Scottish Government – Page 63 – The NEN

Scottish revenue increases by £15 billion

Strong growth in income tax and energy sector

Scotland’s notional deficit has continued to fall at a faster pace than the UK’s, driven by record energy sector revenues and strong growth in the tax take, figures for the 2022-23 financial year show.

Total revenue for Scotland increased by 20.7% (£15 billion) compared with 11.3% for the UK as a whole. This includes a £1.9 billion increase in revenue from Scottish income tax and £6.9 billion increase in North Sea revenue. These increases have partially been offset by a rise in spending on cost of living measures and interest payments on UK Government debt.

To mark publication of the 30th Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) statistics, the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray, visited the University of Glasgow’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre to learn about the significant economic potential of quantum technology to Scotland’s economy. Recent research has suggested the sector could be worth £1 billion to Scotland by 2030.

Mr Gray said: “I am pleased that Scotland’s finances are improving at a faster rate than the UK as a whole, with revenue driven by Scotland’s progressive approach to income tax and our vibrant energy sector.

“While the record revenues from the North Sea show the extent that the UK continues to benefit from Scotland’s natural wealth, these statistics do not reflect the full benefits of the green economy, with hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue not yet captured.

“It is important to remember that GERS reflects the current constitutional position, with 41% of public expenditure and 64% of tax revenue the responsibility of the UK Government. Indeed, a full £1 billion of our deficit is the direct result of the UK Government’s mismanagement of the public finances.

“An independent Scotland would have the powers to make different choices, with different budgetary results, to best serve Scotland’s interests.

“While we are bound to the UK’s economic model and do not hold all the financial levers needed, we will continue to use all the powers we do have to grow a green wellbeing economy, while making the case that we need independence to enable Scotland to match the economic success of our European neighbours.

“I’m grateful to the University of Glasgow for showing me their world-leading quantum technology research, which could be worth £1 billion to our economy within seven years, highlighting just how bright Scotland’s future could be outside of the UK.”

Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2022-23

Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland figures ‘show Scotland benefits from being part of a strong United Kingdom with a sharing and pooling of resources’

The Scottish Government has published their annual Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland report, which shows the difference between total revenue and total public sector spending in Scotland.

The figures for 2022-2023 showed that people in Scotland are continuing to benefit from levels of public spending substantially above the United Kingdom average.

And even in a year of exceptional North Sea Revenues, Scotland’s deficit is still more than £19 billion, demonstrating how the country continues to benefit from being part of a strong United Kingdom, with the vital pooling and sharing of resources that the Union brings.

Commenting on the figures, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The Scottish Government’s own figures show yet again how people in Scotland benefit hugely from being part of a strong United Kingdom.

“Scotland’s deficit is more than £19billion – even in a year of exceptional North Sea Revenues. Without oil and gas, that figure soars to more than £28billion.

“People in Scotland benefit to the tune of £1,521 per person thanks to higher levels of public spending.

“As we face cost of living pressures and unprecedented global challenges it is clear Scotland is better off as part of a strong United Kingdom.”

GERS 2023 – Uptick in oil revenues narrows the gap between Scottish and UK Deficit

Fraser of Allander Institute’s MAIRI SPOWAGE, JOAO SOUSA and CIARA CRUMMEY unpick the latest statistics:

This morning sees the publication of Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland 2022-23.

These statistics set out three main things:

The revenues raised from Scotland, from both devolved and reserved taxation;
Public expenditure for and on behalf of Scotland, again for both devolved and reserved expenditure;
The difference between these two figures, which is called in the publication the “net fiscal balance” – but as you may well hear colloquially referred to as the “deficit”.

These statistics form the backdrop to a key battleground in the constitutional debate, particularly when it is focussed on the fiscal sustainability of an independent Scotland and what different choices Scotland could make in terms of taxation and spending.

So what do the latest statistics show?

The latest figures show that the net fiscal balance for 2022-23 was -£19.1 bn, which represents -9.0% of GDP. This is a fall from the 2021-22 figure of -12.8% of GDP and is down significantly from 2020-21 which was inflated hugely by COVID-related spending.

The comparable UK figure for 2022-23 is -5.2% of GDP. The UK figure is unchanged from 2021-22. The reason for the differential trend for Scotland and the UK as a whole has been driven by North Sea revenue, which contributed £9.4 billion to Scottish revenue in 2022-23.

