Tag: Scottish Government

Controlling the Capital’s short-term lets

Planning permission required for Edinburgh’s short-term let conversions

A measure to help maintain the availability of long-term residential housing in Edinburgh has been approved.

Edinburgh will become Scotland’s first designated Short-Term Let Control Area after the Scottish Government approved the City of Edinburgh Council’s proposed change to planning requirements.

The control area is intended to preserve the character of neighbourhoods, prevent short-term lets in inappropriate places or types of building, and help ensure homes are used to their best effect. With a few exceptions, changing the use of an entire residential home in the city to short-term letting will automatically require planning permission.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Edinburgh was the first local authority in Scotland to propose a Short-Term Let Control Area and Scottish Government approval represents a major step forward.

“We have committed to give local authorities the powers to address concerns about the impact of commercial short-term letting in their communities, should they want to do that. This is an example of that local choice in action – supported by the majority of respondents to the council’s consultation on the proposed designation.

“I recognise the important role which short-term lets play as a source of flexible and responsive accommodation for tourists and workers, which brings many benefits to hosts, visitors and our economy. However, we know that in certain areas, particularly tourist hot spots, high numbers of lets can cause problems for neighbours and make it harder for people to find homes to live in.

“The Scottish Government considers that the council has adequately considered and responded to concerns raised before seeking approval of the control area designation. We have concluded that the proposed designation would be reasonable.”

Leith MSP Ben McPherson said: “As a constituency MSP, after being part of an Edinburgh SNP team who have pushed for action on this for some time, I’m pleased that today it has been confirmed by The Scottish Government that Edinburgh will become Scotland’s first designated Short-Term Let Control Area.

“Planning permission will be required for Edinburgh’s short-term let conversions. This measure will help maintain the availability of long-term residential housing in Edinburgh.”

City Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This is the news we have been waiting for after leading the way in campaigning for change. I am delighted that Ministers have answered our calls and we look forward to reviewing the full details included in the decision released today.

“It paves the way for Edinburgh becoming the first short-term let control area in Scotland. For far too long, too many homes have been lost in our city to the holiday market. In fact, around a third of all short term lets in Scotland are here in the Capital, so their associated issues of safety, anti-social behaviour and noise have a detrimental effect on many of our residents. We will now progress implementing the changes and the next step should be looking at whether we can apply a cap on numbers, too.”

 The control area covers the entire City of Edinburgh Council area. Where a dwellinghouse is in a control area, a change of use to secondary letting will always require planning permission unless the exceptions set out in legislation apply.

Where the change of a dwellinghouse to a short-term let took place before the designation of the control area the existing planning rules will apply. These require planning permission for a change of use of property where that change is a material change in the use of the property.

Holyrood appeals for more funding to meet public sector pay deals

Urgent talks sought with the UK Government

The UK Government has been urged to provide additional funding for public sector pay deals or the Scottish Government may be unable to fund equivalent offers without cuts to public services, according to Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, Mr Swinney outlines concerns that last year’s UK Spending Review, which determined the majority of the current Scottish Budget, did not take into account the level of pay increase recently proposed by the independent pay review bodies.

Mr Swinney also warned that the UK Spending Review did not consider the wider effects of rising inflation and that without any further funding, the Scottish Government may only be able to propose similar pay rises by reducing budgets elsewhere which would have a knock-on impact on the public sector’s ability to respond more widely to the cost of living crisis.

The letter states:

“I write to notify you that I have taken on responsibility for the Finance and Economy portfolio whilst the Cabinet Secretary, Kate Forbes, is on maternity leave.

“I look forward to working with you and, while I appreciate there may be some limitations on the business of the UK Government pending conclusion of the Conservative leadership process, I am open to engagement with you through this period.  I also appreciate the value of the on-going dialogue between our respective officials.

“There is one urgent issue I would wish to take the opportunity to raise given its importance to the delivery of public services in Scotland.  Further to the joint letter from devolved administration finance ministers to you on 15 July, and in light of the UK Government’s subsequent announcements regarding public sector pay, I am concerned that no associated funding is being provided to meet these additional costs.

“Last year’s UK Spending Review, which as you know determines the majority of the Scottish Budget, did not take account of the levels of pay uplift now proposed or indeed the wider effects of inflation. 

