Latest news with #AlexanderBurnett
Scotsman
12-08-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Rural schools in Scotland suffering 'exodus' of teachers
Rural schools are suffering most from an exodus of teachers, an MSP has said, after a report came out showing high job insecurity among the profession. | Shutterstock Almost half of teachers responding to a report on teaching said they face either supply-only work or unemployment for the next year. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Rural schools are suffering most from an 'exodus' of teachers, an MSP has said, after a report came out showing high job insecurity among the profession. Scottish Conservatives MSP Alexander Burnett, who has campaigned for saving nurseries and schools from closure across Aberdeenshire, said the Scottish Government urgently needs to address what he called 'the continuing scourge of temporary contracts' in teaching. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alexander Burnett MSP has warned rural schools are suffering the most from an exodus of teachers after a new report found 80 per cent faced insecure employment over the last year, with only 12.5 per cent moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term. | Scottish Conservatives The politician's comments come as a report by grassroots organisation Scottish Teachers for Permanence (STP), a group dedicated to advocating for job security and stability for more than 4,500 teachers across the country, published alarming responses to a recent survey on job security in the profession. Answers from 555 respondents found 80 per cent faced insecure employment in teaching in Scotland over the last year. The report showed just 12.5 per cent of teachers interviewed are moving into permanent posts for the upcoming term. Almost half, (47.9 per cent) said they face either supply-only work or unemployment for 2025-26. Teachers interviewed came from some 30 different regions all over Scotland, from Fife to Orkney, the Highlands to the Scottish Borders, with authors saying the geographic spread demonstrates that employment insecurity transcends urban–rural divides and affects every Scottish local authority area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The largest cohort (42 per cent) was teachers between 25 and 34 years old. An overwhelming 80 per cent (446 respondents) work primarily in primary education, with secondary representing 12.6 per cent. Some 60.4 per cent of teachers responding to the survey said they believe their professional service is not recognised by local authorities in recruitment. The STP report said 42 per cent of those who responded to the survey have two or more years of continuous experience in teaching. Mr Burnett said the findings will particularly impact rural regions, some of which struggle with recruitment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish ministers said local authorities are responsible for the recruitment and deployment of teachers. They acknowledged there is a challenge around recruitment of teachers in certain geographical areas. Mr Burnett said: 'These alarming findings highlight the deepening crisis that exists within the Scottish education system, particularly in our rural schools,' the MSP for Aberdeenshire West said. 'Teachers are at the end of their tether, and it is time the SNP government urgently addressed their concerns. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We cannot allow a situation to continue where teachers are struggling to put food on the table, while schools in regions such as Aberdeenshire are struggling to recruit teachers. 'Many are also uncertain over what their future employment prospects are after completing their probation period amid the continuing scourge of temporary contracts. 'Losing them will significantly hamper literacy and numeracy levels, as well as limiting opportunities for pupils to learn foreign languages and technical skills. 'The Scottish Government must take notice of these findings by giving teachers secure employment in rural areas so every child has the same educational opportunities, regardless of where they live.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Government pointed to a £186.5 million sum it is giving to local authorities this year to restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels and maximise the number of teaching posts available. A spokesperson said: 'It is encouraging to note that the number of teachers in our classrooms has increased by more than 2,500 over the past decade and the number in permanent posts has remained stable at more than 80 per cent over the past 10 years. 'We recognise there is a challenge around the recruitment of teachers in certain geographical areas, and we are taking action to address this. For example, through the Preference Waiver Payment, probationary teachers can receive up to £8,000 if they opt to complete their probation anywhere in Scotland, particularly in remote or rural areas.'
