Tag: students

An exploration of how financial inequality prevents the success of Scotland’s climate change aims

This essay, written by Ellen Keefe, was the overall winner in the Fraser of Allander 2021/22 Economic Futures Essay Competition.

Students were invited to write an essay on an Economics topic related to the climate crisis and climate change policy in Scotland.

Each of the four winning essays were featured as a perspective in the March 2022 edition of the Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary.

In the wake of COP26, targets to slow climate change have been set across the world. As the host of the climate conference, Scotland has set the ambitious target of reaching net zero emissions by 2045 (Sturgeon, 2021).

Scotland aims to reduce emissions in areas such as transport and housing with numerous initiatives set for the coming years. However, are these targets inclusive for everyone in Scotland? How financial inequality excludes lower income households from reducing their emissions and accessing government support to do so will be explored.

The transport sector creates significant carbon emissions causing climate change (Apostolicas, 2019). This has driven the innovation of electric vehicles. In order to reach net zero, the target for Scotland (and the rest of Britain) is to stop the sale of new petrol/diesel cars after 2035 (Burch, Gilchrist, 2018).

A higher uptake of electric cars within society will be beneficial for reaching climate change targets, however, considering all members of society, this is not realistic. Electric cars have a significantly higher upfront costs and therefore an individual could buy a larger petrol/diesel car for the price of a smaller electric vehicle (Mehta, 2021).

Due to these drawbacks, financial incentives are needed to convince a lot of the public to opt for an electric car (Rotaris, Giansoldati, Scorrano, 2021).

In Scotland there is financial support to aid individuals buying an electric car. Interest free loans up to £28,000 paid back in up to 6 years for new electric cars and up to £20,000 paid back in up to 5 years for used electric cars are available (Net Zero Nation, 2021).

The cheapest used electric car that can currently be purchased costs from £9,675 however, numerous used petrol/diesel cars can be purchased for below £5000 (Buyacar, 2021). Therefore, interest-free loans are not enough to make electric cars accessible/desirable to low-income households.

Grants could be provided to low-income households to facilitate the purchase of an electric car and even the playing field of choice between electric and petrol/diesel vehicles.

Alternatively, government intervention into reducing the costs of electric cars would make them more accessible. The Scottish government should look to partner with electric car manufacturers such as Nissan to fund innovation and reduce tax on production of electric vehicles. With a significant reduction in the price of electric cars to match the price of petrol/diesel cars the financial barrier of purchasing would be removed and uptake across Scotland would increase, hence reducing transport emissions.

One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicle is their low running cost.

Charging points have been installed across Scotland which initiatives to increase accessibility set. However, electric cars are mainly charged by a charging point which is installed at the owner’s home.

The installation of a home charging point costs around £800 (DriveElectric, 2020). Grants of up to 75% of the cost of installing home charge points are available (Gov, 2021).

As of April 2022, this will only be available to homeowners living in flats and people in rented accommodation. This change demonstrates governments aim to aid lower income households more in purchasing an electric vehicle.

Nevertheless, even with a grant of the maximum, 75% of an £800 would still leave a £200 installation cost, which is significant in particular to individuals in rented accommodation. Can people be expected to invest this much into installing a charge point into a home that is not theirs?

In 2018 there were 2.48 million households in Scotland, 14% were in the private rented sector, 22 – 25% in the social rented sector and 61-62% in the owner-occupied sector (Gov, 2019). A large proportion of people in Scotland do not live in a property they own.

Arguably, households in rented accommodation are excluded from accessing means to reduce emissions. In particular low-income households.

Some individuals in Scotland have enough disposable income to invest in an electric vehicle and charging point with/without government loans and grants dependent on their eligibility.

However, for those without sufficient disposable income available, loans and grants are not enough, excluding a large portion of society from reducing their emissions. But transport is not the only area where financial inequality is prevalent and hinders Scotland’s climate change aims.

The Scottish government has been working to “promote home upgrades” to meet the net zero target (Sturgeon, 2021). Across the UK people’s homes contribute 22% of emissions (Sustainable Energy Association, 2019). However, as seen in the transport sector, sufficient support is not provided to lower income households.

As mentioned, over a 3rd of households in Scotland in 2018 were private or social rented (Gov, 2019).

