Tag: Scottish Government

Building a tech nation

Investment can help create more high quality start-ups

Work to create the best opportunities for entrepreneurs is helping transform Scotland into one of Europe’s leading economies to start or grow a technology business.

Building on the entrepreneurial ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation, Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said work is underway – backed by £45 million of investment – to help transform Scotland’s tech sector.

During a parliamentary statement Ms Forbes highlighted progress made to date to implement the Logan Review. Actions include:

  • finalising arrangements for five new Tech Scaler hubs, with the potential to create more than 300 high quality start-ups, that will offer mentorship support to budding entrepreneurs. These new hubs, located around the country, will help to ensure new and existing tech innovators have access to high quality commercial education
  • establishing a £1 million Scottish Tech Ecosystem Fund providing support for organisations to deliver meet ups and events which create the best environment for entrepreneurs to succeed
  • investing more than £1 million in new devices and equipment to support teaching of computing science
  • appointing teachers who will drive improvements in equipment and training while sharing best practice
  • allocating £1.5 million for reskilling – including support for those on low incomes to gain digital skills

A Chief Entrepreneur Officer will also soon be appointed in the Scottish Government to help ensure entrepreneurship ambitions are embedded in policy development.

Ms Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the most radical reforms of the Scottish entrepreneurial system since devolution. Our ambition is to establish Scotland as one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.

“These game changing tech scalers will deliver one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive state-funded environments in Europe for the creation and growth of start-ups.

“Tech scalers will put Scotland on the global start-up map and we will promote their services relentlessly to attract the world’s best talent to scale up their businesses in Scotland.

“A key ambition in our strategy to transform the economy is to help establish Scotland as a world-class entrepreneurial country, founded on a culture that encourages, promotes and celebrates entrepreneurial activity.”

Mark Logan said: “These coordinated initiatives are part of the most significant strategic investment in Scotland’s high-technology industry ever seen in Scotland.

“Together, they create the perfect environment for starting and scaling technology-based businesses, with the many opportunities for our people that will result from that. It’s a very exciting time for the sector.”

NHS Scotland recruitment boost

Scottish health boards have recruited more than 1,000 additional healthcare support staff and almost 200 registered nurses from overseas to help address the unprecedented challenges facing the NHS.

The support staff recruitment drive, backed by £15 million, was launched by Health Secretary Humza Yousaf last October. The new employees will be working in a variety of roles, both in acute hospitals and in community health teams.

Under a separate £4.5 million initiative, offers of employment have been signed with 191 nurses from countries including India and the Philippines, with some already arrived and in posts in hospitals across the country, while agreements are in place with recruitment agencies for a further 203. The figure is likely to increase significantly over the coming months as boards take advantage of new infrastructure for employing qualified international staff.

All international recruitment is in line with the Scottish Code of Practice for health and social care personnel, which demonstrates Scotland’s commitment to ethical recruitment to protect the healthcare systems of developing countries.

Health and Social Care Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The pandemic has been the biggest shock our NHS has faced in its 73 year existence. To help deal with Winter pressures and pressure brought on by the current Covid wave we are expanding and investing in our NHS workforce.

“Our hardworking and compassionate health and social care staff have been on the frontline of patient care throughout the pandemic and I am incredibly grateful to them all.

“In October, we set ambitious targets to boost the number of health care support staff and step up international nurse recruitment. I am delighted with the success of the recruitment campaigns and seeing the new staff already providing frontline patient care.

“Scotland has the best paid NHS staff in the UK and record workforce levels, with more than 155,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff now working in the service. We are determined to continue this progress as we recover from the pandemic.

“Our National Workforce Strategy for Health and Social Care commits to understanding how we can achieve a more sustainable, skilled workforce which makes careers in health and social care – at all levels – more attractive.”

200 years in the making – Royal Highland Show to livestream across the globe

The Royal Highland Show will take to the small screen to livestream this year’s 200th anniversary event across the globe.  