Chart 1: Scottish and UK net fiscal balance, 1998-99 to 2022-23

Source: Scottish Government

In this year of record North Sea revenue (at least in cash terms), the difference between the Scottish and UK deficit is driven by the expenditure side of the net fiscal balance equation.

Chart 2: Spending and revenue per head, Scotland-UK, 1998-99 to 2022-23

Source: Scottish Government

On revenues, including the North Sea, Scotland raised £696 more per head than the UK, whilst on expenditure, Scotland spent £2,217 more per head than the UK average.

So what do these statistics really tell us?

These statistics reflect the situation of Scotland as part of the current constitutional situation. That is, Scotland as a devolved government as part of the UK. The majority of spending that is carried out to deliver services for the people of Scotland are provided by devolved government (either Scottish Government or Local Government).

To a certain extent therefore, the higher per head spending levels are driven by the way that the funding for devolved services is calculated through the Barnett formula. Add on top of that the higher than population share of reserved social security expenditure, and we have identified the two main reasons for higher public expenditure in Scotland.

Let’s go over some of the main points that may come up today when folks are analysing these statistics.

Scotland isn’t unusual in the UK in running a negative net fiscal balance

This is absolutely right. ONS produce figures for all regions and nations of the UK, and these have shown consistently (in normal years, so excluding COVID times) that outside of London and surrounding areas, most parts of the UK are estimated to raise less revenue than is spent on their behalf.

In 2021, we discussed the differences between parts of the UK in an episode of BBC Radio 4’s More or Less programme.

The Scottish Government doesn’t have a deficit as it has to run a balanced budget

This statement isn’t quite true (the SG now has limited capital borrowing powers and resource borrowing powers to cover forecast error). The Scottish Government’s Budget is funded through the Barnett determined Block Grant, with some adjustments to reflect the devolution of taxes and social security responsibilities (most significantly, income tax).

The SG do not have the flexibility to borrow for discretionary resource spending.

However, to focus on this around the publication of GERS somewhat misses the point of the publication. It looks at money spent on services for the benefit of Scotland, whoever spends it, and compares that to taxes raised, whoever collects them. As touched on above, the Barnett-determined block grant funds services at a higher level per head in Scotland than in England in aggregate.

What does this tell us about independence?

Setting aside the noise that will no doubt accompany GERS today, there are essentially two key issues, that need to be considered together.

GERS takes the current constitutional settlement as given. If the very purpose of independence is to take different choices about the type of economy and society that we live in, then it is possible that these a set of accounts based upon the world today could look different, over the long term, in an independent Scotland.

That said, GERS does provide an accurate picture of where Scotland is in 2023. In doing so it sets the starting point for a discussion about the immediate choices, opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed by those advocating new fiscal arrangements. And here the challenge is stark, with a likely deficit far in excess of the UK as a whole, other comparable countries or that which is deemed to be sustainable in the long-term. It is not enough to say ‘everything will be fine’ or ‘look at this country, they can run a sensible fiscal balance so why can’t Scotland?’. Concrete proposals and ideas are needed.

And please guys… dodge the myths!

We have produced a detailed guide to GERS which goes through the background of the publication and all of the main issues around its production, including some of the odd theories that emerge around it. A few years ago, we also produced a podcast which you can enjoy at your leisure.

In summary though, to go through the main claims usually made about GERS:

GERS is an accredited National Statistics produced by statisticians in the Scottish Government (so is not produced by the UK Government) and is a serious attempt to understand the key fiscal facts under the current constitutional arrangement
Some people look to discredit the veracity of GERS because it relies – in part – on estimation. Estimation is a part of all economic statistics and is not a reason to dismiss the figures as “made up”.
Will the numbers change if you make different reasonable assumptions about the bits of GERS that are estimated? In short, not to any great extent.
If you have any more questions about how revenues and spending are compiled in GERS, the SG publish a very helpful FAQs page, including dealing with issues around company headquarters and the whisky industry.

Look out for more analysis

It’ll be interesting to see the coverage of these statistics today and the talking points that are generated given where we are in the constitutional debate.

If you have any questions about GERS for us, then why not get in touch? Submit them to fraser@strath.ac.uk and we’ll try to cover them in our weekly update later this week!

Pay offer to Junior Doctors accepted

Agreement will see largest Junior Doctor pay investment for 20 years

A record 12.4% pay increase for junior doctors and dentists in training for 2023–24 has been accepted British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland members.

Together with the pay raise of 4.5% awarded in 2022–23, this amounts to a total increase of 17.5% over two years.

