Interesting News

Consultation on a bill to introduce radical reforms to the education system has been opened. During the Programme for Government the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made clear that the Education (Scotland) Bill 2018 will be the centerpiece of the legislative programme for the year ahead. It will include a number of provisions to reform how schools are run and put schools in charge of key decisions about a child's education including; - More freedom to make choices about curriculum, improvement and funding at school level, - More freedom for headteachers to choose school staff and management structure, - New regional improvement collaborative's to provide streamlined and strengthened support to teachers, drawing on experts from local authorities and Education Scotland, - Strengthened engagement with young people and parents in schools. The new powers will be guaranteed in a statutory charter for headteachers, with provisions to ensure young people and parents als...

Domestic abuse figures published today show there were 58,810 incidents in 2016-17, up 1% from the previous year. Recorded by Police Scotland, the figures also show that 79% of these incidents had a female victim and a male accused. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the figures demonstrate the need for the Scottish Government to continue its drive to reduce gender-based violence. Mt Matheson said; "While the figures have been relatively stable over the past five years, they remain evidence of the unacceptable levels of domestic abuse in Scotland. We know these figures don't paint the whole picture, as victims are often too afraid to report abuse. We also know domestic abuse disproportionally affects women. "It is crucial our work continues with even greater urgency. We have allocated record funding of £20 million over three years towards eliminating violence against women and girls, and we are taking forward legislation to introduce a new offence, criminalis...

A business incubator center is Hawick will help Borders business establish themselves and grow, thanks to a £3.6 million funding package. The funding will also; develop four industrial units at the edge of the town, upgrade existing business facilities in Hawick's Tower Mill and secure commitment by Scottish Borders Council to fund and undertake feasibility studies for regeneration of two further redundant mill buildings to inform potential investors. The Scottish Government is working with Scottish Borders Council, local businesses and community groups to further develop the local economy, building upon the Hawick Action Plan. The support is part of a £10m local economic development capital grant fund, which is also supporting businesses in North Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire and Fife. Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said; "Supporting economic growth in the South of Scotland is a priority for this government, creating and protecting job...

Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, has set out his vision of empowerment and devolution for Scottish education, putting children at the heart of the system. At the School Leaders Scotland summer conference, the deputy First Minister reiterated his pledge to make teachers and parents the key decision makers in schools. It comes ahead of a statement of Parliament by Mr Swinney next week, subject to Parliamentary approval, when he will set out the next steps for education reform. Mr Swinney, said; "As part of the relentless drive to improve Scottish education, we must embrace the need to reform and reshape our education system. To close the attainment gap and raise the bar for all, decisions about a child's learning should be made as close to that child as possible. "That is why I have pledged to make teachers and parents the key decision makers in the life of a school. Reforms already introduced, such as Pupil Equity Funding, put the power to change lives dire...

The UK Government's pursuit of a hard Brexit would widen the inequality gap faced by disabled people, Social Security Minister, Jane Freeman has said. Ms Freeman raised her concerns on a visit to Strasbourg today, where she discussed Scotland's leading approach to promoting the rights of disabled people with the Council of Europe and Members of the European Parliament. Brexit poses a significant threat to the right that disabled people currently have under international conventions, rights, Ms Freeman said must be protected. Ms Freeman, said; "While the Scottish Government continues working hard to improve the lives of disabled people in Scotland, we know a hard Brexit puts jobs at risk and will create a further attack on their rights, eroding the protections and obligations we have come to expect. "Through my dialogue with the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, I stressed what we are already doing to uphold these principles. "The best w...

Hundreds of people will have the opportunity to study for degree-level courses while in employment thanks to a significant expansion of Graduate Level Apprenticeships. A total of 379 places will be made available for individuals to study for a degree, up to Masters levels, while in work in 2017-18. This builds on the investment that delivered a successful pilot of 27 places in the academic year of 2016-17. Skills Development Scotland is working with businesses, universities and colleges to deliver Graduate Level Apprenticeships. The programme aims to meet the needs of employers looking for high levels of academic and industry accreditation combined with experience in the workplace. Minister for Employability and Training, Jamie Hepburn, said; "We carried out a consultation with employers, which identified a need for skills that better support businesses and help them grow. "As a result we have committed to expanding the number of Graduate Level Apprenticeships, br...

Almost a third of golden eagles being tracked by satellite died in suspicious circumstance, scientists have found.  The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) research identified that the majority of cases were found where land is intensively managed for driven grouse shooting.  Environment Secretary, Roseanna Cunningham, confirmed to the Scottish Parliament she will now set up an expert group to look at managing grouse moors sustainably and within the law.  Following a request by the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee the group will also advise on the option of licensing grouse shooting businesses.  The report studied the movements of 131 young golden eagles over a 12 year period, and found more than 40 had disappeared in suspicious circumstances. It also found there was no link between fitting satellite tags and the disappearance of the birds of prey and ruled out any connection with the position of wind turbines.  In response M...

