Council to ask Justice Minister for rethink on abolition of prison visiting committees

 

“Council:

i. notes the recent decision of the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to abolish prison visiting committees thereby removing independent monitoring of Scottish penal institutions from the landscape;

ii. regrets this decision and will seek to join with others to campaign to retain independent monitoring of Scottish penal institutions;

iii. instructs the Chief Executive to write on behalf of the Council to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice outlining our concerns andasking for him to re-consider his decision.

National Economic Forum focuses on youth employment

Youth employment has topped the agenda at Scotland’s ninth National Economic Forum, held today at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange.

As part of the focus on getting more of Scotland’s young people into work, First Minister Alex Salmond and Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance have met with a number of young people currently working in training positions across central Scotland.

It is the first time that young workers have been specifically invited to attend the forum.

Held the day after the publication of the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, the NEF is the first since the appointment of Angela Constance as the UK’s first dedicated employment minister. It is being attended by seven ministers and cabinet secretaries, as well as around 200 representatives of the private sector and members of the public, trade union and third sectors.

Nine young workers – from companies including First Group, the Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Water and Lloyds Banking Group – took part in the face-to-face session with the First Minister and Ms Constance.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Jobs and economic growth are this government’s top priorities and I think youth employment most of all is critical. The economic cost of unemployment is significant but the cost of youth unemployment in disaffection and disillusionment is even greater.

“We have a range of measures to tackle this issue and we are making progress but we can and we must do better. We know we are not immune to the consequences of international economic uncertainty and the severe austerity measures being imposed by Westminster.

“However, the appointment of Angela Constance as Scotland’s – indeed, the UK’s – first ever dedicated Youth Employment Minister and the publication of the Youth Employment Strategy reflects how serious we are about the action we are taking.

“Key measures include our pledge to deliver 25,000 modern apprenticeships each year over the lifetime of this parliament and the commitment to every 16-19 year old who is not in an apprenticeship, in training, full-time education or a job to be offered a training place.

“Perhaps the most important part of today’s proceedings for me has been the face-to-face session with a number of young workers in training positions throughout Scotland, both hearing how they have been helped into the workplace and what more we can do to help others in the weeks and months to come.”

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance added:

“Engaging with young people directly is crucial to tackling the difficulties they face in finding employment and training opportunities. Today’s meetings follows a very productive session with young people placed at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow and Hewlett Packard in Erskine and I am very keen that that we keep hearing about such experiences.

“Scotland’s first ever Youth Employment Strategy has now been published, containing a number of actions across the whole of the public, private and third sectors to ensure there is a national solution to a national problem. We want to build on the publication and today’s Forum and help improve the life chances for all Scotland’s young people.”

Get out of Edinburgh to the Dark Sky observatory

Not just yet, but it will be available soon. This week we have all been marvelling at the photographs of the Aurora Borealis, even one or two taken in Edinburgh itself, which is difficult with all the light pollution overhead. Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing yesterday marked the start of work on the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory – the first of its kind in Scotland – which will create a state-of-the-art visitor attraction for budding stargazers and astronomers in Britain’s only dark sky park.

The new facility will be located in Galloway Forest Park, one of only 10 parks in the world to be recognised by the International Dark Sky Association. The new observatory builds on the park’s ‘dark sky’ status and offers visitors a chance to observe the Northern Lights, the Milky Way, planets, comets and shooting stars.

The observatory is receiving £94,000 funding from the Scottish Government. As well as attracting astronomers, the facility will be an educational resource for schools, colleges and universities. The project hopes to capitalise on the recent popularity of the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme, which captured the imagination of almost 3.8 million viewers this month.

The site chosen for the observatory is within a pristine landscape and has been confirmed the best possible by the Royal Observatory, with the darkest skies of the Dark Sky Park.

Mr Ewing took part in a ground breaking event at the observatory site today to mark the start of work on the project. The observatory is due to open in September 2012.

The Minister said:

“Scotland has made an immense contribution to shaping the modern world through science and research excellence, and this new observatory builds on our reputation as a hotbed of innovation and ideas.

“The creation of a state-of-the-art, first of its kind in Britain, observatory will attract stargazers and astronomers from near and far. Almost four million people tuned into the BBC’s Stargazing Live programme and it is hoped that this new observatory will capitalise on the success of the show and capture the imagination of people of all ages.

“The Galloway Forest Park area enjoys some of the darkest skies in the world and this new facility will showcase the area’s stunning natural scenery and resources to attract new visitors and investment to Ayrshire.”

Observatory Manager Cath Seeds said:

“We have worked so hard over the last two years to generate the enthusiasm and raise funds for this project. It is wonderful that we can come together today and officially start the construction of the Observatory.

