Latest news with #Scotland-based
Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP welcomes news that Scottish Military homes are to be upgraded
Military personnel across Scotland are set to benefit from record additional funding to improve family accommodation for the Armed Forces. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... The investment will mean that personnel in Scotland will see more urgent repairs and maintenance, from fixing unreliable boilers and leaky roofs to tackling damp and mould in service family accommodation, alongside development of new housing. The extra investment means over £7 billion will be spent UK-wide on military accommodation in this Parliament, including £400m investment in Scotland to improve conditions for personnel living in Single Living Accommodation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will confirm an additional £1.5 billion in funding for military family accommodation nationwide, helping to renew the nation's contract with those who serve, and supporting the UK Labour government's Plan for Change. There are over 3,000 military homes in Scotland, helping to house some of the 11,000 Scotland-based personnel, which will now be considered for this funding. Labour has announced a £400 million boost to improve military housing in Scotland. The £7 billion will be spent across this Parliament on service family accommodation and single living accommodation, to deliver a generational renewal of Armed Forces accommodation. This will be guided by the forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy – which is proceeding at pace and has already seen the announcement of a new Consumer Charter to strengthen housing standards for forces families. The Strategic Defence Review will set a path for the next decade to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and make defence an engine for growth across the UK. Commenting, Gregor Poynton MP for the Livingston constituency said: "This constituency has a proud connection to our armed forces, from being home to hundreds of serving personnel, veterans and their families through to the award-winning Military Museum of Scotland in Wilkieston. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But supporting our armed forces means more than just thanking our troops and remembering the past, it's about investing in their future. Scotland's 3,000 military homes will benefit from a £400 million upgrade, part of a £7 billion UK-wide plan to make homes fit for heroes. Gregor Poynton MP with Defence Secretary, John Healy MP in the Livingston constituency. 'Defence can be a true engine for growth and Livingston is ready to play its part. I'll keep pushing for investment here and I'm urging the SNP Scottish Government to drop their opposition to defence investment and get behind this vital spend.' Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: 'Our Armed Forces personnel make extraordinary sacrifices to serve our country. 'For too long, many military families have lived in sub-standard homes, but this government is taking decisive action to fix the dire state of military accommodation and ensure that our heroes and their loved ones live in the homes they deserve. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our government is determined to end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. We are investing and acting fast, to fix forces housing and renew the nation's contract with those who serve. "The delivery of the Government's new Consumer Charter will see immediate investment in urgent renovation of 1,000 homes in most need of repair. The Charter will also see basic consumer rights rapidly introduced for forces families, including essential property information and higher move-in standards, more reliable repairs, a named housing officer for every family, and access to a robust complaints system – helping to deliver homes fit for our heroes. Minister for Defence People and Veterans Al Carns said: "After years of unacceptable living conditions our service personnel had to endure, we are delivering the much-needed investment into military homes in Scotland that puts our service families first. 'This new funding will ensure that those who protect our nation, and their families, can live in homes they can be proud of. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We promised better housing for our military families across the United Kingdom and we are delivering on that promise." The SDR says that the MOD should improve the overall standard of military accommodation, including prioritising sites that are in most urgent need of repair.
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop 'tampering' Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a "contemporary Virtuous Woman", whose name was then sewn into the fabric JK Rowling posted on X in celebration of the Supreme Court gender ruling (Image: J.K. Rowling/X ) An artwork featuring author JK Rowling's name has been taken down by the National Trust, which wants to "protect it from further tampering or damage". Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a "contemporary Virtuous Woman", whose name was then sewn into the fabric. Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling's name which was at an unspecified time "stitched over by other participants". Last week on X, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had "corrected" the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling's name. It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: "The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. Article continues below "During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. "At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. "We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. "The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one." Ms Hatchet criticised the response from the National Trust, saying she removed the "stitching with the correct tool", took "great time and care", and did not damage it. The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and National Trust, and is inspired by wealthy Elizabethan woman Elizabeth Talbot, known as Bess of Hardwick, commissioning a series of large embroideries featuring noble women from the ancient world, such as Cleopatra. The trust had previously responded to criticism from the organisation, Women's Rights Network Derbyshire and Staffordshire, who advocated for "a simple addition to their description", with a statement explaining why the crossing-out stitching on Rowling's name remains. Responding on X, the trust said that it is a "collaborative piece of art formed of participants' views from a variety of age groups, life experiences and beliefs", and "any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part". "None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds," the organisation said Ellie Evans, from WRN Derbyshire and Staffordshire, criticised the artwork being covered up, saying the move would "erase all the women". Rowling declined to comment. Article continues below Khoo and the University of Leeds have also been contacted.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Rhyl Journal
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'
Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a 'contemporary Virtuous Woman', whose name was then sewn into the fabric. Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling's name which was at an unspecified time 'stitched over by other participants'. Injustice to JK Rowling corrected. Don't erase the names of women from art or life. #TerfsDidThis @LightninLex – perfect wingwoman as always. — Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) May 31, 2025 Last week on X, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had 'corrected' the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling's name. It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: 'The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. 'During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. 'At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. 'We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. 'The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one.' Ms Hatchet criticised the response from the National Trust, saying she removed the 'stitching with the correct tool', took 'great time and care', and did not damage it. The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and National Trust, and is inspired by wealthy Elizabethan woman Elizabeth Talbot, known as Bess of Hardwick, commissioning a series of large embroideries featuring noble women from the ancient world, such as Cleopatra. Any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part. None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds. (3/3) — National Trust (@nationaltrust) May 25, 2025 The trust had previously responded to criticism from the organisation, Women's Rights Network Derbyshire and Staffordshire, who advocated for 'a simple addition to their description', with a statement explaining why the crossing-out stitching on Rowling's name remains. Responding on X, the trust said that it is a 'collaborative piece of art formed of participants' views from a variety of age groups, life experiences and beliefs', and 'any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part'. 'None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds,' the organisation said Ellie Evans, from WRN Derbyshire and Staffordshire, criticised the artwork being covered up, saying the move would 'erase all the women'. Rowling declined to comment. Khoo and the University of Leeds have also been contacted.
