Tag: Scotland

Spending Review: £ Billions to back Scottish jobs

UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.

The Spending Review, outlined yesterday, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  “Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

“The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

“Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

“And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

“To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

“And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

“This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.”

Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

Investing in innovation and R&D  

Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

Targeted support for Scottish communities   

The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

Supporting Scottish businesses  

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

A record settlement for Scottish public services   

The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

This investment and record settlement is made possible by the ‘tough but necessary’ decisions taken in the October Budget.

Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert has welcomed the statement. She said: “The Comprehensive Spending Review is good for Scotland’s economy and public Services.

“After several meetings with the Secretary of States for Science, Innovation and Technology and Scotland I’m so pleased to see the announcement of funding for the new Supercomputer to be based at EdinburghUniversity.

“This major investment in Edinburgh positions us at the forefront of computing, and technological innovation, not just in the UK, but globally.”

Not unsurprisingly, the Holyrood SNP Government has a number of issues with the likely impact of the Spending Review on Scotland. Post to follow …

Prime Minister hails trade deal successes for Scotland

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks, says UK Government

  • Prime Minister visits historic distillery in Glasgow to discuss trade deal benefits for the Scotch Whisky industry 
  • Follows UK hat trick of trade deals with India, US and EU – improving people’s lives across the country 
  • Deals will help drive growth in Scotland and put more money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people

From the Highlands to the Borders, Scottish people are set to benefit from the UK’s landmark trade deals with India, US and EU announced in recent weeks, says the Westminster government. 

The Prime Minister discussed the huge growth opportunities and benefits for Scotland during a visit Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow today. 

Visit comes after Prime Minister visited BAE Govan this morning to announce the Strategic Defence Review, which will see significant investment in Scotland . More than £2 billion a year is already spent by the Ministry of Defence with industry organisations of all sizes in Scotland, supporting over 25,000 skilled jobs in Scotland. 

The world-renowned Scotch Whisky industry is set to boom globally – with the Scotch Whisky Association announcing they forecast £1 billion of extra exports in five years, plus 1,200 new jobs thanks to the tariff reductions as part of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. 

India is an important market for Scotland, with 457 Scottish businesses exporting a total of £610 million in goods there last year. 

Under the India trade deal, tariffs have been cut on a range of iconic Scottish goods, from whisky tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and dropping to 40% after 10 years to salmon reduced from 33% to 0%. Iconic Scottish brands like Irn Bru and Scottish shortbread will also see reduced tariffs. 

Scotland’s thriving life sciences and health tech hubs will be strengthened by IP commitments on areas such as trade secrets and copyright, helping companies export to India with confidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our trade deals with India, US and the EU will slash tariffs on key industries and open markets set to help drive growth in Scotland and put money in the pockets of the hardworking Scottish people, delivering on our Plan for Change. 

“Scotland is home to some of the most world-renowned products, which can now be enjoyed across the globe – all whilst saving Scottish businesses money.  

“That is why we have secured these deals, and why we will continue to go further and faster to improve the lives of everyone in the UK.”

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: “Our trio of trade deals shows we are championing Scottish products and businesses on the global stage.

“From our world-renowned whisky distilleries to our cutting-edge green energy sector, Scotland has so much to offer international markets. But more importantly as part of our Plan for Change this means more money in people’s pockets.

“By securing better access to the European Union, United States and India, we’re creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow, supporting jobs in communities from the Highlands to the Borders.”

Mark Kent, Chief Executive Officer of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “As the UK’s largest food and drink export to 180 markets worldwide, Scotch Whisky producers welcome the work being done to reduce trade barriers around the world.

“The landmark UK-India free trade agreement will be transformational for the Scotch Whisky industry over the longer term and has the potential to increase exports to India by £1bn over the next 5 years and creating 1,200 jobs across the UK.

“It’s also constructive to see a potential reduction in the burden on exporters through the UK agreement with the EU.

“We continue to support the UK government’s efforts to address the issue of tariffs with the US and establish a pathway to return to the zero-for-zero tariff arrangement we have had with the US on spirits for more than 30 years.”