In what has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the Royal Highland Show, organisers have successfully secured £200,000 of funding from the Scottish Government to drive this ground-breaking initiative. 

The funding will be administered by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, on behalf of the Scottish Government. 

The free-to-view RHS TV will see a dynamic mix of live and pre-recorded content broadcast throughout the four days, featuring the perfect balance of livestock judging, equestrian classes, culture, interviews, food & drink and of course, the grand parade. Presenting RHS TV in the mornings will be Dougie Vipond, with Sarah Mack taking the reins in the afternoons. 

Not only beamed across the globe, RHS TV will also be transmitted across the showground on giant screens throughout the four days. The content captured will be available to watch back on the Royal Highland Show YouTube channel. 

The exciting announcement follows on from the success of the Royal Highland Showcase in 2021, which saw a total audience of 345,701 viewers watch the action online from across 97 countries. 

Bill Gray, Chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), organisers of the Royal Highland Show, said: “This is a hugely exciting announcement which will allow us to bring the best of food, farming, and rural Scotland to audiences across the globe.

“The value the Show brings to the economy and also to Scotland the brand is reflected in the level of support we have received from the Scottish Government, for which we are very grateful.” 

The announcement is just one of many exciting new initiatives planned to make the 2022 Show, which marks 200 years since the first Show took place, a spectacular event. 

Bill added: “RHS TV also presents great opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to extend their reach beyond the 200,000 people expected to attend the event.

“This is yet another way in which we can add value and also generate revenue which allows RHASS to fulfil its charitable activities.” 

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “The support of the Scottish Government has ensured the organisers of the Royal Highland Show are able to continue to embrace innovation and build on the success of last year’s Showcase with RHS TV. 

“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and the dynamic mix of live and pre-recorded content to be broadcast via RHS TV will enable audiences both around the world and at home to connect, enjoy and share in the memorable experience that is the Royal Highland Show, one of the country’s much loved major events.” 

Culture Minister Neil Gray said: “I know how important events like this are to farmers, crofters and rural communities more generally. As the Royal Highland Show celebrates its 200th anniversary this year I’m delighted that this important and high profile event will be welcoming people in person again.

“The Show, which brings together Scotland’s world famous food and drink, traditions and culture to be enjoyed by attendees from around the world, will once again support Scotland’s events supply chain which has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. 

“I am delighted that Scottish Government funding will enable the Royal Highland Show to showcase online all that rural Scotland has to offer and celebrate, significantly increasing the reach of this event and enabling people across Scotland and all around the world to experience the rich variety of activities the Show has to offer.”   

Supported by Royal Bank of Scotland, the Royal Highland Show will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on 23-26 June 2022.  

Tickets, including for car parking, must be pre-purchased online this year and no tickets will be available to buy on the gate. Tickets are limited in number this year with sell out days anticipated, so it is advised to purchase early. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult (free ticket must also be reserved in advance).  

For further information and to purchase tickets please visit:

www.royalhighlandshow.org.  

£1 million to support people with neurological conditions

Migraine Trust and Thistle Health and Wellbeing among projects benefiting from investment

Nineteen projects supporting people with neurological conditions are to benefit from Scottish Government backing.

As part of a five-year neurological care and support action plan, innovative projects which harness new techniques and technology will be helped by a third round of funding – with £1 million commissioned for work across Scotland.

The 2022 to 2023 award will continue to support earlier projects as well as invest in new schemes.

These include a collaborative bid from the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to work with community, primary and secondary care pharmacists to help people with migraine manage their symptoms and treatments more effectively.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Partnership Delivery Group will also receive more than £100,000 to meet key Neurological Care and Support Framework commitments – helping people to live well and improving patient experience.

Epilepsy Scotland will receive more than £40,000 to improve mental health outcomes for people with epilepsy, and other projects include NHS Lothian’s digital neurosymptoms platform.    

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Around one million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition and our neurological action plan provides a clear vision for those affected to be able to access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.

