Scotland’s culture and creative sector will be helped to flourish on the world stage with the launch of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy 2024-30, according to Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.
The strategy sets out the value of international activity to Scotland’s culture and creative sector. It recognises the importance of international engagement to learning, innovation and to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Mr Robertson said: “Scotland’s culture and creative sector and our historic environment are internationally renowned. Our festivals, vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage bring people from across the world to Scotland.
“The strategy sets out our vision for international engagement to be central to the long-term development of the sector. We are starting from a strong position, but we know that recent challenges have made international cultural engagement increasingly difficult.
“Developing international cultural connections will create new opportunities, make our culture and creative sector more vibrant and diverse, and help it to reach new audiences and markets across the world.”
Julia Amour, Director, Festivals Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh’s Festivals are a place for Scotland and the wider world to exchange creative ideas, and this new International Culture Strategy recognises the importance of such an international outlook for artists, creatives and citizens across Scotland.
“We look forward to working with colleagues and Scottish Government on these ambitions to help strengthen our nation’s cultural fabric.”
Champion cook Gary promotes vital Best Start support
Superchef Gary Maclean has urged people to check whether they may be newly-qualified for a benefit which helps with the cost of buying healthy food, milk and first infant formula.
Best Start Foods is up to £39.60 via a pre-paid chip and pin card every four weeks to spend on food from pregnancy until a child turns three.
The Scottish Government benefit was extended In February to include 20,000 more people by removing income limits. Now anyone who gets a qualifying benefit, is pregnant or has a child under 3, is eligible regardless of their other income.
Some of those who are eligible might not yet have applied and Gary, who won series nine of the BBC’s Masterchef in 2016, urged them not to miss out.
Gary, who became Scotland’s first national chef in 2017, emphasised the importance of expectant parents getting all the support available to buy nutritious foods.
The 52-year-old, said extra available cash could be vital in making ingredients go further when cooking for babies and toddlers.
Gary said: “Best Start Foods is really vital extra help at an important time in people’s lives and I would encourage all those who think they may qualify to make the most of it.
“We are all aware of the rising costs of food in recent years so any help in buying nutritious ingredients can make a difference.
“Pregnancy is definitely a time when good wholesome food is especially important. This payment is available from as soon as you know you are pregnant and I want people to be aware of that.
“There are people who may not have been eligible before but are now following some changes to the rules – people can check online and apply if they think they qualify.”
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Gary has been a champion of using locally sourced healthy ingredients and using budgets sensibly to make great nutritious meals.
“Best Start Foods is now available to more people than ever before thanks to our commitment to tackling poverty – with investment of £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security.
“As Gary has said we want to make sure as many people as possible get this support. If you think you are eligible please check online and apply.”
The call has been echoed by charity One Parent Families Scotland.Chief Executive Satwat Rehman said: “The Best Start Foods grant is a vital source of support for parents, and we very much welcome the fact that the income threshold to qualify has been increased.
“This means that a large number of parents we support will now be eligible, having previously lost out because their income was only just above the threshold.”
Care experienced children and young people will receive further support to improve attainment, attendance and wellbeing throughout their education and beyond.
The Scottish Government will provide £10.5 million to be shared by local authorities across Scotland through the Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.
Launched in 2018, the funding is provided to local authorities and aims to improve the educational outcomes for care experienced children and young people, supported by the strategic goals of The Promise and the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
The fund has so far provided more than £60 million to deliver initiatives such as mentoring programmes and out of school support.
First Minister Humza Yousaf, said: “I am fully committed to Keeping the Promise – every single child should grow up loved, safe, supported and respected, as well as being given every opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential.
“Supporting care-experienced young people includes helping them to continue or re-enter education and The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund plays a vital role in delivering additional support to improve educational outcomes.
“We know it is making a real difference as the latest figures show more care experienced children and young people are staying in school for longer and achieving higher qualifications.
