Tag: Safer Scotland

National campaign to tackle misogyny launched

The Scottish Government has launched a new five‑week public awareness campaign encouraging boys and young men to think before sharing or engaging with misogynistic content online.

The campaign highlights the real‑life harm such content causes to women and girls, including those known to them. The campaign was developed with the support of a steering group of VAWG experts and cocreated with young people.

The campaign includes tailored messages for young people across Instagram, Snapchat, Twitch and YouTube, and resources for parents to understand the scale and impact of online misogyny and support conversations at home.

COSLA welcomes this campaign as a concrete expression of our shared commitment with the Scottish Government to challenge the attitudes and systems that enable misogyny and wider gender‑based violence.

The campaign aligns with Equally Safe’s focus on engaging men and boys as allies in preventing violence against women and girls and helping shift harmful online and offline attitudes.

COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, welcomed the new national campaign tackling online misogyny, commenting:
“Young people deserve to be safe online and offline.

“By amplifying these messages locally Local Government plays a vital role in preventing harm, challenging harmful attitudes and supporting Equally Safe communities.”

All assets, including links to information supporting healthy conversations with young people and links to videos and other supporting materials can be accessed here: Tackling Misogyny Campaign Toolkit

Tackling Misogyny – Campaign Toolkit – Safer – February 2026Download

Bonfire night safety fears after 42% rise in fireworks-related incidents

  • Home Office data shows 2024/25 saw 42 per cent increase in firework incidents compared to 2023/24 
  • 3,500+ incidents linked to human error since 2010 
  • Organised displays remain the safest option   

As an increasing number of organised fireworks displays across the UK are cancelled this year, safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning of increased risks from home-based celebrations.

Cancellations in London, Edinburgh and other locations come amid a 42 per cent rise in fireworks-related fire incidents, prompting urgent calls for caution ahead of Bonfire Night. New data shows 264 incidents occurred in 2024/25, up from 185 the previous year.   

The figures, drawn from Home Office statistics, highlight a worrying trend in unsafe firework use. Most incidents involved “other primary fires,” which include outdoor fires in bins, grassland, and vehicles, likely caused by improper handling or disposal of fireworks.  

Fireworks are a leading cause of seasonal fire injuries and property damage in the UK. Despite ongoing safety campaigns, human error remains the primary factor in over 75 per cent of incidents.  

Organised events offer safer – as well as more spectacular – displays.  However, anyone intending on using fireworks at home should remember the following important safety tips:   

  • Only adults should handle fireworks  
  • Avoid alcohol if you are lighting fireworks  
  • Store fireworks in a closed box  
  • Always light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper  
  • Never return to a firework after lighting   
  • Direct rockets well away from spectators.  
  • Always buy fireworks with a CE or UKCA mark  
  • Sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and must be handled with care.  

Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Fireworks are powerful explosives, not toys. Only adults should handle them and never mix alcohol with lighting fireworks.

“Store them safely in a closed box, light at arm’s length with a taper, and never go back to a lit firework. Always buy CE or UKCA-marked products, aim rockets away from people, and remember sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures — treat them with care.   

“The shocking rise in incidents over the past year is a stark reminder of the dangers they pose when misused. We strongly advise families to attend organised displays wherever possible, as they are far safer than home-based celebrations.”    

Find more firework safety advice on the RoSPA website.  

Drivers and passengers in Edinburgh urged to buckle up on every journey

Road Safety Scotland and Police Scotland have launched an impactful campaign highlighting the potentially devastating consequences of failing to wear a seatbelt – urging drivers and passengers in Edinburgh to belt up.

Figures show that 21 per cent of those killed on Scotland’s roads over a five-year period were not wearing a seatbelt1 and research demonstrates that wearing a seatbelt reduces both fatal and non-fatal injuries in front and back-seat passengers.

Despite this, 11 per cent of drivers admitted to not always wearing a seatbelt in the front or back of the car, while around one in five drivers (18 per cent) said they don’t think it’s important to wear a seatbelt in the back.2

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Fastening your seatbelt is one of the simplest actions you can take to protect yourself and others. In a collision, failing to wear a seatbelt can have devastating consequences – not only for the driver and passengers but for your loved ones.

“This campaign serves as an essential reminder to anyone travelling in a car: a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death and it’s not just you who gets hurt. Make it a habit on every journey.”

The campaign stresses the importance of wearing a seatbelt at all times – regardless of time of day, length of journey, and whether you are driving on busy or quiet roads. It also reminds people that it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt while traveling in a taxi or private hire vehicle.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “Wearing a seatbelt isn’t optional, it’s the law. Our officers will engage with and educate drivers and passengers on the importance of seatbelts, but we will also continue to take appropriate enforcement action, with those caught not wearing a seatbelt facing a fine up to £500.

“Drivers should also remember they are legally responsible for ensuring passengers under 14 are using their seatbelts, with fines issued for every child not properly restrained.

“The evidence is clear – seatbelts reduce injuries and save lives. Don’t take an unnecessary risk – wear a seatbelt every time you travel.”

