Latest news with #PeterFarrer
The Herald Scotland
13 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Water urging people to stay safe around reservoirs
They also show that, in the past five years, there have been 244 accidental drownings in Scotland, including 20 children. The call from Scottish Water follows some anti-social and dangerous behaviour by groups of young people recently at reservoirs across the country. This has included irresponsibly managed campfires, vandalism, littering and diving from water towers which are working parts of reservoirs. Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's chief operating officer, said: 'While people should enjoy any good weather we have this summer and take pleasure around beautiful lochs, reservoirs, rivers and beaches, it's absolutely vital they stay safe at all times and behave responsibly. READ MORE: 'As a number of tragic deaths in Scotland in recent years have shown, safety is a serious issue in all bodies of water. At reservoirs, while the water may look harmless, there are many hidden dangers. We need to ensure everyone is aware of these hazards. We are reminding parents to keep their children safe and asking everyone to act responsibly around reservoirs and other watercourses.' The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the leading water safety education charity, is backing Scottish Water's advice and is launching its annual national Drowning Prevention Week campaign from June 14 to 21. Matt Croxall, Interim Charity Director at RLSS UK, said: 'In the last five years, only 39% of those who accidentally drowned in Scotland intended to be in the water, highlighting how easy it is to unexpectedly get into trouble.' With 42% of Scottish accidental drowning occurring between May and August, RLSS UK's Drowning Prevention Week is timed to ensure families, educators and leisure operators across Scotland have the opportunity to discuss water safety with children and teenagers, just ahead of the school summer holidays. Mr Croxall added: 'With the summer holidays coming and families enjoying staycations across popular destinations in Scotland, it is even more vital that everyone has a strong understanding of what to do if you find yourself or someone else in trouble in the water. "Bringing water safety to the forefront of everyone's mind, Drowning Prevention Week equips people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to be summer ready when it comes to being safe in and around water.' Also supporting Scottish Water's call, Carlene McAvoy, Senior Policy Manager, at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: 'Every drowning is a heartbreaking and preventable loss that deeply affects families and communities across Scotland. As summer approaches and more people spend time near water, we're encouraging everyone to take a moment to remember the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers; Stay Together, Stay Close; and In an Emergency, Call 999. 'These simple steps can genuinely save lives. Water Safety Scotland remains committed to supporting communities and partners with free educational resources and clear, consistent messaging—because keeping people safe around water is something we all have a role in."
Western Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Union urges for ministers to help with Scottish Water pay dispute
Members of GMB Scotland and other unions are striking from Monday for seven consecutive days at the publicly-owned organisation, with a mass rally planned in Glasgow on Wednesday. Scottish ministers have been urged to get involved in the dispute, which began in June 2024. Workers at GMB Scotland backed industrial action after the water company reduced the terms of a pay offer that had already been rejected, according to the union, which claimed that executives received record bonuses last year. Unionised staff voted against an offer of 3.4% or £1,400 covering the last nine months as the company changed the date for annual rises from July to April. The company branded industrial action 'unnecessary' and said seven offers have been made since June 2024. Scottish Water's latest offer would see an average pay increase of around 7% over two years (2024/25 and 2025/26), in addition to a 3.5% yearly salary increase. It called for 'sensible' negotiations from the unions, rejecting suggestions that emergency works would be impacted. In a marginal majority, 51% of Unison workers employed by the water supplier voted to reject the pay offer, and 49% voted to accept. The turnout was 86%. GMB said 60% of its members voted against the offer, and 40% chose to accept, on a turnout of 78%, while statistics were not provided by Unison. The public deserves better and workers deserve a fair pay offer GMB Scotland organiser Claire Greer The strikes will conclude on June 8, and follow two days of industrial action in April. GMB Scotland organiser Claire Greer wrote to secretary for net zero Gillian Martin, raising concerns about the failure to resolve the dispute. Ms Greer said: 'It is impossible to know whether Scottish Water is playing games or simply inept, but the relentless progress of this dispute towards industrial action could have been halted at any time with open and straightforward negotiations. 'Instead, we have been given a series of needlessly complicated offers, one worse than the last, as managers spend more time attempting to undermine staff unions than delivering a fair offer. 'It needs to stop and if Scottish Water do not know how, ministers must explain public money is being risked by a dispute that should have been settled months ago. 'The public deserves better and workers deserve a fair pay offer.' We felt a resolution was possible and would be welcomed by all our colleagues. Peter Farrer, chief operating officer of Scottish Water Peter Farrer, chief operating officer at Scottish Water, said: 'This week's industrial action is unnecessary. It will mean union members losing valuable wages and add extra costs to the business which are ultimately paid for by customers. 'We invited the joint trade unions to talk over the weekend but unfortunately they refused to meet without preconditions. 'Given how close the vote against our latest pay offer was, we felt a resolution was possible and would be welcomed by all our colleagues. 'It is now time for the joint trade union leadership to return to the table with a sensible solution that ends this dispute. 'In the meantime, we have robust plans in place to maintain essential services should the trade unions press ahead with their strike action.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Ministers have set out their policy in relation to public sector pay. 'It is a matter for Scottish Water and its unions to agree a settlement within the constraints of that policy and affordability. 'The Scottish Government urges both parties to resume negotiations to find an agreement.'