“We could not have come this far without the support of all our funders; Ayrshire LEADER; Scottish Government; Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust; East Ayrshire Council; The Monument Trust; William Grant & Sons Ltd; Eden Charitable Trust; Barr Environmental through the Landfill Communities Fund; James Weir Foundation; The Robertson Trust; and Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Together we will bring astronomy to all.”

“Often, the science can feel overwhelming, so we want the observatory to break down these barriers by bringing together astronomy, nocturnal natural history and arts and crafts inspired by the night sky.

“We also want to play a key role in the future development of this area. Great things are occurring and great talent is abundant. Our role is to improve science in our community, whether by inspiring the next generation of scientists or providing the spark needed by an inventor to produce something truly remarkable.”

Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council Councillor Iain Linton said:

“The Dark Sky Observatory will be a huge asset for East Ayrshire in terms of the tourism and educational benefits it will bring to the area. It will hopefully attract not only local visitors, but many tourists and keen stargazers from around the world who I’m sure will be extremely impressed with the new facility. This in turn will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area and will really put East Ayrshire on the map.”

Edinburgh Lectures 2012 announce starry line up

The Edinburgh Lectures 2012 series has announced one of its best ever line-ups to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of this long running lecture programme.

Opinion: The future state of the Union

I consider myself, before political bias, a social libertarian.

Whatever the political allegiance of the candidates, my vote usually ends up going to whoever offers me the closest thing to freedom, allowing me to live my life in the way I choose and unshackled by the chains and straight jackets of unnecessary law and legislature.

I think there is a general trend towards social libertarianism in British, and particularly Scottish, political thinking. I reckon we were all pretty appalled by Republican candidate Rick Santorum’s policies to govern people’s love lives. It is important in elections, and particularly in the very important one we’ll have in 2014, to think of all the possible implications your vote holds; and so I feel it is important to point out some things that seem to have slipped by the main Independence discourse.

The biggest elephant in the Independence room is the state of the New Britain sans Scotland. The most immediately worrying is the political state of Westminster once the 53 Scottish seats are removed. It has been a matter of great amusement that there are now more pandas in Scotland than Tory MPs, (although now a bit well-worn! Ed.) but if the Union were to separate, the loss to Labour of their 41 MPs and the loss to the Liberal Democrats of their 11, as well as the subtraction of the 53 Scottish seats from the total, would mean that the 306 Tory seats were enough for a majority. Generally speaking, and barring a 1997-esque landslide, newly independent Scotland would potentially find herself with a permanently Conservative southern neighbour.

The possible implications for the rest of the Union are also interesting, as a successful independent Scotland could seal the deal for Welsh independence. It surprises me that I haven’t read much about this in the Independence coverage, especially as a part of the Labour ‘No’ campaign. An independent Scotland would be a death sentence for Labour in Westminster.

The other matter which has received press coverage, and rightly so, is the state of British nuclear-equipped submarines stationed on the Clyde. The SNP has not made their position clear but probably will do so in the full agenda which is promised. At present the Trident nuclear missile system represents Britain’s independent nuclear deterrent in its entirety. A Scotsman article highlights the options.

As it stands, nowhere else in the UK is capable of berthing the submarines. An independent Scotland determined to banish the British military, would essentially eliminate the UK nuclear ability. The SNP is also still to announce their position on British nuclear submarines at Faslane, but if they insist on removal then my vote goes to full independence regardless of any other policy. Along with many others, I was sickened by the huge expenditure and the very real world-ending capability of renewal of the Trident system, and any policy that promotes slowing, stopping or reversal of nuclear arms creation gets my wholehearted support. The nuclear sword of Damocles which swings overhead needs to be removed permanently, and if the SNP choose this option they will have a unprecedented chance to disarm a nuclear nation. Just as an independent Scotland could increase support for an independent Wales, so could a disarmed Britain bring other nations round to the same sane realisation.

As a born-and-bred Scot, it has been hard not to get caught up in the romanticism of the Independence debate and focus on facts and possibilities, and I’m still undecided myself as to how my vote will swing. If my ballot could help the world towards nuclear disarmament, the 2014 vote can’t come quickly enough. It is in my view important to consider all of the implications of such a momentous decision and consider fates other than our own.

As it stands, an independent Scotland would change the UK political landscape, and if they really care about doing the right thing, could remove Britain as a nuclear power. Keep an eye on all the facts, as I am going to, and we can all make an informed decision come referendum day.

Milestone marked in Edinburgh’s Tram Project

A major milestone in the Edinburgh Trams project has been reached today  with an event to mark the official handover of the Gogar depot to The City of Edinburgh Council. The depot will be home to the entire tram fleet and will also act as the network control centre when the service goes live in 2014.

The project has secured around 600 jobs – 500 working on construction and a further 100 posts involved in operating and maintaining the network once in operation. The depot is fully electrified and testing has been taking place for the last week on the five trams that have already been delivered.

