West College Scotland (WCS) has become the first Scottish college to achieve the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation.

WCS is committed to ensuring young adult carers in the west of Scotland have the same opportunities and access to high quality Further Education as those without care responsibilities. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and wider society, but in doing so can miss out on other life chances. The changes West College Scotland has introduced are aimed at ensuring local young adult carers have the chance to achieve their full potential.

Working with the Lottery-funded Driving Change Project, which aims to improve the support available to young adult carers in Further Education across the UK, West College Scotland has actively removed some of the barriers that can prevent young carers from accessing continued education, developed new policies and procedures, improved access to bespoke support and raised awareness – including demonstrating good practice in supporting carers in the wider community.

Iain Forster-Smith, Assistant Principal Student Life and Skills at West College Scotland said:

“We are delighted to have achieved the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support accreditation. Student Carers must cope with the extra pressure of caring for a loved one and this award acknowledges that we recognise their contribution and have robust Student Carer support services in place and a fantastic team supporting our students.”

He added, “WCS works closely with local services such as Carers Trust Scotland, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire Carers Centre, and Y-Sort It in West Dunbartonshire which provide wraparound support for Student Carers covering finance, networking and physiological needs. This really is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment and innovation which has been going on across the College.’

The Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) assessment report on WCS observed “West College Scotland has implemented effective systems and processes to support early identification of student carers and ensured cross-college uniformity in provision. The Student Services team show a clear commitment to developing support for YACs alongside other vulnerable student groups. There is clear evidence of wide cross-college commitment and understanding of processes and responsibilities, and staff recognise the benefits of new developments for students.”

Naomi Sykes, QSCS Development Worker, Carers Federation Limited said:

“The Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation demonstrates West College Scotland’s commitment to improving access to education for young and young adult carers.”

The Quality Standard criteria helps schools, colleges and universities develop effective processes to identify student carers and to improve their wellbeing, learning experiences and educational outcomes. Importantly, the process helps participating organisations to provide consistent provision of support and enables them to monitor the collective and individual outcomes for their students with caring roles.

Naomi added, “West College Scotland has developed comprehensive systems to ensure student carers are recognised and supported to achieve their aspirations and goals, raising awareness of young and young adult carers across the college and increasing understanding of the additional challenges they face in education.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute said:

“Many congratulations to West College Scotland for becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the Driving Change quality standard in carers support. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and society, yet they too often miss out on vital opportunities and support. The changes that the college has put in place will give local young adult carers the chance to pursue their talents and achieve their potential. We look forward to working with many other colleges in Scotland to build on the achievements of West College Scotland so that young adult carers across the country get the opportunities they deserve.”

West College Scotland students can receive confidential support by contacting info@wcs.ac.uk. The Student Carers team assess each carer’s personal situation and identify what support mechanisms are available through the College and includes bespoke induction programmes, support services and financial support.

As a nationally recognised accreditation, it is hoped that both prospective and current students will feel more comfortable disclosing that they are carers and are more aware of what support mechanisms are possible to make sure that the College recognises their unique circumstances. West College Scotland welcomes students from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds and will offer appropriate, discrete support.

23/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

Transition to level 0 allows for further gradual expansion of cultural, leisure and sport services for the local community.

Renfrewshire Leisure is making plans to further expand its range of services in the wake of the Scottish Government’s confirmation that Renfrewshire moves to level 0 COVID restrictions. With the long period of restrictions gradually easing, the charity wants to extend delivery gradually to support local people in living lives which are healthy, happy and fulfilled.

The return will be aiming to reinforce community well-being as the charity’s priority. Ever since COVID restrictions were introduced, the organisation has maintained safety as its top priority for those using its facilities or benefiting from its services.

The latest extension of services provided will be phased in over the coming weeks and follows a gradual reopening of facilities since the most recent period of enforced lockdown closure came to an end on April 26th.

The next developments will be:

Indoor leisure services further expanding to include the recommencement of indoor contact sports in line with information from Sporting Governing Bodies
Swimming pool capacity constraints easing to allow us to introduce a 25% increase at the Lagoon and ON-X leisure centers in booking slot availability next month, although COVID precautions will remain in place.
The Active Schools programme and the schools’ library service is set to recommence at the start of the new school term.