“The allocation of this funding, as part of our £4.5 million investment over five years, will benefit a wide range of projects helping those living with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.  

“We know that migraine, which affects one in seven Scots, can have a hugely negative impact on the lives of those affected by it and this investment will enable the Migraine Trust and NHS Grampian to help those dealing with it.

“But all of these innovative projects, including cross-sector collaborations, seek to ensure seamless access to high-quality and co-ordinated health, social care and third sector support in the right place at the right time.”

Funding recipients

Free tuition for displaced Ukranian students settling in Scotland

Displaced Ukrainian students settling in Scotland will be given access to free tuition and living cost support, subject to parliamentary approval.

Under new proposals from the Scottish Government, Ukrainians wishing to embark on a further or higher education course from academic year 2022-23 will be eligible for free tuition and living cost support, providing they have submitted an application to the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.

Existing Ukrainian students who have previously started courses in Scotland and who are experiencing hardship will be eligible to apply for immediate financial assistance through a newly created £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund.

Minister for Higher Education and Further Education Jamie Hepburn said: “We are determined to do everything we can to give displaced people from Ukraine the warmest welcome possible and we want to ensure students arriving here have the support they need to start or continue their higher and further education.  

“By extending home fee status and living cost support to students arriving from Ukraine we hope to provide some stability and assurance at this deeply troubling time and ensure those forced to flee their homes can live safely and comfortably in Scotland for as long as they need to.

“We have also created a new £1 million International Students’ Emergency Fund. This will help Ukrainian students already in Scotland who find themselves in hardship due to their situation, to continue their studies.

“Education opens doors to opportunities and transforms lives for the better so it is absolutely crucial we remove any financial barriers those displaced by the conflict may face.” 

The proposals mean a change to the residency criteria in Scotland in the fees and student support regulations will be applied to those individuals who are eligible and have applied to the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family or the Ukraine Extension schemes.

Ukrainian students already undertaking higher or further education courses who apply to the Ukraine Extension scheme will be eligible for support via the International Students’ Emergency Fund, should they be facing financial hardship. Those seeking to apply should contact their institution for more information.

The updates to legislation will ensure eligible students can access free tuition and living cost support of up to £8,100 per year in the form of bursaries and loans, and those entering college in further education are eligible for bursary and grants of up to £4,668 each year.

Regulations are due to be laid in parliament in early May. Subject to Parliamentary approval, they will come into force on 1 August 2022, which is the first day of the 2022-23 academic year.

Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has signed a joint letter with members of the European Higher Education Area, condemning the invasion of Ukraine and committing, with partners across Europe, to supporting Ukrainian students.

Childcare savings for Scottish families

Thousands of families are saving around £4,900 annually thanks to funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) from the Scottish Government.

The latest figures show that 111,574 children were in funded ELC places at the end of January 2022 – an increase of 20,684 (23%), since August 2021.

Of these, 88% (97,887 children) were taking advantage of the full offer of 1,140 hours of funded ELC a year. The total saving to families from the 1,140 hours offer is estimated to be £4,900 per child per annum.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “It’s fantastic to see so many families accessing funded ELC and making significant savings – particularly at a time when so many are struggling with cost of living increases.

“As well as saving families money, funded ELC brings real benefits for children. Providing access to free, high-quality early learning and childcare enriches children’s early years and provides them with skills and confidence for starting school and beyond. It also supports parents’ ability to work, train or study.”

 Early Learning and Childcare Delivery Progress Report: February 2022

The latest figures show that at the end of January 2022:

  • Every council had reported an increase between 6% and 26% in numbers of two to five-year-olds accessing funded ELC compared with August 2021
  • 97% of those (108,678) were accessing more than 600 hours a year
  • 20,684 more children were accessing 1,140 hours compared with August 2021
  • the number of three to five-year-olds in funded places increased by 23% 
  • the number of two-year-olds in funded places rose from 5,966 to 6,913 – an increase of 16%

Legislation came into effect on 1 August 2021 to make the expanded offer of 1,140 hours available across Scotland. The offer is available to all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds who need it most.