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish NHS board's £269,000 pest control spend revealed
The figures, which were obtained by the Scottish Conservatives, found that pest control spending has risen year-on-year, from £47,000 in 2021/22 to £103,000 last year. During the four year time frame, 499 incidents involving 'crawling insects' were logged, as well as 178 reports of 'rodents', 128 reports of 'flying insects', and 461 reports of 'birds'. Money was also spent on cleaning up after 7 foxes, 9 bats, and 3 rabbits. Affected health care facilities included Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, Woodend and Cornhill Hospitals in Aberdeen, and a number of smaller institutions across Aberdeenshire and Moray. Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett said: 'Dedicated NHS staff should not be forced to work in ageing, crumbling infested buildings that are putting the safety of themselves and their patients at risk. 'In people's hour of need, they should be safe from bugs and rodents roaming around freely in wards.' Read more: 'A grim reality': Glasgow City Council spent £106m to house homeless last year Scottish NHS board could face Court of Session over 'terrible' delays First Minister John Swinney to meet with Donald Trump during Scottish holiday Mr Burnett, who represents Aberdeenshire West in Holyrood, added: 'These repeated pest control call-outs are costing NHS Grampian a fortune, at a time when it is struggling to keep the lights on as it is. 'This substantial increase come at a time when the Scottish Government shamefully froze all new NHS building projects for two years, which has had a hugely detrimental impact on the North East. 'The Scottish Government must urgently give NHS Grampian the resources it needs to improve the North East estate and to ensure our hospitals are safe and clean.' The health board declared a 'critical incident' last November, due to 'extreme pressure' on Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the area's largest hospital. During the incident, which lasted for a day, ambulance patients were diverted to other hospitals outside their area. NHS Grampian has been contacted for comment.
7NEWS
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
The most sampled song in history is one you've never heard of
You've heard it in everything from N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton to UK rave anthems and video game soundtracks. But chances are, you've never heard the original song. In 1969, a now-obscure American soul group called The Winstons released a B-side titled Amen, Brother. Buried within it — at around the 1.26 mark — is a six-second drum solo that would become the most sampled audio clip in music history. Known as Amen Break, the beat has appeared in more than 6,000 tracks — and continues to be sampled more than five decades later. From hip hop to jungle, drum and bass and breakcore, Amen Break has not only formed the rhythmic backbone of entire genres, but also traced the evolution of sampling and the blurred lines of musical ownership. A beat born from turntables For artist and producer Alexander Burnett — the frontman of Sparkadia and the creative force behind records by Thelma Plum, Hayden James and Flight Facilities — Amen Break's appeal goes beyond nostalgia. 'In the early '80s, DJs started to use two turntables to loop the same drum sections from records — which created a groove for MCs to rap over,' he told 'These drum loops or 'breaks' were used as a tool to create a new musical work with new lyrics and melody over the top.' Amen Break — played by the late drummer Gregory Coleman — became a go-to for crate-digging producers thanks to its explosive snap and gritty texture. 'It has the right swing, energy and grit,' Burnett said. 'If you drop it into a session sped up, the song already sounds like UK jungle or drum and bass. If slowed down, it becomes '90s hip hop.' From underground to global chart domination The break's earliest high-profile use came in the 1980s, with inclusion in tracks by pioneers such as Mantronix and N.W.A. N.W.A's title track Straight Outta Compton is renowned for heralding the arrival of West Coast hip hop and Dr Dre's signature sound; a blueprint still emulated today. From there, the sample exploded across the UK rave scene of the '90s. Producers like Goldie, Roni Size and Shy FX chopped and flipped the beat into high-energy soundscapes that defined jungle and drum and bass. It has since popped up in everything from Mantronix's King Of The Beat to David Bowie 's Little Wonder and Oasis 's D'You Know What I Mean?. It's also featured in TV shows Futurama and Top Gear and the the video game Grand Theft Auto. Originality, ownership and the sampling debate Despite its ubiquity, Amen, Brother's creators saw almost no financial return. Neither frontman and copyright holder Richard L. Spencer nor drummer Gregory C. Coleman received royalties or sample clearance fees during their lifetimes. Coleman died in 2006, never seeing compensation for the solo that would define entire genres. Spencer, who called the sample's use 'plagiarism', chose not to pursue legal action; but fans didn't forget. In 2015, British DJ Martyn Webster launched a crowdfunding campaign titled The Winstons Amen Breakbeat Gesture, urging fans to give back. It raised more than £24,000 ($45,600), which was presented to Spencer in a public show of thanks. 'Copyright has historically been about melody and lyrics rather than rhythm,' Burnett said. 'That being said, the drum break has created so many incredible new works, so there should be compensation.' 'On the other hand, many of the original artists who sampled it may not have had the means to use the break if they had to pay compensation up front. I'd like to think we have the technology to address this issue moving forward in 2025.' A legacy beyond one track While Amen Break is the most famous, it's not the only revered loop. The Incredible Bongo Band's Apache (1973) delivered a tribal, bongo-heavy groove that became a hip hop staple, sampled by everyone from Sugarhill Gang to Missy Elliott, Nas and M.I.A. James Brown's Funky Drummer (1970), featuring Clyde Stubblefield's solo, has been looped in classics like Public Enemy's Fight The Power, Dr Dre's Let Me Ride and George Michael's Freedom! '90. But Amen Break stands alone: a six-second mistake-turned-masterpiece from a forgotten B-side, now the most sampled piece of music ever recorded.