Locals are being urged to monitor the charity’s social media channels and website (www.renfrewshireleisure.com) for up to date confirmation on individual activities.

Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, emphasised the importance of moving to build capacity to meet the needs of local people and help them rebuild their physical and mental health after the long period of restrictions since March of last year. She said:

“We take very seriously our commitment to local people who depend on our range of services to support their wellbeing, so we are gradually and carefully expanding provision to meet that need. However, it will inevitably take time to do so in a way which ensures that members and users of our services and facilities can continue to do so safely, whilst we monitor infection rates in the community.

“We know how much local people have missed our wide range of activities, and how important it is to their physical and mental welfare so we will be constantly reviewing demand, usage and local infection rates to meet people’s needs as quickly as we can.

“We look forward to continuing to welcome you back, safely.”

Information about all Renfrewshire Leisure services and how they are operating can be found at www.renfrewshireleisure.com, where details can also be found about the innovative programme of online services, which staff have been running help people stay fit and healthy during all phases of lockdown and the route map out of it.

20/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

YOUNGSTERS are being encouraged to go wild… and read lots of books this summer.

When they sign up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at any Renfrewshire library, they can also find out how they can help to save the planet and receive a colourful poster pack with stickers.

This year’s Reading Challenge theme is Wild World Heroes and local libraries have partnered with the Reading Agency and WWF – one of the world’s biggest nature conservation charities – to give children between the ages of four and 11 an exciting summer of reading and fun activities that are centred around environmental issues.

There’s also the chance to learn even more about the nature with access to a Wild World Heroes online platform.

Youngsters are being asked to read six books during the summer holidays to complete the challenge and when they do, they’ll be entered into a prize draw to win cinema tickets thanks to local IT consultancy, Consilium.

When youngsters are halfway through the challenge having read three books, they’ll receive a free swim pass from Renfrewshire Leisure.

Ambassadors for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge are teenage naturalist, writer and broadcaster, Dara McAnulty and explorer, presenter and writer, Steve Backshall.

Andrew Givan, Renfrewshire Libraries’ Children and Young People Co-ordinator said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming children back to our libraries to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

“It’s a really exciting challenge this year with lots of reading and activities about the environment the children can take part in.”

Go to www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk for lots more fun online activities and book recommendations.

15/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

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Financial support for parents during Scotland’s peak baby month

Social Security Scotland is encouraging families who have welcomed a new arrival during Scotland’s peak baby season to find out if they are eligible for family payments.

According to figures from National Records of Scotland, July is the month most of Scotland’s babies are born in Scotland. 4,266 babies were born in July 2020 despite there being an overall decline in babies born in Scotland in 2020. December was the quietest month with 3692 babies born.

Parents who get tax credits or certain benefits could be eligible for family payments including Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods.

The Pregnancy and Baby Payment is open to parents from the 24th week of pregnancy up to the day a baby is six months old and Scottish Child Payment is a recurring payment of £40 every four weeks for eligible children.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said:

“If this year mirrors previous trends, many families will be welcoming a newborn into their lives. This will be a very exciting time for parents – but it can also be expensive.

“Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant payments can help ease some of the financial pressure – especially at a time when many people have been hit hard economically by Covid-19.

“At a busy time for expectant and new mums, we wanted the application to be accessible and straightforward. Parents and carers can use the same form to apply for Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and it only takes an average of 12 minutes for those applying online.

“Social Security Scotland also offers a pre-paid Best Start Foods card for eligible families that can be used to buy healthy foods for children under three.

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for these payments to find out more and apply today.”

Jane Brumpton, Chief Executive of Early Years Scotland, said:

“We support and recognise the vital role that Scottish family payments play in helping to alleviate financial pressures for eligible parents and carers nationally.

“The peace of mind that comes with knowing there is additional financial support available for children and families is incredibly important, and it is crucial in supporting their wellbeing as we exit the pandemic during these very challenging times.”