“The associated reduction in spending power across public-sector budgets is deeply worrying for our public services and our capacity to respond to the cost of living crisis, which will undoubtedly bring renewed challenges through the coming autumn and winter period. 

“Given our fixed budgets, our restricted borrowing powers and the inability to change tax policy in year, the lack of additional funding for public sector pay deals via the Barnett Formula means the Scottish Government could only replicate these pay deals for public workers in Scotland with deep cuts to public services.

“I would urge you to consider appropriate funding for public sector pay, and would welcome early discussions with you on this matter.”

On 15 July, the Finance Ministers for the three devolved governments wrote to the Chancellor outlining economic areas of concern ahead of the forthcoming UK Budget.

Seal of approval for new bin hubs

The new ‘smart’ bin hubs at Pitt Street in Leith have been visited by Lorna Slater MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity. 

The visit  highlighted the Council’s new scheme alongside the Scottish Government’s £3.4 million national investment from the Recycling Improvement Fund.

These new bins use digital sensors to reduce overflowing waste. The Pitt Street communal bins, along with litter bins in The Meadows and Lanark Road West mark the start of a citywide campaign to install intelligent sensors in over 11,000 communal and litter bins. 

Councillor Scott Arthur, Environment Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Keeping the Capital looking at its best is a top priority for us so it’s great the Scottish Government is coming to see our new city-wide bin hubs in action. They are being introduced across the city to improve waste collection reliability and recycling provision for around 130,000 residents.

“We’re rolling out bin sensors as well in Edinburgh so that we’re alerted when litter bins need emptied and this will help us to make sure the city is looking at its best for residents, businesses and the millions of visitors we welcome from all over the world every year.”

Glory Hunters!

PM writes letter of support to England’s Lionesses

Scottish Government gets in on the sporting glory act too

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written to the England Women’s Football team, wishing them luck in the Euro 2022 final:

At least he didn’t mention the War …

All-female crew to lead RAF flypast over Wembley for Euro 2022 final

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, crewed by three women, will be flanked by two Typhoon fighter jets as they fly over Wembley Stadium before England’s historic fixture with Germany.

The aircraft will fly over at 4:57pm, immediately after the national anthems, before kick-off. The Hercules will fly from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and both Typhoons will take off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “I wish the best of luck to the Lionesses as they take on Germany at Wembley.

“It’s a landmark day for English football and women’s sport and it’s fantastic that the Royal Air Force will be marking the occasion with a flypast featuring an all-female aircrew.”

The Hercules is captained by Flight Lieutenant Lauren who has been in the Air Force for 12 years. She has deployed all over the world, including Afghanistan, where she helped train the first female Afghan pilots.

Speaking about the flypast, Flight Lieutenant Lauren said: “I am proud to be piloting the lead aircraft for the flypast over Wembley. I’ve flown missions all over the world with the RAF, but this will be one of the most memorable. 

“It’s been inspiring to watch the Lionesses progress and I will be loudly cheering them on as soon as I land back at RAF Brize Norton.”

Ahead of the match, the RAF and RAF Coningsby station Women’s football teams sent good luck messages to the Lionesses.

The Hercules aircraft flies a wide variety of operational missions including the delivery of humanitarian aid, with the ability to airdrop a range of stores and can operate from natural surface landing zones. To conduct these missions, it is vital that Hercules crews are highly skilled in low-level flying. Recently the aircrafts have been supporting NATO exercises in Eastern Europe, airdropping stores for the troops on the ground.

The Typhoon Fighter Ground Reconnaissance Mk 4 (FGR4) is the RAF’s fourth Generation Multi-role combat aircraft. The Typhoon provides Quick Reaction Alert with Crews on 24/7 readiness in defence of the UK, and the aircraft has been flying daily NATO air policing missions in Eastern Europe.

Meanwhile our Scottish Government is also keen to be associated with sporting success:

SUPPORTING THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Athletes representing Scotland at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have the full support of the Scottish Government, according to Culture Secretary Angus Robertson.

Speaking ahead of arriving at the 2022 Games, Mr Robertson said he hoped Team Scotland would be inspired by their record success at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and looked forward to supporting those hoping to bring medals home in badminton, boxing, table tennis, lawn bowls, gymnastics, basketball, swimming and mountain biking.

The week also marks one year to go until Scotland hosts the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Mr Robertson said: “Scotland is fully behind all those representing our country at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and I want to offer my best wishes to competitors from across the Commonwealth taking part in this year’s games.