Cllr Jenny Dawe, Council Ceader, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Looking around the depot, it is clear that we have a world class facility from which to run the tram network.

“We are already well into the testing programme and it was a real boost to see the trams in motion along the test track today – a very visible indication of the momentum we have built up over the past few months.

“There is now much more clarity surrounding the tram project, particularly as we now have a detailed programme of works in place, and I very much hope this continues as we move toward the final completion date of summer 2014.”

The Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland, is supporting the Council for the final stages of the Edinburgh trams project. Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown, said: “It is encouraging to see the focus now firmly back on delivery with the first trams moving on the test track. This is an important milestone for the project and demonstrates what has been achieved through the City Council working alongside Transport Scotland and the contractor in the last few months.”

Four tram drivers are currently working on site and will be continuing to test the existing fleet in the months ahead. Graeme Healy (37) from Edinburgh is the fleet’s first driver. He said he was glad to be part of the project:

“I am proud to be able to say that I am the first of the city’s next generation of tram drivers. I did my initial training in Nottingham and will be training the other drivers that come on board throughout 2012, which is something I’m really looking forward to.”

First Minister’s Christmas Card by Alasdair Gray

The First Minister’s official Christmas card for 2011 will feature a painting by renowned Scottish artist and author Alasdair Gray, it was announced today.

Bella Caledonia features an image painted by Alasdair Gray as part of the spectacular ceiling mural in Oran Mor in Glasgow, and that venue was chosen by the First Minister as the apt location for his launch reception this afternoon.

The painting will be auctioned in the new year with proceeds given to four Scottish charities: Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS); Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF); Glenachulish Preservation Trust; and the Small Tribes Trust – a charity chosen by Alasdair Gray.

Last year’s card – Let’s Twist Again by Jack Vettriano – raised £86,000 for the Bethany Christian Trust, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, Quarriers and Teenage Cancer Trust.

That took the total raised by the First Minister’s Christmas cards to more than £127,000 since 2007, with charities including CLIC Sargent, Joining Against Cancer In Kids Foundation, Mary’s Meals and the RNLI all benefiting from the auction sales.

First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“Alasdair Gray is one of Scotland’s most iconic and prolific artists and authors, and I am delighted that he accepted the challenge of painting this year’s charity Christmas card – which with his involvement is going to raise significant amounts of money for this year’s four charities.

“Bella Caledonia personifies Scotland as a strong woman with a passion for social justice, and Alasdair Gray has said she represents the qualities that Scotland should aspire to – a view I am happy to endorse at Christmas-time and year-round.

“As in previous years, the original artwork unveiled today will be auctioned off and the funds raised will be handed to four deserving charities in Scotland.

“Since 2007, my Christmas cards have raised more than £127,000 for a variety of causes in Scotland. And this year, the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, the Glenachulish Preservation Trust; and a charity chosen by Alasdair Gray – the Small Tribes Trust – will all share in the auction proceeds.

Alasdair Gray said:

“In Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s ‘Sunset Song’, the heroine is referred to at one point as Chris Caledonia. I called my character Bella Caledonia for the same reasons as Gibbon – because she is a representative of all Scotland.

“Bella Caledonia first appeared as an illustration in my novel ‘Poor Things’. She was wearing a Gainsborough-style hat, with a view of central Scotland behind her. The post is based on the Mona Lisa, with crossed hands, looking sideways.

“The original is lost long ago, but I have painted different versions of Bella. I changed the hat to a Glengarry and put a tartan plaid over her shoulder. The character is a strong woman with an enquiring mind and a sense of social justice, the qualities we would like Scotland to have also.

“That sense of social justice and compassion is reflected in the work of the charities who will benefit from the painting. At Christmas, that is very appropriate.”

Maria Gill, CHAS Chief Executive, said:

“All of us at Children’s Hospice Association Scotland feel very proud to have been chosen to benefit from the First Minister’s Christmas card. We have been touched by the interest shown towards our work by the First Minister since his visit to Rachel House Children’s Hospice in March of this year.

“CHAS provides much needed care and support at Scotland’s two children’s hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, as well as helping families in their own homes with our CHAS at Home service. Christmas is a particularly poignant time for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families. We are incredibly grateful to the First Minister for supporting them in this way.”

Lorraine Currie, SCIAF’s Head of International Programmes, said:

“We are delighted that the First Minister has chosen to show his support for SCIAF’s work in this way. Too many people are still going to bed hungry each night because of crippling poverty and social injustice around the world.

“The proceeds from the First Minister’s Christmas card will provide vital additional funds to help SCIAF address these problems and we will make sure that every penny raised is spent where it is needed most.”

Dr Jennifer Frances, Chair of Trustees of the Glenachulish Preservation Trust, said:

“We have been completely taken by surprise to be chosen as a beneficiary of the First Minister’s Christmas Card 2011, and are very appreciative.