The Future Homes Standard will be introduced in 2025 which will increase efficiency requirements of new homes being built (Gov, 2025). People who buy, rent or build their own new home are rarely low income.

Targets for existing property have also been set to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. T

he Scottish governments Housing to 2040 plan sets out objectives for increasing home efficiency. It states “To lead by example, we will aim for all new homes delivered by Registered Social Landlords and local authorities to be zero emissions homes by 2026” (Gov, 2021). 

The objective is there but the execution is not.

In 2018 it was found that 1 in 3 homes in Scotland did not meet the living home standard (Shelter Scotland, 2018).

The government is failing to improve energy efficiency in social houses. In Scotland, 38,046 social housing properties failed to meet minimum standards and 25,564 were exempt from meeting the standard (Campbell, 2021).

This is detrimental to the reduction of emissions within the housing sector but also highlights the issue of fuel poverty within Scotland. Moodie argues “the hardest to fix homes are being left until last” and as lots of social housing is old and inefficient, this is widening the gap between those in energy efficient housing and those in fuel poverty (from Campbell, 2021).

Moodie further argues, support that is available to homeowners and private tenants is not available to those in social housing (from Campbell, 2021). Therefore, financial inequality is evident in the housing sector in hindering the provision of energy efficient housing.

As with purchasing an electric car, government financial support is available to make homes more energy efficient. Interest free loans are available to cover costs of installing various renewables systems (Gov, 2021). 

Furthermore, households can receive a maximum of 40% cashback (with a maximum of £6000) for certain energy efficient improvements (Gov, 2021). This is an incentive for homeowners with sufficient disposable income to invest in making their home more efficient, especially due to increasing energy prices which are predicted to soar for years to come, yet a large proportion of society cannot afford to make these changes despite loans available (Jack, 2022).

The possibility of receiving cashback for efficiency improvements is not a sure enough return for many individuals who cannot afford to invest in upgrading their home.

For those living in private rented accommodation, this issue is amplified as individuals will not invest thousands of their own income in improving the efficiency of a home that is not theirs.

If they have to move, they have lost this investment therefore government support available is not appealing enough. Hence, those who cannot afford to improve their homes energy efficiency will suffer more as costs rise as well as their emissions remaining high.

To tackle issues of incentivising home energy efficiency and installation of charge points in rental property, landlords must be encouraged as oppose to tenants. A reduction of tax on landlord’s rental income for properties based on energy efficiency level and presence of an electric vehicle charge point would encourage improvements. Furthermore, moving into a rental property with a charge point makes purchasing an electric vehicle more accessible.

To conclude, the negative impact of financial inequality on Scotland’s aim to reach net zero by 2045 is evident in the transport and housing sector.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon states “that focus on justice and fairness will be central to Scotland’s whole approach to COP26” (Sturgeon, 2021). However, is there justice and fairness in the support available for the Scottish public to reduce their emissions?

With only zero interest loans available to aid the purchase electric vehicles, high upfront costs still prevent lower income households from accessing them.

Similarly, with interest free loans and cashback available to increase home energy efficiency, households with enough disposable income have incentive to upgrade homes however, support is not sufficient in aiding those with lower incomes.

The large proportion of the public who rent property are not incentivised to make improvements and as energy prices soar, the issue of fuel poverty increases with the government’s claims to upgrade the energy efficiency of social housing failing.

Scotland’s target of reaching net zero emissions is not attainable by 2045 with current inequality. It is clear that the if changes are not made, financial inequality within Scotland will prevent Scotland from meeting its net zero goal and tackling the climate crisis.

Ellen Keefe

Hamilton & Inches launches Craft Academy

Hamilton & Inches today launched its Craft Academy, which will teach and foster talent amongst the next generation of craftspeople.

Already home to exceptional silversmiths, goldsmiths, polishers, hand-engravers and watchmakers, Hamilton & Inches will help to support and develop the future of craftsmanship in Scotland by continuing to invest in crucial apprenticeships and training.

The Hamilton & Inches Craft Academy is offering two silversmithing internships for 3rd year university students, and one 4-year polishing apprenticeship.

The placements will be undertaken at the Hamilton & Inches workshops, which are located above the recently refurbished showroom in the heart of Edinburgh.

