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Scotsman
39 minutes ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Why there's an urgent need to help the million Scots with a neurological condition
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... 'Local health care and social work services are stretched to breaking point and are unable to provide any meaningful support that would impact positively on any of the three family members I support.' That's just one of the devastating responses in a new Scottish study that examines the reality of caring for someone with, or living with a neurological condition. With two out of three patients finding life difficult to cope with, there is clearly an urgent need for action. The chances are that you know somebody with a neurological condition – as around one in six of us has one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, and are often the result of illness or injury. They include cerebral palsy, MS, Parkinson's disease and dementia, as well as migraines and epilepsy. The effects range from bladder and bowel difficulties to visual impairment and whole-body difficulties. With many respondents to our survey living with conditions like ME and fibromyalgia, it is unsurprising that the biggest areas of impact include fatigue, movement difficulties, and poor sleep. More medical and care staff are needed to help the growing number of people with neurological conditions like dementia (Picture: Will Oliver) | AFP via Getty Images 'Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Hope' More people are going to live with a neurological condition as our population ages. That's why the Scottish Government and the health system need to step up now. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Neurological Alliance of Scotland shone a light on delays to treatment and care and the crisis in mental health support back in 2022. It was the first time neurology patients' experience data had been independently published in Scotland and is now the benchmark for how services have changed since then. Our latest findings show that health and social care services are still not meeting people's needs, with over half of adult respondents saying they do not feel supported by the health system. We chose to title our new report 'Today's Challenge, Tomorrow's Hope' because it is important that we recognise the scale of the challenge we face today so that we can take action to improve things for tomorrow. Many people affected by neurological conditions, particularly those with conditions known as 'multi-system disorders', are having to cope while their needs go unmet. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The findings from the survey also illustrate just how challenging it is to be a carer in Scotland, particularly when you look after someone with a long-term, chronic, unpredictable and, sometimes, life-threatening condition. Many carers are not coping well and the need to provide meaningful support to unpaid ones has never been as critical as it is now. More consultants and specialist nurses We have, however, seen some improvements in the patient experience. These include more patient confidence in sharing concerns with healthcare professionals, relative happiness with appointment formats, and better satisfaction with the clarity of information provided by healthcare professionals. But far more needs to be done. We recognise that public finances are stretched and that our recommendations require investment. However, this area is too important not to take action, and we urge the Scottish Government to act on the findings in our new report. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Greater investment across health and social care is essential. Targeted investment is urgently needed to strengthen neurology services by expanding the workforce, including consultants, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals. Scotland needs to provide more localised care through networked multi-disciplinary teams, increase capacity for diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scans, and recruit more radiologists. This approach will lead to faster diagnoses, which reduce the anxiety and mental health distress caused by long waiting times and uncertainty, enable earlier access to treatment, and provide timely and local access to support, including financial advice, physiotherapy, counselling, and peer support – all essential for building patient resilience. Cost savings For the wider NHS, there will also be fewer emergency hospital admissions, reducing the pressure on acute services and delivering cost savings. We believe everyone diagnosed with a neurological condition should have access to a named care co-ordinator to provide consistent, specialist support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is particularly necessary for people with co-morbidities and for young people moving into adult services for which no specialist services exist. And we need to improve accessibility to social care by ensuring all staff – particularly social workers, benefits assessors, housing officers, and school staff – are trained in the complexities of neurological conditions. This will achieve stronger carer support, enabling unpaid carers to maintain their own health, stay in work longer, and reduce dependency on the welfare system. There should also be faster housing adaptations, which are essential for safety, independence, and reducing isolation, improved access to financial support, and better support in mainstream schools for children with neurological conditions. 'Shouldn't be this hard' In our survey, an overwhelming 82 per cent of carers reported that children in their care regularly experience frustration and anger due to their symptoms. One told us: 'As a parent you really have to push hard. All the fighting is on you. It's really exhausting. It shouldn't be this hard – and this is when your child has been diagnosed at an early age.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Neurological conditions are already the leading cause of ill health worldwide, and without action we are storing up major challenges for the future. It is not a question of patching things up while ignoring the bigger picture; the time has come to prioritise investment into building the neurological workforce and increasing service delivery. For the one million patients in Scotland with a neurological condition, and their carers, we can't afford to wait any longer.