The new agreement with the European Union, the UK’s largest trading market, will directly address challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019.

The Scottish salmon industry has estimated that between 2019 and 2023, Scottish Salmon export values experienced a net loss of around £75 million. The deal with the EU makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to European markets.

First Minister urges Prime Minister to drop EU red lines

Scotland’s interests ‘cannot be an afterthought in negotiations’

First Minister John Swinney has urged the UK Government to reflect Scotland’s interests by dropping its EU red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.

Ahead of tomorrow’s summit between the UK and EU, the First Minister has reiterated his calls for the closest possible co-operation with Europe and said the best future for Scotland is as an independent nation within the European Union.

The Scottish Government has previously called for the UK Government to negotiate with the EU on a number of key areas including removing barriers to food and drink exports, closer energy and climate co-operation, a youth mobility agreement, and rejoining the Erasmus+ and Creative Europe programmes.

The First Minister said: “Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country within the European Union. More than ever, the current uncertain economic and geopolitical environment reinforces the importance of Scotland having the security, stability and opportunity that comes with EU membership. 

“Right now, the Prime Minister must negotiate the closest possible working relationship with the EU, in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland. To do that he must drop his ideological red lines on the single market, customs union and freedom of movement.

“This would remove significant trade barriers and red tape for Scottish businesses and give a much-needed boost to the Scottish economy which is still being badly impacted by Brexit.

“If the UK Government wants to get serious about economic growth, it should recognise that the EU is one of our most important economic and security partners. At the very least we need to see a reduction in red tape for our food and drink exports, closer co-operation on energy and climate issues and greater freedom of movement for our young people. These areas and others can bring benefits both for us and our European partners.

“The Scottish Government stands ready to work with the UK and the EU towards stability and progress but the UK Government must reflect the interests of Scotland in the upcoming talks. Given the appalling economic, social and cultural damage of Brexit, Scotland cannot be treated as an afterthought by the UK Government in these discussions.”

The Scottish Government has published papers on some of our key priorities for closer cooperation:

The Scottish Government has also published a number of reports on the impact of Brexit on Scotland and Scotland’s economy, including:

In 2023, the Scottish Government published a paper setting out the Scottish Government’s vision for an independent Scotland in the EU:

Building a New Scotland: an independent Scotland in the EU – gov.scot

BBC secures live television rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches

The BBC has announced it’s agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Nations, says: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.

“Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament. It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”

The deal, agreed with UEFA, includes 41 live matches over the next fifteen months – starting with this month’s international ties. It’s the first time the BBC has secured live television rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.

The matches will be shown on BBC One in each nation and BBC iPlayer – with key fixtures also being broadcast on network television across the UK – and will add to existing live international coverage on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport app.

In Wales, live match coverage will be available in both English and Welsh.

Scotland has highest rate of accidental death in the UK, warns new report 

  • People are more likely to die due to an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK – the rate of accidental death is up 57% over the last decade
  • Fatalities on Scottish roads are 46% higher than the UK 
  • Accidents cost the UK £12 billion every year – £6 billion in NHS medical care and £5.9 billion in lost working days
  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, which reveals new data into rising accident numbers and calls on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS 

Scotland is home to the highest rate of accidental death in the UK – currently 56% higher than the UK’s overall rate of accidental death and 67% higher than the rate in England, meaning people are far more likely to die in an accident in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK according to a new report* launched by RoSPA, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’.

As well as the tragic human loss, preventable accidents cost the UK a massive £12 billion every year due to lost working days and medical care. RoSPA is calling on the Government to implement a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS. 

RoSPA’s new report reveals that the rate of accidental death in Scotland has risen by 57% in the last decade and accidents now take over 2,500 lives each year.

This increase in the number of accidental deaths in Scotland can be seen across almost every type of accident.

Despite positive steps such as the successes of Water Safety Scotland and the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance, the recent abolition of Home Safety Scotland shows that the Government is still not taking a sufficiently robust approach to the nation’s alarming rise in accident rates. 