The successful candidates will gain experience to create elaborate pieces that Hamilton & Inches is renowned for, such as Scottish Rugby’s Cuttitta Cup, which will be contested annually between Scotland and Italy in the Six Nations Championship and which was unveiled earlier this month.

The launch is part of the ongoing support Hamilton & Inches has provided to talented young artisans. Trainee silversmith Ruth Page joined the Hamilton & Inches team in 2019 following a 3-month placement as part of her BA (Hons) Degree at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Since then, Ruth has created numerous collections and pieces, including the intricate Gingko light installation which is a focal point in the Hamilton & Inches showroom.

As part of the Craft Academy, there are two openings for the paid silversmithing internships, one which is open to 3rd year students studying jewellery and silversmithing courses across Scotland and the second is open to 3rd year Edinburgh College of Art jewellery and silversmithing students.

As well as being trained by expert artisans who are some of the finest craftspeople in the UK, successful applicants will be awarded with a £1,500 grant on completion of the internship to support with 4th year studies.

During this time, the silversmithing interns will be expertly trained by the Hamilton & Inches silversmith team and will develop the techniques needed to excel in this ancient craft. They will have the opportunity to create a range of silverware in traditional and contemporary designs, including christening items and silverware collections.

Further, the 4-year polishing apprenticeship will provide the opportunity to be part of the Hamilton & Inches award-winning polishing department, which is responsible for the polishing and restoration of varying precious items, including world renowned trophies.

Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches CEO, said: “We are continuing our quest to support the future of craft in Scotland and beyond with the launch of the Hamilton & Inches Craft Academy, which provides invaluable opportunities for budding artisans.

“Thanks to our talented team and our recently refurbished workshops, we have the optimum foundation in place to train the next generation of craftspeople. We look forward to inspiring the next generation of talent”.

David Ramsay, Senior Silversmith at Hamilton & Inches, said: “After joining Hamilton & Inches as a modern-day apprentice and learning from some of the best craftspeople in the country, I know first-hand the brilliant opportunity this presents.

“There is nothing more important than the passing on of skills to ensure we continue to protect our industry into the future and I’m excited to welcome the new additions to our team”.

To find out more information on how to apply, visit www.hamiltonandinches.com.

Learn meningitis signs and look out for your friends

CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging university students across the UK to take a few minutes to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease – as cases rise to pre-Covid pandemic levels.

Every university in the UK could experience at least one case of meningitis amongst its students this term, the charity is warning.

If students fall ill, the temptation might be for them to think they have Covid-19 or a hangover, but it could be something else, including meningitis.

Meningitis is a medical emergency, so it’s vital to recognise the signs and symptoms, act fast and seek medical assistance.

Charity chief executive Dr Tom Nutt said: “We know there are cases happening across the country – we heard of another one at a UK university just last week – and every case is one case too many.

“So today, we’re asking university students to keep meningitis in mind, learn the signs and symptoms and to look out for themselves and their friends.

“The early signs and symptoms of meningitis can be similar to flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.

“More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.

“The rash can be a late sign though and may not appear, so our advice is not to wait for a rash.”

If meningitis is suspected seek urgent medical help by contacting your GP or calling 111. 

During the pandemic, lockdowns used to curb the spread of Covid-19 also led to a decline in other infectious diseases. Meningitis rates were at a historic low until September last year.

Since then, however, there has been an increase in MenB cases among adolescents and young adults in England, ‘particularly in university students’.

Of the Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) cases confirmed among the 15 to 19 and 20 to 24-year-old age groups in September to November 2021, 84.6% (22/26) were students registered at a further or higher education institution. 

Dr Nutt added: “We always feared there might be a rebound against the historically low figures for meningococcal infection we have been seeing during the pandemic, whilst hoping there would not be.

“We are already working hard to spread awareness messages within universities.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against meningitis. But, with teenagers and young people being far more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease and as most students will not have been vaccinated against MenB, it is vital they remain extra vigilant, know what to look for and seek urgent medical advice if they or one of their friends becomes ill.”

Meningitis Now has free information for parents and young people and lifesaving Signs and Symptoms cards. Find out more at www.MeningitisNow.org

Anyone affected or with any questions and concerns can contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.

