News Archive
29/1/2022
Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 29 January 2022
6,679 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Please note that this figure now includes cases identified using either a first LFD (Lateral Flow Device) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive test.
29/1/2022
Covid: Why Some People With Symptoms Don't Get Tested
Testing people with COVID symptoms has been a pillar of the UK's pandemic response, reducing transmission by identifying and isolating those with the virus. But to be effective, it relies on people with symptoms getting tested, which raises an obvious question: what proportion of symptomatic people actually take a test? The ZOE COVID Study, which is funded by the government and run by a group including King's College London and the city's Guy's and St Thomas’ hospitals, is uniquely positioned to answer this question.28/1/2022
Audio Visual Content Partner Announced For Spirit Of The Highlands And Islands Project
On behalf of The Highland Council, High Life Highland this week announced Smartify as the successful partner for the audio and visual input to Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project. Director of the Inverness Castle Project, Fiona Hampton, said: "The audio and visual content will see the creation of an interactive story map to encourage our visitors to explore all areas of the Highlands and Islands.
28/1/2022
Alarming research from Slater and Gordon shows more than three-quarters of drivers in Scotland could be at risk of £1000 fines
Significant changes to the Highway Code are set to be introduced at the end of the month and failure to comply could land motorists with increased fines. Worryingly, according to recent research from leading consumer legal services company, Slater and Gordon (S+G), more than three-quarters of drivers within Scotland (76%) failed to correctly identify what the new rules were, leaving them at significant risk of prosecution.28/1/2022
Voters value honesty in their politicians above all else - new study
Alan Renwick, Professor of Democratic Politics, UCL writing for the Conversation web site. As pressure mounts on the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, members of his party are considering their options.28/1/2022
Rise In Extremely Drug-resistant Shigella In Gay And Bisexual Men
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people how to minimise the risk of Shigella, a sexually transmitted infection with growing antibiotic resistance. Surveillance by UKHSA has detected a rise in cases of extremely antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).28/1/2022
Strengthening Scotland's Resilience To Severe Weather
A range of changes are to be put in place to strengthen national resilience and protect lives, homes and infrastructure from the impacts of future severe weather events. A review of the preparations for and response to Storm Arwen sets out 15 recommendations for the Scottish Government and its partners, the Scottish Resilience Partnership, local resilience partnerships, utility companies, the voluntary sector and national responders.28/1/2022
Funding Boost For Local Councils - Additional £120 Million Follows Funding Assurance
An amendment will be brought forward during Stage 2 of the Budget Bill to allocate an additional £120 million to local authorities. The funding represents the equivalent of a 4% Council Tax rise.28/1/2022
Ensuring The Experiences Of People Affected By Drugs Are Acted Upon
A new National Collaborative to ensure the views of people with Lived and Living Experience (LLE) are reflected in all aspects of the national mission on drug deaths will be chaired by human rights law expert Professor Alan Miller. The collaborative will bring together people who have been affected by drugs to make recommendations to the Scottish Government about changes to services which could improve and save lives.28/1/2022
Coronavirus (covid-19): Daily Data For Scotland - 28 January 2022
7,258 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Please note that this figure now includes cases identified using either a first LFD (Lateral Flow Device) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive test.
28/1/2022
Seafood Sector Set To Benefit As UK Starts Greenland Trade Talks
Lovers of fish and chips could be set to benefit from slashed seafood tariffs as the UK and Greenland start trade talks. Negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were formally launched on 27 January 2022 seeking to reduce or remove tariffs on seafood, as well as strengthen other aspects of the relationship between the two countries.
27/1/2022
Highway Code Changes Set To Take Effect This Weekend - Everyone Needs To Read About The Changes - Not Just Drivers
Changes to The Highway Code, including the hierarchy of road-users and the 'Dutch Reach' are set to change from 29 January 2022. Highway Code set to be updated with fresh guidance in boost to road safety.
27/1/2022
The Highway Code: 8 Changes You Need To Know From 29 January 2022
Rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses. The changes follow a public consultation on a review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses.
27/1/2022
Scottish Monthly GDP Estimates For November
Scotland's onshore GDP grew by 0.8% in November, according to statistics announced today by the Chief Statistician. Output is now back above the pre-pandemic level of February 2020 for the first time, by 0.6%.27/1/2022
New Smart Devices Cyber Security Laws One Step Closer
Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries to open the debate on new law to strengthen cyber protections for people's smartphones, TVs, speakers, routers and digital devices. Second reading of landmark Product Security and Telecoms Infrastructure Bill will prohibit UK sales of connectable digital products with poor cyber security.
27/1/2022
Government Readies Sizewell C Nuclear Project For Future Investment
Plans to build a new nuclear power plant in the UK have been backed by £100 million of government funding. Business and Energy Secretary announces £100 million to support the continued development of the Sizewell C project in Suffolk.
27/1/2022
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack responds to November 2021 GDP
Our priority is achieving sustained recovery and urging people to get their boosters, says Secretary of State. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:"It's encouraging to see Scotland’s economy growing again, as we start to build back from the pandemic.27/1/2022
Any Use Of Hand-held Mobile Phone While Driving To Become Illegal
Prosecution regulations tightened on the use of hand-held mobile phones at the wheel. government strengthening existing laws making it illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving under virtually any circumstance.
27/1/2022
Scottish Budget 2022-23 Stage One - Finance Secretary urges MSPs to back spending plans
The 2022-23 Scottish Budget should be supported by MSPs to help accelerate economic recovery, tackle the climate emergency and reduce entrenched inequalities, according to Finance Secretary Kate Forbes. It is the Scottish Government's first Budget in partnership with the Scottish Green Party.27/1/2022