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a superb, inspiring and enriching event for us all and I hope that many of the athletes competing in Birmingham will draw on that inspiration – including inspiring those Scottish athletes to bring medals home.

“Major events enrich our cultural and sporting life, and the start of Birmingham 2022 also coincides with a countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. From 3-13 August 2023, Scotland will host the biggest cycling event ever held with 13 World Championships combining into one mega event – so let’s capitalise on the excitement of this year’s Games and look forward to the Championships next year.”

Sports Minister Maree Todd said: ““It has been a pleasure to be at the Commonwealth Games to welcome the athletes competing on behalf of Team Scotland. Seeing their dedication and hard work paying off as they participate at this sporting level is inspiring.”

During her time in Birmingham, Ms Todd has officially opened Scotland House, the Scottish Government’s Games base, and has attended the opening ceremony of the Games.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf will be at the Games next Saturday (6 August) to catch some of Team Scotland in action, as well attending the launch of Athletics Trust Scotland’s campaign to transform lives through the power of athletics at Scotland House.

Transforming heating in new homes

Proposals for all new buildings to be fitted with climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel heating systems have been published.

The New Building Heat Standard (Part II) consultation sets out plans that would mean direct emissions heating systems (DEH), such as those run on fossil fuel, would no longer be installed in any homes and non-domestic buildings warranted from April 2024. They would be replaced by alternatives such as heat pumps, solar and electric energy.

To launch the consultation, Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie visited Saughton Park and Gardens in Edinburgh, where two ground source heat pumps provide the buildings’ heat.

Mr Harvie said: “Scotland’s homes and buildings account for approximately a fifth of all our emissions, and we know that we need to take bold, ambitious steps to ensure we meet our climate obligations.

“New buildings will lead the way in cutting emissions, and earlier this year we published new energy standards that will cut emissions of all new-build homes by nearly a third.

“The proposed regulations are another major change to achieve our climate targets and make our homes and buildings warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

“We have been working with industry to inform the development of the proposed new regulations and I would urge individuals and organisations to share their views to help shape and inform their delivery.”

The New Build Heat Standard Part II consultation runs for 12 weeks until 20 October 2022.

16,000 workplace opportunities secured through Young Person’s Guarantee

Over 600 employers sign up

More than 16,000 young people across Scotland have been offered workplace opportunities through the Young Person’s Guarantee.

Over 600 employers have signed up to the initiative which aims to connect 16-24-year-olds with an apprenticeship, work experience, volunteering, internships, enterprise opportunities and mentoring.

Up to £45 million is being invested in the Young Person’s Guarantee in 2022-23 as part of the ongoing commitment to support young people

Youth Employment Minister Jamie Hepburn met young people working for BAM Construction on the new £60 million North east hub health and care centre in Parkhead, Glasgow.

Mr Hepburn said: “It has been hugely encouraging to see the important role these young people are playing in the construction of this new health centre which will be a vital community asset in the east end of Glasgow for decades to come.

“I would like to thank BAM Construction, and all employers signed up to the Young Person’s Guarantee, for the opportunity they are helping to give our 16-24-year-olds. This will play a key part in our economic recovery.

“With results day just a couple of weeks away, it’s important for young people to realise there are a number routes into the workplace. 

“Our Developing Young Workforce (DYW) co-ordinators will continue working across secondary schools in Scotland to link people with local employers, while the introduction of the free bus pass and job grant are also aimed at helping young people into positive destinations.”

Sandy Begbie, Young Person’s Guarantee Implementation Group chair, said: “From the beginning of the Young Person’s Guarantee I’ve stressed the importance of young people being connected to all available opportunities.

“It is great to see how many employers of all shapes and sizes have demonstrated their support and belief in young people by committing to the Guarantee.

“As representatives of Scotland’s industry and employers it remains crucial we work together to communicate to young people that although their futures may still seem uncertain, opportunities are out there and continue to grow.”

The Scottish Government committed up to £45 million in the budget to support young people in Scotland towards employment, training and apprenticeships through the Young Person’s Guarantee,  other education, training, skills investment and through the jobs grant.