The deal also includes a commitment to future years pay, contract and pay bargaining modernisation and it brings to an end the threat of industrial action.

Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: “I am very pleased that BMA members have overwhelmingly voted to accept this record pay deal for Junior Doctors. This is the single biggest investment in Junior Doctor pay since devolution, and maintains our commitment to make Scotland the best place in the UK for Junior Doctors to work and train.

“Due to the meaningful engagement we have had with trade unions, we have avoided any industrial action in Scotland – the only part of the UK to avoid NHS strikes.

“We will now implement this pay uplift, and will work with BMA to take forward the other aspects of the deal including contract and pay bargaining reform.”

This pay deal represents a £61.3 million investment in Junior Doctor pay – the largest in the last 20 years and the best offer in the UK – and means a doctor at the beginning of their career would receive a salary increase of £3,429 in 2023–24.

For those at the end of their training the rise would be £7,111 over the same period.

New fisheries measures announced

Next steps to ensure sustainable fisheries in Scotland

Proposals to introduce electronic tracking and monitoring technology for small fishing vessels will be consulted on as part of package of new fisheries measures announced this week.

The consultation proposes that vessel tracking devices will be required by Scottish commercial fishing vessels under 12 metres in length wherever they operate, and by all vessels of the that size when they operate in Scottish waters. It also asks whether Remote Electric Monitoring systems (REM) – which are more sophisticated than vessel tracking – should be required on some inshore vessels.

Rolling out such technology across Scotland’s fishing fleet would show that vessels are operating sustainably and within the law, increasing consumer confidence in Scottish seafood. They would also provide valuable data which would help fisheries to be managed more sustainably and informing marine planning, benefiting Scotland’s fishing industry and the marine environment.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin, who met with fishing industry representatives in Peterhead this week, said: “These proposals will support the sustainable management and development of our marine environment – the next step in delivering a blue economy that benefits our communities, economy and environment.

“I encourage the inshore sector and others with an interest to continue to engage with us and to take part in the consultation on vessel monitoring.

“Government, industry and communities all have a shared interest and commitment to a healthy marine environment. Open dialogue and constructive working of the sort that has helped to develop these proposals will ensure that we benefit from the expertise of the fishing industry. Cooperation and co-management will ensure that both Scotland’s fishing industry and our marine environment can thrive sustainably.”

The Scottish Government has also published the outcome of two consultations:

Remote Electric Monitoring (REM) will become mandatory on large pelagic vessels and all scallop dredge vessels in Scottish waters. Further rollout of REM will be considering alongside the Future Catching Policy development.
Future Catching Policy will take concrete action to increase the sustainability of our fishing activity, supporting fishers to avoid catching fish and other sensitive marine species which they don’t want to land, or catch in the first place

These announcements represent the next steps in Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy – which has been developed in partnership with the fishing industry and other stakeholders. The package of measures within the Strategy helps place Scotland in a leading international position to deliver sustainable fishing.

The inshore vessel tracking and monitoring consultation is open until 7 November 2023 and can be completed on the Scottish Government consultation hub.

Independent Age: “Struggling older people can’t wait any longer”

The upcoming Programme for Government must include plans for a pensioner poverty strategy, says older people’s financial hardship charity Independent Age.

1 in 7 pensioners in Scotland are in poverty, a number that has risen by a quarter in the last decade, and the current cost of living crisis means that many more are at risk of being pulled into financial hardship.

Polling by Independent Age shows that almost half (45%) of over 65s living on a low income (£15,000 per year or less) in Scotland are cutting back on their food spending. Well over a third (42%) of the same group are concerned about covering their food bills for the next 6 months.

With energy prices remaining high, Independent Age polling found that in Scotland, over half (54%) of over 65s on a low income are worried about how they will afford the cost of heating their home.

The charity also found that inadequate incomes coupled with rising costs is causing some older people to disconnect from digital technology. Without this it’s often harder to access information, stay in touch with friends and family and save money by shopping around for the best deals.

Polling showed that 39% of older people on a low income are already cutting back on their phone usage to save money. Over a third (35%) of the same group are fearful of not being able to afford their broadband bill during the next 6 months.

Independent Age is calling on the Scottish Government to urgently produce a pensioner poverty strategy. Whilst the charity continues to call on the UK Government to do more to support older people facing financial hardship across the country, there are actions the Scottish Government can take to support older people living in poverty in Scotland.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Older people struggling financially can’t wait any longer for the Government to step in. The First Minister must include a pensioner poverty strategy in next month’s Programme for Government.