STV News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'
An artwork featuring author JK Rowling's name has been taken down by the National Trust, which wants to 'protect it from further tampering or damage'. Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a 'contemporary Virtuous Woman', whose name was then sewn into the fabric. Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling's name which was at an unspecified time 'stitched over by other participants'. Last week on X, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had 'corrected' the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling's name. It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: 'The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. 'During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. 'At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. 'We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. 'The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one.' Ms Hatchet criticised the response from the National Trust, saying she removed the 'stitching with the correct tool', took 'great time and care', and did not damage it. The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and National Trust, and is inspired by wealthy Elizabethan woman Elizabeth Talbot, known as Bess of Hardwick, commissioning a series of large embroideries featuring noble women from the ancient world, such as Cleopatra. The trust had previously responded to criticism from the organisation, Women's Rights Network Derbyshire and Staffordshire, who advocated for 'a simple addition to their description', with a statement explaining why the crossing-out stitching on Rowling's name remains. Responding on X, the trust said that it is a 'collaborative piece of art formed of participants' views from a variety of age groups, life experiences and beliefs', and 'any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part'. 'None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds,' the organisation said Ellie Evans, from WRN Derbyshire and Staffordshire, criticised the artwork being covered up, saying the move would 'erase all the women'. Rowling declined to comment. Khoo and the University of Leeds have also been contacted. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Artwork featuring JK Rowling's name taken off display to stop ‘tampering'
Visitors who went to Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire between April and November 2024 were invited to nominate a 'contemporary Virtuous Woman', whose name was then sewn into the fabric. Since the project ended, the participatory artwork, A Virtuous Woman, has continued to be on display, featuring Rowling's name which was at an unspecified time 'stitched over by other participants'. Injustice to JK Rowling corrected. Don't erase the names of women from art or life. #TerfsDidThis @LightninLex – perfect wingwoman as always. — Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) May 31, 2025 Last week on X, feminist campaigner Jean Hatchet said she had 'corrected' the work by taking off the stitching over Harry Potter author Rowling's name. It follows criticism of Scotland-based Rowling's views on gender issues that have seen her called transphobic by activists, which she has denied. A spokeswoman for the National Trust said: 'The artwork was open to contributions for eight months and closed in November when the piece was finished and put on public display. 'During the participation phase, JK Rowling's name was stitched onto the piece seven times and in two instances it was stitched over by other participants. 'At the time the artwork was completed and subsequently hung, JK Rowling's name appeared five times without any overstitching. 'We ask people not to damage or tamper with artworks once they are finished and on public display. 'The piece has been taken off display for investigation and to protect it from further tampering or damage. We take all claims and incidents of damage to items in our care seriously and investigate each one.' Ms Hatchet criticised the response from the National Trust, saying she removed the 'stitching with the correct tool', took 'great time and care', and did not damage it. The stitched names of British queens, artist Yoko Ono, former prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, and Taylor Swift among others appear not to have stitching over them on the recycled textile. The work comes from artist Layla Khoo in association with the University of Leeds and National Trust, and is inspired by wealthy Elizabethan woman Elizabeth Talbot, known as Bess of Hardwick, commissioning a series of large embroideries featuring noble women from the ancient world, such as Cleopatra. Any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part. None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds. (3/3) — National Trust (@nationaltrust) May 25, 2025 The trust had previously responded to criticism from the organisation, Women's Rights Network Derbyshire and Staffordshire, who advocated for 'a simple addition to their description', with a statement explaining why the crossing-out stitching on Rowling's name remains. Responding on X, the trust said that it is a 'collaborative piece of art formed of participants' views from a variety of age groups, life experiences and beliefs', and 'any contributions to the piece have been made by those who chose to take part'. 'None of the views expressed or actions taken by participants represent the views of the National Trust, the artist or the University of Leeds,' the organisation said Ellie Evans, from WRN Derbyshire and Staffordshire, criticised the artwork being covered up, saying the move would 'erase all the women'. Rowling declined to comment. Khoo and the University of Leeds have also been contacted.
