Tag: Scottish Government

MSPs to quiz First Minister

Holyrood’s Committee Conveners is to quiz the First Minister on her Government’s programme and priorities. In what will now be a bi-annual 90 minute session, the First Minister will face questions on a broad range of issues. The session will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday (18 April).

Speaking as the session was announced, Chair of the Conveners Group, Christine Grahame MSP, said: “Committees often hear from Government Ministers and officials as they undertake detailed scrutiny of legislation and policy. However this session enables Conveners to question the First Minister directly on the broad spectrum of the Government’s programme.

“There are relatively few opportunities for Conveners to question the First Minister in this way so the addition of an extra session each year is a welcome development.

“This session is not about political theatre. It is an important mechanism through which Parliament can hold the Government to account and I expect Conveners will make full use of the opportunity.”

The session is open to the public, and tickets can be booked via the Parliament’s Visitor Services. The session will also be streamed live on both Facebook and Parliament TV. To watch live, select Committee Room 2 on Parliament TV.

It will take place between 12:30 and 2pm, on Wednesdayl, and will be chaired by Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame MSP.

The last session took place on 25 October 2017.

Strengthening our ties with Poland

3D model of Great Polish Map of Scotland unveiled

The newly restored Great Polish Map of Scotland and a 3D model of the monument have been unveiled. The 3D model, which has been created by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), highlights the cultural links between Scotland and Poland and will be presented as a Scottish contribution to the Polish independence centenary celebrations in November this year.

During a visit to the map’s site at the Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Great Polish Map of Scotland is a fine example of Scotland’s ties and friendship with Poland. I congratulate the individuals and volunteers involved in its restoration for their incredible work.

“This restored version of the map and its digital model further strengthen the long-standing cultural connections between our nations and highlight our shared history and heritage.

“As we prepare to celebrate the centenary of Poland regaining its independence, we hope the 3D model will contribute to raising awareness of the strong bonds between Scotland and Poland.”

Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to be able to officially unveil the restored Great Polish Map of Scotland in the same year in which Poland is celebrating its 100th anniversary of regaining independence. The map has a great potential and I hope it will be used also for educational purposes that will benefit current and future generations of Scots and Poles, increasing the understanding of our common history.”

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, added: “We are very pleased to have collaborated with partners to digitally document the Great Polish Map of Scotland, particularly as we celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The 3D model of this unique site showcases our cutting-edge digital documentation work, and how this technology can be used to bring history to life.”

 

Selling Scotland: Scotland is Now

Forget Scotland the Brave … this is Scotland the brand!

A new £6 million campaign will put Scotland in the international spotlight and showcase the country’s world-leading assets to a global audience. Launching simultaneously today in North America, London and China, ‘Scotland is Now’ is designed to put the country firmly at the top of everyone’s list of places to live, work, study, invest and visit. Continue reading Selling Scotland: Scotland is Now

Learning to change the world: talking social enterprise … in China

Specialist expertise from Scotland is to help grow and sustain social enterprises in China. Social enterprise development organisation The Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) has launched a new partnership to serve social enterprises in China, supported by the Scottish Government. Continue reading Learning to change the world: talking social enterprise … in China

Bullying and harassment: changes to Councillors’ Code of Conduct proposed

Ministers have published proposed changes to the Councillors’ Code of Conduct that will explicitly prohibit harassment and bullying. The amended Code has been submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval following its endorsement by COSLA. This brings the Councillors’ Code in line with recent changes to the Scottish Ministerial Code.

Councillors have also agreed to update guidance on acceptable behaviour to accompany the changes to the Code.

Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart said: “Despite the great progress that has been made in promoting and achieving equality, it is clear that harassment and bullying are still issues that need tackled and this is unacceptable.

“Government works for the people and we need to be unequivocal that prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated. The proposed changes to the Councillors’ Code mean that it will specifically condemn harassment and bullying and make clear that where behaviour falls short people can expect to be held to account.”

COSLA President Councillor, Alison Evison said: “This change sends a strong message that all forms of bullying and harassment are not only completely unacceptable but are considered a breach of the Code of Conduct. It is only right that elected members in all spheres of government are held equally to account for their behaviour and set a high example to the rest of society.

“The change to the Code of Conduct is an important part of a wider picture such as continued efforts by COSLA and the Scottish Government to tackle gender based violence, including harassment, through the Equally Safe strategy.”

 If agreed by Parliament the changes to the Code are expected to come into force in the summer.

 The amendment states that ‘bullying or harassment is completely unacceptable and will be considered to be a breach of this Code’.

The changes have been endorsed by the Standards Commission and the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life, the independent bodies responsible for enforcing the Code, as well as by COSLA.  Similar changes to the Scottish Ministerial Code were issued by the First Minister in February.

 

New tax bands take effect in Scotland today

More than two-thirds of taxpayers will pay less on their current income this year under Scotland’s new tax bands. Changes to the Higher and Top rate tax bands, which take effect from today, also mean an additional £428 million will be available in 2018/19 to invest in vital public services and the economy.

Continue reading New tax bands take effect in Scotland today

Government extends Help to Buy scheme

The Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme will be extended beyond 2019, helping more people purchase a new-build home without the need for a large deposit. From April 2019, a further £100 million will be invested over two years, helping up to 4,000 households to purchase a new home. Continue reading Government extends Help to Buy scheme