The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has delivered products worth £2,500 to Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The Scot Baby Box Appeal supports families with newborns in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes filled with essential items, alongside supplies for relief efforts and other critical necessities, helping to ensure that every newborn has a safe and nurturing start.
A group of 92 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline packed and delivered the sorted pallets to the charity’s hub in Coatbridge. The donation included essential items such as toiletries, clothing and drinks.
Alongside the delivery of pallets, seven employees from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline volunteered at the charity’s warehouse to support with the team’s sortation and space management support to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
The charity has been supported by Amazon since 2022, with the fulfilment centre team in Dunfermline making donations and volunteering for almost three years.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “The team at Scot Baby Box Appeal provides excellent support to families across Scotland and Ukraine.
“Amazon in Dunfermline has a longstanding relationship with the team at Scot Baby Box Appeal and we’re pleased to contribute once again to the efforts of the staff and volunteers with this donation.”
Christina Watson, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “I’m pleased that I can take part in supporting the charity for a second time this year and I can’t wait to see the relationship between Amazon Dunfermline and Scot Baby Box grow even further.”
Gail Maguire, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “Thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their continued support with this donation. Their help is always greatly appreciated, especially on the run up to Christmas.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.
The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.
Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
Lorna Slater, the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, has urged the Scottish Government to support tenants by maintaining protections that are set to expire next month.
In 2022 the then Green Minister, Patrick Harvie, introduced a temporary cap on most in-tenancy rent increases. Since the end of the cap in March 2024, there has been a temporary rent adjudication system in place, also introduced by Mr Harvie, that has kept rents down for some tenants.
At the time, the Scottish Government said that the system was to support the transition away from the rent cap to a system of permanent rent controls and to protect tenants from excessively large rent hikes.
The Scottish Government has said that these temporary restrictions will not be renewed at the end of next month.
The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Edinburgh is now £1358 which is an increase of 104% since 2010. [1]
Lorna Slater MSP said: “Rents across Edinburgh have skyrocketed. Renters have paid the price, while private landlords have lined their pockets. And whilst there is legislation on the way to introduce permanent rent controls at last, these won’t come into force until 2027.
“Right now, renters are protected by temporary controls that were introduced by the Scottish Greens. But these protections are set to expire in a matter of weeks, exposing households across the city to extortionate rent increases.
“Removing these protections without replacing them would create a cliff edge that risks throwing households and familiesinto financial despair.
“If the Scottish Government is serious about supporting renters then the least they can do is extend these modest measures to help support renters through the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
Leith Theatre Trust today revealed that it has secured a significant funding package potentially worth £4.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Just days after being included on the Theatres Trust ‘Theatres at Risk’ Register for the ninth year, and shortly after securing a 50 year lease of the complex from City of Edinburgh Council, Leith Theatre Trust is delighted to announce Heritage Fund backing of its ambitions to create an innovative cultural venue at the heart of its community.
An initial award of £247,947 for its Back to Life: the theatre that isn’t just a theatre project supports Leith Theatre to develop its capital refurbishment plans in close collaboration with The National Lottery Heritage Fund in order to secure the full remaining funding award of just over £4.2m.
The development support from the Heritage Fund also strengthens a community engagement programme, helping to ensure local people remain at the heart of the Leith Theatre story.
An impressive civic space, now suffering from damage and decay, Leith Theatre is a Grade B listed building with classic interwar architecture and a unique political history, built to commemorate the incorporation of Leith into the City of Edinburgh’s new boundaries in 1920.
Lengthy periods of closure have preserved many original features, making the theatre a distinctive and valuable heritage site. Time has left its mark, but despite deterioration, the space retains much of its classic detailing, with its ‘authentic’ and ‘faded grandeur’ continuing to resonate with all who visit.
Between 1961 and 1988, it served as a venue for the Edinburgh International Festival, hosting performances by world-renowned musicians like the Amadeus Quartet and Benjamin Britten. The theatre hosted contemporary music in the 1970s, with iconic bands like AC/DC and Kraftwerk performing on the stage.
As it reawakens, Leith Theatre has woven itself into the local community, making it an important local asset, celebrating the heritage and civic pride of Leith.
