Tag: Scottish Government

Maths to the masses!

Creative projects and activities planned for biggest ever ‘Maths Week Scotland’.

More than 100 different activities – from weather forecasting to codebreaking – are part of the biggest Maths Week Scotland ever which kicks off today.

Supported by a £70,000 small grants fund, the events are designed to spark the interests of young and old across schools, science centres, adult education centres and nurseries.

The week-long festival of all-things-numbers will be launched by Education Secretary John Swinney at a ‘Mathletics’ event held at the home of Scottish Rugby BT Murrayfield Stadium. Teams from more than 30 secondary schools across the Lothians will scrum down in a series of maths-themed challenges at the final of ‘Enterprising Maths’.

Mr Swinney will be tweeting maths challenges – produced with the help of the Scottish Mathematical Council – during the week, with the best solutions then being illustrated in videos featuring maths teacher Chris Smith and his pupils from Grange Academy in Kilmarnock.

National Museums Scotland is running events at its sites throughout the week.

Former BBC weather forecaster, meteorologist and maths advocate Heather Reid is also adding her celebrity experience to proceedings, helping pupils at Sprouston Primary School in Kelso to interpret and bring to life data collected by their own weather station throughout the week.

John Swinney said: “We started Maths Week Scotland in 2017 to give everyone the chance to engage with maths in a creative and engaging way.

“The enthusiasm, commitment and passion of teachers, learners and maths champions has helped Maths Week Scotland grow every year since. It is fantastic to see events for people of all ages and all backgrounds to come together and appreciate the maths all around us.”

Heather Reid, affectionately dubbed ‘Heather the Weather’ for her breezy forecasts on BBC Scotland, said: “This year’s action-packed Maths Week Scotland explores the importance, usefulness and beauty of maths at events in schools and learning environments across the country. Good maths skills open up a wide range of excellent job opportunities, and help us to lead more successful lives.

“Maths lies at the heart of modern-day weather forecasts and climate change science. I can’t wait to visit Kelso and discuss the maths of weather with some young forecasters.”

Katie Oldfield, Maths Week Scotland Coordinator at National Museums Scotland, said: “We all use maths in our everyday lives whether we realise it or not. Activities taking place throughout Maths Week give children and adults the chance to experience the fun and creative side of maths and improve their maths skills.

“From codebreaking and enigma machines, discovering the maths behind the creation of Edinburgh Castle or exploring the universe through maths – there really is something for everyone.”

Information on activities taking place throughout Maths Week Scotland can be found at www.mathsweek.scot. 

 

“A state of chaos”: Further delay to full paediatric service at St John’s

The full reinstatement of 24/7 paediatric services at St John’s Hospital has been further delayed, Health Secretary jeane Freeman confirmed today. Continue reading “A state of chaos”: Further delay to full paediatric service at St John’s

World Leader: Scotland to become a net-zero society

While Westminster was busy tearing itself apart over Brexit this week, the Scottish Government announced ambitious plans to tackle environmental disaster …

Scotland’s contribution to climate change will end definitively within a generation under the Climate Change Bill to be voted on by the Scottish Parliament. Continue reading World Leader: Scotland to become a net-zero society

NAE DANGER: new resource to tackle knife crime to be launched today

“Saving a life outweighs the fear of being called a grass.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf will today launch a new resource, created by No Knives Better Lives, intended to help young people safely intervene when they suspect someone they know is carrying a knife. Continue reading NAE DANGER: new resource to tackle knife crime to be launched today

Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

Violent crime in Scotland has risen by 10% in the year to last March, official figures revealed yesterday. It’s the highest level for seven years, with a 16% rise in robberies.

The figures show there was also an 8% increase in sexual crimes, including rape, to  to the highest level ever recorded.

Despite these statistics the Scottish Government says violent crime is much lower than a decade ago. Continue reading Sharp rise in Scotland’s crime figures

New fund for childhood abuse survivors opens for applications

A fund to offer emotional and practical support to survivors of childhood abuse has begun accepting applications from eligible organisations. 

The new £10 million fund aims to help organisations improve access to services which can reduce the impact of inequalities and disadvantage experienced as a result of childhood abuse. Continue reading New fund for childhood abuse survivors opens for applications

£52m requested for ‘no deal’ preparations

The Scottish Government has requested £52 million from the UK Government’s EU Exit Operational Contingency Fund ahead of 31 October to help prepare for a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.

Restating the Scottish Government’s opposition to a Brexit of any kind, and in particular to a ‘no deal’ Brexit, Finance Secretary Derek Mackay called on the UK Government to cover all additional costs associated with preparing to leave the EU, including those beyond 31 October.

The UK Government has indicated that funding is available where Scotland faces disproportionate costs.

Requests include funding to support:

  • the disproportionate effect of ‘no deal’ on rural communities including ensuring medical support reaches these areas
  • increased demand on Marine Scotland compliance activities around Scotland’s coastline
  • additional communications to EU citizens living in Scotland
  • increased demands on Police Scotland
  • poverty mitigation measures to support financially vulnerable households

Mr Mackay said: “The UK Government now seems to be actively pursuing a ‘no deal’ outcome which is utterly unacceptable and must be avoided at all costs.

“We have requested £52 million from the UK Government’s fund to help us prepare for a ‘no deal’ outcome. This is the minimum requirement for operational activity but the real costs of a ‘no deal’ Brexit will massively outweigh these and further funding will be required.

“Exiting the EU was not Scotland’s choice and the Scottish Government has been clear that any related costs must be covered by the UK Government. The Scottish Government should not have to cut spending on public services to fund Brexit preparations.

“As a responsible government, we are already taking steps to protect jobs and our economy from a ‘no deal’ Brexit and we will set out those plans to Parliament shortly but we are facing additional and disproportionate costs to mitigate the impact of such an outcome.

“We will continue make the case for staying in the EU and will stand firm against efforts to take us out against our will.”

Full steam ahead for Waverley funding

£1 million announced for historic vessel

The last sea-going paddle steamer in the world will receive £1 million of Scottish Government funding to help it sail again, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced.

The Waverley Paddle Steamer has been in operation for over 70 years, transporting millions of passengers to a variety of locations throughout the UK but is currently out-of-service and urgently requires new boilers.

Scottish Government funding will go towards replacing the twin boilers as well as other necessary maintenance and upkeep such as replacing the main electrical switch board, new cabling and installing new generators.

Ms Hyslop said: “The Waverley has delighted generations of locals and visitors throughout its 70-year history and I am pleased to be able to announce this significant financial commitment to help the historic paddle steamer set sail once again.

“In 2020 Scotland’s coasts and waters will be celebrated with a programme of activity designed to inspire more people than ever before to explore and experience our unrivalled shores. I look forward to seeing the Waverley, such a key part of our maritime and cultural history, back in service and able to play a central part in that celebration.”

General Manager of Waverley Excursions Paul Semple said: “The trustees are delighted that the Scottish Government has recognised the Waverley’s importance to Scotland’s heritage and tourism with this generous grant towards our Boiler Refit Appeal.

“Taken together with the donations received from thousands of individuals across the UK it brings our appeal total to £1.9 million but more funding is required to reach our £2.3 million target to Save the Waverley.

“The continued support we are receiving is extremely heartening and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated so far, we now hope that the corporate sector and grant-giving bodies will join the Government in supporting the Waverley to return to service next summer.”

The Waverley Paddle Steamer undertook its maiden voyage in 1947 and is registered as part of the National Historic Fleet as being a vessel of pre-eminent national significance.

A commitment to support the repairs was originally included in the Programme for Government as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 although no funding commitment was announced at that time.