“Improving outcomes for care-experienced young people requires a truly national effort, and the Scottish Government will continue to work with local authorities, schools and others to ensure that all young people in Scotland can meet their full potential.”
COSLA Children and Young People Spokesperson Cllr Tony Buchanan said: “Local Government is committed to keeping the Promise made to care experience children and young people by 2030.
“We have welcomed this funding, which councils have used in recent years for a number of innovative approaches responding to the diverse needs of care experience children and young people across Scotland. This has included ‘virtual’ head teacher and mentoring schemes.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government, across Local Government and with our partners across the education system to ensure that all children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected and achieve the best possible outcomes.”
ASH Scotland has responded to yesterday’s Scottish Government’s Ministerial Statement on Working Towards a Tobacco-free Scotland by 2034 and Tackling Youth Vaping.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We warmly welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to reducing the harms caused by tobacco which continues to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland with more than 8,000 deaths each year.
“We are pleased that the Minister has listened to concerns expressed by ASH Scotland and has confirmed the Scottish Government is content that, if the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill is passed at Westminster, no one buying addictive, health harming tobacco products under-age in Scotland will be criminalised.
“We do, however, want to see the Scottish Government taking rapid action in laying, at the earliest practicable opportunity, its proposed restrictions tightening the rules on the advertising and promotions of recreational vaping products which were consulted on two years ago in Spring 2022 and are enabled by legislation passed in Holyrood back in 2016.
“Following mounting evidence of adverse health impacts, and studies consistently showing that youngsters who use e-cigarettes are up to three times at greater risk of starting to smoke tobacco, government must move at pace to take all vital steps to protect young people’s health.
“Waiting for potential four-nation agreement by MPs at Westminster, with a General Election pending, presents a severe risk of delays to regulations that children’s health and wellbeing can ill afford.
“As most e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, which is extremely addictive, as well as toxic chemicals that have not been safety tested for inhalation and can damage lung health, retail marketing restrictions need to be introduced urgently as a vital measure to discourage youth vaping by reducing the promotion and visibility of e-cigarettes on our high streets and in communities across Scotland.”
Fewer than one in five incidents reported to police
Victims of domestic violence have been encouraged to seek support and report incidents to police, following a reduction in recorded cases.
Newly published statistics show Police Scotland recorded 61,934 incidents of domestic abuse in 2022-23, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year.
Most domestic abuse, however, is not reported. The most recent results from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (for 2018-20) estimated that only 16% of incidents were reported to police.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Domestic violence is abhorrent. Although these latest statistics show a decrease in police recorded incidents, we know that there are cases where violence and abuse is not reported. I would encourage victims to seek support from organisations who can help and, where they can, to report any abuse to police.
“Through Scotland’s Equally Safe Strategy, which focuses on early intervention, prevention and support services, we are putting in place measures to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse.
“It is imperative that where behaviours turn into violence and abuse, those responsible face the full force of the law and are brought to justice. Our landmark Domestic Abuse Act has provided more powers to police and courts to punish perpetrators of abuse and protect people at risk.
“This month we announced £2 million of funding for Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid to help reduce their waiting lists for women who need support services, including refuge places and counselling.
“This is in addition to £19 million annual funding from our Delivering Equally Safe Fund, which aims to tackle gender-based violence and has supported 121 projects from 112 organisations since October 2021 – benefitting almost 32,000 people in its first year.”
The Victim Centred Approach Fund will also provide £48 million to 23 organisations from 2022-25, including £18.5 million for specialist advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (0800 027 1234) provides a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service, for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence against women, providing confidentiality and specialist advice. The Scottish Government has provided £1.9 million funding to the helpline.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician yesterday released domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, 2022-23.The main findings include:
The police recorded 61,934 incidents of domestic abuse in 2022-23, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. This is the second consecutive year this figure has shown a decrease since 2015-16.
In 2022-23, 39% of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland included the recording of at least one crime or offence.
