Tag: Scottish Government

“Scotland must address the devastating effects of colonialism”-Foysol Choudhury

Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, raised concerns about maintaining pressure in this area following an event at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow earlier this week, which marked the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations made in the report by the Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums Steering Group.

The Scottish Government accepted the six recommendations from the group, which include amongst others that ‘Museums should ensure anti-racism is embedded in their workplaces and public spaces’ and that the ‘Scottish Government should demonstrate their support for restitution and repatriation of looted or unethically acquired items in Scottish collections’.

Mr Choudhury said the move is most welcome, but added that the acceptance of the recommendations should only be the beginning and that the hard work to implement the recommendations is still to come.

Following the event, which was held on Monday (22nd January ), Mr Choudhury said: “I am glad that the Scottish Government has accepted the recommendations and I congratulate the Steering Group and Sir Geoff Palmer for leading the important work.

“However, the Scottish Government should act on their words and, to facilitate these recommendations, they must ensure sustained funding and a focus on anti-racist education and culture.”

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, who Chaired the Steering Group which provided the recommendations, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government initiated this project and has accepted the recommendations.

“Museums and education go together and the recommendations are based on the education and actions required to improve inclusion and equality in our diverse society.”

After the event, Mr Choudhury visited Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, facilitated by Museums Galleries Scotland, to see a brand-new exhibit from Curator Nelson Cummins entitled Glasgow: City of Empire.

Mr Choudhury, Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Culture, said that this exhibition is a great example of how museums could, in practice, implement the recommendations of the Steering Group.

Mr Choudhury said: “One of the recommendations of the Steering Group, which the Scottish Government accepted earlier that day, was to ‘research, interpret, and share the histories of Scotland’s links to empire, colonialism, and historic slavery’, with another recommendation being to ‘involve the people of Scotland in shaping their work through co-production, to promote cultural democracy and participation for all’.

“This exhibition at Kelvingrove is an excellent example of how this can work in practice-it has been developed alongside local communities and youth to tell the stories of empire, and uses interactive education as a way to address the effects of this past, such as racism in Scotland today.

“This should be used as an example of what Museums across Scotland could achieve, highlighting the importance of sustained funding from the Scottish Government so that the Steering Group’s recommendations could be put into practice.”

Mr Choudhury said that he will continue to work alongside the cultural groups and campaigners who work towards implementing these recommendations, to share their work at Holyrood and hopefully help to facilitate partnerships which Mr Choudhury hopes will see more Museums around Scotland adopt exhibitions in line with the recommendations.

Ensuring Adult Disability Payments meet people’s needs

Edel Harris appointed to chair independent review

Edel Harris OBE, former chief executive of the charity Mencap, has been appointed to chair the Independent Review of Adult Disability Payment.

The Independent Review – a Programme For Government commitment – will consider people’s experiences of the Scottish benefit to ensure it continues to meet the needs of disabled people.

Adult Disability Payment is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition. It is currently supporting 137,490 disabled people in Scotland and has provided £461.8 million in payments since it was launched in August 2022.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Edel Harris brings a wealth of experience to this important position, both from her leading roles in third sector organisations and her personal experience as a family carer.

“A year on from the national launch of Adult Disability Payment, we are fulfilling our pledge to have an independent review to ensure it is meeting the needs of disabled people both now and in the future. Ms Harris will ensure the views of disabled people and groups that represent them are heard throughout the review.

“I am committed to continuing to improve the experience of people receiving this benefit – to ensure they are supported in line with the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect at the heart of our social security system.”

Adult Disability Payment was introduced in August 2022 as a replacement for the UK Government’s Personal Independence Payment. It is paid to disabled working age adults in recognition of the extra costs of being disabled or having a long-term health condition.

Scottish Government announces funding for projects to tackle poverty and inequality

Supporting people in need

An initiative which will support low income families to take part in community action and advise on improvements in local services is being funded as part of a wider programme to help develop new approaches to child poverty.

The project, led by Midlothian Sure Start in partnership with Midlothian Council, is one of nine successful applicants to the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund – which was set up to explore promising approaches or redesign services to maximise their impact on child poverty.

A Cash First Fund, which aims to reduce the need for emergency food parcels and food banks, will also fund eight partnerships to provide help to low income families. Six of these will provide new sources of cash-first support.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said yesterday: “These two funds exemplify the innovative approach the Scottish Government is taking to tackling poverty and delivering for the people of Scotland.

“The Midlothian partnership will give local families the opportunity to get involved in and influence local services. It will aim to identify improvements which will ensure help on offer is joined-up and people are supported in a dignified way to reduce stigma.

“Other projects will help to accelerate progress in tackling poverty, including by making it easier for people to access cash in a crisis and by connecting people with advice to prevent future hardship.

