All babies in Scotland due from today will be gifted a box full of essential items aimed at tackling inequality and promoting health. The boxes signal of the Scottish Government’s determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances should get the best start in life. Continue reading Starts today: baby boxes for all
Parents are being encouraged to consider safe sleeping practices by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer and the Scottish Cot Death Trust. The advice comes as Scotland’s Baby Box scheme is rolled out nationally from tomorrow (Tuesday). Continue reading Safety advice issued on eve of Baby Box roll out
Health Minister Aileen Campbell visits Pilton Community Health Project
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell visited Pilton Community Health Project today ahead of the Scottish Government’s consultation on the diet and obesity strategy. She joined a mum and dad’s cooking class which aims to get parents and children to cook together, increase their confidence and cooking skills and promote healthy eating on a budget. Continue reading Helping people make healthy choices
The team behind an innovative project which helps older people benefit from cycling is to receive additional Scottish Government support. Officials will work with Cycling Without Age to ensure it has the funds and expertise needed to allow the scheme to be rolled out across the country. Continue reading Cycling Without Age to be rolled (wheeled?) out across Scotland
Lucky for some – acceptances up 13 per cent
A record number of students from Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas have successfully gained a place at university according to UCAS statistics published yesterday. Continue reading Record number of students from deprived areas get in to University
Scottish Government moves to make funerals more affordable
A 10-point plan to help people struggling with debt to manage funeral costs has been set out by Equalities Secretary Angela Constance. Continue reading Funeral Poverty: Government commits to Ten Point Plan
Today is SQA results day
A free national helpline offering advice, information and support for young people and their parents has gone live, ahead of SQA results day. Skills Development Scotland’s (SDS) free helpline will be open from 8am until 8pm today and tomorrow (Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 August) and from 9am until 5pm from 10 to 16 August. The number to call is 0808 100 8000. Continue reading Exam Results Helpline ready for calls
Iconic Beano comic character, Dennis the Menace, joined Mark McDonald MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Childcare and Early Years, to launch a new campaign highlighting the benefits to children of free and creative play. Continue reading Dennis the Menace says: “Away and play!”
Ten-year plan to stop decline of pollinating insects
A new strategy has been launched to make Scotland a more pollinator friendly place by protecting indigenous bee and butterfly populations.
Since 1980 the number of pollinating insects in Scotland – honey bees, bumble bees, the solitary bee, butterflies and hoverflies – have declined by an estimated 51%, leading to fears of a negative impact on agriculture, food security, the economy and human health.
The Pollinator Strategy calls for:
Speaking at The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham (pictured above) said: “Scotland’s biodiversity is one of our key assets, and the contribution the humble bumble bee and other pollinators make to this wonderful environment should not be underestimated. That is why we are committed to making Scotland a more pollinator friendly place.
“Pressures like land use change, pesticides, pollution, disease and climate change are threatening these life-giving insects, so we must act now to protect the pollinators and in turn safeguard our environment, our food and in turn our health.”
Scottish Natural Heritage has led the development of the Pollinator Strategy working closely with a range of environmental and land management organisations.
SNH chairman Mike Cantlay said: “Growing evidence shows our native bees and insects that carry out pollination are facing tough times. Pollination is crucial for our environment – and, therefore, our own health, wealth and wellbeing.
“This strategy, a key part of the Scottish Biodiversity 2020 route map, sets out what needs to be done to ensure these bees and insects survive and thrive for generations to come, contributing to healthy ecosystems and landscapes in our country. We look forward to continuing this important work with our partners to strengthen the resilience of our native pollinator species.”
A quarter of a million Scottish households use welfare safety net
More than 254,000 individual households have been given grants totalling £132.6m to help them through difficult times since the Scottish Welfare Fund scheme began in April 2013. This fund comprises Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants. Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said the Fund is a ‘vital lifeline’ and urged Westminster to halt the ‘chaotic’ roll-out of Universal Credit. Continue reading Scottish Welfare Fund provides ‘vital lifeline’: Jeane Freeman