Young people and employers can find opportunities and support at:

 youngpersonsguarantee.scot 

Angela Constance: Drugs deaths situation remains ‘unacceptable’

Official statistics for 2021 show decrease of just 1%

While welcoming an end to seven annual increases in drugs deaths, Drugs Policy Minister Angela Constance made clear the situation remains “unacceptable”, and work will continue at pace to address the emergency.

The latest National Records of Scotland statistics show 1,330 people lost their lives in 2021 – a decrease of 1% and Ms Constance says it is clear there remains much work to do to save lives.

A national mission was announced in January 2021 to tackle rising death deaths in Scotland with additional funding of £250 million over the course of this Parliament.

The first year of the national mission has seen the introduction of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards, the expansion of residential rehabilitation provision, the setting of a new treatment target, increased funding to community and grass-roots organisations and the laying of ground work for innovation such as Safer Drug Consumption Facilities. 

1,330 people lost their lives to drug misuse in Scotland in 2021, according to latest figures published by National Records of Scotland.

The number is 1% lower than 2020 which makes it the first year since 2013 in which drug misuse deaths have not increased. However, it is still the second highest annual total on record.

Of those who died from the misuse of drugs, 65% were aged between 35 and 54 years old and more than two thirds (70%) were men.

Dundee City had the highest age-standardised drug misuse death rate of all local authority areas (45.2 per 100,000 population for the 5-year period 2017-2021), followed by Glasgow City (44.4) and Inverclyde (35.7).

Julie Ramsay, Vital Events Statistician at NRS, said: “Drug misuse deaths have increased substantially over the past few decades – there were more than five times as many deaths in 2021 compared with 1996. 2021 is the first year since 2013 that drug misuse deaths have not increased.

“In 2021, after adjusting for age, people in the most deprived areas were more than 15 times as likely to have a drug misuse death as those in the least deprived areas. This ratio has widened over the past two decades.”

In 93% of all drug misuse deaths, more than one drug was found to be present in the body, and the type of drugs that are implicated in deaths has been changing. In 2015 there were 191 deaths involving benzodiazepines, last year there were 918, near five times as many.

This increase has mostly been driven by street benzodiazepines rather than those which are prescribed. Of all drug misuse deaths in 2021, 84% involved opiates or opioids (such as heroin, morphine and methadone). 69% involved benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and etizolam).

In 2020 (the most recent year available for the rest of the UK) Scotland’s drug misuse rate was 3.7 times that for the UK as a whole, and higher than that of any European country.

Ms Constance said: “Scotland suffers a terrible toll from drug deaths, leaving families grieving and in pain and my heart goes out to all those affected by the death of a loved one through drugs.

“These latest statistics provide yet more heart-breaking reading, and the situation remains unacceptable. While there is so much more work to do, every life saved means one less family grieving and I am determined we can use this halt in the upward trend of recent years as a platform for real change.

“My focus now is on taking action and delivering new investment to improve services and get more people into the treatment which works for them. Residential rehabilitation is one of a range of treatment options available and today I am visiting River Garden Auchincruive to speak to residents and staff about the services provided. Later I will be meeting some families affected by a loved one’s drug use and asking what more we can do to help.

“I am concerned about the rise in deaths among women and will look to expand on current steps we are taking including the provision of two Mother and Child Residential Recovery Houses which will enable women to receive support while staying with their children.

“Despite regional differences, we are focused on a national mission and I’ll continue to use all the powers at my disposal, including holding local leaders to account in implementing the MAT standards, to drive improvements across Scotland.

“We are already implementing many of the recommendations from The Drug Deaths Taskforce, which issued its final recommendations last week, and I will report back on further actions to Parliament.

“In the first year of the National Mission we built the foundations for change. Now, with the backing of £250 million over the course of this Parliament, we will deliver on those foundations and our new Oversight Group will provide scrutiny, challenge and expert advice on the National Mission as we continue our efforts to improve and save lives.”

River Garden Operations Manager Mikael Heddelin said: “We offer a very different approach to recovery which allows residents to leave behind their addictions.

“Importantly that comes from communal support of peers and meaningful and qualitative work via our on-site social enterprises. We provide training, help develop competence in a range of areas and facilitate reintegration back into society.

“Peer support and lived experience are key elements in the recovery journey at River Garden. Our ethos and culture allows our residents to recover without stigma and the local community play a huge part in what we do.”

River Garden resident Paul said: “I grew up in care and began using drugs at the age of 12. Throughout my life I tried various rehabs, none of them worked.