Background

Scottish Child Payment is payment of £40 every four weeks for each eligible child under the age of six, there is no limit on the number of children a family can claim for.
The payment will be rolled out to under 16s by the end of 2022 subject to the Scottish Government receiving the necessary data from the UK Government.
In the meantime, the Scottish Government will introduce bridging payments of £520 to be paid in both 2021 and 2022 for those receiving Free School Meals due to low income.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is a £606 payment for a first child and £303 for other children.
Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment is a £252.50 payment when a child is between the ages of 2 and 3.5 years.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a £252.50 payment to help eligible families with the costs of starting school.
Best Start Foods is money every four weeks on a pre-paid chip and pin Mastercard. The amount is £17.00 every four weeks during pregnancy and for any children between one and three years old. The card can be used to buy healthy food including eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables and pulses.
People can apply online at mygov.scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222
National Records of Scotland birth rates publications can be found at https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/general-publications/weekly-and-monthly-data-on-births-and-deaths/monthly-data-on-births-and-deaths-registered-in-scotland
*The following is an extract from Table 6 accessed via the link above

14/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

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Cochrane Castle residents urged to get Covid test at new testing centre

Residents of Cochrane Castle are being urged to find out if they have Covid19 at a temporary testing site for people with no symptoms of the virus is set up in the area.

The testing site will be open from Wednesday 14 July and aims to slow the spread of the virus in the area.

The facility will be in Cochrane Castle Community Centre and will be run on a drop-in basis – no booking is needed.

It is being targeted at anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Cochrane Castle and is only for those who are not displaying any symptoms.

Anyone who does have Covid19 symptoms (new persistent cough – high temperature – a loss of, or change in, taste or smell) should book a test for an NHS-run centre instead.

The facility will use lateral flow tests – which are quick tests that will be processed on site and people will get their results by text message within 45 minutes.

It is being run and staffed by Renfrewshire Council as part of the national rollout of community testing sites.

It follows a successful deployment of temporary COVID-19 test sites in Ferguslie, Linwood and Renfrew.

The testing site will be open on these dates and times:

Wednesday 14 July – 9am to 5pm
Thursday 15 July – 11am to 7pm
Friday 16 July – 9am to 5pm
Saturday 17 July – 11am to 3.30pm
Sunday 18 July – 11am to 3.30pm
Monday 19 July – 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 20 July – 9am to 5pm

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, said: “Now that the restrictions are easing and we have universal testing, it’s important that we all get tested as often as we can. Temporary testing sites, like Cochrane Castle Community Centre, play an important part in helping to keep cases low and further reduce the spread of the virus. Anyone who lives, works or who goes to school in the Cochrane Castle area should drop into the centre and take a test. By doing this, you are helping yourself, your loved ones and your community.”

Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate – along with the rest of their household – for ten days.

Financial support is available – you may be eligible for a Self-Isolation Support Grant and can apply for this through the council.

Residents can visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-centres for more information.

14/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

West College Scotland August Clearing Days: 2-7pm – Pre-Register Now!

Greenock (Finnart): 10 August

Clydebank: 11 August

Paisley: 12 August

Whether you are a school leaver or an adult returner looking to upskill or retrain, West College Scotland’s Clearing Days are the perfect opportunity to chat with staff and sign up for an August Start course that’s right for you!

Over the three events they have over 25 curriculum departments attending alongside our Student Services Department, who can guide you through your application.

They’ll also have representatives from Student Funding, the Student Association, Student Wellbeing, Enabling Services and Digital Device Support, who’ll be able to give further advice and support available to you whilst you study at College.

If you’re a school pupil in the Senior Phase they have some options available to you to enhance your school experience. Go along and chat to their Schools Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship Team!

To minimise queuing on the day and to receive Clearing Day updates direct to your inbox:

PRE- REGISTER HERE

14/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

Nominations sought for Scotland Loves Local Awards to recognise and reward those working tirelessly to secure a stronger future for people and places

People across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire are being urged to make their voices heard to honour inspirational and innovative work making the regions better places to live.

Nominations are being sought for the Scotland Loves Local Awards, which will see awards presented to people including a high street hero, place leader and those leading the charge to tackle climate change.

Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the awards will celebrate all that is great about towns and neighbourhoods – recognising creativity and commitment towards shaping a sustainable, successful future

© Sandy young Photography 07970 268944
Celebration of ScotlandÕs Small and Rural Towns at the Scottish Parliament
E: sandy@scottishphotographer.com
W: www.scottishphotographer.com

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, Scotland’s Minister for Community Wealth, is leading the calls for nominations.

He said: “Over the past year our communities have come together to support each other through the pandemic, from supporting local businesses to helping vulnerable neighbours.

“The Scotland Loves Local Awards importantly recognise those who have gone above and beyond. If you know of a person or organisation that has made a difference, I would urge you to nominate them to receive well-deserved recognition.

“The Scottish Government has committed to a £10 million Scotland Loves Local programme to help revitalise our town centres. As we recover from the pandemic we are pushing forward with an ambitious agenda of economic transformation by building wealth in local communities and delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”

The award categories are:

High Street Hero (a business, organisation, constituted charity or social enterprise – including individuals associated with the organisation – which has gone above and beyond to support those around them)
Place leader
Climate Town
Creative Town
Innovative Town
Streets and Spaces
Town Centre Living

Scotland Loves Local, spearheaded by STP with the support of the Scottish Government, is the campaign encouraging everyone to strengthen their community by supporting the businesses and people around them. It has backed work across the region.

STP Chief Officer Phil Prentice said: “Day in, day out people are working tirelessly to make communities across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire better places to live, improving the lives of those around them. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are a chance to say thank you for all that they do.

“We need you to help us highlight the people, places and projects making the region cleaner, greener, stronger and fairer whether through design, delivery or sheer determination.”

Nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards, where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 10 2021. Winners will be announced in a virtual celebration to be broadcast on Thursday, November 25, as the culmination of Scotland’s Towns Conference – this year being staged as an online showcase in a series of events over three days.

01/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

AGS commits to achieving net zero for direct emissions by mid-2030s

AGS Airports, which owns Aberdeen International, Glasgow and Southampton airports, has committed to achieving net zero for its direct emissions by the mid-2030s as part of its new sustainability strategy which it launched today (Wednesday 30 June).

Scotland’s Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey MSP, joined AGS’ Chief Executive, Derek Provan, to launch the strategy which sets out how AGS will balance the undoubted social and economic benefits of aviation with its climate change responsibilities.

All three AGS airports achieved carbon neutrality status in 2020 and the group has now set a roadmap for its transition to net zero by the mid-2030s which will involve the decarbonisation of AGS’ infrastructure.

The strategy, which is anchored in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, sets commitments against a wide range of material issues including decarbonisation, biodiversity, modern slavery, circular economy, community support and how it will support its people. Commitments include:

Achieving net zero

AGS will maintain its commitment to carbon neutrality as it delivers its net zero roadmap to achieve net zero carbon for direct emissions by the mid-2030s.
AGS will support the continued development of Sustainable Aviation’s Decarbonisation roadmap including the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, hydrogen and electric flight.
AGS will transition its fleet of vehicles to ultra-low emission vehicles and will continue the roll-out of electric charging infrastructure.

Supporting communities

AGS will continue to invest in its community funds which have awarded over £2 million to local community groups and charitable organisations since 2010.
AGS will work with partners, including the NHS, to trial the UK’s first medical drone distribution network.
AGS will work with local communities, schools, colleges and universities to provide training and internship opportunities.

Supporting its people

AGS will align policies and processes with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
AGS will work with the Slave Free Alliance to review its approach to modern slavery and develop and publish an action plan, in addition to establishing a supplier code of conduct.
AGS will implement a gender equality strategy with objectives focused on flexible working, pay equality and gender composition.

Derek Provan, Chief Executive of AGS Airports, said: “At AGS we have always been acutely aware that operating such important pieces of infrastructure comes with responsibilities; to our people, to our communities and to the environment. As we seek to regrow and restore the connectivity that will help drive Scotland’s and the UK’s recovery post-COVID, we will balance the undoubted social and economic benefits of aviation with our climate change responsibilities.