 Number of accidental deaths in 2022 % rise in accidental death rates, 2013 to 2022 Rate of accidental deaths per 100,000 people 
UK-wide 21,336 Shape42% increase 32 deaths 
England 16,765 Shape40% increase 29 deaths 
Scotland 2,677 Shape57% increase 49 deaths 
Wales 1,206 Shape41% increase 39 deaths 
Northern Ireland 688 Shape56% increase 36 deaths 

Highest likelihood of fatality on Scottish roads 

People are almost twice as likely (46%) to have a fatal transport-related accident in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK. This substantially higher fatality rate in Scotland exists across car users, pedestrians and motorcyclists – with people in cars 166% more likely to be killed in an accident driving in Scotland than they are elsewhere in the UK. Pedestrians are 96% more likely to be killed in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK and motorcyclists are 51% more likely to be killed in an accident on Scottish roads than in the rest of the country.  

Other types of accidental deaths highest in Scotland 

Tragically, Scotland isn’t just home to the highest rates of fatal road accidents – its non-transport fatal accident rate is also more than twice (57%) as high as the rest of the UK. Death from accidental poisoning is 139% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. There has been a sharp spike in drug-related deaths in Scotland since the early 2010s, which has one of the highest rates of drug deaths in the developed world, although this has begun to fall in recent years.  

Death from accidental drowning is 59% higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK. This is partly due to ease of access to inland water, which creates more opportunities for drowning but is also compounded by lower water temperatures, making the risk of cold-water shock higher.  

Death from exposure to smoke, fire or flames is 42% higher than the rest of the UK. This rate reflects the higher rate of dwelling fires in Scotland, which has been falling for several years but remains much higher than England and Wales.

Death from accidental fall accounts for 42% of all accidental deaths in Scotland, so the fact that they are almost twice (45%) as likely in Scotland than the rest of the UK is significant. The reasons for this aren’t recorded, but it could be due to rugged terrain and wetter conditions, and potentially higher proportions of people living in flats or apartments.  

Cause of accidental death Rate in Scotland compared to the UK as a whole Rate in Wales compared to the UK as a whole Rate in Northern Ireland compared to the UK as a whole 
All types of accidental deaths 56% higher 22% higher 14% higher 
Transport-related 46% higher 18% higher 34% higher 
Transport accident – car occupants  166% higher 5% higher 88% higher 
Transport accident – pedestrians 96% higher 35% lower 142% higher 
Transport accident – motorcyclists 51% higher 78% higher 20% higher 
Non-transport related 57% higher 22% higher 13% higher 
Poisoning 139% higher 6% higher 10% lower 
Drowning 59% higher 10% lower 71% higher 
Exposure to smoke, fire or flames 42% higher 34% higher 18% higher 
Falls 45% higher 24% higher 37% higher 

Falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland 

RoSPA’s data reveals that like the UK as a whole, falls are the most common cause of accidental death in Scotland (42%), followed by poisonings (40%). 

Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (UK wide) Most common cause of accidental death in 2022 (Scotland) 
1.Falls – 46% Falls – 42% 
2.Poisonings – 26% Poisonings – 40% 
3.Other – 13% Road traffic / transport – 7% 
4.Road traffic / transport – 7% Other – 5% 
5.Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 3% Threats to breathing e.g. choking and suffocating – 2% 
6. Drowning – 1% Drowning – 1% 

Accidents cost the UK almost £12 billion every year 

As well as personal pain and injury, accidents put a huge strain on the NHS, costing at least £6 billion annually in NHS medical care – not including ambulance callouts, surgery or long-term treatment.  

Across the UK accidents led to around 5.2 million bed days, costing the NHS an estimated £5.4 billion last year. In addition, accidents resulted in around 7 million Accident & Emergency (A&E) visits across the UK last year, costing a further £613 million, bringing the total cost of accidents to the NHS to at least £6 billion annually. 

Accident-related injuries are also a drain on the economy and prevent people from working. The combined cost to UK businesses is £5.9 billion, due to lost output and indirect management costs. 