“Every day, we hear from older people across Scotland who are cutting back to dangerous levels. We’ve heard stories of those in later life risking falls by not turning on the lights at night, terminally ill older people not using the heating during winter and those who only eat one meal a day, all to save money. They are crying out for a plan to help them.

“If the Scottish Government wants to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow old, they can start now by committing to introducing a pensioner poverty strategy. We’ve heard positive words on the Government’s commitment to tackling poverty, but now older people need to see action.

“The Programme for Government must include a strategy to tackle pensioner poverty, or we risk seeing thousands more fall into financial hardship.”

Scotland_Poverty_Report_Independent_Age_0 Download

Independent Age launched its powerful report “Not enough to live on”: Pensioner poverty in Scotland in February this year. It set out the devastating experience of poverty for those aged over 65.

The charity interviewed 38 people across the nation and these in-depth conversations uncovered struggles around managing on a low, fixed income, battling high costs and living in unaffordable and inadequate housing.

June, 67, Glasgow, is currently struggling financially. She said: “I’m very cautious with money. I’m careful to make sure I’ve got enough to get my food. You’ve got to be careful because you can still run out at the end of the month, then you end up needing to go to the food bank.

“If something big was to come up that was needed, say my fridge, God forbid, or my cooker or washing machine, it would be a worry. I would have to get help. I can’t go out and buy big things. I cannot go for a cup of tea or buy a wee meal for my friends, it’s irritating because you want to do more. But I’m restricted, I’ve not got the money for that. So you just forget it. I live a quiet life.”

Financial advice where people need it

ADVICE UK FUNDING FOR GRANTON INFORMATION CENTRE

People struggling to manage their household finances can now benefit from increased support in a range of community settings thanks to a new accessible advice fund.

Almost £1 million has been distributed to partnerships between advice agencies and other local services such as schools, charities, hospitals and mental health services.

The fund will build on the success of the Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships initiative that put dedicated advisers into 180 GP practices in some of Scotland’s most deprived and rural areas – helping to reach those most in need.

Granton Information Centre launched the very first pilot in Scotland when they partnered with Muirhouse Medical Centre. Since that first successful partnership the outreach service has been expanded and GIC now delivers advice at GP practices across the city in Crewe Medical Centre, Ladywell, Barclays Medical Practice at East Craigs and Restalrig Park.

The new funding will enable Granton Information Centre to deliver new services in partnership with Pilton Community Health Project, The Ripple Project and Saheliya.

Two other Edinburgh projects have also received accessible advice funding. CHAI Edinburgh will partner with Rock Trust, and Harbour Homes (formerly Port of Leith Housing Association) with YMCA Edinburgh.

There will be a particular emphasis on providing advice to those who are traditionally hardest to help or who have not sought advice before.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The cost of living crisis is putting many households across Scotland under huge strain. Advice services play an increasingly critical role across Scotland’s communities by helping people to access support and benefits they may be entitled to, as well as helping them to understand their rights.

“This funding is part of more than £12.3 million that the Scottish Government is providing this year to support income maximisation, welfare and debt advice services. It will ensure we provide people with advice in places where they are more likely to already be, and we will focus particularly on reaching families.

“We know that early access to advice can make a dramatic difference to people’s financial situation and prevent issues – including debt – escalating.”

Grants are being distributed on behalf of the Scottish Government by Advice UK, the largest support network for independent advice organisations in the UK.

Projects with a focus on families, including disabled or single parents, those caring for a disabled person and parents from minority ethnic communities are among those which have been successful in securing funding.

The scheme is funded in part through the Scottish allocation from the Debt Advice Levy, which is raised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority by applying a levy to UK Clearing banks and consumer credit businesses.

Evidence from the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has highlighted the success of embedding welfare advice in GP surgeries. Initial findings from an interim report, conducted by the Improvement Service and covering the period between January 2022 and March 2023, showed that 89% of the almost 10,000 Welfare Advice and Health Partnership service users were ‘new’ users of advice – highlighting that the provision of welfare advice in accessible and trusted settings is allowing wider populations to engage with vital services.

The Scottish Government estimates that more than 60,000 people were supported by Scottish Government-funded debt advice services in 2022-23.

