That the Parliament congratulates Brendan Crombie, Barry Martin and Rachael Hunter on graduating from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dedicated training facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh; notes that this was the first group of graduates from the training facility; understands that Brendan and Barry are being deployed to McDonald Road Fire Station, and Rachael is to join Sighthill Fire Station; notes that the £10.5 million facility, which opened early in 2020, is now the second largest fire training site in Scotland and is able to equip 1,600 personnel from across 65 fire stations with the knowledge and skills to respond safely and effectively to fires within domestic, industrial and commercial buildings; recognises that training is an essential component in ensuring firefighters maintain the skills and professional competencies needed to keep communities safe; believes that having these fantastic facilities in the east of Scotland allows training to be delivered closer to home for many, enabling firefighters to spend less time away from their core duties and their families, and wishes Brendan, Barry and Rachael every success in their future careers.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Brendan Crombie, Barry Martin and Rachael Hunter on graduating from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dedicated training facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh; notes that this was the first group of graduates from the training facility; understands that Brendan and Barry are being deployed to McDonald Road Fire Station, and Rachael is to join Sighthill Fire Station; notes that the £10.5 million facility, which opened early in 2020, is now the second largest fire training site in Scotland and is able to equip 1,600 personnel from across 65 fire stations with the knowledge and skills to respond safely and effectively to fires within domestic, industrial and commercial buildings; recognises that training is an essential component in ensuring firefighters maintain the skills and professional competencies needed to keep communities safe; believes that having these fantastic facilities in the east of Scotland allows training to be delivered closer to home for many, enabling firefighters to spend less time away from their core duties and their families, and wishes Brendan, Barry and Rachael every success in their future careers.
Supported by: Kenneth Gibson, Stuart McMillan, Annabelle Ewing, David Torrance, Stewart Stevenson, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Christine Grahame, Sandra White, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Jeremy Balfour, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Gillian Martin, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament commends the five Edinburgh Napier University students who are the first individuals in the country to qualify as Special Constables through a new on-campus training programme; understands that the students, Larissa Engelmann, Campbell Cunningham, Annelise Hoey, Sumaiyah Shafique, Amy Murphy, while also studying at Edinburgh Napier University, have been training as Special Constables since January 2020 and have completed 136 hours of training, including officer safety training at Tulliallan, the Scottish Police College; recognises that the project to bring the Special Constable training in-house was led by Dr Andrew Wooff, a lecturer in criminology at the university, who worked with Police Scotland to adapt the training to allow it to be built into the students’ timetables; notes that the programme was devised because of a growing demand from students to become involved as Special Constables; appreciates that the Special Constable role is diverse, demanding, rewarding and offers volunteers an opportunity to contribute to the community, and thanks the five students, who are now available to help Police Scotland with its COVID-19 response, for their work.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends the five Edinburgh Napier University students who are the first individuals in the country to qualify as Special Constables through a new on-campus training programme; understands that the students, Larissa Engelmann, Campbell Cunningham, Annelise Hoey, Sumaiyah Shafique, Amy Murphy, while also studying at Edinburgh Napier University, have been training as Special Constables since January 2020 and have completed 136 hours of training, including officer safety training at Tulliallan, the Scottish Police College; recognises that the project to bring the Special Constable training in-house was led by Dr Andrew Wooff, a lecturer in criminology at the university, who worked with Police Scotland to adapt the training to allow it to be built into the students’ timetables; notes that the programme was devised because of a growing demand from students to become involved as Special Constables; appreciates that the Special Constable role is diverse, demanding, rewarding and offers volunteers an opportunity to contribute to the community, and thanks the five students, who are now available to help Police Scotland with its COVID-19 response, for their work.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Kenneth Gibson, Willie Coffey, Stewart Stevenson, Jeremy Balfour, Angela Constance, Fulton MacGregor, Sandra White, Bruce Crawford, Gillian Martin, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur
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That the Parliament commends Wester Hailes Connect on its plans to distribute internet tablets to vulnerable people in its area; recognises that the tablets will allow vulnerable people to remain connected during these challenging times; understands that the tablets were donated by the BT Group as part of the DevicesDotNow initiative run by FutureDotNow, which is coordinating industry action to target the 1.9 million households that do not have access to the internet and are digitally excluded; notes that the DevicesDotNow initiative was created in response to the social distancing necessary due to COVID-19 and that it is asking businesses to donate tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as connectivity in the form of sim cards, dongles and mobile hotspots; considers that remaining connected with friends and family and broad media sources are critical in reducing the harmful effects of social isolation that is experienced by many in society, and thanks Wester Hailes Connect for its work to support the community throughout a very challenging period.