Thousands more people are considering a career in teaching as a result of the Scottish Government's latest recruitment campaign, according to early evaluation findings. The Teaching Makes People campaign was launched by Deputy First Minister John Swinney in February, targeting undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering and maths subjects as well as people currently working in these industries. The campaign visited 11 universities and recruitment firs, supported by outdoor and targeted digital advertising, radio features and a dedicated teaching website. The early evaluation results have shown that almost 3,500 people visited the Teaching Makes People stand, with 1,090 spending significant time discussing a career in teaching. More than 42,000 unique visitors to the campaign website and more than 2,600 registered for updates about applying for a postgraduate teacher education course. More than a third of undergraduates surveyed, after seeing the campaign, t...

Keith Brown has announced the opening of the M8, M73 and M74 as part of the £500 million M8, M73 and M74 Motorway Improvements Project. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair work said all daytime lane restrictions on the M8, M73 and M74 will be removed progressively over the coming days, freeing up capacity on the key part of Central Scotland's motorway network. This will allow road users to experience the benefit of the widened motorways and help deliver the full journey time savings of the new M8 motorway opened in April and the M74 Raith Underpass opened in February. As part of the Motorway Improvements Project, a range of improvements have been built over the last three years, including a new M8 motorway, significant improvements to Raith and Shawhead junctions as well as widening of the M8 M73 and M74, with new lanes providing an increase in motorway capacity. Mr Brown, said; £We are just a few days away from seeing the last of the lane restrictions bein...

A full independent care review group has now been established, First Minister Nicolaa Sturgeon confirmed to a reception of care experienced young people from across Scotland on the 30th of May.   The members have been appointed to support the Chair, Fiona Duncan, to undertake an independent review into Scotland's care system.  The group will look at legislation, practices, culture and ethos of the care system across Scotland. They will listen to young people with experience of care and their families and providers of care and particularly, children and young people in care now, to inform its recommendations to improve both the quality of life and outcomes of young people in care.  The First Minister, said; "Every young person should have an equal opportunity to succeed in life, no matter their circumstances. We should celebrate the progress that has been made that has allowed many of our young people who grow up in care to do great things in life, and thos...

The next milestone in building Scotland's new social security system will be the delivery of the first benefits and these will be the increased Carer's Allowance, the Best Start Grant and the Funeral Expense Assistance. The new benefits will be subject to the scrutiny and agreement of the Scottish Parliament. Social Security Secretary, Angela Constance, said; "The delivery of these first benefits is the next milestone in building Scotland's new social security system - the largest, most complex programme of change in the history of devolution. "The benefits we will deliver may be different in nature but there is one common thread which binds them - an investment in the people of Scotland. "Our approach will always treat people with fairness, dignity and respect, and there is no better way to show this than providing the support that they need and when they need it. These steps are key to helping us create a fairer country for all. "Our plan...

Scotland's NHS is to see an additional £50 million investment to improve waiting times performance, announced health secretary Shona Robison. The investment will be distributed across the territorial health boards to improve performance in a range of areas; including outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment. This will support improvements in waiting times, particularly for inpatients who have been experiencing waits above the 12 week treatment time guarantee. Ms Robison, said; "This increased funding of £50 million will help us reduce waiting times at all stages of a patient's journey through the NHS - the original consultation, and tests required, and the final procedure itself. " This investment comes in addition to the £10 million that was recently invested to reduce outpatient waiting times focusing on areas such as orthopaedics, ophthalmology and gastroenterology. Following this investment, the most recent waiting times statistics, sho...

A Scottish Government strategy will help train professionals to spot the signs of human trafficking and provide new powers to disrupt trafficking activity. The Scottish Government's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy also highlights the need to better publicise support for victims and confirms that public awareness activity will take place later this year. The strategy aims to identify victims and support them through safety and recovery; identify perpetrators and disrupt their activity and to address the conditions that foster trafficking and exploitation. Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, said; Developing the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy has included listening to victims themselves, who have provided a unique insight into the physical and psychological damage caused by trafficking. We have emphasised the need to let people know that there is support available for victims, wherever the are recovered in Scotland. "Exposing and eradicating t...