“At the age of 47 I joined River Garden. I have been here almost two years and I have purpose and self-worth. I’m happy and healthy and I feel good about myself.

“River Garden has been totally transformational for me. I really enjoy the work and the camaraderie. I have made many friends amongst the volunteers, the visitors
and the contactors who work at River Garden.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs commented: ““My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of those who have died due to drugs.

“In Lothian the number of people who died due to drug misuse last year has doubled from ten years ago.

“SNP Ministers approach to tackling drug deaths is an unequivocal failure with drug deaths continuing to rise in Lothian for the last six years.

“If Angela Constance, the Minister for Drugs Policy, can’t reduce drug deaths in her own region of Lothian, then this does not bode well for the rest of Scotland.

“SNP and Green Ministers must get on board with the Scottish Conservatives Right to Rehab Bill, to ensure that everyone who needs rehabilitation for drugs has access to it.

“These latest shocking numbers clearly suggest that there is a particular problem in turning around the situation in Lothian. If that is the case, then SNP Ministers must consider direct control over drug services to drive urgent reforms.”

Link to National Records of Scotland Drug-related deaths in Scotland

Scotland’s Trade Minister highlights human rights concerns over trade deal with Israel

The UK Government’s intended approach to current free trade agreement negotiations with Israel raises concerns over human rights issues, according to Trade Minister Ivan McKee.

In a letter to Penny Mordaunt, Minister of State for Trade Policy, Mr McKee said the Scottish Government has specific concerns in relation to the human rights record and ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Minister also raised that the UK Government has not included a full impact assessment on a potential new deal and how it would impact the UK nations. Mr McKee’s response also states that it is clear no potential benefits from a new agreement would mitigate the negative effects of Brexit.

The letter reads:

Dear Penny

Launch of UK-Isreal Free Trade Agreement negotiations

Thank you for your letter of 20 July announcing the launch of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel.

The Scottish Government welcomes opportunities for Scottish businesses and our economy to grow, in particular in trade in services, where the coverage of the existing trade agreement with Israel is limited. However, we must be sure that any new agreement is in the best interests of Scotland and consistent with the principles in Scotland’s Vision for Trade. I wrote to you recently setting out in detail Scotland’s interests in this FTA.

The scoping analysis that you have now published does not give any detail on the likely economic impact of this deal on Scotland. However, any benefits from increased trade will not make up for the loss in trade as a result of Brexit. Given that your own modelling shows the recent deals with Australia and New Zealand are likely to have a detrimental impact on the agriculture and semi-processed food sectors, it is important to see the impact of all proposed FTAs on Scotland and our economy in advance of negotiations.

I have called on the UK Government to ensure that current and future trading partners comply with their human rights and international law obligations. We have specific concerns in relation to the human rights record and ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). In particular, we are concerned about reported labour rights violations of Palestinian and migrant workers under Israeli working practices.

It is vital that you ensure that that goods and services sourced from illegal settlements in the OPTs are excluded from this agreement in a way that can be reliably enforced. It is also important that any expansion of trade in architectural and construction services within Israel does not lead to involvement in the punitive demolition and destruction of Palestinian public and private property in the OPTs, which is a violation of international law.

It is disappointing that you have not undertaken a human rights impact assessment in advance of negotiations, as we have consistently called for, but urge you to fully consider these important issues and use the trade negotiations to progress human rights objectives.

I would also welcome further information on what plans you may have to similarly develop the current trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

As you know, I have repeatedly made the case for a full role for the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament in the development of trade agreements. I welcome the engagement that has taken place so far but will continue to press for the Scottish Government to be fully involved in these negotiations to ensure they achieve the best outcome for Scotland and promote human rights.

Ivan Mckee

Key safety advice highlighted on World Drowning Prevention Day

The importance of water safety awareness has been stressed by Community Safety Minister Ash Regan to mark today’s World Drowning Prevention Day.

At an event at the Kelpies, Falkirk, Ms Regan discussed preparedness and witnessed water safety demonstrations with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and first responders. The Minister also watched a demonstration by Newfoundland dogs specially trained for water rescue.

Support for the global prevention day – which will see St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh lit up blue with other world landmarks – follows the launch of a collaborative action plan to help prevent people from drowning in Scotland.

