Tag: Scottish Government

Local Governance Review to ‘strengthen local decision-making’

Communities to have their say on how more decisions can be taken at a local level

 

The Scottish Government and COSLA have jointly launched a Local Governance Review, which will make sure local communities have more say about how public services in their area are run. The review will involve hearing from communities all across the country to get a clear understanding of the type of changes that are needed, and how these can be made to happen. Continue reading Local Governance Review to ‘strengthen local decision-making’

Young people to take the lead in mental health study

Young people will lead an in-depth, 15-month study into child and adolescent mental health services to recommend improvements to Ministers. Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt has announced £95,000 to establish the Youth Commission on Mental Health Services – a partnership between the Scottish Government, Young Scot and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). Continue reading Young people to take the lead in mental health study

Swinney steps in to save Dads Rock

 

Happier times: Dads Rock opens at The Prentice Centre

Parenting support charity Dads Rock has been awarded £50,000 to secure its future, Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced last night.

The Edinburgh-based organisation has had to scale back services following a number of unsuccessful funding applications. Now, Dads Rock will receive £35,000 from the Scottish Government, which will enable the reinstatement of all playgroups, antenatal classes and work with young fathers.

In addition, the organisation will receive a further £15,000 to evaluate the benefits of its work, which will help it apply for funding in future.

Mr Swinney said: “I hugely value the important support Dads Rock provides to parents, particularly fathers, and I was very concerned to hear it was in jeopardy because of a funding shortfall. I am pleased that this £50,000 will enable services to resume, as well as helping to secure the long-term future of the organisation.”

 

 

 

 

Wintry launch at Botanics for nation healthcare campaign

Health Secretary Shona Robison met with schoolchildren to highlight the importance of being prepared for seasonal illnesses at the winter-clad Royal Botanic Garden today. During the event, Ms Robison  encouraged everyone to take a few simple steps to ensure they can take care of themselves and their families and have a healthy festive period. Continue reading Wintry launch at Botanics for nation healthcare campaign

New guidance calls for clearer date labels to cut food waste

Simpler, clearer date labelling and storage advice for consumers, could help Scots cut the 170,000 tonnes of food thrown away from Scotland’s homes every year due to ‘not being used in time’. That’s the message from Zero Waste Scotland and Food Standards Scotland, who have welcomed new guidance for the food and drink industry. Continue reading New guidance calls for clearer date labels to cut food waste

Preventing violence against women: we all have a part to play

Everyone has a role in stopping fundamental violations of human rights against women and girls Equalities Secretary, Angela Constance will tell parliament today. Continue reading Preventing violence against women: we all have a part to play

Record number of Scots go to University

A record number of Scots were accepted to a UK university in 2017, figures published today show. Over 36,500 Scottish domiciled applicants accepted a place for this academic year – an increase of over 850 or 2.4%.

All other UK countries saw a decrease in the number of their residents accepted to university.

The figures were released by UCAS in their first End of Cycle Report 2017. It also shows a record number of all applicants accepted to Scottish higher education institutions in 2017 – up 1.7%.

Further and Higher Education Minister, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “It is great to see that Scotland is bucking the trend across the UK, with more of our prospective students securing a place at university. This follows on from the record numbers last year.

“It shows that our education system is supporting an increasing number of people to access higher education – giving them the skills they need to succeed.

“This is also another record year for Scotland’s universities, with the highest ever number of applicants accepted to study here. It is testament to the fact that Scotland remains a destination of choice for students, due in no small part to the reputation for excellence that our institutions have worked hard to achieve.”

Capital of Culture stooshie: it’s jist no’ fair!

CULTURE SECRETARY SEEKS CLARIFICATION OVER CAPITAL of CULTURE SNUB

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has written to Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Karen Bradley MP, and Director General for Education, Youth Sport and Culture at the European Commission, Martine Reicherts, on the UK hosting the European Capital of Culture competition in 2023. Continue reading Capital of Culture stooshie: it’s jist no’ fair!