“We are investing £3 billion this financial year to tackle poverty and protect people from the cost of living crisis. We are taking all the action we can to support people within our limited powers and fixed budget.”

Cash First Fund: successful proposals

AreaLead partner
AberdeenAberdeen Voluntary Action (TSI)
AberdeenshireAberdeenshire Council
EdinburghEdinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership
FifeFife Council
GlasgowGlasgow Centre for Population Health
North LanarkshireNorth Lanarkshire Council
OrkneyVoluntary Action Orkney (TSI)
West DunbartonshireWest Dunbartonshire Council

Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund: successful proposals

AreaProject
Aberdeen CityData driven identification of households experiencing child poverty to inform and direct intervention and support.
Argyll and ButeEvaluating the usefulness of third-party datasets for identifying communities in need of financial support.
EdinburghIncome Maximisation Outreach
InverclydeParent Centred Early and Intensive Intervention – supporting parents with children and babies under 5 years
MidlothianMidlothian Peer Research – A Case for Change through a Place Based Approach Building Skills and Influencing
MorayImproved identification of families affected by disability and delivery of support to maximise income
North AyrshireNorth Ayrshire Single Shared Assessment (NASSA)
Perth & KinrossBeyond Emergency Support to Sustainable Livelihoods – Capacity Building Programme for Local Communities
South LanarkshirePaths out of Poverty’ – empowering parent/carers of disabled children through innovative, holistic, strengths-based approach.

Ben Macpherson calls for new police station for Leith

MODERN ‘FIT FOR PUPOSE’ FACILITY AT VICTORIA QUAY?

EDINBURGH Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is urging the Scottish Government to consider siting a new police station in Victoria Quay.

Writing to Justice Secretary Angela Constance yesterday, the local MSP said: “As you are aware, Leith Police Station in my constituency is one of those being  considered for closure, as part of Police Scotland’s estate review.

“In terms of the  current building in Leith, this is understandable as the current location is within the  old Leith Chambers which, while being a remarkable historic building, is not optimal  for twentieth century policing or meeting shared aspirations like net zero.  

“However, there is a very strong case for retaining a police station in Leith –  especially given recent and projected significant population growth in the locality and surrounding areas! This could be realised in the form of a new Leith Police Station  within a colocation premises, which would enhance public service provision and  make financial sense.  

Therefore, I am writing to state that I think Victoria Quay could potentially provide an  ideal location for a new Leith Police Station, collocated with other public services.  

“The under-utilisation of Victoria Quay is well known and I have previously liaised with  the Permanent Secretary about how it could be used going forward, to potentially  provide more for Leith and the wider needs of the public and local economy.  

“I would be grateful if the Scottish Government and Police Scotland could consider  the creation of a new Leith Police Station to be established in Victoria Quay?

“I have  copied the this correspondence to the Edinburgh Commander (Police Scotland) and  the Permanent Secretary. “

Offshore wind programme progresses

Projects worth around £500m move closer to completion

Strategic investment to help unlock Scotland’s green energy revolution has moved a step closer, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced yesterday.

In a significant milestone for Scotland’s offshore wind sector, three projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) process.

Collectively the projects – which represent a mix of local and inward investment into ports, port infrastructure and manufacturing – have a capital expenditure of around £500 million.

The SIM will help to deliver transformational offshore wind supply chain growth in Scotland through innovative collaboration between offshore wind developers, the Scottish Government, enterprise agencies and Crown Estate Scotland.

Making the announcement at the Scottish Renewables and Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “There are moments when certain industries can stand confident that when they look ahead, they will see a future in which they play a pivotal role in securing the wealth and wellbeing of a nation – Scotland’s offshore industry is at that moment.

“Together, we can create the right conditions to attract investment, build the supply chain, recruit and deliver the infrastructure needed to ensure that these projects will thrive.

“A select group of three initial projects have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the SIM process, in a significant milestone in our offshore programme. They represent a mix of local and inward investment opportunities into ports, port infrastructure, and manufacturing – collectively, they have a capital expenditure of just under £500 million.”

Due to commercial sensitivity specific projects cannot be named while undertaking the SIM process but details will be made available in due course.

An economy of opportunity – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums

Culture Minister responds to experts’ recommendations

The recommendations of an independent group set up to advise on how Scotland’s museums and galleries can better reflect the country’s role in empire, colonialism, and historic slavery have been fully accepted by the Scottish Government.

Established following a motion in the Scottish Parliament and commitment in the 2020 Programme for Government, the Empire, Slavery and Scotland’s Museums (ESSM) Steering Group published six recommendations in 2022, for the recognition of Scotland’s colonial and slavery history.

The recommendations include the creation of a dedicated space to address Scotland’s role in empire, colonialism and historic slavery, that museums involve the people of Scotland in shaping their work, and that the Scottish Government demonstrates support for restitution and repatriation of looted or unethically acquired items in Scottish collections.