As one of few buildings in Edinburgh to sustain war damage, the theatre was closed in 1941. The Main Auditorium has now been closed for more than half its life, yet Leith Theatre has still taken its place in the community weaving an incredibly rich story and heritage.
Without support, the curtain could have fallen on Leith Theatre’s rich social and cultural history forever. This funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund opens up the possibility of significant refurbishment and a year-round, permanently open Leith Theatre for the first time since its initial opening.
The Future
As a mid-sized music and performance venue, Leith Theatre’s past informs its future. However, the building is not just a space for entertainment but also a much-loved community hub appealing to a diverse and intergenerational audience.
The Trust’s ambition is to save this valuable community asset so it can take its rightful place at the heart of Leith and in the cultural landscape of Edinburgh, contributing to local vibrant life and ultimately benefitting future generations.
The vision for the refurbishment is to ensure the building fulfils these original purposes but as a contemporary space that preserves the charm and heritage that makes it so enthralling to visitors. It will be a remix of the old and the new, retrofitting the iconic venue to preserve its rock-and-roll spirit while hitting the right notes on sustainability.
Everyone will be able to take part in the refurbishment project through events and heritage opportunities, allowing many people to access the venue and play their part in preserving and creating Leith and the City of Edinburgh’s history. People can stay up to date on these opportunities by signing up to the organisation’s newsletter and social media channels.
In the longer-term, this project ensures organisational sustainability in order to offer employment opportunities and skills development, bringing economic and social benefits to Leith.
Leith has featured in several ‘best neighbourhood’ polls and articles in recent years due to its mix of creative businesses, artists, Michelin starred restaurants, vibrant bar scene and new tram links direct from the airport. Leith Theatre’s return at last gives the area and Edinburgh a brilliant mid-size live music and performance venue in an accessible, yet out of city centre location.
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive from Leith Theatre Trust said: “We are delighted with this initial support from The National Lottery Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can continue to progress our strategic plans to revitalise and reimagine this beautiful heritage building.
“This is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team that has helped realise this ambition, which is one that I have been aiming for since appointment. It will be invigorating working in partnership with the Heritage Fund to develop and bring visibility of such an exciting lottery project to the heart of Leith.”
Anna Higham, Funding and Finance Manager from Leith Theatre Trust, said: “This project to bring Leith Theatre back to life really shines a spotlight on heritage and how important it is for communities to retain buildings of local value.
“Although this feels like the culmination of lots of hard work, it is really just the beginning, and we are excited to continue our next step development plans and launch our full capital fundraising campaign.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “We are thrilled to be able to help make plans for a restored and revitalised Leith Theatre a reality.
“As a historic theatre with nearly a hundred years of stories, creativity and characters there is so much to celebrate and explore in its heritage.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, Leith Theatre Trust’s plans for the future will be developed with the community ensuring this wonderful theatre has a bright future as a lively venue and as a place for local people to experience and be involved in the arts, culture and creativity.”
MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, said:“It’s a wonderful building and I have been pleased to support the Leith Theatre team, and dream, in any ways that I could, since being elected in 2016.
“I recall first being shown around the place back then, when it was in a state of disrepair, and the progress in the years since has been remarkable. I pay tribute to all of the staff, board and volunteers for everything that has been achieved up until now.
“The space is a fantastic venue, and I cannot wait to see and hear the shows and concerts that will now take place in the near future. Leith is a creative and energetic hub, and I am excited for what is ahead for this theatre.
“I predict there will be significant demand to perform on the stage – by musicians, actors and other various artists alike – and many audiences are in for a treat! Congratulations to everyone involved in getting to this moment, and here’s to a bright future ahead! Open the curtains and turn up the amps!”
Single malt whisky-lovers are raising a glass as there’s an innovative new spirits start-up in town; Leith-based Tailored Spirits Co. have launched their first-ever whisky range under the brand nameThe Experimental Series.
The whisky bottler’s inaugural release aims to ‘redefine tradition’, with a belief that single cask spirits are not just about heritage, but also ‘curiosity, exploration and innovation’.