Scottish Government: Placing diverse communities at the heart of events

Against the backdrop of the world’s biggest cycling event in history, discussions are taking place which aim to further boost equality, diversity and inclusion across Scotland’s world-renowned events sector.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen competitions for disabled and non-disabled athletes taking place alongside each other. This inclusive approach has helped to showcase and raise awareness of Para sport.

Yesterday in Glasgow Culture Secretary Angus Robertson hosted a roundtable with partners representing people with protected characteristics, such as race and young people, to explore ways to strengthen the approach to the planning, delivery and legacy of major events.

Along with a public consultation and stakeholder workshops held earlier in 2023, this will inform the refreshed National Events Strategy for 2025-2035.

Mr Robertson said: “It’s important that collectively we make most of the many benefits events can bring to the lives of diverse communities right across Scotland.

“The UCI Cycling World Championships are a great example of how mega events like this can showcase our cultural diversity, boost accessibility and extend a warm welcome to all communities.

“The inclusion of Para sports in the Cycling World Championships has contributed significantly to the atmosphere. The competitive spirit and level of skill and dedication demonstrated by all athletes taking part side by side has been inspirational and an important part of the success of the event.

“We want our portfolio of world-class events to deliver positive economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for everyone in Scotland.”

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships runs until 13 August. The event has a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, including through signing a Ride Together Pledge.

Scottish Labour’s Shadow Minister for Culture Foysol Choudhury MSP said that championships as such are an excellent opportunity to get more people into sports and showcase all that Scotland has to offer to the world.

The Lothians list MSP said: “With our fantastic landscape and cities as backdrops for the event, it’s been great to show the world exactly why so many of us are proud to call Scotland our home.

“Not only that, but it’s really helped to encourage sport, amongst young people and adults alike.

“We not only have breath-taking scenery if you want to cycle outdoors, but we also have excellent velodromes for indoor cycling.

“This is a great opportunity to embrace active travel as part of a healthy lifestyle and start cycling again-I know I’ve definitely been inspired to get back into the habit!”

As part of the build-up to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund has been jointly invested by the Scottish Government and Sportscotland to support cycling communities and club facilities across Scotland.

Mr Choudhury continued: “To encourage active travel and sport, we need to make sure that everybody has access to the equipment and facilities needed to participate. That’s why funding to community and club facilities is so important.

“I would like to congratulate two projects from West Lothian – Balbardie Park Pump Track and West Lothian Cycle Circuit, Linlithgow – who have received awards of £45,433 and £636,011, respectively.

“I hope that my constituents can make use of the benefits that these funds can bring.

“Let’s all get inspired by the Championships this summer and join in to feel the Power Of The Bike! “

Winter vaccination programme plans announced

Following final advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are finalising plans for the roll out of Scotland’s winter vaccination programme, delivered at a local level by Health Boards across the country.

This year’s programme has an increased focus on protecting those at highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. There will also be changes to call up dates to ensure maximum protection to these groups over the winter months.

Everyone over 50 and those with certain conditions will be offered a flu vaccination.

People aged 50-64 with no underlying health conditions, are now being called forward for appointments starting from 4 September.

The expansion of the flu programme to include secondary school pupils continues this winter, with all school age pupils, children aged 2-5 and children aged 6 months to under 2 years at risk being eligible.

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to people most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.

Clinical advice and evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection. JCVI has advised that protection is highest in the three months following vaccination, so vaccinating those at highest risk of COVID-19 later provides greater protection over the peak winter period and into the new year.

Invitations to people aged 65-74 years of age with no underlying conditions and those aged 12-64 years in a clinical risk group (excluding those with a weakened immune system) that leaves them at greater risk from COVID-19 will be the first to receive invitations, with appointments starting from 18 September.

Invitations for all other priority groups receiving both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will follow as the programme progresses. This includes people in care homes and those aged 75 and over who will receive invitations for appointments starting from mid-October. Both of these groups were offered vaccination during the spring COVID-19 programme, so their immunity has received a recent boost.

People should wait for NHS Scotland to contact them with details of their appointment, or prompt to book. Depending on their selected communication preferences, this will be by email, text, or by post in a white, NHS Scotland branded envelope, which replaces the blue envelopes used previously.

Public Health Minister, Jenni Minto said: “We thank the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation for their latest independent expert clinical advice which recommends we focus on protecting those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19.

“We have accepted this advice and will continue to plan and implement the vaccination programme this winter.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and the NHS from both COVID-19 and flu viruses, and I encourage all those eligible to take up their invitations when they are offered.”