Culture Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I warmly welcome the steering group’s report and recommendations, which we have considered very carefully.

“Following in-depth discussion with the steering group, I am pleased to confirm the Scottish Government fully accepts all six recommendations, including the creation of a dedicated space to address Scotland’s role in empire, colonialism and historic slavery.

“While budgetary pressures mean we are not currently able to commit to the group’s suggestion of £5 million for this work, the Scottish Government has provided funding of £200,000 in 2023/24 to enable the steering group and Museums Galleries Scotland to begin work addressing the recommendations, including scoping out the format of a new organisation to progress the creation of a dedicated space and national guidance around the repatriation of objects from Scottish institutions.

“The Scottish Government wants everyone to feel safe, welcome, and represented in our cultural spaces. Though we cannot change the past, it is within our power to learn from it and use that to improve the experience of all people who live, work in and visit Scotland, whilst celebrating the wide ranging and positive contributions that ethnic minority communities have made and continue to make to our society.”

Jatin Haria, elected Chair of the Steering Group and Executive Director at the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights said: “The ESSM recommendations came from widespread stakeholder involvement, including the largest national study of attitudes to museums and racism undertaken in Scotland.

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s acceptance of all six of our recommendations, as well as the acknowledgement of all the previous work that has got us to where we are today. 

“The Steering Group is determined to work with the wider museum sector to bring the recommendations to fruition.

“We understand that finances are tight, and although more will be needed, the money that the Scottish Government has committed will be useful to kick start a long term process that will finally allow Scotland to properly tell it’s story of involvement in empire, slavery and colonialism in a coherent way.

“We can’t expect to resolve the racial inequalities that persist today without a better understanding of the history which brought us to this point.”

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: ““MGS welcomes this significant announcement by the Scottish Government and the recognition of the importance of undertaking the work recommended by the Empire, Slavery & Scotland’s Museums Steering Group.

“Since their publication in 2022, the recommendations have not just shaped MGS’s work, but how we work as an organisation to collectively support the sector to engage with, and tell the stories of, all of Scotland’s people.

“We are already seeing brilliant work by museums and galleries across the country collaborating with local communities impacted by the legacies of slavery and empire to create more inclusive heritage spaces.

“I am excited about the future of a museum sector that is truly inclusive, trusted and engaged with by all of Scotland’s people, and the role that MGS can play in supporting this work.” 

Resilience committee updated ahead of next amber weather warning

The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) has met to consider the impacts of Storm Isha and preparations for Storm Jocelyn.

The meeting was chaired by First Minister Humza Yousaf and attended by members of the Cabinet, including the Transport Minister, the Met Office, Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, SEPA, transport and utilities companies and resilience partners.

While today’s Met Office yellow warning for wind has now been lifted, some rail and ferry services have resumed and all trunk roads have reopened. Power companies are working to restore supplies to more than 15,000 properties, and 17 regional flood alerts and 32 local flood warnings remain.

An amber warning for wind has been issued for the Western Isles, western Highlands, northern coast, Orkney Islands and part of the Moray Firth coast from 1800 tomorrow until 0800 on Wednesday.

A yellow warning for wind covers the rest of Scotland – except the Shetland Islands – from 1600 tomorrow until 1300 on Wednesday. A yellow warning for rain for parts of west and southwest Scotland is also in place from 0700 to 1800 tomorrow.

ScotRail will suspend services from 1900 tomorrow, and there will be no rush hour services on Wednesday morning,

People are urged to continue to check all relevant safety advice issued by the police and other agencies.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Tragically, Storm Isha has led to lives being lost and I send my sincere condolences to the families affected.

“The strong winds and heavy rain have impacted communities across Scotland. I want to thank all those who have worked throughout the night and today to keep the public safe and respond to those impacts and restore normality.  

“But the exceptional weather conditions are not over. Storm Jocelyn is on its way to the UK and is likely to cause more disruption, with another period of strong winds further buffeting our infrastructure and rain falling on already saturated ground.

“Travel is likely to again be difficult, particularly heading into Wednesday’s rush hour, so I urge everyone to follow guidance from Police Scotland and check updates from transport providers, Transport Scotland and the Met Office.”

Martin Thomson, National Operations Manager for Resilience at Transport Scotland, said: “Focus is now shifting onto the next named storm, Jocelyn, for tomorrow into Wednesday, and preparations are already underway with rail, aviation and ferries colleagues to ensure we are as ready as we can be.

“The public can play its part and plan ahead by visiting www.traffic.gov.scot. Staff from our trunk road operating companies will be patrolling the network and undertaking inspections to respond quickly to any further treefall or blocked drains. Their proactive efforts in terms of branch cutting and drain clearing at vulnerable locations has helped minimise disruption in the past.

“Across the wider network, we can expect to see more delays and cancellations with ferries, flights and rail from Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Please check with your public transport operator for the latest information and your local authority and Police Scotland for the latest information on local roads.”

