Displaying items by tag: Scotland

Aberdeenshire solicitor Gordon M Hay has been awarded an MBE for his pioneering translation of the entire Bible into Doric, a variant of the Scots language. Spanning 17 years, his work includes the New Testament, published in 2012, and the Old Testament, completed in 2022. This milestone marks the first time the entire Bible has been translated into any Scots dialect. Hay’s translation journey began in 2006 when he was asked to translate passages for the Buchan Heritage Society's annual Doric service. Encouraged by the positive reception, he embarked on the monumental task of translating both Testaments, producing over 800,000 words. His contributions have garnered recognition from the Scottish Parliament and royal circles, with invitations to read at Crathie Kirk by the now King Charles III. A dedicated Church of Scotland elder for 30 years, Hay also translates literary classics, writes Doric nursery rhymes, and plays the organ. He remains an active cultural ambassador for the Doric language.

Scotland’s NHS faces a critical future: the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned it may not survive another year without urgent reforms. It has stressed the need for transformative changes to maintain the NHS’s founding principle of free care at the point of need. BMA chairman Dr Iain Kennedy described the system as 'in constant crisis’, with understaffed facilities leaving doctors physically and mentally exhausted. A recent survey revealed 99% of doctors are deeply concerned about increasing pressures, with many reporting dangerously overcrowded emergency departments and unsustainable workloads. Dr Kennedy called for a comprehensive workforce plan, long-term funding strategies, and integrated approaches to primary, secondary, and social care. Without reform, more people may be forced into private healthcare or left without access to necessary treatment. The Scottish government acknowledged the concerns, proposing record investments in health and social care. See also

The body of 69-year-old Alex Salmond, Scotland’s former first minister and champion of Scottish independence, will soon be flown back from North Macedonia, where he died suddenly. He passed away from a suspected heart attack at a lake resort after participating in a forum. A spokesman for the forum confirmed that repatriation procedures for his body are nearly complete, with a special flight scheduled in the coming days. Salmond was leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and served as first minister from 2007 to 2014. He led the push for Scottish independence, bringing the country to a referendum in 2014, where independence was narrowly rejected (55% to 45%). He then resigned, to be succeeded by Nicola Sturgeon, his long-time ally turned political rival. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Scottish political history.

Two Scottish Labour MPs have surprised their leader Anas Sarwar by voting against the party line in support of a non-binding motion urging the UK government to reverse cuts to the winter fuel payment. The motion, proposed by first minister John Swinney, was passed by a large majority, with members of all other parties, including the Scottish Conservatives, backing it. Making this payment dependent on means testing, part of a broader debate about austerity measures inherited from the Conservative government, is opposed by the SNP. Sarwar defended Labour’s position, arguing that the Chancellor did not want to cut the payment but was constrained by the economic challenges left by the previous administration. However, critics have warned that the cuts would force many elderly citizens to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Scotland's deputy first minister, Shona Robison, has announced £500 million in public spending cuts to address financial pressures. The cuts, which span various sectors, aim to balance Scotland’s budget while facing ongoing economic challenges. Robison emphasised that difficult decisions were necessary to manage increasing demands on public services and rising costs. The cuts will affect education, healthcare, and transport, sparking concerns from public sector workers and unions. Critics argue that the reductions could lead to decreased quality in essential services and further strain on already under-resourced sectors. Robison defended the cuts as crucial to prevent long-term financial instability, noting that the government is committed to protecting vital services as much as possible. However, she acknowledged that the cuts were far from ideal and called for a review of how public funds are distributed and used efficiently.

Scotland has seen a concerning rise in drug-related deaths, with 1,172 fatalities recorded in 2023 - a 12% increase after two years of declines. Dr Tara Shivaji, a consultant at Public Health Scotland (PHS), highlighted that these statistics represent real people whose families are now grappling with grief. The unregulated drugs market in Scotland is becoming increasingly toxic and unpredictable, with a surge in potent synthetic drugs which are often mixed with other substances, with deadly consequences. Dr Shivaji says that Scotland's drug crisis is deeply rooted in social issues such as poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma. Addressing these underlying factors is essential for tackling the crisis. PHS is committed to working with various organisations to reduce these inequalities and improve public health outcomes, recognising that there are no simple solutions to this complex challenge.

Waste and recycling staff in half of Scotland's councils have voted to strike over a pay dispute. Unite members in 16 local authorities rejected a pay offer from Cosla, the local government body. Cosla defended its offer and urged unions to reconsider. GMB members in 13 council areas have also voted to strike. The two unions criticised the offer as inadequate, with Unite's industrial officer calling it ‘pitiful’. Unite's general secretary has talked of years of underfunding and understaffing. A GMB senior organiser highlighted the drawn-out nature of talks and the refusal of council leaders to have meaningful discussions. Strike dates will be announced soon, potentially impacting the Edinburgh Festival. Cosla expressed disappointment, stressing the importance of rewarding the workforce within budget constraints.

A groundbreaking non-invasive procedure, ultrasound thalamotomy, has given hope to Parkinson’s patients by significantly reducing tremors. Ian Keir, 63, diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, experienced uncontrollable tremors that hindered everyday tasks. After undergoing the procedure, Keir can now write, cut food, and perform tasks independently. He describes the outcome as miraculous. The procedure uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to create a lesion in the thalamus, the brain region controlling movement. A consultant at the University of Dundee has hailed the procedure as a milestone for Scottish medicine, emphasising its life-changing impact. Despite the technology's limited availability, the success in treating Parkinson’s symptoms marks significant progress.

John Swinney, newly sworn in as First Minister of Scotland, has appointed Kate Forbes as Deputy First Minister, sparking criticism for creating a "continuity Cabinet." Forbes, previously Finance Secretary, replaces Shona Robison and will also oversee the economy and Gaelic. Critics label the Cabinet reshuffle as uninspired, fearing it prioritises party interests and independence over pressing national issues. Despite maintaining many previous Cabinet members, Swinney asserts the mix of experience and energy will focus on eradicating child poverty, economic growth, and meeting climate commitments. Scottish Greens and other opposition parties express concerns about Forbes's conservative views potentially affecting government direction, particularly in social equality and climate action. Scottish Conservative and Labour leaders criticise the leadership's consistency, foreseeing continued national challenges. Forbes expresses honour in her new role, committed to improving Scotland alongside her colleagues.

John Swinney has officially launched his bid to succeed Humza Yousaf, who stepped down on 29 April. Swinney, a former cabinet secretary who served as party leader from 2000 to 2004, says he is aiming to 'unite Scotland for independence’. He will probably be unopposed, now that Kate Forbes, the only other likely candidate, has indicated that she does not intend to stand and has officially endorsed him. Nominations close on 6 May; if nobody else comes forward, Swinney will automatically assume party leadership and become first minister. His campaign resonates with commitments to continue SNP’s work and strengthen the independence movement: see