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Scottish council's U-turn on decision to close four nurseries hailed as 'victory'
The move comes after series backlash from communities affected by the initial closure announcement. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A council said it plans to drop its decision to close nurseries temporarily ahead of an emergency meeting next week. Aberdeenshire Council announced earlier this year it planned to mothball four nurseries across the region. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The move was met with a major backlash by communities affected by the proposals, with parents accusing the council of acting unlawfully. The affected nurseries include Crossroads, Ballogie, Glass and Sandhaven. Campaigners protesting against the temporary closure of Glass nursery after the announcement to mothball the facility was made earlier this month | Supplied An emergency meeting on the proposed closures is still due to go ahead on Monday. But in an unexpected U-turn, just days before the meeting, the council revealed it intends to pause any future mothballing of nurseries underway while it examines official guidance on the process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Head of Aberdeenshire Council Gillian Owen said while the unusual decision was made to state the administration's intention ahead of the official meeting, next steps would 'still require to be considered through the decision-making process at full council'. Ahead of the meeting, Alexander Burnett, the MSP for Aberdeenshire West, had received confirmation from the Scottish Government the council should have held a public consultation, under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, before any decision was taken. The Act states councils should engage as 'early as possible' with families affected by proposals to mothball a nursery. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Conservatives MSP for Aberdeenshire West Alexander Burnett | Katharine Hay In letters sent to councillors ahead of the meeting, a parent group said: 'We firmly believe that the council has acted illegally and improperly when making the decision to mothball these settings and we would urge you to please consider our position in detail prior to the meeting. 'Crossroads Nursery is a thriving rural nursery which serves our local rural community, this is not a nursery with struggling numbers or for which there is a low demand. This is a much-needed rural service which has provided exceptional care and the best start in life for our young people.' Mr Burnett described the council's decision to remove the plans from the table as 'a victory for our rural areas'. 'These nurseries help form the pillar of our communities and they are assets that we must keep open across Aberdeenshire,' the MSP said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I am pleased Aberdeenshire Council has listened to the concerns of parents and has also agreed to review its mothballing policy, which I have also been campaigning for.' Mr Owen said: 'The administration is minded to seek a review of our mothballing guidance to incorporate a consultation process with parents. 'We acknowledge the strong feelings concerning the four settings and appreciate the concerns of parents who highly value their local early learning facilities. We are trying to balance the needs of children and families, with a challenging financial position – but it is critical we do this in the right way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We will be recommending that we pause planning for all future mothballing activity currently underway, whilst we examine the guidance. Whilst we have been engaging with parents, we need to consult at a much earlier stage to inform the decision-making process, and we will explore how to integrate this into the procedure. 'We will also recommend reversing the budget decision identifying this as a saving in our 2025/26 budget process and seek to identify the saving from elsewhere.