The Experimental Series* are one-of-a-kind micro-batch experiments, limited-edition whiskies chosen to push the boundaries of what a single cask whisky can be. The series consists of a CroftengeaLoch Lomond 7-year-old costing £59.50 producing only 52 bottles, a Fettercairn 13-year-old release of 84 bottles priced at £74.50, and an Ardmore 8-year-old limited to just 60 bottles priced at £64.50 each – all available on the company’s website:
The meticulous design style is inspired by travel luggage labels, provoking memories of places whisky-lovers have visited, with the bottle shape being a nod to those found in a scientific lab. A removable tab or ‘lab ticket’ containing a four-letter-code in alphabetical order per release, offers a collectors item for spirits enthusiasts to track each experiment.
The company has announced that customers who collect six of the The Experimental Series lab tickets will gain exclusive access to a very special upcoming experimental release.
Tailored Spirits Co. is a groundbreaking new start-up that specialises in privately owned whisky casks. The company has been tipped by business leaders to transform the way owners of single cask whisky understand and realise the value of their rare spirits. After launching in 2024, Tailored Spirits Co. immediately gained recognition and momentum by winning the top spot at the coveted Scottish Edge nation-wide entrepreneurial competition, landing the business with funding of £100k.
The line-up of Founders are a trio of industry professionals who all bring their own unique expertise to the table; Tom Costello covers all things Brand & Creative, with Carl Johnstone managing Commercial & Operations and Adam Harding leading the Spirits, Sales & Strategy.
The highly-experienced team stand by one clear mantra ‘From the warehouse to your house’ with one very clear vision – ‘to bridge the gap between the commercial scale of whisky and the needs of a single cask owner’.
Commenting on their first-ever whisky launch, Adam Harding, Co-Founder & Director, said: “We are beyond delighted to release our first-ever whisky range.This release is all about redefining tradition, honouring heritage but championing curiosity, exploration and innovation.
Since launching Tailored Spirits Co. in 2023, we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the whisky industry. It is such a warm & welcoming environment and we are so excited to release our first spirits into the whisky world.”
Adding his thoughts on the meticulous bottle design, Tom Costello, Co-Founder & Director, said: “We love making whiskies look as attractive and eye-catching as possible.
“The Experimental Series was a dream to design. It showcases the beauty of experimentation, something that’s not bound by tradition, a true exploration of flavour and design. For me the fact they can never be replicated made our first release really special.”
Carl Johnstone, Co-Founder & Director, gave his vision for the future of the company: “As a business, our story is one of continued growth and development. We have an awareness of a growing demand in a rapidly changing industry.
“This allows us to work closely with private clients all over the world. Our business started with a dram, and that’s exactly where our clients’ dreams and passions begin. Our role is to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
Tailored Spirits Co. are experts in spirits, specialising in whisky supply, creating exceptional brands and bottlings. An Edinburgh-based, global-serving company who guide clients through the complexities of spirits bottling projects and ensure their dreams are achieved.
As festive bills start to arrive, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh not to suffer in silence and get in touch with their support line.
January is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s national children’s charity. The new year can be extremely tough for families who face worries about Christmas spending and increased living costs during the colder weather.
Getting advice early can make a huge difference to families and can help address any issues before they escalate and help them back to financial health.
To get on the front foot for 2025, Children First’s expert support line team have put together some handy hints for healthier finances.
Children First support line is here to help families with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. They work with parents and carers by listening to any worries they may have about their finances and then put a plan in place to navigate their difficulties.
Sinead Haddow, service manager at Children First said, “Talking about your finances can be really daunting and we understand it can cause lots of anxiety for families.
“Our friendly support line team will listen to your worries, free of judgement, and start to help you put together a plan to get back to financial health.
“When families speak to us, it may be the first time they have had a good night’s sleep in months.
“Pick up the phone to our support line today, by calling 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
“Whatever way families want to contact to us, we’re here to listen.”
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Children First said: “January can be a tough time for many children and families.
“Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery the Children First support line can offer free, confidential, support to any family anywhere in Scotland, which many families tell us can feel like a lifeline.”
Last year, Children First helped almost 1,000 families to put £1.9 million back into their pockets through unclaimed benefits, grants and budgeting.
The charity can also provide expert support on debit and helped double the number of families in 2023-2024 to manage over £813,000 in debt.
Children First support line is here to help families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. From mental health, money worries and online harm to struggles at school the charity’s support line can offer free help and advice thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Children Trust.