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Le Bris 'got to take the praise' - Til I Die cabbie
Peter Farrer, the taxi driver from Netflix show Sunderland Til I Die, says Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has "got to be given the praise" for guiding the club to the Championship play-off Frenchman's young squad face Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday with the winner earning promotion to the Premier a Black Cats devotee who appeared regularly on the hit series covering the club, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I think he's a very, very intelligent bloke."You never see him getting flushed. You never see him shouting his mouth off. He just does the job and you've got to remember in the second half of extra time [against Coventry in the semi-final second leg] he changed the tactics."He changed the way we were playing in that second half because they were on top, you couldn't dispute it - then of course, we scored."Dan Ballard's last-second winner secured the aggregate win for Le Bris' side in a moment many are saying is among the best ever at the Stadium of Light."I've followed Sunderland since '64 and I've never been in an atmosphere like that in my life - the noise was unbelievable," Farrer also believes Sunderland should take heart from their previous meetings with the Blades this season."We got beat down there 1-0, [but] we beat them at the Stadium of Light," Farrer added. "So, they've won one, we've won one but I'll tell you the man who's got to be given the praise - the manager."Listen to more from Farrer on BBC Sounds.
Edinburgh Reporter
09-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Adults encouraged to learn to swim to boost water safety this summer
Each summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of not ever learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework – Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations – ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age. For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change. With hundreds already benefiting and momentum building, Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water are hoping their message makes a splash: it's not just about learning to swim – it's about reconnecting with the water, with confidence, and with family. Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Adults urged to learn to swim to stay safe this summer
Every summer, families across Scotland flock to pools, lochs, and beaches – yet a familiar pattern emerges. 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... Children splash and dive while many parents, grandparents or other older family members watch from the side-lines, smiling but staying dry. For a surprising number, that isn't a lifestyle choice – it's the result of never learning to swim. Now adults across Scotland are being encouraged to take the plunge, thanks to a campaign confronting deep-seated fears and outdated assumptions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The #NeverTooLate campaign, run by the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework - Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – is encouraging more adults to lead by example and learn to swim, not simply watch from afar. 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim Backed by the National Learn to Swim Framework, the campaign highlights how building water confidence among adults is not only a step towards personal growth but can also dramatically enhance water safety for the entire family. Delivered through a network of 38 leisure trusts and aquatic providers, the framework supports lessons in 165 pools nationwide. While the programme has already helped more than 100,000 learners gain confidence in the water, the adult-focused campaign marks a bold expansion. The Learn to Swim programme is committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which individuals can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability or skill level. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John Lunn, Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming, said: 'We hear it constantly – parents telling us they wish they could join their kids in the pool, but they feel held back. Adults urged to learn vital water safety skills 'Many never had the chance to learn when they were young. Now they're held back by fear, embarrassment or the belief that it's too late to start. 'We're challenging that idea head-on. It's never too late to learn to swim – and there's never been a better reason to do so. From building lasting memories with your family members or friends to feeling safer on holiday, swimming is a skill that enriches lives.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: 'Learning to swim is such an important safety skill no matter what your age or ability – everyone should be able to enjoy Scotland's miles of rivers, lochs, reservoirs and shorelines, and do so safely. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Encouraging anyone in later life to learn to swim is just as important as encouraging younger generations - ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to learn such an essential life skill and how to be confident and competent in or around water is hugely important from a safety perspective, plus they will also get to experience the wider social, health and fitness benefits that swimming can offer.' That message is resonating. Each week, more than 1,600 adults across Scotland are taking part in Learn to Swim sessions, a figure the campaign is hoping to grow. Many are parents or grandparents motivated by their children's safety and a desire to participate more fully in shared experiences, whether on holiday, during school swim lessons or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The #NeverTooLate campaign also touches on deeper issues of health, inclusion and access. Water-based activity is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive forms of exercise, ideal for building strength and confidence at any age. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For many learners, these sessions represent much more than mastering a stroke, they're about reclaiming confidence, overcoming past fears, and modelling resilience for younger generations. While Learn to Swim is primarily recognised for helping children reach key aquatic milestones, the adult arm of the programme is quickly gaining traction, thanks in part to wider conversations around health equity and active lifestyles. Figures show that 63% of Scots prefer holidays near water, yet a significant proportion remain unable to swim – something the campaign is determined to change.
