More people now live in Scotland than ever before
Statistics published by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) show that the estimated population of Scotland was 5,373,000 in mid-2015 – the highest ever. The figures show a rise of 25,400 (0.5 per cent) people since mid-2014. Continue reading Scotland’s population grows and grows
Yesterdays’ Budget statement was a perplexing mix of measures and raft of tax changes which pleased some and angered many more. Supporters hailed the budget as ‘historic’ but Labour leader Jeremy Corbin said the budget ‘has unfairness at its very core – paid for by those who can least afford it’ and the SNP’s John Swinney warned of ‘hidden cuts’. Continue reading Budget: sweet and sour for Scotland
Scottish Government and COSLA announce agreement on new consistent recycling systems across the country
Scotland’s Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead was joined by COSLA spokesperson for Development, Economy and Sustainability, Councillor Stephen Hagan earlier this week to announce a new consistent approach to recycling in Scotland. Continue reading Charter heralds a ‘new dawn’ for recycling in Scotland
St Andrew’s Day rally call beamed across Scotland
Famous Scottish landmarks – including our own Usher Hall and Tron Kirk – provided a dramatic setting to poignant lines from Scottish poet Mary Symon’s poem ‘Hame’ (St Andrew’s Day under the Southern Cross) to stir the heart strings ahead of St Andrew’s Day on November 30. Continue reading Rally to the call!
“I urge people not to let these terrorists win by dividing us and driving a wedge between the multi-cultural society Scotland is home to.” – First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon observed yesterday’s minute silence at the Glasgow Central Mosque as Scotland fell silent to remember those who died in the Paris terrorist attacks. Continue reading Scotland stands in solidarity
Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf was in Glasgow yesterday to support volunteers loading an aid lorry with urgent materials and supplies for refugees in the Balkans. The Minister praised Scots’ ‘amazing’ response to the humanitarian emergency.
The truck leaves Scotland later this week and will travel 1, 660 miles, bound for Novi Sad in the Balkans, where it will be received by the Red Cross and other NGOs working to aid refugees. It’s estimated materials and supplies will begin arriving at the regional aid hub in as little as 72 hours after departing Glasgow.
16 tonnes of warm winter clothing and ‘Soapaid’ hygiene bars have been kindly donated by the Scottish public to Glasgow The Caring City since the humanitarian crisis began. The soap can combat five of the seven main waterborne diseases.
Mr Yousaf said: “We have been overwhelmed with practical offers of support from people across Scotland who want to help alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people caught up in this humanitarian emergency. Scotland’s response has been amazing so far.
“The work of the refugee task force is well underway. Scotland stands ready to give the very best of Scottish welcomes to the refugees who are fleeing their homes and seeking protection, safety and security but we’re urging the UK Government to do more now and help those in need on mainland Europe.
“The Scottish Government has reiterated its support, making it clear to the UK Government that we will take a proportionate share of the numbers who come to the UK.”
Reverend Neil Galbraith from Glasgow The Caring City said: “Structuring a humanitarian response which meets the needs of people fleeing the most distressing circumstances of violence and conflict, is a skilled and professional tasks. Glasgow the Caring City charity leads from the front at times such as this. We are the conduit between the goodwill of the people of Scotland and those seeking refuge in times of crisis.
“Our people on the ground in Serbia and senior staff in Scotland are coordinating an aid distribution program which links with local statutory agencies, The Red Cross and other NGO’s to ensure that we effectively contribute to a situation which is ever changing in nature and scale with each passing day.
“Glasgow’s charity is matching the goodwill of the Scottish people with the needs of those in their greatest hours of need. Our aid will be sustained and will cover a large geographical area including Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and northern Greece but vitally, it is coordinated by our staff on the ground and highly experienced partner agencies.”
People who wish to donate to the crisis are being asked to raise money so that it can be deployed through charities to reach those most in need.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to visit the Scottish Government’s dedicated website: www.scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot
Online information hub will also be created
The majority of Scotland’s local councils have already indicated a willingness to accommodate refugees affected by the current humanitarian crisis, Europe Minister Humza Yousaf said yesterday.
He was was speaking at the close of the first meeting of a new task force set up by the First Minister to coordinate Scotland’s response to the crisis in southern Europe.
The task force also announced the creation of an online hub to signpost members of the public to information about how they can donate or register their willingness to help refugees in other ways.
During an emergency summit convened in Edinburgh on Friday, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland stands ready to take at least 1,000 new refugees as an immediate priority.
The operational task force brings together Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Refugee Council, the UK Government, local government and key stakeholders to coordinate Scotland’s humanitarian and practical response. Its first meeting yesterday considered issues including housing, health services, language support and social services for refugees.
Speaking after the summit, Mr Yousaf said the task force heard from COSLA that they have had an “overwhelming, unprecedented response” from Local Authorities in making their initial inquires.
The Minister also confirmed the task force is developing an online hub of resources to signpost members of the public to information about how they can donate to the cause, register available accommodation, assist with lessons in English as a second language, assist in befriending services and direct the public to drop off hubs for donated materials.
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Europe and International Development said: “We have repeatedly made clear that Scotland stands ready to play its part and take a fair share of refugees to help some of the most vulnerable people in need.
“Today’s task force considered the immediate, practical actions we can take to help. In the first instance we are working with councils across Scotland to identify capacity to accommodate refugees, and what services we will need to put in place to support families to start a new life in safety in Scotland.
