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NEWS 11
Proposals for a Scottish visa
New Scottish Bank
The Scottish Government has issued a paper which says that they need powers over immigration policy which is at present reserved to Westminster. A new Scottish visa would work with devolution to increase the number of people coming to Scotland and reduce any skills gaps which might come about from the new UK immigration rules after Brexit. The government says that all of Scotland’s population growth in the next quarter century will come from migration. Anyone applying would have
The Scottish Parliament unanimously passed a new piece of legislation to establish a Scottish National Investment Bank. The new bank will direct investments that deliver economic, environmental and social returns, and help Scotland’s achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions. It will aim to increase innovation, give support to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), and build a high-tech and inclusive economy. The bank should be operational before the end of 2020. It will have an initial capitalisation of £2 billion over 10 years with the aim that it will ultimately become self-financing. Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “The Scottish National Investment Bank has the potential to transform Scotland’s society by powering innovation
to live in Scotland and have a Scottish tax code. The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Migration to Scotland supports economic growth and the delivery of public services and helps to address the serious issue of long term demographic change – as well as enhancing and sustaining our communities. “Yet the latest proposals from the UK Government to control immigration and end freedom of movement would be disastrous for our economy and society and would risk acute labour shortages.
“Migration is an issue which is crucial for our future, but the Scottish Government doesn’t currently have the powers needed to deliver tailored immigration policies for Scotland. “Devolving immigration powers by introducing a Scottish Visa would allow Scotland to attract and retain people with the skills and attributes we need for our communities and economy to flourish.” The proposal is based on similar regional immigration schemes in Canada and Australia.
Time capsule under the Burns statue opened Historical find during the Tram to Newhaven works reveals writings relating to Burns, coins and newspapers. During the tramworks the Burns statue on Constitution Street has been moved for safekeeping. This is not the first time the statue has been moved. It was also moved in 1961 by a mere 18 feet. This time, it has been sent to Nic Boyes for an overhaul while the tramworks make progress. Workers found a time capsule which they believed dated from 1898 underneath it and it was finally opened on the eve of Burns Night. Sadly, it had already been opened in 1961 and some artefacts added to it then. It was placed in a specially carved place within the plinth, and was covered with lead. The various things inside included newspapers and coins with pennies from 1898 carefully wrapped in paper and details of crime rates from 1897. Conservator Nic Boyes was in charge of taking down the Robert Burns statue and he was in charge of opening the capsule. He was very excited and explained that
he had to be careful with the contents which our predecessors had put in the vessel for us to find. He said before the opening : "We have to open this in such a way as to conserve the contents. Conservation is all about recording. "We use handtools only and will remove the neck of the capsule before opening it by cutting it along the top."
and building a high-tech, inclusive economy. “Most importantly of all, the bank’s primary mission will be to face up to the global climate emergency by accelerating the just transition to net-zero carbon emissions. Harnessing private sector activity to achieve this has never been more important. “We know from the experience of other countries that national investment banks can deliver real change, but this impact will not be delivered overnight. It will require determination, patience and support from partners right across Scotland. “In passing this Bill today, the Scottish Parliament has taken the crucial first step towards creating an institution that is commercially minded and also publicly accountable to the people of Scotland.”
Fancy being an apprentice with Lothian? Lothian’s engineering team is looking for new apprentices to add to its technical team. There are ten positions open to anyone aged 16-19. The Apprentice Technician posts run for four years and provide a route to an SVQ in Bus and Coach Mechanical/Electrical. This scheme is run in partnership with Glasgow Training Group. Apprentices are given the chance to develop their skills in a modern, purpose-built centre and get practical experience at Lothian’s garages. The company has an ongoing partnership with Volvo Truck and Bus Scotland. In the last ten years Lothian has trained over 80 apprentices with the majority of those still currently working within the company. Jim Armstrong, Lothian’s Engineering Director, said: “At Lothian, we understand the importance and value of helping develop technical skills amongst our young people and for nearly twenty years we have worked
hard to make sure they receive the best quality training possible. Our apprentices are also able to draw from the experiences of our dedicated engineering team and receive vital on the job training to help ensure their skills are well rounded. “We are delighted to be able to welcome more apprentices across 2020 and look forward to meeting some of the applicants that I’m sure will go on to have successful careers within the company and help to future proof our business.” You have until Friday 28th February to submit an application. You must have received or be working towards National 4 or above in Maths, English and either a Science of Technical subject. Standard Grades 1-4 and Intermediates will also be accepted. Contact Glasgow Training Group on 0141 950 5663 for more information.
