Protecting public services: Scottish budget will prioritise health and education spending, says Finance Secretary
Investing in public services and growing the economy will be prioritised in spending plans to help protect Scotland’s prosperity as far as is possible in the face of continued uncertainty over Brexit, according to the Scottish government. Continue reading Budget “will deliver a healthier, wealthier and fairer Scotland”
Screen Scotland has today launched a tender process inviting proposals from private developers to lease, refurbish and operate a permanent world-class film and television production facility at 31 Bath Road (formerly the Pelamis building) in the Port of Leith. Local MP Deirdre Brock has welcomed the announcement and says it’s the perfect location for the new studio. Continue reading A Perfect Fit: Brock ‘hugely excited’ by Leith film studio announcement
More funding to strengthen the social enterprise sector
Over £396,000 in additional funding has been announced to support the delivery of eight new social enterprise programmes.
Since the launch of Scotland’s ten-year Social Enterprise Strategy in December 2016, more than £14 million has been invested to encourage the growth of social enterprises.
There are more than 5,600 social enterprises across Scotland. They trade for the common good, addressing social needs, strengthening communities, improving people’s life chances and protecting the environment.
One of the programmes receiving additional funding is a ‘Social Enterprise Retail Academy’ aimed at getting more products into shops.
Meanwhile, a new website (www.shopsocialscotland.com) has been set up giving ideas for social enterprise presents this Christmas.
Together with a new marketing campaign coordinated by Social Enterprise Scotland, the funding will help raise awareness of social enterprises locally and nationally and tap into a growing desire from consumers to buy ethically.
The funding will expand the impact which this innovative sector can have on reducing inequality, working with communities to tackle tough social issues at source .
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Social enterprises are a vital partner in our communities and support ethical and worthwhile causes. We want them to achieve their full potential by ensuring they have access to the right resources, knowledge and networks.
“Particularly in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of Fair Saturday this weekend, I would encourage shoppers to support their local social enterprises and businesses and shop ethically for Christmas gifts. A purchase really could have an impact on a local social cause.”
Founder of the Scottish Design Exchange Lynzi Leroy said: “The Scottish Design Exchange exists to provide a space where local artists and designers, and social enterprise businesses, can sell direct to customers on the High Street.
“By supporting us and other social enterprise businesses at Christmas, you will not only have a direct impact on the local economy, you also help to fund businesses that are working hard for social causes.”
Port of Leith Housing Association and Persevere Developments are celebrating the official opening of 43 homes for mid market rent at the Ten Brunswick Road development built by CALA Homes (East). Continue reading Christmas comes early to Brunswick Road
NHS24 is urging the public to include their health in festive preparations to make sure they can deal with minor illnesses quickly and easily. Continue reading NHS24: Think pharmacy first this winter
Scotland will help people with drug and alcohol addictions by treating wider problems such as housing and employment, and supporting their families. The Scottish Government’s strategy for preventing and reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, Rights, Respect and Recovery, says Scotland will take a health approach to substance misuse and ensure services treat people as individuals.
This includes diverting drug users out of the criminal justice system where appropriate, and tackling people’s wider issues such as housing, employment and mental health. Families will also get support and be closely involved in their loved one’s treatment. Continue reading Scotland takes a health approach to substance misuse
A shift towards rapid rehousing will see homeless people housed in long-term and settled accommodation solutions that meets their needs as quickly as possible. Continue reading Ending Homelessness Together: Eileen Campbell launches Action Plan
The UK Government’s draft agreement could cost £1,600 per person
Strategy highlights priority areas
As the United Nations campaign of 16 days of activism around violence against women begins, the Scottish Government has highlighted the actions it has taken to tackle the issue. Continue reading One Year On: Progress in tackling violence against women and girls
Call for return of the Post Study Work Visa for overseas students
Continue reading Universities and Colleges unite to fight Brexit