The type of crime or offence that was most frequently recorded as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2022-23 was common assault, accounting for 32% of all crimes and offences recorded. This was followed by threatening and abusive behaviour, accounting for 21% of crimes and offences.
Following its enactment on 1 April 2019, crimes recorded under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 accounted for 5% of crimes and offences recorded as part of a domestic abuse incident in 2022-23.
There were 114 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland per 10,000 population in 2022-23. At a local authority level, Dundee City (180), West Lothian (148) and Glasgow City (141) recorded the highest incident rates per 10,000 population.
Where gender information was recorded, around four-in-five incidents of domestic abuse (81%) in 2022-23 had a female victim and a male suspected perpetrator. This was the same as in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, the 31 to 35 years old age group had the highest incident rate for both victims (277 incidents recorded per 10,000 population) and for the suspected perpetrators (245 incidents recorded per 10,000 population).
A third of incidents (32%) occurred at the weekend in 2022-23. This is a slight decrease from 33% in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, nine-in-10 (90%) of all domestic abuse incidents occurred in a home or dwelling where location was recorded.
Independence would allow Scotland to further improve its education system, including a proposal to enshrine the government’s policy on free tuition in Scotland’s permanent constitution, according to a new paper published by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth.
‘Education and Lifelong Learning in an Independent Scotland’, the latest paper in the Building a New Scotland series, sets out the Scottish Government’s policy proposals for education following independence.
Independence would allow future Scottish Governments to:
propose that the government’s policy on free university tuition becomes part of an independent Scotland’s permanent constitution, subject to the deliberations of a future Constitutional Convention
use all the powers of an independent nation to fully tackle child poverty, helping to ensure every child in Scotland has the opportunity to reach their full potential
incorporate – in full – the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law, further enhancing children’s rights
consider enhancements to the length and level of paid maternity leave and extending the current statutory two week leave and pay provision for partners as well as providing additional weeks of shared parental leave taken at the end of the 52 week maternity period
rejoin EU exchange programmes that benefit students such as Erasmus+ as part of the EU and foster good global connections by promoting international research exchange
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, @JennyGilruth has launched our Education and Lifelong Learning #ANewScotlandPaper:
"Making decisions in Scotland, for Scotland, benefits everyone who lives here – but none more so than our children"
Ms Gilruth said: “Our education system shows why making decisions in Scotland, for Scotland, is better for people who live here.
“Since 1999 we have been able to take choices to improve opportunities for our young people – including abolishing tuition fees, expanding free school meals and investing in transformational early learning and childcare.
“But the outcomes for our children and young people continue to be harmed by decisions taken by the UK Government – particularly in terms of social security cuts, which are impacting children and families the most.
“Independence puts the full powers to tackle child poverty in Scotland’s hands, and would allow us to build on our existing policies. Modelling published last month estimates that Scottish Government policies will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty in 2024-25.
“As we have already set out, we would enshrine economic, social and cultural rights – including the right to education – in the interim constitution, effective from day one of independence.
“The Scottish Government would propose that our policy on free university tuition is enshrined in the permanent constitution of an independent Scotland, subject to the deliberations of the Constitutional Convention.
“Independence would put significant economic and legislative levers in Scotland’s hands and give future Scottish Governments a range of opportunities to do things differently on a range of key issues, like children’s rights, tackling child poverty, reserved childcare support schemes and parental leave.
“This paper sets out just some of the opportunities open to future independent Scottish Governments to build a successful and thriving Scotland.
“It shows the potential that can be unlocked for our children, young people and families – the best start in life in a fair and prosperous independent nation.”
Further community support for adults, children and young people
Two funds to support projects aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing in adults, children and young people have been awarded a further £30 million.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults, and the Children and Young People’s Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Supports, have been awarded £15 million each for 2024-25.
Launched in 2021, the fund for adults has supported grass roots community groups to deliver programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities. Projects focused on connecting people and providing peer support were delivered through activities such as sport, outdoor activities and the arts.
