu culture to the distinguished attendees.
The reception held in the Parliament last year brought the Scottish Hindu community members at the heart of the most important political establishment giving a platform for leaders to share their experiences and views on Scottish integration and cohesion.
A much bigger Diwali event was planned at Scottish parliament this year. However, due to the COVID crisis and Government restrictions The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) decided to cancel all events, including the Member Sponsored event.
Diwali is a festival of Light and Hope, and at this time of difficulty, the need for such festivals that brings light into our world has never been more important.
The Scottish team HFB led by Puneet with the help of volunteers from Edinburgh and Aberdeen including – Sumit Gupta, Mithun Sarkar, Madhu Vasumathy, Bably Sinoj worked really hard to collect videos, messages putting, editing and production. Dr Richa Singh, another volunteer from Glasgow helped in planning the event and running order.
Representatives from all the major temples (Edinburgh Hindu Mandir, Glasgow Hindu Mandir, ISKCON Scotland, Dundee Temple as well our newest member Aberdeen Hindu temple), Armed forces officers, along with other interfaith community members celebrated the lunar festival, Diwali, from home using Zoom, the event was also streamed on Hindu Forum Britain’s Facebook page.
The hour and half long programme combined the important religious elements of the festival with an exciting package of entertainment, featuring local artists and performers.
Puneet Dwivedi, in his opening remarks said that during these unprecedented times we are unable to meet in person or conduct the Diwali Event at Scottish Parliament. However, as someone once said “the show must go on, if we can’t visit the Parliament – Parliamentarians and ministers can visit us (virtually). Thanks to technology, this year Diwali will be from home.”
The event was kick started by Deep Prajwalan (lightning of the lamps) and Live Vedic chanting by Edinburgh Hindu temple’s Priest Pandit Harsharan ji.
The most beautiful part of the event was when everyone lit the diyas, lamps, candles, tea lights from their home and showed them in front of their zoom camera. In Hindu culture, lighting a lamp denotes dispelling away darkness. Light and brightness represent the positive, the good, and and the highest knowledge of the Divine.
There were Indian Cultural dance performances from Shaswati from Aberdeen and Kirsten Newell of COSMIC Dance Academy, Edinburgh. ISKCON Scotland recorded a divine Kirtan music which was enjoyed by everyone.
Devotional Music band from ISKCON Scotland, Leshmahagow (Lanarkshire )
Interfaith organisations including Shia Muslim Organisation – The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS) member Mr Asif Sheikh and Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier were Live and shared whereas the pre-recorded Diwali messages from Humanist Society Chair – Maggie Kinloch and Scottish Jewish Council Chair Alan Kay were played during the live event.
Rachael Hamilton the 1st Co-chair in her speech highlighted the contribution of Indian and British community in the field of Art, culture, enterprise and sports.
She said: ‘Tonight celebrating Diwali would be a different experience, despite Pandemic, I thank Puneet for organising this fabulous virtual Diwali Celebration, for being so resourceful ensuring we can still celebrate virtually.’
She further added to celebrate the bond of the UK, the oldest democracy and India, the world’s largest democracy. She stated her admiration for the value of Hinduism and how Hindus celebrate the goals of life that we all aspire to, and this is so important that we instil these values to our next generation.
Rachael said that looking at the Holyrood election next election 2021, it’s important that Scotland is represented equally, for this reason we need a more diverse and inclusive parliament. She finished with Diwali wishes for everyone watching and mentioned now more than ever in these challenging time, we need the source of light more than ever and there is no doubt it, we are living through dark days
Mrs Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum Britain, did Namaste and welcomed Scottish parliamentarians, she mentioned that this Diwali would be different, no fireworks together, no colourful celebration in groups but thanks to technology of webinar and streaming the world is connected together.
She mentioned that Diwali is such a wonderful celebration of light and positivity, should be celebrated in all parliaments of the world So that the world knows we respect others, the Hindus are tolerant and respect and welcome everyone.
She encouraged more young Hindu people to participate in local council, at Scottish Government level and some MSPs from Hindu background, which could bring a whole system of Hindu values of co-existing and being together.
She also mentioned what can be a better way to celebrate Diwali on interfaith week, we all faith are one, we respect all faith and do Namaste – and bow down to the divine within you. She congratulated Puneet and the Scottish HFB team for putting together so much effort in organising the event.
Next Speaker to speak was Co-chair MSP Alex Cole Hamilton – who started with chanting “Jai Shri Ram” which made other participants thrilled to shout back Jai Shri Ram.
Alex mentioned that during this pandemic he attended many zoom meetings however this one was the most enjoyable zoom meeting with dance and song and other cultural elements into it.
