Friday 27th August at The Bungalow you can experience the 80s all over again because NNE are back with another audiovisual audience immersive evening of great tunes and videos that will get your memories of those days popping. Club 80s transports you back to one of the most magical musical periods, so authentic you’ll think you’ve actually gone back in time. Tickets are £10 on the door and doors are 7pm.

If you are a David Bowie fan you are in for a treat tomorrow night. Spiders on Mars are at The Bungalow. I’ve seen them a number of times and if you want to hear that authentic Bowie sound these guys can deliver. Spiders on Mars are the UKs leading David Bowie tribute band and based in Glasgow. They are a full 6 piece with array of glamorous costumes and a set list consisting of both Bowie classics and fan favourites. Tickets on the door are £10 and doors open at 7pm.

On Sunday after a lot of rescheduling and worry it may never happen Gary Kerr of LnP Promotions told me “I’m well chuffed to bring Horse McDonald to Paisley. Performing as part of our Singers and Songs series of gigs at The Bungalow” Born in Newport on Tay, Horse is renowned as one of Scotland’s all-time great vocalists. She possesses a sophisticated songcraft, Often called ‘the voice,’ she is award-winning and iconic. Her music has stood the test of time, enjoying European chart-topping success. Since her studio debut in 1989 with the single You Could Be Forgiven EP on Capitol Records, Horse’s power to reinvent and advance her musical style and prowess has been unshakable. Horse has toured extensively in her own right but also with legends such as BB King and Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, Burt Bacharach and Bryan Ferry. Tickets are sold out for this one but there may be a few hand backs so check The Bungalow FB page.

On Thursday the Bungalow Introducing nights are back for the first time in over a year and a half. The Bungalow Introducing nights are for new bands, young bands, solo acts or any music group or act that is emerging and needs a little spotlight to help them in their career. Tickets on the door are £5 and first band is on at 8pm.

David McKendrick is playing in the Old Swan tonight at 5pm. Seems to be the perfect reason not to go home after work. Tomorrow at 4pm in the shoppers slot at 4pm is Nightfly. I saw them last week in The Cave and they were as always amazing. John from the band said to me “Over many years playing in various Bands, doing the usual Gigs, Clubs, Pubs, Cabaret, Weddings, Corporate Functions, we got together to play and cover the music that has influenced us over the years”

After Nightfly at 8pm it is the turn of Kirk Strachan The Casual Swans are back at The Old Swan on Monday from 4pm. On Wednesday Uncle Jim is back. For those of you that don’t know it is the legendary Jam session with Jim Keilt. The Jamming starts at 5pm.

The Cave have another superb ‘Four in a Row’ starting tonight with M65’s at 9pm. The Cave has been looking forward to having one of their faves back for a long time and that time is here. Yes, The Lynsey Dolan Band will play tomorrow at 6pm followed by The State Blues band at 9pm. To finish of a great weekend of live bands they have Overdrive in on Sunday at 6pm.

The Burgh Bar an old haunt of mine years ago have Wildcard in tonight at 9pm. The Anchor has Casper and Co in on Sunday at 4.30pm.

Live music as always will be at Zambretto tonight and tomorrow night at 8pm.

Open mic nights next week are Dunky Hunter at The Abbey on Monday at 8.30pm, The Keg with Johnny Barr at 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Keep Music Live and a great week.

25/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

Plans are in place for public access defibrillators to be installed around the entrance gates of every primary school in Renfrewshire – enabling 24-7 community access to the life-saving equipment.

The emergency resuscitation devices are already available at all secondary and Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools across Renfrewshire.

Now, councillors on the Finance, Resources and Customer Services policy board will meet next Wednesday (1 September) to approve the purchase and installation of new public access defibrillators to be fitted on the gates of all 50 primary schools.

And the plans would include additional defibrillators added at secondary schools where the existing ones aren’t accessible to the public.

Councillor John Shaw, Finance Convener, said: “The incident involving Danish international footballer Christian Eriksen reminded us all how defibrillators can be the difference between life and death and this investment will not only ensure children and staff at our schools have access, but be publicly accessible for all Renfrewshire residents and communities.

“This matter was raised with me by a number of constituents including Kirklandneuk Primary Parent Council and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to address this as a matter of urgency.”

Defibrillators are already in place in Council buildings, town halls and at local leisure facilities, the device locations registered with the national network to help the emergency services when responding to 999 calls.

Each defibrillator includes simple-to-follow instructions on how to use them in the event of an emergency.

Education convener Councillor Jim Paterson added: “It’s important that we have ample provision across all our schools, while also ensuring members of the public can have access to them too and I look forward to them being installed as soon as possible.”

If approved, the new publicly accessible defibrillators would be installed by the end of the year.

25/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

– Independent scheme introduced in partnership with public health officials to increase consumer confidence in Covid-secure air travel –

Aberdeen International and Glasgow airports have been praised for their high safety standards following an international Covid-secure audit scheme introduced to give passengers confidence in flying as the safe restart of international travel continues.

Launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the voluntary scheme was introduced following a recommendation from the UK Government’s Global Travel Task Force.

The safety measures and procedures put in place at the beginning of the pandemic in both Aberdeen and Glasgow were measured alongside many of the world’s leading airports.

Both airports invested significantly early in the pandemic to introduce a series of safety measures to reassure staff and passengers during the biggest health crisis in a generation.

The health and safety measures were audited and deemed best practice by the Council Aviation Recovery Task Force Covid-secure guidance set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

aberdeen airport The audits consisted of three phases – a self-assessment, an evidence-based review and a physical visit to each airport conducted by the CAA and scientists from both Public Health England and Scotland bodies.

Mark Johnston, chief operating officer at AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: “Our airports remained open throughout the pandemic and played an important role in supporting the national effort during the last 18 months.

“They supported lifeline routes to the islands, ensured PPE cargo arrived safely, helped maintain critical connectivity for key workers in sectors such as oil and gas and provided facilities for Covid-19 testing centres.

“We are really pleased with the positive feedback we received from the audit teams who visited both our airports recently. As a Group we acted quickly during the pandemic to ensure that our passengers and people felt safe at all times and the measures in place will continue to support this as air travel slowly opens up and more people choose to fly.

“A lot of credit must go to our operational staff who work incredibly hard to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who passes through or works within our terminals.”

Enhanced health measures introduced last year at Aberdeen International and Glasgow airports, included:

The use of electrostatic fogging machines which disinfect surfaces within two minutes.
Passenger touchpoints, including security trays, are being treated with an antimicrobial product which kills germs and lasts for up to 30 days on surfaces. It has been tested to be more than 99.99% effective against COVID-19.
Self-cleaning stations for trollies have been set-up in baggage halls and hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed throughout the terminals.
Floor markers are in place across the terminals to help passengers physically distance where it is possible to do so.
Staff have received training on how to protect customers and colleagues against COVID-19.
Clear signage is in place advising of the measures.

24/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

AN amazing piece of performance art where BMX bike stunt riders paint designs on a tarmac cycle path is just one of the unique events being staged during Cycle Arts Festival Renfrewshire.

The festival is being staged on the 11-mile Paisley to Lochwinnoch cycle route between August 21 and 29 and features a series of innovative artworks and performances.

Jess Ramm’s Desire Lines performance will see a group of BMX riders with their bike tyres covered in paint trace out designs on the cycle path, the Johnstone Bridge space and the Telford’s pub car park, in Paisley’s Stow Brae.

The Teen Safari Along The Dark Gravel Serpent is a specially-commissioned walking theatre experience over two miles of the cycle track written by Alan McKendrick, who is originally from Kilbarchan.

Sightlines, by Kevin Cameron, which is a film essay and soundscape installed as a moving image work in the cave, at Parkhill Wood, near Castle Semple. The film examines local people’s attachments to their gardens during lockdown and the McDowall family’s impact on the Castle Semple landscape.

A Field Guide to Renfrewshire’s Waterways produced by Feral Arts is a family-friendly audio and visual arts trail that re-imagines the plants and wildlife found locally through a surrealist lens.

The Bard In The Yard is a one-person show and story-telling session with a tale about Shakespeare being sent to Scotland to write a masterpiece. But apart from meeting a witch and penning a rough draft of a speech about a dagger, he’s got nothing. Will needs to come up with a Scottish play or else the King will have his head on a stick if he dares show his quill in London again.

Story Wagon is a space specially created from wood and canvas for people to take part in writing workshops, sharing stories and performances.

Most of the Festival events are free, however some performances require tickets to be purchased. For more info on booking and ticket prices, please go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/cycle-arts-renfrewshire.

The Cycle Arts Festival Renfrewshire is being staged by Renfrewshire Leisure in partnership with Creative Scotland, Sustrans, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and Renfrewshire Council as part of the Green Arts Initiative and the Future Paisley Programme.

Future Paisley is the radical and wide-ranging programme of economic, social and physical regeneration using Paisley’s unique and internationally significant cultural and heritage story to transform its future.

The project is supported by Creative Scotland’s Place Partnership programme, designed to support local partners to work together to place culture at the heart of development and regeneration.

Muriel Ann McLeod, Creative Producer for Place Partnership at Renfrewshire Leisure said: “We have some incredibly talented and innovative artists producing specially-commissioned experimental work for the festival.

“Much of the artistic work will not have been seen before and since the venue for the festival is quite unique, it will be well worth coming to see.”

20/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson has urged eligible families to apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment.

The one-off payment of £252.50, administered by Social Security Scotland, is made to families when a child is old enough to start primary school. The payment can be used to buy everyday supplies like a new pair of shoes, books and school bags.

More than £10 million has been paid in Best Start Grant School Age Payments to families across Scotland since the benefit launched in June 2019.