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at PHS said: “Getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 this winter.

“This year’s programme focuses on protecting those who are at highest risk. One of the ways we’re doing this is by offering vaccination to people who are most vulnerable to illness later in the programme to ensure they have maximum protection in the peak of winter.

“Scotland’s vaccination programme has always offered vaccinations in the safest and most effective ways possible. We know that administration of both vaccines together is a safe, efficient way to deliver increased protection when it’s most needed. Last year, over 89% of flu and COVID-19 vaccines were administered at the same time.

“We hope to see most vaccinations completed by early December. Those eligible for a flu or flu and COVID-19 vaccination this winter should look out for their invitation by email, text or by post in a white NHS Scotland envelope and take up the offer to protect themselves.”

View the JCVI advice on a vaccination programme for this winter:

COVID-19: JCVI advises on eligible groups for 2023 autumn booster – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Flu: JCVI statement on influenza vaccines 2023-34

The winter programme will run until 31 March 2024.

Opening days of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships bring dramatic finals, world records and new World Champions

Shona Robison: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ‘celebrate inclusion‘

With more than 260 medals already awarded, the opening days of the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has seen thousands of cyclists take to the roads, ramps, tracks, and mountains across Glasgow and Scotland for this first-of-its-kind event.

Kicking off on Thursday, 3 August, the biggest cycling event ever has already witnessed some special moments, with events taking place across Scotland following a stellar opening ceremony that was headlined by KT Tunstall in Glasgow city centre on Wednesday, 2 August.

Around 400,000 fans and residents have thrown their support behind the athletes at events over the last four days, including an estimate of more than 300,000 fans across the entire route of the Men Elite Road Race on Sunday. Of that, 190,000 were estimated to have turned out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.

Avid spectators have also been present in venues across the country, watching the incredible action at the BMX Freestyle Park at Glasgow Green, the Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome with millions more watching from home thanks to action being broadcast live across the world.

Meanwhile in Perth & Kinross and Dundee & Angus more than 2,000 top amateur athletes took to the road for the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races and also the Gran Fondo Time Trials. Among the competitors was UCI President David Lappartient, completing the 160km scenic and challenging course.

Trudy Lindblade, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships CEO, said: “The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships has got off to a truly spectacular start with the action across the last four days coming thick and fast. After years of planning, it is fantastic to see fans getting out to support athletes from around the world as they vie for one of the UCI’s famous rainbow jerseys.

“While the first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another week of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Para-cycling Road in Dumfries and Galloway, Mountain Bike Cross-country at Glentress and the Individual Time Trials in Stirling before we sign off in Glasgow with Indoor Cycling, the Para-cycling Mixed Relay and the Women Elite road race bringing this incredible celebration of cycling to a close.”

New UCI World Champions Crowned

The action has come thick and fast at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome as the Track and Para-cycling Track have been integrated into one event for the first time.

Japan’s Keiko Sugiura took the honour of being crowned the first UCI World Champion of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, winning gold in the Women’s C3 Individual Pursuit. Great Britain got their first UCI World title of the championships thanks to Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin, who were victorious in the women’s B 1km time trial.

The Great Britian team used the roar of the home crowd to their advantage to win a slew of gold medals and rainbow jerseys over the last four days,

including Scotsman Neil Fachie and his pilot Matthew Rotherham taking the win in the men’s B 1km time trial; para-cycling super power Jody Cundy winning his 14^th straight kilo UCI World title, while Jaco van Gass (men’s C3 1km time trial), and Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl (women’s B individual pursuit) also claimed more gold medals.

Saturday’s action was seen out in style as the team of Katie Archibald, Elinor Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris took home the gold in the women’s team pursuit for team GB ahead of the New Zealand team. There were amazing scenes in the velodrome as they took the win by over 4 seconds after a tightly contested first couple of kilometres, especially for home talent, Katie Archibald who makes a thrilling comeback after a tough year.

It was also a sweet return for USA Track cyclist Chloé Dygert who made her return to competition after a tragic crash three years ago by winning the Women’s Elite Individual Pursuit, her 11^th UCI World title across Junior and Elite categories on the track and road.

On Sunday, one of the most incredible races of the championships saw 5-time UCI World Champion Filippo Ganna narrowly pip Great Britain’s Dan Bigham in the men’s individual pursuit, while Belgian Lotte Kopecky added a rainbow jersey to her Tour de France green jersey win earlier this year.