Ms Regan said, with Scottish schools closed for summer, it is vitally important everyone heeds crucial water safety advice.

She said: “I welcome the opportunity to support the World Health Organisation’s World Drowning Prevention Day.

“We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and surrounded by waterways that can appear tempting during hot weather. 

“But it’s vitally important people exercise extreme caution if venturing into open water and that they heed all of the safety advice. Entering any waterway has an element of risk and can have tragic consequences.

“The Scottish Government takes the issue of water safety very seriously and our sympathies remain with everyone affected by the tragedy of a water fatality.

“We work closely with Water Safety Scotland (WSS) and other partners, including local councils, Police Scotland, RoSPA, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to implement and support initiatives that can help raise awareness of the hazards around water and reduce deaths from accidental drowning.

“I have witnessed today work to prevent water tragedies from occurring but this is never a substitute for adhering to safety advice when in and around cold water.”

In 2022/23 the Scottish Government is providing RoSPA with an additional £60,000, specifically to help strengthen the focus on water safety and their support for Water Safety Scotland.

Key water safety advice

  • If you plan to get into water to cool down during hot weather, be responsible, know the risks and choose a supervised site such as a beach, lido or swimming pool.
  • Reservoirs, rivers, lochs and unsupervised beaches might be tempting for a quick cool down but there are hidden and potentially fatal dangers including strong currents and the risk of cold water shock. Visit Ready Scotland and Water Safety Scotland for more information.
  • The depth of water could be hiding unseen dangers – hidden ledges or strong currents. And if you are at the coast, think carefully about rip currents, offshore winds and the tide.
  • It is better to go near the water with a family member or friend.
  • Talk to your children to help them understand the risks and how to make safe choices around water.
  • Avoid open water where there are blue-green algae warning notices or if it looks green, blue-green or greenish-brown on the surface.
  • And if you see someone in trouble, do not enter the water. Look for a life ring and call 999.

Scottish Government: Supporting local food and drink

Recipients of the Regional Food Fund announced

A total of 24 projects from across the country have been awarded funding of £110,000 to promote and showcase quality regional produce.

The latest round of the Regional Food Fund (RFF) was launched in April this year to support the development of local food and drink projects with grants of up to £5,000.

Managed by industry organisation Scotland Food & Drink, the fund is designed to contribute to the sector’s recovery from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and raise the profile of local and regional produce.

Initiatives supported by this fund range from food and drink festivals and events to food tourism collaborations, online and physical markets to e-commerce such as Stranraer Oyster Festival, Clyde Island Gin Passport and Bowhouse Link.

Several of the country’s regional food groups will be delivering projects, such as farm vending by Bute Kitchen; promotional pop-ups by Appetite for Angus; a buy local campaign from Eat and Drink Dundee and food heritage project by Lanarkshire Larder.

Two Edinburgh and Lothian initiatives receive funding support:

Rosewell Farmers’ Market

Establishment of regular Farmers’ Market at the Steading, Rosewell, featuring high quality, locally grown or sourced produce.

Small-scale regional, collaboration between Rosewell Development Trust and local food producers
Grant awarded: £4,589

Scottish Development

Evolution of the successful sales and marketing platform for Edinburgh’s craft breweries, Beers of Edinburgh, which opens new market opportunities for the sector.

Funding will enable further online and retail sales as well as transferring the format to wider Scottish regions to allow other Scottish breweries to benefit.
Grant awarded: £5,000

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “This is the third round of funding provided under the Regional Food Fund and I am pleased to see the involvement of such a diverse range of projects. 

“These collaborative projects will help showcase the incredible range of food and drink produced in Scotland delivering more unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences and provide further impetus to the sale of local produce, develop food tourism opportunities and contribute to recovery.

“Our focus remains on promoting local produce including high welfare and production standards, as well as taking into account environmental issues, something consumers are increasingly interested in.”

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “It is fantastic to support a further 24 collaborative food and drink projects with this latest round of funding from the Regional Food Fund.

“From the quality of applications, we can see that there is a great deal of energy for, and commitment to, developing local food and drink initiatives, all of which play a vital role in the growth of the food, drink and tourism sectors countrywide.

“Our congratulations to all the recipients and we look forward to seeing the projects develop over the coming months to create a lasting impact on communities across Scotland.”

List of projects that were awarded grants as part of the 2022 Regional Food Fund