Cost of living support for students

Students facing financial hardship due to the cost of living crisis and rising energy costs can apply for more support.

This week more than £5 million has been distributed to help Higher Education students in financial hardship with basics like heating and other household costs. This is part of a £37 million hardship funding provided by the Scottish Government since June 2021.

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) will meet colleges’ Further Education student support funding requirements, and have also provided a further £6 million for financial support for FE students, in this academic year.

Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn has written to college and university principals, asking them to encourage students most in need to apply and to prioritise allocation of funding.

To further support students, Mr Hepburn has announced:

  • a £350 loan uplift for 2022-23 in higher education. This means that the most disadvantaged students can access £8,100 per year through bursary and loan
  • the introduction of a new 12 monthly payment option in 2022-23 for higher education students receiving the Care Experienced Bursary, so support is also available over the summer months

Mr Hepburn said: “Many students are facing higher energy bills and increased financial hardship as a result of the cost of living crisis.

“I have written to university and college principals asking them to ensure that discretionary funds remain accessible for students most in need and that in distributing funds, they should take account of the impact rising energy prices will be having on students, particularly those in private rented accommodation.

“I have also asked them to add students facing rising energy bills to the priority groups so they can access the funds. Students can also apply for support through the Fuel Insecurity Fund, which is distributed through third sector organisations.”

‘Can I borrow the car?’

Don’t give your festive guests the gift of penalty points this Christmas

With children heading back from university for Christmas or friends and family coming to stay, many hosts will be confronted with the same question: ‘Can I borrow your car?’ 

Such requests are likely to be even more common this year, with many guests trying to avoid public transport or staying for longer periods to make up for the time apart during the pandemic. 

However, according to leading insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, obliging hosts should be aware that depending on the insurance in place, they could face losing their no claims bonus – or even getting in trouble with the law.

According to research from the Office for National Statistics, almost two-thirds of UK students have moved out of their family home to study at university – meaning when they do flock home for the festive season they are unlikely to have a permanent insurance policy in place on the family car.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Whether or not to let children or guests drive your vehicle is a seasonal dilemma for many hosts, and the pressure will be even greater this year. However vehicle owners need to be aware of the insurance options before handing over the keys.

“Perhaps the most obvious solution is to add the other person to your own insurance policy as a named driver, particularly if it’s your own children that are asking to borrow the car. However, if they are involved in an accident, you could lose your no claims bonus.

“An alternative is for them to take out a separate policy in their own name. Temporary policies can be arranged for anything from a few hours to a month, and could give you greater peace of mind, especially if you have a large no-claims bonus. It may also work out cheaper too because you aren’t insuring them for the full year.

“Either way, insurers will want details of your guests including their driving licence and details of any convictions.

“Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that your guest does have insurance in place. There is still a common misconception that anyone with comprehensive insurance on their own vehicle is automatically insured to drive another car on a third-party basis. However, this isn’t always the case so it’s important to check whether their policy specifically includes ‘driving other cars’ (DOC) cover.

“Driving without insurance is a serious offence punishable by a minimum £300 fine and six penalty points. In more serious cases, the driver may be given an unlimited fine or disqualification and the police may have the right to seize and destroy the vehicle, even if it belongs to someone else.  The vehicle owner could also be committing an offence and may be given points and a fine.”

Where children or other guests do stay for longer periods and hosts add them to their own policy,  they should be wary of how much time they spend behind the wheel  The main policyholder (known as the proposer) should still do the bulk of the driving, because if someone else is driving more often it could be regarded as ‘fronting’, a type of insurance fraud that could result in a large fine and a criminal record. 

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year, with over 110 UK car insurance providers including niche products such as temporary insurance, named driver insurance and third party insurance.  

Edinburgh College opens new digital care hub for students

Edinburgh College has launched a new digital care hub, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, designed to provide greater skills and opportunities to health and social care students in the Lothians.  

The Edinburgh College Digital Care Hub, located at the College’s Sighthill Campus, will equip students with the transferrable skills required to fulfil a successful career in areas including Health and Social Care, Dental and Pharmacy with a particular emphasis on technology enabled care.  