“We are a small, recently formed charity run completely by volunteers, which aims to preserve in working order the last turntable ferry in Scotland. Once a common sight throughout the Highlands ‘wee ferries’ such as our MV Glenachulish were road links before the widespread building of bridges to improve the road network in the 1970s.

“The Glenachulish sails the historic route between the Isle of Skye and Glenelg, the shortest crossing to the island, and offers the people of Scotland an opportunity to experience an important aspect of our culture and heritage first hand. Money donated will begin the extensive restoration programme for the vessel.”

New Youth Employment Minister welcomed

SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central, Marco Biagi, has welcomed the news that Scotland will have a dedicated Youth Employment Minister and invest an extra £30million in young people.

The funding will help Scotland’s youth back into training, work or education to secure a strong workforce of the future.

Details of the Ministerial post and allocation of the £30m will be outlined before Parliament breaks for recess.

Biagi said: -”This is a fantastic announcement from the First Minister that will help get our 16-19 year olds back into work, education or training.

“While Scotland’s youth employment rate is higher than the rest of the UK, more needs to be done.

“This money will really help young Scots – especially during this tough economic time.

“Appointing a dedicated Youth Employment Minister shows how committed the SNP is to equipping all our young people the skills they need for life – and getting them into employment.

“The Minister’s priority will be to promote skills and work for 16 to 24-year-olds and to ensure not a single school leaver becomes just an unemployment statistic. The SNP is securing a stronger workforce for the future.”

 

Following the announcement, Robin Parker, President of NUS Scotland, said:

“With youth unemployment at alarming levels in Scotland, £30m of new funding and a Minister to specifically tackle the problem is great news. Lots of young people across Scotland, whether school leavers, or college or university graduates, are very worried about their futures and we look forward to working with the new Minister to make sure education, training, and employment opportunities are available to them.

 

“This new money would be very effective if channelled through colleges in Scotland. We have been campaigning hard for the Scottish Government to provide the money colleges need to protect student support, places, quality and local access to campuses. I hope that a significant part of this new money can go towards helping to achieve that.

 

“We look forward to seeing further detail on this fund and on the new Minister’s role. In the meantime we will continue the Our Future, Our Fight (1) campaign to ensure that student support, places, quality, and local access at colleges are protected.”

University of Edinburgh Amnesty group urge support for Holyrood consultation

The University of Edinburgh’s Amnesty International Society is among many groups working in support of the Scottish Government’s Same Sex Marriage Consultation.

Yesterday dressed in wedding clothes, the group collected consultation forms both on Princes Street and outside The Scottish Parliament.

At present only Civil Partnerships are available to homosexual couples so for 14 weeks, which began on 2 September, The Scottish Government has asked for public input on this matter.

The consultation investigates three issues:- same sex marriage, religious ceremonies for civil partnerships and whether it is ethical to force religious groups to participate.

The Scottish Social Attitudes survey formed the basis for the consultation. In 2010 the survey found a 60% approval rate and 19% disapproval rate for same sex marriage.

If the consultation finds similar results, the Government may draft legislation  Any legislation might be presented to the Scottish Parliament in 2013.

With the consultation deadline approaching, the issue has been subject to much debate, so yesterday, the Amnesty International Group took part in action to attract attention for the movement. They also collected completed consultation documentation which will be used by the Government to gain public support for the movement.

Commenting on the current situation, Amnesty Chair, Laura Shepherd said:- “No-one should be denied their human rights based on their sexuality.”

She elaborated on the wide reaching effects of the ban:-“The current system also denies the rights of transgender people, many of whom are currently forced to divorce in order to receive gender recognition.”

“Scotland has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the international trend towards protecting the rights of same sex couples.”

The Amnesty Group met and participated in a photo shoot with Edinburgh Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi.

Biagi has long supported the legalisation of same sex marriage and the increase of gay representation in Parliament, and said:- “Discrimination on sexual grounds should be a thing of the past.”

He went on to comment that among the groups showing support are several religious organisations, who are “calling for the right” to endorse civil partnerships and carry out marriages.

Among these groups are the Unitarians, Liberal Jews, Quakers, the Metropolitan Community Church and the Pagan Federation, representatives from each of which took part in a conference on marriage equality in September.

The conference’s panel remarked on the “intolerable intrusion” of the current ban on religious freedom.

However, Biagi also stressed the importance of “sufficiently motivated” individuals in the consultation; it is their responses that will make a decisive difference.

Supporters should contact The Scottish Government; this issue has now moved beyond the influence of MSPs.

While Biagi is hopeful, he is aware that it will be a long process and will need further support and work.

Anyone wishing to be part of the consultation should complete a form by the 9th of December.

They are available from the Potterrow EUSA office and online

Holyrood to consider Statutory Repairs

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