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Council forced to U-turn on nursery mothballing plans
Despite previously insisting that the closures would go ahead, council officials have now indicated that they will abandon the plans and seek a review of the authority's approach to mothballing. In response to multiple requests to explain why unelected officers were able to make decisions on mothballing without consultation, a council spokesperson had previously suggested that government guidance – which includes clear instructions to consult with communities on any such decision – does not apply to nurseries, meaning that they did not need to discuss the matter with families before implementing the changes. In recent days, however, the council has come under increasing pressure over its plans. The matter has been raised in the Scottish Parliament, and government officials recently wrote to the council to warn that the proposals were not in line with statutory requirements. In a letter to Laurence Findlay, the Director for Education and Children's Services at Aberdeenshire Council, a government official explicitly stated that mothballing guidance applies to council-run nurseries, and highlighted a section of the document stating that any mothballing decision 'should be taken in consultation with the parents involved.' The government's letter also raised concerns about the mothballing of another nursery in 2024 which has since been removed from the options that parents can choose from when applying for a space for their child. Scottish Conservatives MSP Alexander Burnett has also written to the administration, which is led by councillors from his own party. His email, which has been seen by The Herald, sharply criticised several aspects of the council's approach and urged them to abandon the mothballing proposals. In addition to this, The Herald has been shown email correspondence in which the council is explicitly advised by a solicitor acting for parents that they considered the plans "unlawful". Officials are asked to state whether they agree with this, in which case they would have had to advise councillors of this, or disagree, in which case there would be no reason for families to delay further legal action. Opposition councillors had successfully demanded a special meeting of the council take place to consider the matter, with the session planned for Monday 9 June. When The Herald approached the council about this matter earlier today an official declined to comment, stating that they did not wish to 'pre-empt' any decisions that might be made by elected representatives. However, by mid-afternoon this position had changed, and the council's press team issued a release stating that the administration now intends to abandon the controversial mothballing plans: 'The Administration is minded to seek a review of our mothballing guidance to incorporate a consultation process with parents. 'We acknowledge the strong feelings concerning the four settings and appreciate the concerns of parents who highly value their local early learning facilities. We are trying to balance the needs of children and families, with a challenging financial position – but it is critical we do this in the right way. 'We will be recommending that we pause planning for all future mothballing activity currently underway, whilst we examine the guidance. Whilst we have been engaging with parents, we need to consult at a much earlier stage to inform the decision-making process, and we will explore how to integrate this into the procedure. 'We will also recommend reversing the budget decision identifying this as a saving in our 2025/26 budget process and seek to identify the saving from elsewhere. 'We are taking the unusual step of announcing our intention prior to the meeting in the hope that we remove further anxiety for the people who have made requests to speak.' The original proposals had been strongly opposed by SNP and some independent councillors who have welcomed the U-turn. Commenting, SNP Education and Children's Spokesperson, Cllr Louise McAllister, said: 'The decision to mothball these nurseries, without consultation or democratic oversight, was wrong from the get go, and that is a point we have strived to make since the announcements in April. 'As well as the U-turn on mothballing, I sincerely hope that the administration also accept that these decisions need to be fully returned to the hands of elected members, so that we can truly be a voice for the communities we represent. 'Whilst I am delighted for the children who can now continue to access their childcare provision in these settings, I think the administration must acknowledge and apologise for the hurt and distress caused by this short sighted decision making.' SNP Deputy Education and Children's Spokesperson, Cllr Jenny Nicol, added: 'From the outset we have voted against mothballing decisions being made by officers, and consistently challenged a process that lacked proper consultation and failed to consider the long term impact on rural families. 'For too long, decisions were being made behind closed doors, without the input of those most affected and facing the traumatic realities of mothballing. This reversal shows what can be achieved when communities stand up and are supported by Councillors who put people before 'process'.' 'We welcome this shift, but it must now be followed by a full review of the guidance and a genuine commitment to rural early years provision going forward.' SNP Cllr Dawn Black, who represents Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, praised local communities who 'have stepped up and fought this campaign so passionately and so successfully.' 'As Councillors our hands have been tied to a certain extent and we have done all we can to push this issue forward – and finally we see some change. We could not have done that without the dedication of local voices who took the time to email and speak with individual Councillors and at the education committee. 'Regardless of guidance from elsewhere, as a council we should want to consult with communities – to work with them to find sustainable ways forward – that should have already been in our guidance. Instead the Tory-led administration have tried to force change on communities, whilst hiding behind officers, and have realised that people just will not stand for it.'