The hub will focus on building students’ digital and practical skills through its state-of-the-art equipment, supporting experiential learning in a purpose-built setting. 

It contains a replica medical ward with patient room, toilet and wet room facilities; an infection control and decontamination area; a reflection room; a care at home room; as well as a virtual reality room designed to give students an immersive experience which demonstrates how a patient with dementia experiences day-to-day life.  

Within the care hub students have access to realistic patient simulators with true-to-life responsiveness, in a variety of care settings, enabling them to develop patient testing and care skills. 

Also key to the role of the digital care hub is embedding the principles of professionalism amongst students and fostering the meta skills required to work in a care environment including communication, nurture, resilience, initiative and leadership. 

The new facility hosts the Edinburgh College and University of Edinburgh Social Care Academy which provides an agile pathway to a career in health and social care specifically for school pupils.

As part of the programme, pupils study units in digital skills for health and social care, mental health, the human body, infection prevention and control and safe beginners for health and social care.

After successfully completing the programme, pupils are able to progress on to further studies with the College or university or advance into employment.  

The digital care hub was launched during an event attended by representatives from key institutions connected to the College and the new hub, and brought together those with a collective interest in supporting the future of the health and care sector.  

Audrey Cumberford, Edinburgh College Principal and CEO, said: “We are delighted to be launching our Digital Care Hub in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

“The facility will provide practical learning experiences for pupils and students as well as exposing them to many sector specialisms which they ordinarily might miss out on without having access to specialist equipment in a health and care setting.  

“The COVID pandemic has highlighted the importance of our health and care workers across the country and through addressing the national skills gaps in digital enabled care, the Digital Care Hub, through partnership working with industry, is ready to provide a pipeline of future workers equipped with the skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of the sector and population.”

Professor Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to work with Edinburgh College on the Digital Care Hub, which will be an excellent resource for those considering a career within health and social care.

“Harnessing technology to support learning in this way and simulate real-life scenarios in the workplace will enable students to make informed choices about their future, built on their own ambitions and potential.” 

Student discounts at Fort Kinnaird

Stores and restaurants across Edinburgh are celebrating the return to university with a range of exclusive discounts and promotions for students across the city. 

From Monday 20th to Monday 27th September, students visiting Fort Kinnaird will be able to make the most of offers from brands including New Look, Schuh, ProCook and many more. 

Here are all some of the great student discounts that will be on offer throughout the week: 

·       Boots – students can receive 10% discount all year round and can take advantage of the below offers from Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September including: 

o   Clarins – three complimentary samples to every student 

o   Bare Minerals – free seven-day sample of the new foundation 

o   Benefit – free fun size mascara when purchasing two products 

o   Mac – free 10-day foundation sample 

·       Pizza Express – 30% off food and drinks every Sunday – Thursday all year round with a valid UniDays ID   

·       Office – 20% off full price items (Monday 27th September to Sunday 3rd October) 

·       ProCook – 10% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September)  

·       River Island – 20% off (Monday 20th September – Thursday 3rd October)  

·       Schuh – students receive 20% off (Monday 20th – Monday 27th September), there will also be a ‘spin-to-win’ station (while stocks last) 

·       The Perfume Shop – students receive 15% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Trespass – 15% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Fat Face – 20% off (Monday 20th – Sunday 26th September) 

·       Accessorize – 10% off all year round  

·       New Look – 10% off all year round  

·       Tessuti – 10% off all year round  

Valid student ID will be required. 

For more information please visit: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/  

HMRC warns students of scams

University students taking part-time jobs are at increased risk of falling victim to scams, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning.

Higher numbers of students going to university this year means more young people may choose to take on part-time work. Being new to interacting with HMRC and unfamiliar with genuine contact from the department could make them vulnerable to scams.

In the past year almost 1 million people reported scams to HMRC.

Nearly half of all tax scams offer fake tax refunds, which HMRC does not offer by SMS or email. The criminals involved are usually trying to steal money or personal information to sell on to others. HMRC is a familiar brand, which scammers abuse to add credibility to their scams.

Links or files in emails or texts can also download dangerous software onto a computer or phone. This can then gather personal data or lock the recipient’s machine until they pay a ransom.

Between April and May this year, 18 to 24-year olds reported more than 5,000 phone scams to HMRC.

