Axel Piper

The ongoing bin strike in Scotland has taken a new turn as trade unions split over a fresh pay offer from council leaders. The proposed deal, which includes a 3.6% pay increase for all grades of staff and a £1,292 rise for the lowest-paid workers, has led to differing opinions among the unions. While some unions see the offer as a significant improvement, others believe it falls short of addressing long-standing pay issues. This division has added another layer of complexity to the already contentious strike. Differing Union Responses The new pay offer has elicited varied responses from the trade…

The upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) is set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Scottish communities. Scheduled for September 24th in Livingston, West Lothian, the event will highlight the successes of the Community Benefit Fund (CBF), which has delivered over £2 million in grants and match funding since 2017. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from industry experts and public sector organizations on best practices and innovations in community development. Celebrating Community Achievements The SPA AGM will shine a spotlight on the transformative impact of community benefits across Scotland. Over the past seven years, the…

Blair McDougall, the chief of the Better Together campaign, recently revealed a distressing incident where he was spat at in front of his daughter. This incident occurred on the 10th anniversary of the Scottish independence referendum, a time marked by heightened political emotions. McDougall, who led the campaign against Scottish independence, reflected on the “deeply unpleasant” nature of the referendum period and the lasting impact it has had on political discourse in Scotland. A Decade of Political Strife The Scottish independence referendum, held in 2014, was a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Voters ultimately decided to remain part of…

The mother of Conner Cowper, an 18-year-old tragically murdered by Scotland’s youngest female killer, is calling for urgent action to protect young people from escalating violence. Conner was brutally stabbed to death by 17-year-old Jolene Doherty at a party in Holytown, North Lanarkshire, in 2018. Since then, his family has been advocating for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies. They are now backing the Daily Record’s “Our Kids … Our Future” campaign, urging the government to implement stricter policies and increased support for at-risk youth. A Mother’s Plea for Change Linda Fraser, Conner’s mother, has been vocal about the need…

In a controversial move, the UK government has announced significant cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, a benefit that has long helped pensioners manage their heating costs during the cold months. The decision, spearheaded by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will see the payment restricted to only those on pension credit, leaving millions of pensioners without this crucial support. The cut, expected to save the Treasury £1.4 billion, has been met with widespread criticism from both political opponents and the public. Government’s Justification and Public Backlash The government has defended the cuts as a necessary measure to address the country’s financial…

The recent Scottish Association of Meat Wholesales (SAMW) conference highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland’s beef sector. Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) presented a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry, emphasizing the economic potential and the pressing issues that need addressing. With a focus on stabilizing the beef herd, boosting productivity, and reversing the decline in cattle numbers, the conference underscored the importance of collective action to ensure the sector’s future success. Economic Opportunities in the Beef Sector The Scottish beef sector holds significant economic potential, as highlighted by QMS at the SAMW conference. The sector…

The 2024 Scottish University League Tables have been released, showcasing the rankings of universities across Scotland and the UK. This year, Glasgow’s universities have made significant strides, with the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University all achieving notable positions. These rankings are based on various factors, including teaching quality, student experience, research quality, entry standards, graduate prospects, and more. The results highlight the strengths and areas of improvement for these institutions, providing valuable insights for prospective students and academic professionals alike. University of Glasgow’s Impressive Climb The University of Glasgow has seen a remarkable improvement in…