“It is very encouraging to hear that the majority of councils have indicated a willingness to accommodate refugees – we will now build on this positive response and ensure the appropriate support and integration services are put in place.
“We have seen overwhelming support for refugees through social media and other means – and the online resources we are developing will help to signpost people to information about the practical steps they can take to help. We expect this will go live in the coming days.”
The following organisations were represented at yesterday’s summit:
The Scottish Government
UK Government
Scottish Refugee Council
British Red Cross
Glasgow Girls
STUC
New Scots
City of Edinburgh Council
Refugee Representative
COSLA
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
DWP
Police Scotland
With two free fun courses starting in October, The Prentice Centre in Granton Mains is the place to be for fans of Scottish culture this autumn …
‘Guid fer a Laugh’ takes a seriously funny look at Scottish comedy over the years. The course starts on Tuesday 6 October from 6 -8pm and runs for ten weeks (and maybe more if there are calls for an encore!)
A bit more highbrow (but only a wee bit!) is ‘An Introduction to the History of Scottish Theatre’. This free ten-week course starts on Monday 5 October from 1.30 – 3.30pm and includes theatre visits.
Both courses are free. To book your place or for further information call The Prentice Centre on 552 0485.
A pure cornucopia of Scottish culture, so it is!
2.5 million Scottish households to receive leaflet explaining devolution changes
A leaflet explaining the changes to devolution as the UK Government prepares to transfer powers to Holyrood will begin arriving through letterboxes in Scotland this week.
The 8-page Scotland’s Changing leaflet (see below) will explain the new powers as well as the benefits people in Scotland retain as part of the UK, including the pound, pensions and passports.
It will be sent to every one of the 2.5 million households across the country.
Find out more about Our United Future
The leaflet clearly explains which powers will be devolved and reserved following the Smith Commission and the earlier Scotland Act 2012. Powers going to the Scottish Parliament include income tax, some elements of welfare and choices over new taxes such as Airport Passenger Duty and Stamp Duty.
The Smith Commission recommended action to raise public awareness of devolution and this is part of the UK Government’s response to that challenge.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said:
“Scotland is changing for the better, with new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament.
These powers will have an impact on every person living in Scotland and it is important that we all know what they are and what they mean for us.
From Monday, households across Scotland will receive a leaflet, direct to their door – and that leaflet will spell out the facts.
The Scottish Parliament will soon be given power over the rates of income tax, welfare provision with a starting budget of more than £2.5 billion, and the ability to give the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in Holyrood and local government elections.
Alongside borrowing powers, and continued control over health, education, housing, public transport and so much more, the Scottish Parliament is set to become one of the most powerful devolved parliaments not just in Europe, but in the entire world.
At the same time, Scotland will keep the many benefits which come as part of the UK. We’ll keep our UK pound, our UK passport and our UK pensions. We’ll also continue to benefit from a single jobs market, a single defence system and a single, strong and fast-growing UK economy.
This is good news for Scotland. A united future, built to last.”
Scotland_s_Changing_info_leaflet
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Scotland play host to Wales in their first home game of this Six Nations tournament today and 67,000 spectators – a few of them Scots! – will flock to Murrayfield Stadium for the sell-out match.
The fixture is the first Six Nations home game since Edinburgh Trams passenger services began last year and the operator is putting in place arrangements to cater to the many thousands of fans who are expected to travel to and from the match by tram.
Advice for anyone planning to travel by tram can be found on the Edinburgh Trams website. Passengers are also advised to keep an eye out for updates from Edinburgh Trams’ Control team on the day via @EdinburghTrams.
To ensure pedestrian safety and to minimise traffic disruption, pedestrian diversions will be implemented around the Haymarket Station area following the match.
The City of Edinburgh Council is working closely with Police Scotland to keep road and pedestrian traffic moving smoothly before and after the game.
Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “Six Nations home games are always a very exciting fixture in Edinburgh’s events calendar and I know there will be thousands and thousands of people getting ready to make the trip to Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday. I’d encourage everyone to plan their journey carefully and take heed of travel and parking information so that they can have as enjoyable a time as possible. Good luck to Scotland!”
A number of temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in place.
Police and stewards will be on hand to help direct members of the public from the Stadium to the city centre.
Those heading back into the city centre on foot will be diverted left off the main road up Magdala Crescent to continue back into town.
Pedestrians travelling by rail from Haymarket Station will be guided along the main road towards Haymarket and stewards will be on hand to provide further assistance and advice as they approach the Station.
Although Russell Road is currently closed for Network Rail works, pedestrians will be able to use two dedicated lanes to access and exit the Stadium.
Information about getting to and from Murrayfield Stadium by tram, bus or rail can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.
And the game itself? I’m something of an expert having played for Royal High School’s sixth XV on a number of occasions (yes, okay, twice then and that was over forty years ago, but still …) and I reckon if Scotland can get the basics right we can run the Welsh pretty close today. Cut out the elaborate, ‘fancy Dan’ nonsense, keep it simple and we’re in with a chance.
England exposed some surprising Welsh frailties last weekend and Wales are there to be beaten this afternoon – but Scotland will have to improve and avoid silly mistakes. Unforced errors and conceding daft penalties could prove suicidal, for even when the Welsh are not functioning at concert pitch they can always call on the unerring boot of Leigh Halfpenny. Be brave, Scotland, but beware …
And on another (musical) note – isn’t the Welsh National Anthem the most stirring of them all? Enjoy the game (kick off 3pm)!