Current Status:
That the Parliament commends Wester Hailes Connect on its plans to distribute internet tablets to vulnerable people in its area; recognises that the tablets will allow vulnerable people to remain connected during these challenging times; understands that the tablets were donated by the BT Group as part of the DevicesDotNow initiative run by FutureDotNow, which is coordinating industry action to target the 1.9 million households that do not have access to the internet and are digitally excluded; notes that the DevicesDotNow initiative was created in response to the social distancing necessary due to COVID-19 and that it is asking businesses to donate tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as connectivity in the form of sim cards, dongles and mobile hotspots; considers that remaining connected with friends and family and broad media sources are critical in reducing the harmful effects of social isolation that is experienced by many in society, and thanks Wester Hailes Connect for its work to support the community throughout a very challenging period.
Supported by: David Torrance, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Clare Adamson, Emma Harper, Neil Findlay, Gillian Martin, Richard Lyle
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That the Parliament unreservedly condemns the UK Conservative administration's immigration proposals; believes that these completely disregard the needs of Scotland’s employers, public services and communities; considers that they will have a detrimental impact on the social care sector, which employs over 110,000 people in Scotland, including in Edinburgh, with a significant number of the workforce coming from the European Economic Area (EEA); notes with concern that the Conservative's immigration policy income threshold of £25,600 is significantly higher than the £17,500 average salary paid in Scotland’s care sector; recognises that Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, the umbrella body representing more than 400 nursing homes, day services, and home care providers, has warned of the “triple whammy” that the immigration policy will impose on the provision of support for dementia patients, vulnerable adults and others in need; understands that the policy will reduce the number of working-age people coming to live, work and contribute to Scotland’s economy; believes that it will reduce the number of current care staff due to what it considers toxic rhetoric around immigration, and that it will reduce the funding available to the care sector due to the economic impact of these political decisions; deplores the UK Conservative administration's proposals for categorising care workers earning under £25,600 as “low-skilled labour”; considers this view to be harmful, out of touch, and completely opposed to the needs of an aging population in Scotland, and acknowledges calls for an immigration policy that reflects Scotland’s distinct needs, demographic and economy, and to maintain quality support in the care sector.
Current Status:
That the Parliament unreservedly condemns the UK Conservative administration's immigration proposals; believes that these completely disregard the needs of Scotland’s employers, public services and communities; considers that they will have a detrimental impact on the social care sector, which employs over 110,000 people in Scotland, including in Edinburgh, with a significant number of the workforce coming from the European Economic Area (EEA); notes with concern that the Conservative's immigration policy income threshold of £25,600 is significantly higher than the £17,500 average salary paid in Scotland’s care sector; recognises that Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, the umbrella body representing more than 400 nursing homes, day services, and home care providers, has warned of the “triple whammy” that the immigration policy will impose on the provision of support for dementia patients, vulnerable adults and others in need; understands that the policy will reduce the number of working-age people coming to live, work and contribute to Scotland’s economy; believes that it will reduce the number of current care staff due to what it considers toxic rhetoric around immigration, and that it will reduce the funding available to the care sector due to the economic impact of these political decisions; deplores the UK Conservative administration's proposals for categorising care workers earning under £25,600 as “low-skilled labour”; considers this view to be harmful, out of touch, and completely opposed to the needs of an aging population in Scotland, and acknowledges calls for an immigration policy that reflects Scotland’s distinct needs, demographic and economy, and to maintain quality support in the care sector.