Registration for Scotland's Baby Box will open on 15 June 2017 for all babies due on or after the 15 August this year. The Box is a strong signal of the Scottish Government's determination that every child, regardless of their circumstances, should get the best start in life. The Box shall include essential items for a child's first weeks and months, supporting all parents. Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald, said; "Scotland's Baby Box will help tackle deprivation, improve health and support parents, and we're proud to introduce it in Scotland. "It will include materials to promote the best possible outcomes for children and the Box itself will also provide a safe space for babies to sleep near their parents, to promote bonding and early attachment. "From January 2018, all Baby Boxes will be delivered at least four weeks before the baby's due date." Expectant mothers will register to receive their baby's b...

Minister for Mental Health, Maureen Watt, has launched a new training resource to help meet the needs of people affected by trauma and abuse. The National Knowledge and Skills framework for trauma is designed to support people working in the public and third sectors in Scotland to support those affected by trauma, their families, carers and supporters. Ms Watt, said; "Trauma is a public health issue and how we deal with it and respond to those affected is everyone's business. We all have a part to plat. Therefore I'm delighted to highlight out commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by trauma. "Scotland is at the forefront of this work internationally. This is an ambitious and transformative approach, which is about building capability and capacity across all sectors to recognize and respond better to the needs of people affected by trauma and abuse." The training framework will be delivered by NHS Education for Scotland at the request of...

The value of fish landings is at a record high, having increased by 29% to $563 million in 2016, according to the latest statistics published by the Scottish Government. The increase was mainly driven by a 41% increase in the value of landings for pelagic fish like herring and mackerel. Mackerel continues to be the most valuable stock, accounting for £169 million of Scottish landings. Fisheries Secretary, Fergus Ewing, said; "These latest statistics show he value of Scottish catch is at a record high with Scotland's fishing fleet and sea fisheries contributing £563 million in revenue to out economy. "The fishing industry plays a key role in our rural economy. It supports jobs and businesses at sea but also in our coastal communities, and contributes significantly to Scotland's world class food and drink success story."

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, yesterday confirmed that investment in the River Clyde has helped to tackle pollution and restore habitats. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) which monitors the water quality in Scotland's lochs and rivers has reported the Clyde is in significantly better health than expected thanks to investment by Scottish Water, SEPA, farmers and local authorities. The major improvement project is estimated to result in Scottish Water invest more than £600 million between 2010 and 2021, with the money going into wastewater treatment work and sewerage systems in the area. Meanwhile the Scottish Governments Water Environment Fund (WEF), which is administered by SEPA, has help to restore natural habitats by removing fish barriers and concrete channels to allow fish to reach the upper reaches of the Clyde catchment. The WEF fund has already invested £3.1 million in river restoration projects near Hamilton and Shotts, with more inve...

Employment levels in Scotland during January to December 2016 reached a record high of 2,579,700, reflecting a huge improvement to the Scottish labour market. Scotland's Cheif Statistician published statistics on Regional Employment Patterns in Scotland from the Annual Population Survey on Tuesday. This publication presents annual estimates for a wide range of labour market indicators across local authority areas in Scotland for 2016. The report found that the employment level for men, aged 16 and over, has increased by 13,900 over the year and is at the highest level since 2008. While the youth unemployment rate decreased by 2.3% over the year, with the you employment rate also decreasing by 0.7%. Worryingly the trend reflected across the nation of pensioner workers has been reflected in the report, with the employment rate for people aged 65 and over increased from 5.2% in 2004 to 9.1% in 2016. Over half of workers over state pension age in Scotland said they has not ye...

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that the people of Scotland must not allow terrorism to triumph and should go about their business as usual. Following confirmation that the UK's terror threat level has been raised to 'critical', the First Minister chaired a further Resilience Committee meeting in the early hours of yesterday morning, which was attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Justice Secretary, the Lord Advocate and senior officers from Police Scotland. At the meeting, ministers were briefed by Police Scotland about the practical implications for Scotland of the heightened security status. The First Minister said; "While raising the UK terror threat level to 'critical' has been judged a necessary response to the despicable attack in Manchester, we must not allow terrorism to triumph. "Police Scotland have already visibly increased their presence in locations such as transport hubs and city centers as a precaution. Security arr...

On Tuesday evening First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, gave this statement to the Scottish Parliament about the Manchester attack; "Presiding Officer, "It is with great sadness that I rise to speak today. "Last night in Manchester we witnessed a horrific attack on innocent people enjoying a music concert. "My thoughts, those of this Parliament - indeed, the thoughts of all the people of Scotland - are with those who have lost loved ones or sustained injuries in this dreadful atrocity. "There can be nothing more cowardly than attacking children and young people enjoying a fun night out. "Across Scotland today we stand in solidarity with the people of Manchester - a great city with which so many people in Scotland share a close affinity. "I have this morning also written to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, offering the condolences of the Scottish people and pledging any possible practical support that the Scottish Government or any...