Funding for the children and young people’s support began in 2020 to help with the mental health impact of the pandemic and its restrictions.
The new funding means more than £65 million has been made available to local authorities since then to deliver community-based mental health and wellbeing support for five to 24 year-olds and their families.
Support delivered includes mentoring, art-based therapies, digital services, whole-family support, counselling and sport or physical activities.
First Minister Humza Yousaf, who today visited Edinburgh Community Performing Arts Re-connect project for older people, said: “On becoming First Minister I reiterated my personal commitment to supporting those living with mental health challenges.
“We know how important it is for our society to have access to mental health and wellbeing support. That is why my government is committed to ensuring we fund vital services in our health service and in community settings to ensure we try, as much as possible, to provide a national network of community support for adults, children and young people.
“This further £30 million will fund community based projects which are focused on prevention and early intervention, and this is a significant step forward in supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing by making sure they can easily access the help they need, when and where they need it.
“Since 2020 the Scottish Government has invested over £100 million in community-based mental health support. An independent evaluation published last year shows that projects for adults have lowered social isolation thereby alleviating some of the negative mental and physical health impacts from the pandemic, as well as providing support and self-help for individuals with ill mental health issues.
“More than 300 children and young people’s supports and services are in now in place across the country, and evaluation published by the Scottish Youth Parliament found that nearly three-quarters of young people agreed or strongly agreed that they received support when they needed it.”
Fundraiser and Project Manager at Edinburgh Community Performing Arts Emma Stewart-Jones said: “We are delighted to have funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
“The difference that these community arts projects can have on individual’s health, sociability and well-being can be profound.”
Yousaf: Delivering priorities on first anniversary of appointment
Fairness is at the heart of everything the Scottish Government does, First Minister Humza Yousaf said, as he looks forward to his first anniversary in post this week.
During his time as First Minister, Humzah Yousaf says he has focused on tackling poverty through investment in public services, building a new relationship with business, and helping people with the cost-of-living crisis.
Recently published analysis estimates that 100,000 children will be kept out of poverty in 2024-25 as a direct result of Scottish Government policies.
The First Minister set out the outcomes his Government aims to achieve by 2026 in Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership – A fresh start at the beginning of his tenure.
The First Minister said: “I have set clear missions for the Government I lead which are in the interests of everyone in Scotland. What drives me is fairness for all as we work to achieve better equality, greater opportunity, and safer communities.
“It is my passionate belief that Scotland will only reach its potential as a country when every single one of its citizens is able to reach their own potential.
“That means supporting them at times in their lives when they need it, and also ensuring they have access to high-quality jobs and thriving public services.
“Over the last year, my team in government has worked with the clear aims of delivering a just society and supportive business environment.
“We have worked with councils to agree a Council Tax freeze to provide much needed financial relief to Scottish households during the cost-of-living crisis, and we’ve invested a record £19.5 billion in our NHS – without losing a single day to pay-related strike action in our health system, uniquely in the UK.
“We have invested in and driven progress on Scotland’s huge renewables potential, which will support economic growth, with a pledge of up to £500 million to support the offshore wind industry.
“Unlike the UK as whole, Scotland has avoided entering a recession while recent business survey data shows stronger employment growth than anywhere else in the UK on top of long term growth in GDP per person almost double the UK average since 2007.
“And through our Techscaler network of start-up incubators, we are well on our way to delivering one of the finest state-funded entrepreneurial systems in the world, dedicated to the creation of high-growth businesses.
“Crucially, the policies of my Government will keep 100,000 children out of relative poverty and 70,000 out of absolute poverty in the coming year, according to recent modelling.
“We are making important progress on the missions I laid out for my Government – equality, opportunity and community, despite limited powers, and real terms cuts from the UK Government to Scotland’s budget.
“However, there is so much more we could do with the full powers of independence – that’s why we have published eleven papers so far in the Building a New Scotland series, with a twelfth publishing this week, to ensure voters are equipped with the information they need to make an informed choice on Scotland’s future.