Supported by: John Mason, Bill Kidd, Bob Doris, Rona Mackay, Sandra White, Emma Harper, Stuart McMillan, Joan McAlpine, Richard Lyle, Gil Paterson, Mark McDonald, Fulton MacGregor, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, David Torrance, Alex Rowley, Tom Arthur, Stewart Stevenson, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Andy Wightman
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 18/03/2020
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That the Parliament welcomes the grants distributed to local groups through the University of Edinburgh Community Grants Scheme; notes that the sum of the grants has now passed £200,000; understands that the scheme, established in 2017 to support local people's vision for a better Edinburgh, helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration; notes that the scheme aims to increase engagement between the University and local communities, have a positive social impact and create learning opportunities, including informal and non-traditional forms of learning; appreciates that projects funded in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency have included Barnardo's Edinburgh Together ADHD Parenting Groups in Colinton, the Edinburgh Food Project serving foodbanks in Oxgangs and Plan Bee, a sustainable and natural beekeeping project working with vulnerable young people in Balerno; commends the University of Edinburgh for the commitment it has demonstrated to the local community, and wishes the organisations that have received grants all the best.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the grants distributed to local groups through the University of Edinburgh Community Grants Scheme; notes that the sum of the grants has now passed £200,000; understands that the scheme, established in 2017 to support local people's vision for a better Edinburgh, helps the development of projects, community activities and sustainable local action through funding and collaboration; notes that the scheme aims to increase engagement between the University and local communities, have a positive social impact and create learning opportunities, including informal and non-traditional forms of learning; appreciates that projects funded in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency have included Barnardo's Edinburgh Together ADHD Parenting Groups in Colinton, the Edinburgh Food Project serving foodbanks in Oxgangs and Plan Bee, a sustainable and natural beekeeping project working with vulnerable young people in Balerno; commends the University of Edinburgh for the commitment it has demonstrated to the local community, and wishes the organisations that have received grants all the best.
Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Sandra White, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Joan McAlpine, Willie Coffey, Clare Adamson, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Maureen Watt, Bruce Crawford, Neil Findlay, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament congratulates Katie Swanson and Clara Mapletoft on receiving awards from the Currie Balerno Rotary Club’s Individual Youth Grants fund; notes that the fund was established to provide assistance to local youngsters in recognition of outstanding achievement; commends Katie for being selected for the Under 16 Scotland Girls hockey team in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and for representing Scotland in the UK School Games at both under-16 and under-18 level; praises Clara, who trains three days a week in Edinburgh and a further two days in Glasgow with Scottish Ballet and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as one of only 16 people out of 600 applicants to be selected for the Scottish Ballet senior programme; appreciates the support that the Currie Balerno Rotary Club's fund provides to aspiring young achievers, and wishes the two young women every success in the future.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Katie Swanson and Clara Mapletoft on receiving awards from the Currie Balerno Rotary Club’s Individual Youth Grants fund; notes that the fund was established to provide assistance to local youngsters in recognition of outstanding achievement; commends Katie for being selected for the Under 16 Scotland Girls hockey team in 2016-17 and 2017-18 and for representing Scotland in the UK School Games at both under-16 and under-18 level; praises Clara, who trains three days a week in Edinburgh and a further two days in Glasgow with Scottish Ballet and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as one of only 16 people out of 600 applicants to be selected for the Scottish Ballet senior programme; appreciates the support that the Currie Balerno Rotary Club's fund provides to aspiring young achievers, and wishes the two young women every success in the future.
Supported by: Richard Lyle, Stuart McMillan, Sandra White, Fulton MacGregor, Emma Harper, Edward Mountain, Bill Kidd, Jeremy Balfour, Joan McAlpine, Stewart Stevenson, Gillian Martin, Willie Coffey, Angela Constance, Clare Adamson, Alex Cole-Hamilton, Tom Arthur, Ruth Maguire
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That the Parliament welcomes the NSPCC Scotland campaign, All of Us, which is being run in partnership with the Edinburgh City Child Protection Committee; notes that it aims to help families get support and advice with parenting or other worries about family life and raise awareness among communities and professionals about the early signs of child neglect and how to help families who are struggling; recognises that neglect can result from a number of issues, including parents not having support, funds or skills, and poor mental health, and believes that All of Us offers a preventative approach to families facing adversity by identifying vulnerability early and providing support before any crisis escalates.
Current Status:
That the Parliament welcomes the NSPCC Scotland campaign, All of Us, which is being run in partnership with the Edinburgh City Child Protection Committee; notes that it aims to help families get support and advice with parenting or other worries about family life and raise awareness among communities and professionals about the early signs of child neglect and how to help families who are struggling; recognises that neglect can result from a number of issues, including parents not having support, funds or skills, and poor mental health, and believes that All of Us offers a preventative approach to families facing adversity by identifying vulnerability early and providing support before any crisis escalates.