Ten times more working days lost due to accidents than strikes 

Across the UK in 2022/23 7.7 million working days were lost by those who were unable to work after an accident as they’d been admitted to hospital, or by their carers who took time off work to be with them. A further 21 million working days were lost by those who had to attend A&E after an accident.  In total in 2022/23 accidents led to almost 29 million lost working days across the UK – 10 times more than were lost due to strikes (2.7 million lost working days) in the same year. 

RoSPA is calling for the Government to create a National Accident Prevention Strategy to save lives, boost the economy and free up capacity in the NHS.

Read RoSPA’s full report, ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’. 

Steve Cole, Policy, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director at RoSPA, said: “Scotland is facing an accident crisis. It has the worst rates of accidental death than anywhere else in the UK.

“Scots are substantially more likely to suffer a serious accident today than they were 20 years ago. We must take action now to stop further preventable deaths and serious injuries – accidents are avoidable and do not need to happen.

“Even those who have never been involved in an accident are still suffering, as increasing numbers of accidents are choking the UK economy and engulfing the NHS – taking up bed space, money, time and resources that could be directed to other serious illnesses.  

“Our new report revealing the growing numbers and types of fatal and life-changing accidents across the UK unveils a new public health scandal. By implementing a National Accident Prevention Strategy to sit across government departments problems can be tackled at their core, with a joined-up approach to cover all types of accidents – whether they happen at home, on the road, at work or in public.

“For too long we have accepted the economic and social consequences of accidents, and we’re still paying the price. We are calling for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to make Scotland a safer place to live.” 

Dan Evans, Chief Executive at Speedy Hire, said: “We take health and safety extremely seriously, and it is a source of immense pride that we have been recognised for our excellence in keeping colleagues and customers safe.

“For us, colleague safety doesn’t begin and end at the workplace door, which is why at Speedy Hire we take a ‘whole person, whole life’ approach. This has never been more important to do so, as RoSPA’s report reveals people are far more likely to suffer a serious accident at home than they are at work.

“Both the cost of accidents to peoples’ personal lives and to businesses is far too high, so we must act now to keep people safe and support economic growth.” 

Dr. James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA and author of ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, said: “Our major review of all accident data uncovers the full scale and true cost of accidents for the very first time. This data is unique; it looks at all types of accidents across the UK, as well as individually across all four nations.   

“Accidents aren’t currently monitored or recorded to the same extent as other health issues, but the findings are alarming. Accident rates across the UK, as well as within England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are rising steeply.  We’ve brought together this data to reveal the reality of this crisis and to impress upon the Government that action must be taken to reverse rising accident figures.” 

RoSPA are calling for the Government to seize the initiative and create a National Accident Prevention Strategy – a first for the UK. And, because it’s impossible to arrest a crisis like this without a plan, RoSPA propose that the National Accident Prevention Strategy is the specific responsibility of an individual minister without a portfolio. This would enable the minister to treat accident prevention holistically, with the authority to attend the Cabinet and the ability to convene cross-departmental committees. 

The National Accident Prevention Strategy must: 

  • Take a joined-up approach which cuts across departments and provides strategic leadership to guide policy making at national level 
  • Empower individual departments or agencies to craft and implement more detailed policies 
  • Propose ambitious and evidence-led but realistic policy interventions to reduce accident rates 
  • Cover the core sectors directly affecting the UK economy: home, work, product, leisure and transport 
  • Be forward-facing to address emerging challenges, like the climate crisis, the rise of AI and the UK’s ageing population 
  • Address inequalities like deprivation, age, ethnicity and region 
  • Take a four-nations approach to data sharing and collaboration 
  • Strengthen Government’s data collection and publishing processes relating to accidents 

Scotland’s Swiss goal hero Scott McTominay surprises Pupils with contact lens lesson

SCOTLAND star Scott McTominay paid a surprise visit to a Glasgow primary school prior to starring in the Tartan Army’s Euro 2024 adventure to send an important message about contact lenses. 

The Manchester United midfielder, who is currently in action for his country in Germany and scored in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland, visited Riverbank Primary School in Glasgow’s East End to spread awareness about the benefits and safe use of contact lenses. 