“I am honoured every day to lead a government driven by clear values, and I am absolutely committed to continuing to make Scotland a better place to live, work and study for everyone who makes it their home.”
Up to £2.23 million funding is being made available to third sector organisations providing counselling, peer support and practical support to adult survivors of childhood abuse.
Support groups can now apply for the latest round of grants from the Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) Fund which will be made available from October 2024 to March 2026 and will enable groups to enhance or expand their current services.
Since it was set up in 2020, the SOCAS fund has seen more than 16,000 survivors supported by 29 organisations.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We want all survivors to be provided with services which allow them to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
“This latest round of funding, up to £2.23 million per annum, builds on almost £10 million invested since establishing the Fund in 2020, and is designed to reduce the impact of the inequalities and disadvantages survivors often experience as a result of abuse.
“Our recently published Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan outlines the importance of survivors having access to services which promote sustained recovery through person-centred, trauma-informed support and treatment – this funding will enable more people to get the help which is right for them.”
Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Kaylie Allen said: “The Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support fund provides vital help for survivors to enjoy a safe and healthy life with improved wellbeing and sense of safety.
“Helping people affected by trauma is at the heart of the Inspiring Scotland strategy so we welcome the continuation of the Scottish Government’s funding and look forward to supporting applicants through the application process.”
Record number of Real Living Wage employers in Scotland
The number of Scottish employers registered as paying the real Living Wage has hit a new high of 3,500.
The milestone was reached ahead of the tenth anniversary of Living Wage Scotland, a programme launched by Poverty Alliance with Scottish Government funding to encourage more firms to pay the real Living Wage. The rate is reviewed annually and currently stands at £12 an hour.
Proportionately, Scotland has around five times more accredited real Living Wage employers than the rest of the UK. Latest statistics also show nearly 90% of workers aged over 18 in Scotland are paid the real Living Wage or above – the highest percentage in the UK.
On a visit to one of the most recently accredited firms, Atlas Winch & Hoist Services in Biggar, South Lanarkshire, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan thanked the growing number of employers committed to keeping pace with the real Living Wage.
Ms McAllan said: “Fair Work is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s ambition to move towards a wellbeing economy that benefits employees and the planet alongside traditional economic indicators.
“More than 64,000 workers have had a pay rise as a result of accreditation, making a real and ongoing impact for people in Scotland.
“All public sector grants in Scotland now include a requirement for recipients to pay the real Living Wage and provide appropriate channels for workers to raise concerns. We firmly oppose the inappropriate use of zero hours contracts and other types of employment that offer workers minimal job or financial security.
“While employment powers are reserved to the UK Government, we will continue to use our Fair Work policy to drive up labour market standards for workers across Scotland. Fair Work is good for workers, good for employers and good for the economy.
“Every firm which has declared its intention to be a real Living Wage employer provides peace of mind for its staff, particularly during the cost of living crisis. I thank all the 3,500 Scottish businesses that have now taken that step.”
Atlas Winch & Hoist Services director Conor Lavery said: “We have long paid at least the real Living Wage as it helps to attract and retain a motivated team. As a rural company it is very important to retain the right people and the real Living Wage helps support this.
“We recently decided to seek real Living Wage accreditation to signal our ongoing commitment to our staff, some of whom have been with us for more than 20 years. We want to do as much as we can to support our workforce and try to be as flexible as we can, understanding life’s challenges outside of work.”
Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “The Poverty Alliance believes in a wellbeing economy beyond the injustice of in-work poverty.
“Thanks to the leadership of more than 3,500 accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland we are now able to celebrate a decade of incredible impact. The real Living Wage provides a stronger foundation for workers to build better lives for themselves and their households, and a better Scotland for all of us.
“We commend every employer that has chosen to join the Living Wage movement: they are paving the way to a new kind of economy, where more workers earn what they need to thrive, and we encourage employers not yet accredited to get in touch.”