The campaign will run across streaming services, cinema, radio, digital and outdoor channels.

For more information go to roadsafety.scot.

1 In-Depth Road Traffic Fatalities Report for the Years 2015-2020

2 RITS: Driver attitudes and behaviors tracker, Road Safety Scotland (September 2024)

Right time for fireworks?

Although fun for many, Bonfire Night can cause stress and anxiety for some.

It is illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm* (*extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali).

Find more advice on fireworks safety here ➡️bit.ly/sfrs23

#FireworkSafety

Operation Crackle: Follow the Fireworks Code

We are working together with partners such as Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and The City of Edinburgh Council to educate and keep everyone safe in the lead-up to bonfire night.

Where possible, attend an organised display. It is safer and will be far more impressive to look at.

#OpCrackle

We are reminding people of the dangers of fireworks as we approach Bonfire Night. Check the Fireworks Code and get essential tips on staying safe.

Downloadable leaflet: https://rb.gy/cu5jn

Web: https://firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/firework-safety/

Council urges landlords and homeowners to get ready for new fire safety legislation

The City of Edinburgh Council is reminding all city landlords and homeowners that every home in the Scotland must comply with new fire safety legislation which will come into force early next year.

By February 2022, all Scottish homes will need to be fitted with interlinked smoke and heat alarms which talk to each other – so when one goes off, they all go off.

As Edinburgh’s biggest social landlord, the Council is currently working with its contractors to fit new interlinked smoke and heat alarms, so that every one of its 20,000 Council-owned homes meets the new legislation and is made even more fire safe.

When this work’s done in each property, the electrical contractors will also undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if one has not been carried out recently.

Older residents in particular are being asked to be aware of the new fire safety legislation.

The Council’s Older People’s Champion, Councillor Catherine Fullerton, is calling on everyone who manages properties for older tenants in Edinburgh to make sure all new standards are met so everyone has the best chance of getting to safety in the event of a fire.

Cllr Fullerton said: “It’s absolutely vital that landlords and property management companies, particularly those that have a responsibility for older people within our communities, understand the new fire safety rules coming into force and act on them as quickly as possible. All properties, without exception, must be fitted with the new interlinking alarms, heat alarms and, where required, carbon monoxide detectors too.    

“I’d also urge older people or people with older relatives who own their own homes to check out the Scottish Government’s dedicated ‘Fire safety for homeowners’ webpages for more details and, if necessary, to help them to get their homes fitted with the right kind of alarms. There is also clear guidance for private and social tenants as well as new build homes.

“I’d encourage everyone to be sure they are using a Trusted Tradesperson to change their fire alarms to meet the new law – please don’t run the risk of having faulty or non-compliant ones fitted.”

A ‘Trusted Trader’ in Edinburgh can be found by using this website: 

www.trustedtrader.scot/Edinburgh/

If an older person is receiving Universal Credit, Edinburgh Care and Repair Service has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government to provide this service for free. If not, there will be a reasonable charge. 

You can telephone for further advice on 0131 337 111 or email reception@cre.scot.  

Help shape the future of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is appealing to the people of Scotland for their views on the future direction of the services it provides to make the country an even safer place to live, work and visit.

Chief Officer Martin Blunden is urging the public and stakeholders to take part in the consultation ‘SFRS – Long-Term Vision’ – which closes on Sunday 18 July – and help influence the way it evolves over the next ten years. 

The consultation vision document explains four key principles the SFRS wants to focus on over the next decade along with eight priorities it wants to achieve.

The consultation comes against a backdrop of a steady decline in household fires since the SFRS was formed almost ten years ago.

During the same period the country has witnessed an increase in weather related events such as wildfires and severe flooding, both of which are linked to climate change.

One of the proposed priorities in the consultation is achieving Carbon Zero status to reduce the impact on the communities the SFRS serves.

Chief Officer Blunden explained why the consultation was needed, saying: “While our immediate environment is changing and we need to respond to this in terms of the services we provide, I also want our fire and rescue service to evolve and have an increasingly positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“We’ve been encouraged by the responses we have received so far and I would urge people to submit their views before the consultation closes. I want to hear what you think – positive or negative – as well as understand what’s important to you too so that you, your family and your community feels safe and protected. We want you to achieve a safer Scotland for all, together.”

The consultation runs until Sunday, July 18 and can be accessed here.

Respondents are invited to answer a short survey and give their views on the vision document ‘SFRS – Long-Term Vision’.

Responses to the consultation will be used to inform the final vision document that will set out the future direction of the SFRS.

Police Scotland: Stay safe on the road during school holidays

Happy School Holidays to all the pupils and teachers! 

Whether you’re plotting your stops for the North Coast 500 or working out a driving route for an island hopping adventure, make sure you’re planning a safe staycation.

Roads may be busier than usual with more road users who are unfamiliar with the area:

🔹 Plan extra time for your journey
🔹 Pay attention to speed limits & other road users
🔹 Follow local COVID-19 restrictions

Read more ➡️http://ow.ly/Tcg450FihHK