Applications are currently open for children born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017. Parents or carers have until 28 February 2022 to apply.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment is part of the package of five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland. The package includes Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and is available to families receiving tax credits or certain benefits.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said:

“As children enter education for the first time, it is vital that the youngest people in our society get what they need to thrive. Whether it be a new pair of shoes or books or paints for an art project, the Scottish Government is committed to providing extra help to give every child the best start in life.

“We know that covering the costs of starting school can be difficult. So, I am urging families who may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more.

“Even if you are deferring your child’s start date until next year or home schooling, please remember to apply before the closing date. We are keen to ensure parents and carers receive all the financial support they can apply for, such as a school clothing grant and free school meals.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to access all of the benefits they are entitled to, and will invest in new partnerships between schools and advice services to help expand these vital links for families.

“I am proud that we are already delivering a social security system that is there for people when and where they need it, that is fair and straightforward to access, and that encourages and supports people to get the financial support they are entitled to.”

Glasgow-mum-of-three Becky Taylor successfully applied online for the payment ahead of her daughter Bella (aged 4) starting P1 at St Roch’s Primary School in Royston this week.

Becky said: “It can be hard at this time of year but the Best Start Grant School Age Payment covered everything we would need for Bella. I was able to buy her uniform, school bag and shoes as well as things like tights and socks.

“I was able to do the whole process online and it was easy. People should look into seeing if it is something they are entitled to and apply.”

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.

20/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

Baggage Freedom – West Highland Way baggage transfers and return transport from fortwilliam back to milngavie, Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Pet friendly / ex army / trustworthy / reliable.

15 years experience / best on the west.

Book here – http://www.baggagefreedom.com

Phone number – 07508 940 915

16/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

Camp the West Highland Way with Ginger Routes
Full West Highland Way walk + baggage and tent transfer + pet friendly return transfer. Pets travel FREE. All this for only £195pp

Ginger Routes:

west highland way luggage transfer service and return transport service from fortwilliam to milngavie or Glasgow.

Camp the west highland way with the Ginger Routes package. Easy affordable no hassle !!

Link to book – http://www.gingerroutes.com

Phone number – 07498 212 007

Camp the West Highland Way with Ginger Routes

£195.00

Book here

16/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

A popular physical activity game that has taken Scotland by storm will be taking place across Renfrewshire this autumn.

Beat the Street is a real-life interactive game that aims to get whole communities moving together and has been played by more than 1.4million people in more than 100 locations across the UK and beyond.

Beat The Street launch in Locke Park in Barnsley with Shawlands School

In Scotland, Beat the Street has already successfully been played in locations such as Glasgow, Falkirk, East Renfrewshire and South Lanarkshire, and the Renfrewshire game will take place from Wednesday 15 September to Wednesday 27 October across the areas of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch.

Prior to the game, residents will see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around these areas which players will hover their card or fob over to start their journey. They can then walk, cycle or wheel to the next one within an hour to score 10 points.

To play, primary schools will be provided with fobs and maps, but the game is free and open to all so the wider community is invited to collect a free card from a distribution point listed at www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire.

Players can join a school team, a workplace or a community group and the further that participants walk, cycle or wheel, the more points they will win for their team. The teams that top the leaderboards will be in with a chance of winning vouchers for books and sports equipment at the end of the six-week game, with prizes for average points too, so smaller teams are also in with a chance of winning prizes.

To mark the charity’s 40^th anniversary year, Beat the Street participants can also help one of the Provost’s chosen charities MND Scotland earn a cash donation of up to £500 based on the total number of miles travelled.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Beat the Street is a fantastic initiative to get children, families and our communities active. We are incredibly excited to bring it to Renfrewshire and we can’t wait to see how far everyone can walk, run, cycle, and scoot during the challenge.

“We hope that as many local residents as possible will take part earning points and prizes for themselves, their teams and MND Scotland while getting active and spending time outdoors.

“The game is designed to encourage active travel wherever possible so get the steps in, get in the saddle or any other method that means leaving the car at home.

“Anyone living, working or studying in the area can get involved – it’s completely free to play and is an excellent opportunity to go outdoors, spend time with your friends and family and get moving.”

Beat the Street Renfrewshire has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and is funded by the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.

The game was created by Dr William Bird MBE to help tackle the UK’s low levels of activity, to help people incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives, as well also improving air pollution, increasing active travel and reducing congestion.

Beat the Street has been updated to ensure that it is COVID-19 safe and there is no need to touch any of the sensors or Beat Boxes – all players need to do is hover their card or fob near the sensor and it will register the points.

For more information on how to play, prizes and where to pick up a free card and map, click onto www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire or search for @RenfrewshireBTS on social media

16/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

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

Bishopton, Blog, bridge of weir, Elderslie, Erskine, Houston, Howwood, Inchinnan, Johnstone, kilbarchan, Linwood, Lochwinnoch, Newsletter, Paisley, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

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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