“We have made significant progress in addressing our own environmental impacts however, we recognise there is more work to do. In 2020 we became carbon neutral which is an important first step towards our ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon for our direct emissions by the mid-2030s. Whilst this is a central pillar of our strategy, our sustainability commitments go beyond the decarbonisation of AGS. We want to create shared value and ensure our communities can share in our success as we seek to rebuild.

“In November, the world will look to Glasgow when we host the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26. This will be the opportunity for governments to agree a global response to what is a truly global challenge. At AGS, we are committed to working with governments to ensure we play our role in addressing the climate emergency whilst supporting economic and social development in the regions we serve.”

Scotland’s Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “I’m delighted to see AGS Airports lay out their plans to reduce emissions across their sites and play their part in helping Scotland achieve our ambitious climate change targets.

“I warmly welcome their commitment to achieving net-zero carbon for direct emissions by the mid-2030s and working with the wider aviation sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

“Working together, Government and the aviation industry can look to create a future in which we enjoy the social and economic benefits of air travel without having an impact on the environment.”

In 2020, AGS Airports was recognised as an “airport transport sector lead” for its sustainability performance by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) which assesses the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios.

Glasgow was ranked as the best performing airport in the world by GRESB. Together with Aberdeen it received a five-star rating for its sustainability performance, and both were recognised as “airport transport sector leads.”

Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton were ranked first, second and third respectively within both the UK and European Transport: Airport Companies categories. In the same worldwide category, Glasgow was ranked first, Aberdeen second and Southampton sixth.

01/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

YOUNGSTERS can enjoy their summer holidays filled with fun and games – and it’s all for free.

A whole range of exciting sports and leisure activities has been organised by Renfrewshire Leisure’s Active Schools team at venues throughout Renfrewshire.

The Get Into Summer activities, which include multi-sports taster sessions, colour runs and disability sports clubs, are being funded by the Scottish government and are taking place from now until Friday, August 13.

The Get Into Summer Multi Sports Clubs for young people from Primary 1 to Sixth Year take place between noon and 2pm every Tuesday, at Johnstone Sports Hub; every Wednesday, at Park Mains Sports Complex, in Erskine and every Thursday at the ON-X, in Linwood.

Sessions feature tasters in various sports including archery, bushcraft, orienteering, dodgeball, rounders, and many more sports and fun activities.

There is fun for all the family with two colour runs being held at the ON-X, in Linwood between noon and 2pm on July 7 and July 21.

The colour run is an obstacle course with a difference, with participants getting sprayed with various colours of powdered paint as they complete the course.

A Get Into Summer Active Families Disability Sport and Activity Club is being held at the ON-X, in Linwood, between 3pm and 4pm every Tuesday until August 3 for primary school age children.

Youngsters will be able to take part in sports and leisure activities led by qualified coaches. These include boccia, archery, football, basketball and frisbee golf. And if Renfrewshire is within Covid restriction Level 1 or 0, youngsters can play on two bouncy castles.

This club is available to any family with a young person aged between five and 12 with a disability and/or sensory impairment. Siblings are welcome to attend.

A Get Into Summer Outdoor Disability Sports Club is being held at Johnstone Community Sports Hub pitch every Thursday. The sessions for Primary school age children are between noon and 1pm and those in secondary school, between 1pm and 2pm.

The club is open to any young person with a disability and/or sensory impairment and they will take part in outdoor activities including football, archery and frisbee golf delivered by qualified coaches.

Covid-19 guidelines will be followed at all activities with temperature checks on arrival, sign in and sign out required, one way system in place inside, and a reminder that children should not attend if they are experiencing Covid symptoms.

A new summer challenge to travel the 13,503 km distance from Renfrewshire to Tokyo where the Olympic Games are being held later this month has been launched.

The Trek to Tokyo idea is for children and grown-ups to run, walk, skip, swim, pedal, or paddle as many kilometres as possible without leaving the country and added together reach the target.

Go to https://www.cognitoforms.com/RenfrewshireLeisure3/RLTrekToTokyoChallenge to register for the challenge and you will be asked to submit the distance that you have covered.

Fiona Watson, Renfrewshire Leisure’s sport and health services manager said: “We’re aiming to make this summer as active and fun-filled for everyone.