He mentioned Diwali is a spiritual triumph of light over darkness. 2020 has darkness which many of us have never seen in our lifetime for all the reasons we know.
However, it feels like darkness is dispelled and the light of hope rising with change in America to hope for Scottish Football with Scotland first qualification in a major tournament that certainly brings light to many, also most importantly the vaccine is just around the corner we will be together again.
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Ms Aileen Campbell started her speech by showing her colourful Indian dupatta (Wrap) presented to her last Diwali at Scottish Parliament.
In her speech she mentioned this is the perfect opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn the contribution of faith communities in Scotland, including the Hindu community especially as this is interfaith week and also International Day of Kindness, Aileen mentioned how these dates aligned to amplify the celebration.
She mentioned 2020 is really a year where we need more light and lot of hope and that’s Diwali key message to have hope and light prevails over darkness. Diwali is also time for reflection and contemplation to think about people who are less fortunate and COVID 19 has bought these to limelight and she was thankful to Hindu community for their selfless Sewa (services) to mankind during this pandemic.
She mentioned that Hindu Forum Britain would continue to play a key role as a voice for the Hindu community is heard not only during a pandemic but in normal times, for Scottish Government would look forward to building this relationship.
She said that this was her last celebration of Diwali as Cabinet Secretary however it won’t be her last one beyond her life of politics. Although she is not standing for next year’s election, she wanted to encourage young people of multicultural diverse backgrounds to participate and add to the vibrancy of the parliament.
She also mentioned that Scottish Government has announced a £470k fund for a leadership development program for minority to ethnic young people. Although she had arguments with Alex, Rachael and other political opponents in parliament, all of them are united at this message to bring diversity and equality in parliament.
MSP Sandra White, who was the main sponsor of last year’s Diwali at parliament said she has experienced the colour and vibrancy of Diwali last year.
Sandra who is also stepping down for next Holyrood election, has been involved in frontline politics for the majority of her life and one of the longest serving MSP in Holyrood. She emphasised that everyone who lives in the community has rights to be represented and she is pleased that her Constituency (Glasgow Kelvin) put forward BAME female candidate Ms Kaukab Stewart.
In her closing remark she encouraged youngsters: “If I can do, you can do and it will stand true till date” and mentioned being happy to chat over phone or zoom to anyone from Hindu community if they want to be part of active politics.
Mrs Manjulika Singh, MBE said the Vote of Thanks and program ended with Live Aarti and peace prayer from Glasgow Hindu temple, where Acharya ji Mishra invited NHS Doctors to light the lamps as a way to show gratitude for their hard work during this crisis.
The preparations for this event started a few weeks ago and intensified in the few days with so many tasks being coordinated and completed. It was this tremendous team spirit that resulted in resounding success of Diwali celebrated in this unusual way for the first time. Diwali’s message is a timely reminder of the light at the end of the dark tunnel and the collective strength of unity.
HFB takes this opportunity to thank you for your participation and contribution to the event and look forward to welcoming you back to parliament next year.
Two Lothian care homes are under investigation by NHS Lothian following significant coronavirus outbreaks.
53 cases have been reported in Redmill Care home in Broxburn while 29 people have tested positive for the virus in Millford House Care Home in Duddingston.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones who have died from this cruel virus at these care homes.
“Since the start of the covid-19 outbreak care homes have been by far where the highest proportion of deaths have been, with residents at higher risk to Covid-19 and living under the same roof.
“SNP Ministers have failed to introduce effective infection prevention measures comprehensively across all care homes, which has left residents at greater risk.”
800 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported across Scotland in the last 24 hours. Of these, 164 are in Lothian.
Local MSP Neil Findlay said: “I am very concerned about the situation at Redmill care home in Whitburn (above) where there is an outbreak of Covid 19 – the company and Scottish Govt must be transparent about the situation and advise families and staff about the situation.
“Families are very appreciative of the efforts of staff at the home who are very worried about their wellbeing and that of all their residents.”
The Scottish Parliament has backed measures contained in UK emergency legislation that will help strengthen Scotland’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
The UK Coronavirus Bill, which was introduced to the House of Commons on 19 March, includes new reserved and devolved laws that will help to slow the spread of the virus.
New measures include:
• bringing more health professionals and social workers into the workforce
• relaxing regulations to ease the burden on frontline staff
• enhanced public health measures designed to contain the virus or slow its spread
• collecting necessary information to enable monitoring of disruption to food supply chains
The bill includes new powers that will enable authorities to cancel events and close premises, and to allow the police to compel potentially infectious people to undergo COVID-19 screening and assessment.
These new emergency powers cover a two-year period that can be extended if necessary and will only be used if required.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that it will use powers within the Bill to ensure that action to implement social distancing and impose restrictions on gatherings, events and operation of business activity can be enforced.
Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said: “This new emergency legislation will help to save lives as we face this unprecedented crisis.
“It is only because of the extraordinary public health challenge confronting us, as a result of the global pandemic, that these measures have had to be considered.
“These are emergency powers that will be in force temporarily and only used if required.
“I am grateful that the Scottish Parliament supported the bill and we are committed to reporting on how and when the emergency powers included in the Bill have been used.”
In addition to the UK ‘four nations’ Bill, the Scottish Government will also bring forward emergency Coronavirus legislation to the Scottish Parliament soon.
School students at a pioneering academy project took over the running of the Scottish Parliament’s Members’ Restaurant for a night, giving MSPs the chance to feed the country’s top politicians. Thirteen students from the Hospitality and Tourism Academy ran the kitchen and front of house at the restaurant, offering a three-course meal to paying MSPs and their guests.
The academy students, who are all S5 and S6 pupils at schools in Edinburgh and Midlothian, ran the restaurant themselves as if it was a regular night of service, under the supervision of lecturers. MSPs booked in for dinner and paid as they would normally, expecting the same quality of food and service.
The MSPs dined on pan-fried pigeon breast with parsnip puree and nasturtium salad; pork fillet in pinwheel oat crust with champ mashed potatoes and haricot verts; and white chocolate cheesecake with passion fruit jelly and passion fruit curd.
The students were invited to cook at the Parliament as part of a project to give college hospitality students experience of working in such prestigious surroundings. These students, however, were not as old or as experienced as most college students.
The students are all studying at the Hospitality and Tourism Academy, a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University, local authorities and schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The academy is part of the South East Scotland Academies Partnership, which began with the Hospitality and Tourism Academy in 2012 and expanded last year to introduce three new academies, the Creative Industries Academy, the Health and Social Care Academy and the Food Science and Nutrition Academy.
The academies give students the chance to study in these key growth industries while still at school, giving them theory and practical experience so they can make informed choices about their future. Students get insight into these industries over the two-year academy programmes, and improve their employability by developing specialist skills and knowledge that closely match the needs of employers. The academies now have 400 students from Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, and the project has won praise from politicians, businesses and Education Scotland.
Sixteen-year-old Dalkeith High School student Dawn McDermott (above), who was working in the front-of-house team, said: “It was a really good night. The front-of-house staff and the kitchen worked well together so it was a brilliant team effort and everyone enjoyed it. The MSPs were lovely and were chatting to us all about what we were doing and what we want to do after school.
“It was such a good opportunity to experience something totally different from what we’re used to and we learned a lot. I want to become an air hostess so getting more customer service experience is really important, and hopefully this will look good on my C.V.”
Margaret Mitchell MSP, who said her pigeon starter was ‘cooked to absolute perfection’ and that the presentation was the equal of a professional kitchen, said: “The whole scheme seems like a fantastic opportunity for young people to get experience in industry, serving in a restaurant and cooking food. The academy has done a fantastic job in providing that experience because it can lead these students in so many different ways.
“They’re learning practical skills and can go on into the hospitality industry, which is big business in Scotland. This is a first-class initiative and I hope that the students, who are already performing so well, find huge benefits and that it will help determine their future careers.”
Also dining was Linda Fabiani MSP, who said: “A project like this is really important and it’s great experience for the young people. What’s really good about it is that students at college learn their skills but it’s important they also have practice in a real environment, so coming somewhere like the parliament restaurant and taking over the entire operation is great for them. MSPs enjoy a good meal and service like any other restaurant customers, so this was a treat for us.”
Ray McCowan, vice principal education leadership at Edinburgh College, said: “This was a tremendous opportunity for the students and they did such a superb job I’m sure many of the MSPs didn’t notice a difference from a regular night. Most catering students don’t get the chance to cook for and serve such esteemed customers, so it was a real privilege for them to be able to show off what they’ve learned at the academy.
“The academies give students real-world skills and knowledge, and it’s important they get to experience as many workplace environments as possible to build up their understanding of professional expectations. Serving MSPs in Parliament put them under pressure but they coped admirably and did a great job, which gives them incredible experience for whatever they go onto, preparing them to be excellent students or employees. They should all be really proud of themselves.”
Professor Alan Gilloran, deputy principal at Queen Margaret University, added: “It’s been a fantastic year for our Hospitality and Tourism Academy students. Showcasing their talents to MSPs and their guests at the Scottish Parliament has been a great way for them to end 2014 on a high.
“The students really rose to the challenge on the night and thrived under pressure. Unique practical experiences like this are hugely valuable to the Academy students’ development. They can be confident that their experiences will help them stand out from the crowd in this key growth industry by having the specialist skills and knowledge employers are looking for.”