ELC-Delivery-Progress-Report-Feb-22Download

More Scots are walking the walk to healthier lives

More Scots are walking the walk and not just talking the talk when it comes to keeping active by heading out for a stroll.

Scottish walking charity Paths for All, which champions everyday walking in pursuit of happier and healthier lives, has been encouraged by the findings of a major Scottish Government study.

The Scottish Household Survey, which shapes the Scottish Government’s approach to policy, found that 86% of adults had participated in physical activity in the four weeks leading up to the survey – and of that large cohort the most common activity was walking – with 82% of adults having walked for at least 30 minutes.

Disabled adults also opted for walking with 61% saying this was their most common activity, while women were just as likely to pull on trainers or walking shoes than men – 85% compared to 87%.

Not surprisingly taking part in physical activity varied by age group. Younger adults – aged 16 to 24 – were more likely to take part in recreational walking (89%) than those aged over 75, and the survey found 36% of this older cohort did not participate in any physical activity.

Paths for All chief executive, Kevin Lafferty, said: “Scots of all ages are putting their best foot forward in large numbers and as the Scottish Household Survey demonstrates, walking remains one of the healthiest and easy-to-access activities which can enable people to enjoy healthier and happier lives.

“Our objective is to get Scotland walking, and while it is encouraging to see that more than 80% of those surveyed had walked for at least 30 minutes in the weeks before the study, that still means there is room for significant improvement.”

Paths for All launched their “Step it Up” strategy in January which places walking and physical activity at the heart of the response to tackling some of Scotland’s biggest issues, including physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

Based on the WHO Global Action Plan for Physical Activity, Step it Up promotes walking, by foot or with a wheelchair or mobility aid, as the natural choice in improving health.

The Scottish Household Survey also revealed that walking as a physical activity dropped dramatically in the 20% most deprived areas to just 66%, compared to 89% in the 20% least deprived areas, and in those deprived areas 29% of adults did not participate in any physical activity.

A separate report by Nature Scot – Enjoying the Outdoors – supported by Paths for All highlighted the increasing importance of nature to people’s health and wellbeing and spending time outdoors to de-stress, relax and unwind.

The report established that local parks and spaces were the most visited sites and that 79% of those surveyed took part in walking (August to September 2021), with more than half enjoying walks of two miles or less, while 41% enjoyed longer walks of between two and eight miles.

Kevin Lafferty added: “Both reports underline the importance of getting off the sofa and out into the fresh Scottish air to make the most of our local environments, paths, tracks, and green spaces.

“We are lucky to be spoiled for choice in Scotland when it comes to wonderful places where we can stretch our legs and unwind our minds, both urban and rural, and we hope that when the next Scottish Household Survey takes place that the popularity of walking as a healthy activity will be even higher.”

For more information on Paths for All, visit: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/

Legal requirement to wear face coverings to be removed next week

Changes come into force on Monday 18 April

The legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces and on public transport will become guidance next week.

It is strongly recommended that face coverings continue to be worn where appropriate – including in indoor crowded spaces and on public transport – as members of the public are advised to carry on taking sensible precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Data shows the situation has generally improved but Covid has not gone away with over 5,000 cases a day still being recorded in Scotland.

In a letter to the Presiding Officer and relevant Committee Convenors, Ministers confirmed the remaining legal requirements will be lifted as expected on 18 April.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “In recent weeks we have seen steady progress as we move back to a greater sense of normality and a more sustainable way of managing this virus.

“However our NHS is still under pressure and the most vulnerable members of our society can still benefit from additional measures to protect them from the virus.

“That is why although the use of face coverings will become guidance rather than a legal requirement I strongly recommend members of the public continue wearing face coverings in indoor settings where possible, and particularly when significant numbers of people are present.

“We should also all continue to follow the latest advice on hygiene, ventilation, testing and of course vaccination to protect ourselves and each other.”