Extended relief for councils buying affordable housing

Increasing exemptions to additional properties tax

Legislation enabling councils to increase their affordable housing stock without having to pay a tax on additional properties has been introduced in the Scottish Parliament.

Under changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), paid as part of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, the length of time a buyer moving between properties has to sell their original home in order to be able to reclaim ADS would also be extended from 18 months to 36 months.

Other changes include an exemption for people buying a new property to live in after divorce or separation if they are required by court to keep their previous home. Further amendments will exempt buyers from paying ADS on a property for which missives have been signed when a separate property has been inherited in the meantime.

Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Additional Dwelling Supplement is an important source of revenue and in 2022-23 raised £163 million to support vital public services. The tax works well in most cases but we have taken on board feedback about the way it operates in certain circumstances.

“We want everyone in Scotland to have an affordable home that meets their needs, which is why we’re extending the scope of relief for councils to help them increase their affordable housing stock without having to pay tax on additional properties.

“The amendments also take on board feedback that it can be tricky for people moving house to sell their original home within 18 months due to differences in supply and demand in the housing market across Scotland.

“I am grateful to everyone who responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on these changes and look forward to working with MSPs as the legislation progresses through Parliament.”

Views sought on transitioning to a circular economy

Increasing recycling and reuse of resources

Proposals to increase reuse and recycling and cut waste are being put forward as part of a consultation.

Reducing single-use, disposable items like cups, banning the destruction of unsold goods and promoting the reuse of construction materials are just some of the actions being suggested as part of the draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map consultation.

Over the past ten years, the total amount of waste going to landfill in Scotland has dropped by over a third, with the most recent official statistics showing that Scotland met its 2025 target to reduce all waste by 15%.

Following an initial consultation in 2022, the new route map sets out a plan for new, national reuse and recycling targets along with priority actions needed between now and the end of the decade to help drive Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.

The actions complement provisions in the draft Circular Economy Bill which is currently at stage 1 in Parliament and include proposals for the creation of local recycling targets, reflecting the success of Wales which has one of the highest household recycling rates in the world.

Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater said: “We have already made good progress across Scotland, significantly reducing the amount of waste we generate and landfill, but we need to go further if reusing and recycling goods is to become the default choice for households, businesses and the public sector.

“For people to do the right thing for the planet, it is crucial  that everyone experiences a modern, easy to use waste service. This second consultation sets out our priority actions and the tools we will put in place to help everyone play their part in cutting waste and capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses. I urge everyone to take part.”

The second consultation on the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map is available on the Scottish Government website and will run until 15 March.

Patient reveals critical issues with current Edinburgh Eye Pavilion

A patient at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, has come forward to offer their insight into the shocking failings in the hospital.

Peter Scobie has been attending the Eye Pavilion for 18 years, after being diagnosed with Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

He lost his sight just before the pandemic and has been blind for 4 years now.

Peter has revealed the absence of specialists in the hospital, as his specialist is a paediatric doctor from the sick kids, who only comes to the Pavilion on Tuesdays.

A further issue with the hospital comes down to geographic issues, as he has previously been sent to Newcastle for an appointment while the closest specialist is even further south in Cambridge. 

He has also highlighted the absurd situation of those needing to receive sight loss assessments must go to the most inaccessible part of the building to receive the check.

Campaigners for a new Eye Pavilion, based at the Royal Infirmary were disappointed when the Scottish Government made no mention of the project in the budget late last year.

This is despite Michael Matheson telling campaigners that a decision would be made around the budget.

Health boards then discovered that there would be a two-year freeze on all capital spending and projects. They are also required to make 6.8% savings.

If this stays in place, there is no way that the Eye Pavilion will be built in the near future. This will force Peter, and other patients like him, to rely on services that the NHS themselves deemed not fit for purpose 10 years ago.

Commenting on Peter’s case, Labour Lothians MSP Sarah Boyack said: “Peter has helped to highlight the unacceptable condition of the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

“Patients should have facilities that support them through their difficulties, not hinder them further.

“Eye Pavilion staff do their best but without a new building and facilities they have one hand tied behind their back.

“The Scottish Government needs to listen to patients like Peter and realise that maintaining the current building is bad for patients, bad for NHS Lothian, and bad for Edinburgh.”

Sight Scotland added: “In Peter’s case, an absence of specialist doctors that are trained in his condition means it is difficult for him to get the correct treatment he needs.

“With the closest specialist for his condition based in Cambridge, a new eye hospital could be an opportunity to provide a training ground for ophthalmologists.

“The hospital’s inaccessible layout means that Peter and many others seeking essential services, such as collecting prescriptions and visiting patient support on the top floor, struggle to do so.

“More needs to be done to ensure accessible access to quality eye healthcare.”