A contact lens user himself, Scott enjoyed the special day, arranged by Specsavers as a part of their sponsorship of the Scotland National Team, joining in with fun sports day activities, including races and a football egg and spoon race, to show how lenses helped him on his journey to become a professional footballer. 

Discussing his own need for contacts, Scott says: ‘I wore glasses at school but didn’t wear them as much as I should. Then at 15, I switched to contact lenses, and it truly transformed my life—especially on the pitch. 

‘If I did try to play sports in them I did sometimes find it a little bit difficult. That’s why the contact lenses have made a huge difference – as soon as I got used to putting them in it did genuinely change my life. 

‘I had a great day with the kids, sharing my experiences. It’s important for me to do what I can to help younger generations.’ 

Scott’s need for contacts is well documented – during a recent Champions League match, McTominay faced an unusual challenge. After an accidental collision with Neymar, he lost a lens, leaving him partially sighted. Needing a clean face and hands to safely put in a fresh contact lens, Scott had to see out the first half using just one eye.  

Speaking about the experience, he adds: ‘I panicked a bit and I didn’t know what to do. To change them, you need clean hands and a clean face, so I rushed in during half-time to wash.

“It’s probably the craziest experience I’ve had on a football field. We’ll have to review the footage to see if there were any wayward passes! 

‘Genuinely, having contact lenses is my superpower because if I didn’t have them, and playing at the elite standard of football that I play in, I wouldn’t be able to play. 

‘Glasses are amazing and I love winding down in the evening in them, but the contact lenses are a game changer. They open so many doors in my life and I wouldn’t be in this position today if I didn’t have them. 

‘Your eyesight should never hold you back from doing anything that you love.’ 

Delighted to have Scott visit the school, head teacher Tommy Hynes says: ‘Having such an inspirational figure and leader as Scott visit the school was a special moment for the pupils. 

‘It was heartening to hear his tales of overcoming his eyesight to become a professional footballer and he was fantastic with the children on the day as we conducted a mini sports day. 

‘We wish Scott and the rest of the Scotland team all the very best at the Euros.’ 

For more information about Specsavers’ contact lenses and to book a free contact lens trial visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/offers/try-contact-lenses-free 

Defence Secretary praises Scottish contribution to shipbuilding & defence

Defence Secretary has met with apprentices, engineers and key industry leaders during a visit to key shipyards. Scotland plays a ‘crucial role’ in the Navy’s shipbuilding pipeline and the UK’s security

  • Defence Secretary meets with apprentices, engineers and key industry leaders.
  • New warship production well underway in Scotland
  • More than 12,000 Scottish jobs are supported through defence spend with UK industry.
  • Paul Sheerin announced as Chair of the shipbuilding Skills Delivery Group.

Scotland is playing a crucial role in the Navy’s shipbuilding pipeline and the UK’s security, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has said today on a visit to key shipyards.

Visiting Govan, where BAE Systems are building Type 26 frigates, and HMNB Clyde, home of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet, the Defence Secretary met with key industry leaders, staff and apprentices, observing the significant progress on the major warship production programme.

Scotland is the beating heart of military shipbuilding, with eight Type 26 ships being built in Glasgow and five Type 31 frigates being built by Babcock International in Rosyth. This supports and is supported by the local maritime infrastructure, supply chains, and extensive skills and training resources. On a tour at BAE Systems in Govan, the Defence Secretary saw the Type 26 frigates in build, and toured HMS Cardiff.

More than 12,000 jobs in Scotland are directly supported by Defence, with more than £2 billion spent annually with UK industry in Scotland. Over 5,000 jobs will be created or sustained across the build of Type 26 and Type 31 programmes alone, and just under 1,000 apprentices will be trained to provide the skill required to build and maintain our Royal Navy fleet. 

Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “As the home of the nuclear deterrent – which keeps us all safe around the clock – nobody can question that Scotland is absolutely central to the UK’s security.