“There are plenty of sport and leisure activities to choose from and best of all everything is free, although activities should be booked in advance.”

Find out more at https://www.renfrewshireleisure.com/get-into-summer/ . And to book activities go to https://renfrewshire-leisure.class4kids.co.uk/ .

01/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

The prospect of real life tales from a courtroom may lure extra viewers to Paisley & District’s monthly zoom meeting on Thursday 1 July. Between 2-3pm, retired procurator fiscal, Stewart Houston reveals an interesting range of cases from his time served in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Members will be able to question him and then enjoy a ‘Call my bluff’ fun quiz to end this final session before a short summer recess.

Said u3a chair, Kathy O’Donnell: “We are a nation of crime fans. Many enjoy watching TV soaps from Rumpole of the Bailey to the real life stories in Judge Rinder’s courtroom. It will be fascinating to hear Stewart Houston describe various aspects of cases that came before the bench in different courts. I’m sure it’ll prove to be an insightful glimpse into the legal world. He also brings our session to a close with a witty ‘truth or lie’ quiz.

“Our monthly meetings will restart on Thursday 7 October. We hope to run a hybrid model where members can either get together in a public venue, if regulations permit, or they can still participate on zoom. Several of our groups and activities will continue over the summer, with full details on our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome.”

Stewart Houston remarked: “I joined the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as I was committed to acting in the public interest in the prosecution of crime and to the investigation of sudden and suspicious deaths. It was a fascinating job and one which I enjoyed immensely for thirty four years.”

30/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

ISSUED BY RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL AND NHS GREATER GLASGOW AND CLYDE

Christine Laverty, currently Head of Mental Health, Addictions and Learning Disabilities Services for Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), has been appointed as the HSCP’s Interim Chief Officer.

Christine has worked in the health and social care field for thirty years and has held a number of key management roles in integrated public health services since 2002.

She will replace Shiona Strachan, who has been acting as Interim Chief Officer for Renfrewshire HSCP since December 2020.

Renfrewshire HSCP is responsible for delivering all adult social care services and all community health services for adults and children in the area.

Renfrewshire Council Chief Executive, Sandra Black, said: “I would like to thank Shiona for the leadership and support she has provided over the past six months in her role as both Chief Officer of Renfrewshire HSCP and as a member of the council’s corporate management team.

“Shiona’s experience has been invaluable in steering the important work of the HSCP as we continue to manage the current pandemic.

“I’m delighted to welcome Christine to the new role and look forward to working with her over the coming months.”

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Chief Executive, Jane Grant, said: “Shiona has made a significant contribution to Renfrewshire HSCP and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde during a period of extreme challenges.

“I thank her for her commitment and wish her well in her retirement and I look forward to working closely with Christine to continue the excellent work of the HSCP as we plan for the future.”

25/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland and whisky brand The Glenlivet – two organisations with a long history – have joined forces for a special online event on 1 July.

Inspired by the stories of illicit whisky production in Scotland’s past, the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club will give connoisseurs a taste of the rich history and heritage of the spirit which is synonymous with Scotland.

The event is the latest element of the Pioneering Spirit project which launched last summer. Led by the Trust’s expert archaeologist team, it aims to uncover the hidden stories of whisky production at Trust properties across the Highlands and beyond. Supported by The Glenlivet, the work has, so far included drone surveys of sites in Torridon and on the Mar Lodge Estate and digs in both locations too.

Head of Archaeology Derek Alexander will give attendees the first taste of the discoveries so far at the free event which runs on Thursday 1 July from 7 – 8.30pm. For more info and booking, visit www.nts.org.uk/pioneering-spirit .

Derek said: “We know how many people love whisky, and love our places – it’s the perfect blend and we hope lots of people will join us for the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club.”

It will also be the first opportunity to see and hear new artistic commissions inspired by Scotland’s history and the illicit whisky trade. Featured artists include Alison Irvine, a novelist and creative non-fiction writer; Kevin Andrew Morris, an Aberdeen-based ceramicist; Michael Begg, an award-winning composer and sound artist; and Natalie Feather, a photographic artist.

also on www.glasgownews.org.uk

25/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

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