Supported by: Clare Adamson
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That the Parliament congratulates Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Associate Principal (Global Sustainability) at Heriot-Watt University, on her appointment as the UK’s Decarbonisation Champion by UK Research and Innovation; notes that Professor Maroto-Valer will work with industry and leading experts to develop a proposal to decarbonise the UK economy by the UK Government's target of 2050; appreciates that she will also work in partnership with academia, industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop a new, state-of-the-art Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre at Heriot-Watt University; understands that the centre will allow researchers and industry to work together to develop new research and ideas that address complex social and environmental challenges essential to tackling climate change; highlights the centre’s ambition to transform the UK’s largest industrial areas reliant on carbon fuel into world-leading low-carbon manufacturing hubs while safeguarding jobs and communities, and wishes Professor Maroto-Valer and her team every success in their endeavours.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Associate Principal (Global Sustainability) at Heriot-Watt University, on her appointment as the UK’s Decarbonisation Champion by UK Research and Innovation; notes that Professor Maroto-Valer will work with industry and leading experts to develop a proposal to decarbonise the UK economy by the UK Government's target of 2050; appreciates that she will also work in partnership with academia, industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop a new, state-of-the-art Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre at Heriot-Watt University; understands that the centre will allow researchers and industry to work together to develop new research and ideas that address complex social and environmental challenges essential to tackling climate change; highlights the centre’s ambition to transform the UK’s largest industrial areas reliant on carbon fuel into world-leading low-carbon manufacturing hubs while safeguarding jobs and communities, and wishes Professor Maroto-Valer and her team every success in their endeavours.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Stuart McMillan, David Torrance, Richard Lyle, Bill Kidd, Gordon Lindhurst, Jeremy Balfour, Sandra White, Clare Adamson, Ruth Maguire, Willie Coffey, Joan McAlpine, Gil Paterson, Fulton MacGregor, Alexander Burnett, Tom Arthur, Gillian Martin, Maureen Watt
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That the Parliament congratulates Edinburgh College on being shortlisted in three categories in 2020’s Times Educational Supplement Further Education (TES FE) Awards; notes that the awards will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on 20 March 2020; understands that the TES FE Awards are to celebrate and reward the dedication and expertise of the people and teams who continue to make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners in further education; recognises that the lecturer, Helena Good, has been named a finalist in the Teacher of the Year category; further recognises that the college’s Automotive Engineering team has been nominated in the Best Teaching and Learning Initiative category for an innovative programme in which students build cars for motor racing at Knockhill Circuit; praises the college’s Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) team for its nomination in the Apprenticeship of the Year category following a tremendous amount of work to enhance the college’s FA offering, and wishes the college every success at the awards.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Edinburgh College on being shortlisted in three categories in 2020’s Times Educational Supplement Further Education (TES FE) Awards; notes that the awards will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on 20 March 2020; understands that the TES FE Awards are to celebrate and reward the dedication and expertise of the people and teams who continue to make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners in further education; recognises that the lecturer, Helena Good, has been named a finalist in the Teacher of the Year category; further recognises that the college’s Automotive Engineering team has been nominated in the Best Teaching and Learning Initiative category for an innovative programme in which students build cars for motor racing at Knockhill Circuit; praises the college’s Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) team for its nomination in the Apprenticeship of the Year category following a tremendous amount of work to enhance the college’s FA offering, and wishes the college every success at the awards.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Sandra White, Miles Briggs, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Jeremy Balfour, Joan McAlpine, Gillian Martin, Gil Paterson, Gordon Lindhurst, Maureen Watt, Willie Coffey, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur, Alexander Burnett
Current Status: Fallen on 13/03/2020
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That the Parliament congratulates Currie High School on achieving the Silver Level of the LGBT Charter Mark; recognises the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff in achieving this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland; notes that the school was commended for having strong curriculum inclusion across the board from maths to PE, and welcomes the training and the review of policies, practice and resources that aim to ensure that the school goes beyond meeting legislative needs and is as inclusive as it can be for pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
Current Status:
That the Parliament congratulates Currie High School on achieving the Silver Level of the LGBT Charter Mark; recognises the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff in achieving this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland; notes that the school was commended for having strong curriculum inclusion across the board from maths to PE, and welcomes the training and the review of policies, practice and resources that aim to ensure that the school goes beyond meeting legislative needs and is as inclusive as it can be for pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
Supported by: Miles Briggs, Sandra White, Stewart Stevenson, Stuart McMillan, Bill Kidd, Richard Lyle, David Torrance, Gillian Martin, Gil Paterson, Maureen Watt, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Clare Adamson, Tom Arthur
Current Status: Fallen on 13/03/2020
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