“As Shipbuilding Tsar, it is fantastic to see the positive impact that the Scottish shipbuilding industry plays. A sector once restricted by periods of ‘boom and bust’ is now witnessing a resurgence, with Scottish shipyards buzzing with activity and its workforce expanding. 

“Brand new warships will operate around the world, looking after our nation’s interests, for decades to come, and they will have been built by highly skilled shipbuilders right here in Glasgow.

“We continue to back the UK defence industry in Scotland with billions of pounds every year, supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.”   

At HMNB Clyde, the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent submarines, the Defence Secretary visited an attack submarine. HMNB Clyde is currently one of the largest employers in Scotland and is in the process of increasing its on-site staff from 6,800 to over 8,000, whilst the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has committed to spending more than £3 billion on sites in Scotland, including £1.6 billion on the Clyde Infrastructure Programme, to establish it as the home of UK’s submarine fleet.  

The Defence Secretary, in his role as Shipbuilding Tsar, is responsible for overseeing all of the government’s interests in UK shipbuilding. The Government’s commitment to UK Shipbuilding through the Refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy has allowed industry to invest for the future, with BAE Systems’ £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Skills Academy and the construction of a modern shipbuilding hall in Govan currently underway.   

The Government has today issued its response to the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce report. In response to recommendations within, the report the National Shipbuilding Office has launched the shipbuilding Skills Delivery Group.

This group will drive the delivery of the Taskforce recommendations and will be a champion for skills within the UK Shipbuilding Enterprise.

Grant Shapps also announced the Chair of the Group will be Paul Sheerin, and the two met at Govan shipyard.

Paul Sheerin, Chair of Skills Delivery Group said: “It is critical for the UK shipbuilding enterprise that the skills gap is addressed, and to ensure that this can happen there needs to be a unified approach across different skills systems, across different parts of the enterprise and across government and the devolved administrations.  

“I am extremely excited to chair the SDG, working alongside a highly knowledgeable and experienced membership comprised of representatives from across the whole enterprise. With the continued support of the Shipbuilding Tsar and the NSO, I look forward to working with the Group to deliver a positive impact on skills within this vital sector to the UK.”

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack said: “Scottish-based critical defence assets play a crucial role in the security of the UK.

“As well as helping to keep us all safe, defence also delivers thousands of high-skilled jobs and billions of pounds investment in Scotland, driving prosperity and boosting the Scottish economy.

“I’m proud that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make such an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence industry.”

Mounted fox hunts testing the new ban, according to charity

Four incidents reported to Police Scotland in first season under strengthened law

As fox hunts across Scotland prepare for the biggest day in the hunting calendar – Boxing Day – a leading animal welfare charity warns that the boundaries of the new ban are being tested by hunts since it came into force earlier this year. 

Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, Robbie Marsland said: “It’s early days but there are signs that a number of hunts are testing the new ban.

“The good news is that Police Scotland and the Scottish Government are taking this seriously. I think we are all agreed that any early attempts to get round the new law should be nipped in the bud.”

The charity says since the first season under the new Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 got underway it has reported four incidents to Police Scotland which are currently being investigated. 

The new legislation which passed through Parliament in January this year brought into force a number of measures which significantly curtail mounted hunting activity, including reducing the number of dogs which can be used to hunt a wild mammal to just two, instead of a full pack, and reducing the number of dogs which can be used below ground to just one. 

The Act also includes a pre-emptive ban on trail hunting. Trail hunting is a sport which was created after hunting was banned in England and Wales following the passing of the Hunting Act in 2004. Its inclusion in the Act means trail hunting can not be established north of the border. 

Scottish traditions to be formally recognised as UK joins UNESCO Convention

Public encouraged to propose festive traditions, such as Christmas pantomime and Hogmanay, for formal recognition alongside other mainstays of UK culture

Communities across Scotland will be able to nominate their most cherished traditions to be included in a new register of cultural heritage in the UK. 

Festive favourites, such as pantomime, Hogmanay and pagan Yuletide traditions could all be formally recognised. 

Seasonal celebrations taking place at St Andrew’s Day, Burns Night, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Up Helly Aa in the Shetlands could also be included. 