Mike Fell, Head of Cyber Security Operations at HMRC, said: “Most students won’t have paid tax before, and so could easily be duped by scam texts, emails or calls either offering a ‘refund’ or demanding unpaid tax.

“Students, who will have had little or no interaction with the tax system might be tricked into clicking on links in such emails or texts.

“Our advice is to be wary if you are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. We see high numbers of fraudsters contacting people claiming to be from HMRC. If in doubt, our advice is – do not reply directly to anything suspicious, but contact HMRC through GOV.UK straight away and search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.”

In the last year (September 2020 – August 2021) HMRC has: 

·         responded to 998,485referrals of suspicious contact from the public. Nearly 440,730 of these offered bogus tax rebates   

·         worked with the telecoms industry and Ofcom to remove 2,020 phone numbers being used to commit HMRC-related phone scams 

·         responded to 413,527 reports of phone scams in total, an increase of 92% on the previous year. In April last year we received reports of only 425 phone scams. In August 2021 this had risen to 3,269

·         reported 12,705 malicious web pages for takedown

·         detected 463 COVID-19-related financial scams since March 2020, most by text message 

·         asked Internet Service Providers to take down 443 COVID-19-related scam web pages.

By June this year, more than 680,000 students had applied to university, and over 900,000 held part time jobs during the 2020-21 academic year.

  1. HMRC’s advice is:

Stop: 

·         Take a moment to think before parting with your money or information. 

·         Don’t give out private information or reply to text messages, and don’t download attachments or click on links in texts or emails you weren’t expecting.

·         Do not trust caller ID on phones. Numbers can be spoofed.

Challenge: 

·         It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

·         Search ‘scams’ on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact  and how to avoid and report scams. 

Protect:

·         Forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599. Report scam phone calls on GOV.UK. 

·         Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen victim to a scam, and report it to Action Fraud (in Scotland, contact the police on 101).

  1. Data about student university applications can be found here.
  1. Data on part-time student employment can be found here.
  1. Follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s steps on keeping secure online at CyberAware.gov.uk.
  1. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

Three new mobile vaccination buses target Scotland’s students

The Scottish Ambulance Service has launched three new mobile vaccination buses to cover the whole of Scotland – with a bus dedicated to the east, west and north of the country.

Over the last seven months, the Service has been working in partnership with health boards and local authorities to support the delivery of the national vaccination programme. With the launch of the new buses, one of the key priorities will be to ensure that students are able to access vaccines.

There will be further clinics at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow Caledonian University and Glasgow University, where it will be parked up at different locations including Murano Street.

The east bus will be at locations in the Scottish Borders, including at Borders College in September, while the north bus will be working with secondary schools across the Highlands.

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “Our fantastic staff and our close working with Scottish Government, Health Boards and local authorities across Scotland has meant we can reach into communities via our mobile vaccination bus to ensure everyone has the chance to be vaccinated.

“With university students set to arrive on campuses across the country, we want to ensure they are protected, so over the coming months our vaccination buses will be located at universities and campuses to ensure every student can protect themselves, and others, from Covid-19.”

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “These new vaccine buses, along with those being run by some NHS boards, makes it even easier for students to get vaccinated. As well as going round schools in the Highlands, they will also visit university and college campuses around Scotland Earlier this year we announced the international students will also be included in our national programme.

“The increase in case numbers in recent weeks means it remains vital everyone who is offered a vaccine takes up the invitation. The vaccine buses has been an excellent addition to our national vaccination programme and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for their hard work.”

Gillian Plunkett, Director for Student Experience at City of Glasgow College, said: “Throughout this global pandemic the health and welfare of our students has been our top priority. We are delighted to welcome the NHS Mobile Vaccination Unit. It offers immediate access for students and staff who have still to receive their first vaccine, or their second dose.  

“While we continue with our hybrid learning and teaching approach this new academic year, we are encouraging our students to take up the vaccine which is strongly recommended by the NHS as providing the best protection against the effects of Covid-19.”  

The mobile vaccination buses will also be helping communities across Scotland, so that everyone can receive the appropriate Covid 19 vaccines for their age group. New funding has been provided by the Scottish Government for the buses, in order to improve accessibility to vaccine clinics across the country.