7 July 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined ministers in Cupar, as the Scottish Government’s touring cabinet continued their travels around Scotland.

The First Minister joined NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins to mark a milestone in the construction of the new £4.4 million Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit (IPCU) at Stratheden Hospital.

She said:

“Mental health services are an absolute priority of this Government and we have been investing heavily for a number of years in mental health provision.

“We have also recently announced our £100 million Mental Health Innovation fund, which is targeting additional investment over the next five years. This new funding will make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The First Minister then called by Elmwood Golf Course to learn more about the American summer student exchange programme currently underway. During June and July 1,400 school pupils from the US will visit the golf course to learn about all aspects of golfing from teeing off, selecting a club, through to driving the fairways and putting.

In a nod to the First Minister attending the Scottish Open in Gullane this coming weekend, Steve Johnstone, Club Operations Manager at Elmwood Golf Club, presented the FM with a commemorative putter which she admitted was her very first. Steve therefore invited her back multiple times so that she could eventually amass enough to have her own full set.

“Visiting Elmwood Golf Club and seeing the enthusiasm of these young people who have travelled from the US to learn about Scotland as well as enjoy their first a taste of golf has been wonderful. This programme allows us to demonstrate all the good things about Fife – and indeed much of our country; and the hard work of the SRUC and the people at Elmwood Golf Course is to be congratulated.

“During my recent visit to the US, I met many young people who were genuinely interested in Scotland and what we have to offer and it is satisfying to see there are initiatives such as this which are allowing young people to experience Scotland first-hand.”

The First Minister visited Cupar Youth Café with the Minister for Young People and Children to sign the Scottish Government up as a supporter of iRights. Run in Scotland by Young Scot, iRights helps children and young people to access the internet and digital world safely and knowledgeably.

 

“We believe that every child and young person has the right to grow up in a safe environment – that principle applies to the virtual world too. That is why we’re proud to support the iRights coalition and to ensure the Scottish Government is doing its bit to keep children and young people safe online.

“Digital technology is increasingly a key part of our everyday lives and it’s vital that young people develop their digital skills, learn to use technology responsibly and understand the risks, as well as the opportunities, of being online.

“I’m delighted that Young Scot will be leading this project in Scotland and will be able to reach thousands of young people across the country to involve them in shaping and their online rights.”