Traditions that are central to Scottish culture, identity and communities, from Highland dancing to bagpipe playing, cèilidhs and commons riding are expected to also be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory. 

Artisanal crafts such as kilt-making, tweed-weaving and the art of making the perfect haggis, together with the practitioners of these traditions, will also be considered. 

The selected Scottish traditions will sit alongside valued traditions from across the rest of the UK, from the male voice choirs of the Welsh Valleys to cheese-rolling and the art of basket-weaving. 

It comes as the UK Government has confirmed its intention to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which seeks to protect the crafts, practices, and traditions which are recognised as being key part of national life and providing a sense of identity to communities. 

These practices are often also referred to as ‘intangible cultural heritage’ or ‘living heritage’ and are inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The UK is rich in traditions which have been passed down from generation to generation, and so many of those which are best known around the world – from bagpipe-playing to the Highland games – are Scottish.

“These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn. 

“By ratifying this Convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the country, support the people who practise them, and ensure that they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.”

By ratifying the Convention, the UK Government will be able to recognise Scotland’s most important crafts and traditions in the same way as we have considered physical heritage sites such as New Lanark, Edinburgh Old Town, and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. 

UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said: “Hogmanay, Burns Night and ceilidh dancing are Scottish traditions celebrated across the world and now we will be able to give them recognition alongside those from around the UK as part of this international convention.

“I encourage communities across the country to nominate their local traditions that will be ratified and help to preserve them for generations to come.”

As intangible cultural heritage can only be considered as such when it is recognised by the communities, groups or individuals that create, maintain and share it, it will be these groups and people from across Scotland who will be able to nominate the UK’s favourite traditions to be formally recognised. 

A public consultation launched today will seek the public’s views on the UK Government’s proposed approach to implementing the Convention across the UK to safeguard valued traditions. This will include the approach to how people will be able to nominate traditions, how they will be adjudicated, and any criteria that the nominated practices will need to meet before they are considered. 

The UK Government has been working closely with the Devolved Administrations, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories in the run up to this decision and will continue to do so in order to implement the Convention and collate the UK-wide inventory, which is expected to launch for nominations next year.

RoSPA’s 10 year review into water safety policies released

New research from RoSPA shows that Scotland’s water safety collaboration is at a high, but more local councils need to develop water safety policies

Water safety collaboration in Scotland reaches record high, but more policy commitment from Local Government is needed. That’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), following the release of its 10-year review of water safety policy in the country.

Supported by Water Safety Scotland, RoSPA’s research set out to understand the current picture of Scotland’s water safety at local government level to develop policies and programmes that better tackle drowning.

Encouragingly, RoSPA saw responses from all 32 Scottish local authorities, with91 per cent of local authorities ranking water safety as an important issue in relation to other service demands, and 68 per cent having a named person or department responsible for water safety.

Compared to 2013 when only 44 per cent of respondents had a named water safety lead, this shows an overall improved awareness of water safety, and an increasing commitment to its improvement in the region.

Crucially though, only 25 per cent of Scotland’s local authorities have a water safety policy in place.

According to data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), the number of drownings in Scotland is disproportionate to the rest of the UK. Scotland’s rate of accidental drowning is 0.82 per 100,000, which is triple the rate of England and nearly double that of Northern Ireland.

WAID data shows there were 45 accidental drowning fatalities in Scotland and a further 37 water related suicides in 2022. Although there have been small decreases in accidental fatalities, it is clear that drowning fatalities and water-related harm remains a serious issue in Scotland.

Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “This 10-year comparative research shows an improved picture of water safety in Scotland, demonstrating that the issue is further up the radar of local councils.

“Furthermore, most local authorities were aware of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, and in many cases, work closely with Water Safety Scotland.

“However, it is also clear that there is a clear need for policy-level commitments to water safety – and we believe all local authorities should aim to have a  water safety policy no later than 2026, in line with Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Policy.

“We encourage all of Scotland’s local authorities to take water safety seriously by creating thorough water safety policies that help protect people in our communities.”