New analysis indicating that healthcare treatment needs to be boosted by a fifth to eliminate COVID backlogs could represent ‘a huge incentive to ambitious innovators’, insists an NHS Scotland partner.
Researchers believe that the Scottish health service must aim to treat at least 20 per cent more non-emergency hospital cases over the next three years in order to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Experts from the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Oxford suggest in their Scotland-wide study – published in The Lancet – that successfully targeting an additional 32,300 cases per year by the end of 2026 could clear the COVID-19-related backlogs.
Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health insists that helping to accelerate workforce-led innovation represents a key facet in meeting that challenge, aligning with the study’s suggestion of adopting “broader system-level strategies” in tandem with additional capacity.
Regulatory Project Manager Paula Sweeten insists that it’s “a sizeable ambition, but an achievable one too if supported by incisive decision-making and the right encouragement of impactful innovation”.
She said: “We believe that inspiring and supporting the 180,000-strong NHS Scotland workforce to innovate in a major way can help to make the required difference to waiting lists which were significantly exacerbated by the pandemic.
“Indeed, this new research states that referrals waiting to receive non-urgent treatment rose by a huge 73 per cent over the four years from 2019 as services were placed under tremendous strain.
“Overcoming that legacy of having to focus health service resource on COVID-19 for successive years remains a massive challenge of course – and we need to be realistic about what can be achieved with current investment in Scotland – but innovation opportunities are undoubtedly part of the solution.
“Those working within NHS Scotland are well-placed to identify those opportunities, leveraging not only the daily insights of individuals who are closest to challenges, but the vast collective experience and knowledge across every health board to establish more efficient, forward-looking practices.”
Researchers found that the medical specialties where most patients waited more than 12 weeks for both inpatient and outpatient appointments were Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), General Surgery, Gynaecology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Urology.
InnoScot Health has seen a growing number of innovations submitted by health and social care staff in the fields of gynaecology and surgery, and insists that the workforce is an important driver of not just adopting new innovations, but coming up with those initial ideas themselves.
Study lead, Dr Syed Ahmar Shah of the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, noted that NHS Scotland requires “a holistic approach, including system-wide strategies like better demand management, prioritising cases by clinical urgency, and improving overall efficiency”.
A multifaceted approach is needed, the researchers concluded, combining capacity increases with other measures including improvement of waiting list management, promotion of preventive healthcare, and workforce strategies aimed at recruitment and retention.
Digital health solutions such as telemedicine may help to manage less urgent cases, while innovative scheduling practices could optimise resource use, they noted.
Dr Shah added that there is a need “to set realistic recovery plans and ensure adequate funding for their implementation”.
Paula continued: “InnoScot Health believes improved collaboration across the Scottish system, with empowered innovators at its heart, is vital in the push for more efficient approaches and smarter use of resource.
“We consider that to be a huge incentive to many of NHS Scotland’s most entrepreneurial-minded, ambitious innovators who have ideas to share and are keen to spearhead sweeping change.
“This country was founded on groundbreaking ideas, and our organisation is committed to ensuring dynamic healthcare innovation is very much to the fore at this vital time of transformation.
“By uniting our accelerative expertise with the workforce ideas and delivering real value from healthcare innovation, we can collectively aim to improve patient outcomes while finding tailored solutions to optimise clinical time as part of a more sustainable NHS Scotland.”
Streetreads Library, a vital community space, based in Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, which serves 150-200 people experiencing homelessness every week, is facing closure after unexpectedly being served an eviction notice.
The well-used independent service, operated by Simon Community Scotland and solely reliant on donations and fundraising, provides not just books but a sense of belonging and hope to those who visit. It currently costs around £75,000 a year to run.
Fiona Williamson, Head of Service for Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, said: “We are devastated and deeply concerned about the impact this will have on people who use the library.
“Streetreads opened in 2021 and has grown exponentially alongside the people we support. There will be a huge gap in services and support while we seek new premises, as our appeal for more time to find an alternative site has sadly been declined.
“At very little cost, Streetreads creates immeasurable value for the city. Losing this space is not just a blow for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our city — it’s a setback for Edinburgh as a whole.”
Michelle, a regular visitor to the space, said: “Streetreads is more than a library— it’s a sanctuary. It’s the only place where I feel human.”
With up to 100 people rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over 5000 people living in homelessness accommodation, the need for safe spaces has never been greater.