It was confirmed earlier this month that people without COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be asked to take regular lateral flow tests from 18 April.

The change forms part of the Test and Protect Transition Plan, which sets out how testing will become more targeted, with the aim of reducing serious harm from COVID-19.

The changes to Test and Protect mean that from 18 April:

  • most people without symptoms will no longer be asked to take COVID-19 tests
  • free lateral flow devices (LFDs) for the purposes of twice weekly routine testing will no longer be available for the general population given the changing advice, but will continue to be free for any purpose for which testing continues to be advised – for clinical care, for health and social care workers and for people visiting vulnerable individuals in care homes or hospitals
  • until the end of April, people with symptoms should still isolate and get a PCR test
  • vaccinated close contacts of someone with COVID-19 should continue to test daily for seven days with LFDs

People who have symptoms of COVID-19 will still be able to book PCR tests in the usual way until 30 April.

From that date, test sites will close and people with symptoms will no longer be advised that they need to seek a test.

The public health advice for people who feel unwell will be to stay at home until they feel better, to reduce the risk of infecting other people.

Regenerating Scotland’s town centres

New measures to revitalise town centres and regenerate local economies have been published.

In response to last year’s review of the Town Centre Action Plan, a joint report by the Scottish Government and COSLA outlines actions to better embed a ‘Town Centre First’ approach to meet the needs of communities and tackle climate change.

Actions include:   

  • ensure town centre regeneration contributes to climate action by reducing emissions, investing in low carbon transport and creating more green spaces
  • make town centre services as accessible as possible to help reduce unnecessary car journeys and prevent climate change
  • incentivise entrepreneurship by delivering the ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation
  • support businesses with town centre premises by exploring a new online sales tax that helps traditional businesses compete with those operating online
  • use the planning system to limit out of town development and ensure our non-domestic rates system continues to support our net zero ambitions by providing reliefs for businesses generating more energy from renewable sources
  • require developers to install and optimise digital connectivity in new town centre housing developments and support community organisations delivering digital skills training  

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “This response has been developed in partnership with local government and recognises how vital town centres are for Scotland’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.

“The actions in this report provide a framework to meet our ambitions and give communities the freedom and confidence to deliver locally. They will help improve our town centres following the pandemic and deliver net zero climate ambitions whilst promoting better planning and delivering enhanced digital capabilities for businesses and residents.

“This approach will also help us deliver the entrepreneurship ambitions set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation by creating enterprising communities. We all have a role to play in ensuring our towns and town centres deliver the needs of the whole community and these actions will help us deliver that ambition by creating healthier, fairer, greener and more successful towns.”

Supporting free outdoor play activities

Thousands of children from deprived areas will benefit from free outdoor play activities aimed at improving their health and wellbeing.

Last year, more than 5,500 youngsters took part in organised sessions through the Outdoor Community Play Fund. This year, funding has increased to £550,000 so more children, young people and their families can benefit.

The fund will also support four pilot projects providing outdoor play opportunities for children with additional support needs.

Children’s Minister Clare Haughey said: “All children have a right to play and there is strong evidence that playing outside can benefit children and young people’s health and wellbeing.

“We know that families from more deprived areas and those with children with additional support needs can sometimes find it difficult to access play opportunities. By increasing our investment in the Outdoor Community Play Fund in 2022-23, we will help more children to access quality outdoor play in their communities, to be active, meet friends and have fun.”

Celia Tennant, CEO of Inspiring Scotland, who administer the fund, said: “We believe it is essential for children and families to have continued opportunities to play outdoors – supporting their physical and mental health and wellbeing.  

“As fund managers, we will use the expertise we’ve gained from over a decade of work in this area to help provide more and better opportunities for Scotland’s children and their families to play, learn and thrive.”

Investment in the Outdoor Community Play Fund has increased by £50,000 to £550,000. This funding will enable Inspiring Scotland to support up to 39 charities to provide outdoor play opportunities.

Resources are also available on the Parent Club website to support outdoor play for all families.