A dominant performance by Great Britain’s Fran Brown in the women’s C1 individual pursuit is made even more impressive with the bonus of a world record, while debutant Archie Atkinson became men’s C4 scratch UCI World Champion at the age of 19: this is an athlete we’ll be looking out for in the future.

On the Road

On the road, the Juniors got the action underway as France’s Julie Bego took home the gold ahead of Team GB’s Cat Ferguson in the Women Junior road race and Denmark’s Albert Philipsen blew away competition, winning with over a minute margin.

This set the stage Sunday’s action that saw Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel power through more than 200km, from Edinburgh to Glasgow to claim his first road UCI World title during the Men Elite Road Race, beating Belgium’s Wout van Aert (silver) and Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia who outsprinted Denmark’s Mads Pedersen for bronze. Van der Poel win saw him become the first Dutch champion to win the Men Elite road race UCI World title since Joop Zoetemelk in 1985.

In the Mountains

Up at Fort William Austria’s Valentina Höll conquered Nevis Range to win her second consecutive gold medal in the Women Elite Mountain Bike Downhill, while Charlie Hatton became the fifth Men Elite British rider to win the UCI World title in the Mountain Bike Downhill.

In the Men Junior MTB Downhill, Germany’s Henri Kiefer overcame a stacked field secure first place, while New Zealand’s Erice van Leuven took the top spot in the women’s junior category, completing dominant display from the Kiwis, who also took silver and bronze medals.

The mountain bike action continued down in Glentress as Brazil’s Henrique Avancini won the men’s mountain bike cross-country marathon ahead of a stacked field. In the women’s race, Mona Mitterwallner solidified her lead midway through today’s race to take the win for Austria.

A full list of 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships medal winners and results are available here.

Tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championship events are still on sale from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison attended the Gran Fondo amateur time trial as the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships continue across Scotland.

The Scottish Government hopes the world’s biggest ever cycling competition will motivate people to cycle for sport, recreation and active travel. The £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund, delivered in partnership with sportscotland, will create a network of new accessible facilities that will encourage people of all ages to ride bikes and enjoy cycling.

In the time trial, cyclists of varying ages and abilities take on a challenging course that starts in Dundee and takes in parts of Angus before returning to the city. It follows two Gran Fondo road races of different lengths in Perth and Kinross last week.

The Deputy First Minister said: “Hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is helping us to showcase Scotland as an inclusive and welcoming nation.

“I hope that these Championships, through its many events such as the Gran Fondo, will inspire people from all walks of life to build a more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike.

“We understand the importance of sport and physical activity, particularly for women and girls in Scotland, and the positive impact on their physical, mental and social health across all stages in life – from early years, teenage years, through adulthood and into later life.”

Exam results: Support for pupils

Education Minister visits Results Helpline Centre

The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Results Helpline is staffed by more than 30 expert careers advisors and opens tomorrow (Tuesday 8^th August) for four days.

The service provides impartial careers advice and guidance on the next steps to students, and their parents and carers, following receipt of their exam results.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth met SDS staff at a Results Helpline centre in Edinburgh to learn more about their work and how it benefits pupils.

Ms Gilruth said: “Results day can be a very emotional one for pupils, parents and carers. The opportunity to have a conversation with someone who is impartial and knowledgeable is so valuable.

“Whatever a person’s results, there are options out there for everyone and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or uncertainty about future choices to contact the results helpline to speak with friendly, knowledgeable staff for advice about your next steps.”

SDS Head of Career Information, Advice and Guidance Operations Sharon McIntyre said: “We are so pleased the Education Secretary took time out to come and visit the Results Helpline staff this year.

“It was very clear from the conversations we had that she recognises just how valuable our support is for worried pupils, parents and carers. We wish everyone all the very best with their results this year, but please don’t worry if you don’t get the outcome you hoped for, just phone 0808 100 8000 and we will help you find alternative options.”

The SDS helpline can be reached on 0800 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 8^th and Wednesday 9^th August.

It will then open from 9am to 5pm on Thursday 10^th and Friday 11^th August. The SDS’ careers advisers will be on hand to offer advice about all post school options, including UK colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, apprenticeships, jobs and volunteering.

Students can also access the SQA Candidate Advice Line (CAL) on 0345 279 1000.

It offers support and information relating to the Scottish Qualification Certificates and is open from 8am-6pm on 8 August and 8.30am – 5pm on 9August.