Simon Community Scotland is urgently seeking a new location to ensure no one is left without this lifeline service.
The charity needs funds to help secure the right space that will meet the needs of the people being supported, including mental health support, creative writing and arts, educational opportunities, advice, community and hope, as well as the opportunity to find a quiet, warm, safe space to read, get a cup of tea and have a chat.
Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The need for safe places, support and hope has never been greater.
“This eviction underscores the growing challenges facing people in Edinburgh who are increasingly at risk of homelessness and all the related harm and trauma. We need urgent support to find a new home for Streetreads. We have been advised that alternative premises are likely to add an additional £20,000 a year to running costs.”
Award-winning authors Ian Rankin and Michael Pederson have voiced their support for the charity.
Rebus creator Ian Rankin, said: “I’ve known and supported Streetreads from the very beginning and always enjoyed visiting the library and drop-in centre.
“I’m so hoping that suitable accommodation can be found for this crucial enterprise. Streetreads means the world to its many users.”
Michael Pedersen, writer in residence at The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate), said: “Streetreads Library is an incredible, crucial, and vital resource to Edinburgh and Scotland beyond.
“It’s refuge and salvation, it’s connection and inspiration, and so so much more. I’ve been awe-struck by the work they do, their warmth and innovation, and the enthusiasm their clients have for the space, its people and the facilities.
“Quite frankly, it’s invaluable. And all this from a library that’s only in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things). We need to be growing it, supporting it, championing it and celebrating it. It’s a model for others to learn from, to follow, but only if we rally behind them now and henceforth.
“What a formidable loss this location would be, a beacon of hope taken from the chest chamber of our capital city.”
Fiona Williamson added: “This isn’t just a library—it’s a lifeline. This is a chance for Edinburgh to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space which requires investment and funding.
“I am excited that together, we can ensure no one is left without the safety, opportunities, learning and hope that is provided by this vital service.”
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy
Treaty will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression
Will bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects
New UK-built Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories
The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.
The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.
From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.
The partnership underpins the Prime Minister’s steadfast leadership on Ukraine as his government continues to provide support. Spanning nine key pillars, it will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion; and foster it to support long-term security and growth for both our countries. The Treaty and political declaration, which form the 100 Year Partnership, will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.
It is expected to bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression, bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects.
It also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraine’s energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.
The 100 Year Partnership is a major step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security – ensuring they are never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia – and committing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.
Ukraine has a highly trained military, and a thriving technology sector that is rapidly designing and deploying state of the art battle-ready equipment: a security partnership with Ukraine will make Britain stronger.
To mark the signing of the partnership today, the Prime Minister is expected to announce new UK support for Ukraine from lethal aid to economic resilience.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.
“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.
“The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our Plan for Change.
“Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.”
The Prime Minister will join a Ukrainian class dialling into a primary school in Liverpool today, who will be joined by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. He will hear from the next generation about how the partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters.
100 schools in the UK and Ukraine will be partnered over the coming months as part of a two-way programme built around reading for pleasure. Through sharing stories from their own cultures, they will explore the power of reading to overcome adversity – building links between the countries for generations to come.
The Prime Minister is also expected to see firsthand how UK aid is supporting Ukrainians living under bombardment through a visit to a Ukrainian hospital. He will meet patients and doctors and hear how £100m of UK humanitarian funding is supporting needs across Ukraine and specialist medical care for burn victims, including those maimed by Russian missiles raining down on neighbourhoods.
The hospital is being supported by specialist NHS doctors, who are upskilling Ukrainian medical teams and providing lifesaving opinions on treatment for severely injured patients, both virtually and through short deployments to the country. Many admitted to the hospital have burns to between 30% and 40% of their body surface.
The Prime Minister will also announce £40m for a new economic recovery programme to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private lending to bolster the growth and economic resilience of small and medium businesses in Ukraine, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The programme will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine, opening up enhanced trade and investment opportunities with one of our closest allies. The funding will be targeted at businesses supporting the green economy, and marginalised groups including women and veterans.
It is hoped over the long term, the programme, called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), will reduce reliance in Ukrainian communities on humanitarian support and help build economic resilience.
And as part of the partnership, a new Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. The UK developed the new scheme following an ask from Ukraine to the G7 to help trace snatched grain from Ukraine fields under Russian control, which is then relabelled and sold on.
Using cutting edge science to help determine where grain has been grown and harvested, the UK has developed a database to support Ukraine’s efforts to trace and stop theft of grain from occupied regions.
Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks.
Today’s announcement builds on the £12.8 billion package of support the UK has given Ukraine, including £7.8bn of military assistance, a commitment for £3bn in military aid until as long as it takes, and ongoing energy infrastructure support to help hospitals and community facilities provide light and warmth to innocent civilians impacted by Putin’s invasion.
The UK and Ukraine will use an annual high-level Strategic Dialogue to ensure progress on the partnership for decades to come.
Gordon Macdonald MSP has hit out at UK Labour government’s betrayal of WASPI women as figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) reveal 24,230 women across Edinburgh may have lost out on pension payments.
As a result of the DWP’s failure to inform them of changes to the state pension age, it is estimated that a total of 355,910 women across Scotland did not receive money they were entitled to.
Now, following their electoral victory in July last year, the UK Labour government have reneged on their promise to compensate these women. The SNP however continues to call for the WASPI Women to receive the compensation they deserve, doing so again in a Holyrood debate this week.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The Labour government’s betrayal of the WASPI Women is utterly shameful.
“As many as 24,230 across Edinburgh have lost out as a result of a UK government mistake, and many have tirelessly campaigned for decades to right this wrong.
“For the Labour Party – after mere months in power – to break their promise to compensate these women is wrong and an enormous breach of trust.
“The SNP will continue to campaign alongside the WASPI Women for the compensation they deserve. I urge the Labour government to see sense and u-turn on their decision.”
A Midlothian company is literally bringing light into the lives of hard-working teams and big-hearted volunteers who staff Scotland’s charities with a brilliant initiative which will also cut waste and boost the circular economy.
Blackmoon Lighting, which has been operating out of Loanhead since 2004, has established a scheme in which whenever it is engaged in a Category (Cat) B fit out, it recovers energy-efficient light fittings from existing Cat A fit outs which otherwise might be thrown away, refurbishes them and donates them to worthy causes.
A Cat A fit out is a basic operational fit out that provides a finished empty space, ready to move into, while a Cat B fit out involves bringing all office design elements, including flooring and furniture, to create an operational workplace.
The firm, which specialises in concept designs, lighting modelling and supplying energy efficient, sustainable lighting solutions, founded the scheme following the appointment of a new management team in May last year.
It gives perfectly serviceable light fittings a second life by collecting them, refurbishing them and distributing them to charities or recycling them. Any fittings donated to charitable causes come with a five-year guarantee.
Matthew Wright,who has taken on the role of Managing Director at Blackmoon, said: “There are lots of Cat B fit outs going on across the Central Belt of Scotland, where a workplace is completely re-designed to a client’s unique specifications, and often the first thing they do is rip out the lights and replace them with new ones. That’s where we step in.
“This re-purposing initiative is our way of closing the loop, reducing resource consumption, lowering emissions and making a contribution to building a Net Zero future through our circular economy approach.
“We have already helped the Smart Works charity in Edinburgh and a major educational concern in the city. Energy-efficient light fittings benefit charities financially, but many can’t afford them. Now all they have to do is get in touch with us and we’ll see how we can assist.”
Smart Works Scotland, which gives unemployed women the clothes, coaching and confidence to secure employment and change their lives, has two centres, at Annandale Street in Edinburgh and in Glasgow.
Rachel Shields, its Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, said: “We were delighted that the light fittings were donated free to our charity’s new centre in Edinburgh by this amazing and sustainable initiative.
“Thanks so much to Blackmoon Lighting for supporting our cause and helping to transform our new centre into a warm and welcoming hub where even more women can access our transformative interview, dressing and coaching service to help them connect with their potential, get the job and change their lives.”
The new management team at Blackmoon Lighting, which includes Ewan Arthur as Sales Director and Marc Faughnan as Operations Director, took over on the retirement of the company’s founder, Kenny Morrison.
It employs 12 people and carries out installations across the UK. The fast-growing company also has the facility to design and manufacture bespoke luminaires and systems for both decorative and commercial applications.