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Life on Edinburgh's Princes Street as high streets suffer 'decades of decline'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info New figures show one in eight of Scotland's high street shops are empty following 'decades of decline'. Scottish Labour have called for rates to be slashed for local businesses to improve the growing problem. But the Scottish Government pointed to a rates relief package worth around £733 million, with a spokesperson adding: 'We are working with businesses to drive economic growth and prosperity…this includes the most generous small business rates relief in the UK.' So Edinburgh Live checked in on Princes Street, to see how Edinburgh's famous thoroughfare is shaping up. In 2023-24 the average rate of empty shops across Scotland rose to 12.3 percent, up from 11.9 percent the previous year. Edinburgh has a lower proportion of empty shopfronts, at 5.4 percent. But Princes Street has come under fire in recent years, with residents branding it 'a disgrace' and 'embarrassing' on social media. Shopkeepers complain of theft, antisocial behaviour and littering while locals object to the broken paving slabs, litter and empty shopfronts. (Image: Edinburgh Live) But things could be looking up for the historic high street, with new hotels and shops filling the empty gaps, and the police vowing to crack down on anti-social behaviour and youth disorder. Muhammad Amin, who runs phone repair and accessory shop Mobile Plus, said that during school holidays they still have problems with anti-social behaviour from kids. He explained how teens throw food and bottles into the shop, just to get a rise out of him. He also has trouble getting drunk people to leave the premises. He said: 'We call the police when trouble starts, but they always take too long to arrive. 'At our old shop in Glasgow there weren't so many problems… you get to know the troublemakers and it's easier to deal with.' Despite this, Amin had a positive attitude looking forward. He was happy that the street cleaners had, for the first time in two and a half years, cleaned his shopfront of rubbish and weeds. (Image: Edinburgh Live) Visitors were also positive about Princes Street. Amy and Mcclean Titterington, from Texas, chose Edinburgh for their honeymoon and spoke highly of the area. Amy said: "The gardens are gorgeous, and it's easy to spot [and avoid] the touristy shops on Princes Street… Obviously there is a fair bit of construction at the moment, but that's okay." Her husband added: 'You can easily spot the gimmicky shops.' But Alex Currie, a local, believed the street had seen better days. 'I like Princes Street, but its charm has been diluted by tourist traps and too many sweet shops. 'It has almost been replaced by the St James Quarter, where a lot of the high-end shops have moved to. 'The east end of Princes Street is still really good though, and I think once the construction is finished at Jenners the whole area will look a lot better.' Although not a fan of tourist and sweet shops, Alex conceded they were better than empty shop fronts. Edinburgh Council chiefs, meanwhile, launched a plan to 'revitalise' Princes Street in 2024. The proposals included more pop-up stalls and improvements to the pavements. They also said they would introduce street art and building wraps.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish Government to review 'unlawful' trans policy
Earlier this month, it wrote to officials saying single-sex facilities in government buildings, such as female toilets and changing rooms, needed to be restricted to biological sex rather than gender identity. In a formal legal letter before action, the group called on SNP ministers to urgently rewrite "clearly unlawful' internal guidance to bring it into line with the recent judgment on biological sex from the UK's highest court. READ MORE The Scottish Government confirmed to the group that the policy is being looked at. However, it said it had not been amended and that there were complexities that need to be considered. There are 1,016 toilet facilities in the 66 sites that make up the Scottish Government's estate. Around 18% of the facilities are gender-neutral single-user "superloos", while the rest are designated as either male or female. There are also numerous smaller sites — including fisheries and field-monitoring offices — where facilities may be shared or gender-neutral. In April, the UK's highest court ruled unanimously that a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) does not alter a person's sex for the purposes of the Equality Act. The judgment clarified that the terms "man" and "woman" in the legislation refer to biological sex, not acquired gender. That ruling meant every organisation in the country needed to review their equality policies. The Supreme Court ruled that sex in the Equality Act meant biological sexWhile First Minister John Swinney initially welcomed the "clarity" provided by the judgment, the Scottish Government has previously said it is waiting for further guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission before issuing new advice to Scotland's public sector — including prisons, schools and the NHS. In her letter to Sex Matters, Nicola Richards, the Scottish Government's director of people, said they did not agree that it was "appropriate or straightforward to take immediate steps" to bring its toilets policy into line with the Supreme Court's ruling. She cited the Good Law Project's legal challenge to the Health and Safety Executive's interpretation of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as a reason for a lack of action on the policy. Dr Richards wrote: "Given these complexities, the Scottish Government does not agree that it is appropriate or straightforward to take immediate steps to either withdraw or amend the current policy. @It is my understanding that the approach of the Scottish Government in this regard, of reviewing policies and, where appropriate, seeking guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), is consistent with the position of the UK and Welsh Governments. "Appropriate changes will be made to the policy referred to in your letter, and others impacted by the ruling, as soon as the Scottish Government has further clarity. This will follow any required and appropriate consultation and engagement." Ms Richards has also offered to meet with Sex Matters. READ MORE Maya Forstater, the founder of the group, said they had accepted the offer in "the hope of gaining clarity about how the Scottish Government is currently managing its workplace facilities, and when it intends to bring them into line with the law". She added: "Tomorrow would be a good answer. It is now three months since the Supreme Court ruling and, this week, the Sandie Peggie tribunal resumes. "It is atrocious that public bodies are still dragging their feet and describing the question of whether female staff deserve privacy and dignity as complex. "Parliament makes the law and the highest court in the land has now clarified its meaning." She added: "Whether or not we pursue legal action depends entirely on what the Scottish Government does next."
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Business
- Scotsman
West Lothian struggling to tackle housing waiting list despite building more new houses than most councils
West Lothian is still struggling to tackle its housing waiting list, despite building more new houses than almost every other Scottish local authority. 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 county comes in third place behind neighbour authorities for the number of new houses built since the turn of the century. But while a quarter of the more than 1,000 new homes built in West Lothian in 2024 were classed as affordable, it comes nowhere near addressing the 11,000 plus waiting list. And elsewhere there are warnings that such concentrated development around the capital cannot continue without substantial infrastructure investment by Holyrood. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Midlothian's Labour group leader last week said his council would have to put up the 'full' signs. New starts on housebuilding fell across Scotland to their lowest since 2012, according to figures released last month. The fall comes despite the Scottish Government calling a national housing emergency in 2024, while at least a dozen councils have also called their own emergencies. West Lothian far outstrips the national housing completion figures. Between 2001 and 2023, the number of homes in the county has increased by 28 per cent. This is the third highest percentage change out of the 32 council areas in Scotland and a more rapid change than for Scotland as a whole, which grew by 17 per cent. Only East Lothian and Midlothian have seen more new homes built. Cala's Millgate Lawns development launched in Winchburgh last year, one of many new developments in the county. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the last five years nearly 5,000 new homes have been built in West Lothian, which has substantially widened choices. Since 2018, the average annual delivery rate in West Lothian has risen from 875 to 997 per annum. In 2024, the all-tenure house building completion figure for West Lothian was 1088 homes of which 275, or 25 per cent were 'affordable'. A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: 'The delivery of new social housing remains an ongoing commitment from the council and the development of new units is progressing well across a number of locations in West Lothian. 'Since 2022, 1,208 homes have been completed in the affordable housing programme by the council and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in West Lothian. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'All types of social housing in West Lothian, whether council or RSL, are currently in very high demand and as a result, anyone considering applying for social housing in West Lothian is strongly encouraged to ensure that they register not just with the council, but with all Registered Social Landlords who operate in West Lothian.' Access to Edinburgh has helped grow the demands for housing in the neighbouring authorities, putting pressure on all three councils in the number of planning applications and the demand for sites. While 25 per cent of all new development must be ' affordable' the bulk of homes being green-lit are much more expensive, rather than purely social housing, leaving West Lothian with a growing housing list and limited cash resources to provide more social housing. The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed last week concerns in Midlothian about the concentration of development. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former council leader Derek Milligan, who is the Labour group leader, says the county cannot continue to provide housing sites to meet government targets without more investment. Speaking after Midlothian council's planning committee approved the addition of new sites onto a land shortlist last month, Councillor Milligan who spoke out against the additional housing, said it was not possible to keep building without improvements to roads and services. He said: 'If we carry on like this Midlothian is going to be full'. Housing projections for the future in West Lothian schedule another 12,000 homes in the county by the end of the next decade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson told the LDRS: 'The council has begun the process of preparing a new Local Development Plan for West Lothian – LDP2. 'The new plan will set out planning policies and proposals for the use and development of land including setting an ambitious target to deliver an additional 12,500 new homes across West Lothian a minimum of 25 per cent of which will be affordable.'
Scotsman
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
John Swinney to meet with Donald Trump after US president's Scotland visit confirmed
US president to return to Scotland for first time since 2023 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... First Minister John Swinney plans to meet with Donald Trump when he visits Scotland later this month, the Scottish Government has confirmed. Amid weeks of speculation that the US president would return to the country of his mother's birth for the first time since 2023, the UK government announced on Monday that Mr Trump will be coming to Scotland towards the end of July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Trump will also meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his say. Exact details of the visit have not been disclosed, but it is understood that Mr Trump plans to visit his inaugural Scottish golf resort in Aberdenshire, where a second course named after his mother is set to be officially opened next month. The 79 year-old may also visit his resort in Turnberry, South Ayrshire, as part of the trip. Work on a vast security operation for Mr Trump's visit is already underway, with taxpayers expected to pick up a multimillion pound bill for policing as a result. Donald Trump will visit Scotland later this month. Picture: Getty | Getty Images Confirmation of the visit came at a lobby briefing in Westminster on Monday. A Downing Street spokesman said: "The White House has confirmed that President Trump will be making a private visit to Scotland later this month. "Given he is visiting a private capacity, there will not be a formal bilateral but the prime minister is pleased to take up the president's invite to meet during his stay." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Government also said that Mr Swinney would be meeting Trump, although details of the engagement remain unclear. A spokeswoman said: 'The Scottish Government has been working collaboratively on arrangements with partners including Police Scotland on the visit of the president of the United States. 'There are plans for the first minister to meet with the president when he is in Scotland. It is important that the opportunity to promote the interests of Scotland is taken during this visit.' Opposition politicians and business leaders in Scotland had called on Mr Swinney to engage with the US president and ensure that Scotland's interests are represented. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Craig Hoy, the Scottish Conservative shadow finance and local government secretary, said: 'Key Scottish businesses suffered the last time President Trump introduced tariffs, so it is vital that John Swinney seizes this opportunity to stand up for their interests.' Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said a visit from the sitting US president was a 'major opportunity to strengthen Scotland's economic ties with the world's biggest economy.' However, the Scottish Greens have said there is 'no way' that Mr Trump should be welcomed in Scotland, with Partrick Harvie, the party's co-leadr, describing him as a 'convicted felon and political extremist who has shown a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America and around the world.' Police Scotland have said they will seek the government's help with the costs of the Trump visit, after it emerged last week that the force was in the early stages of planning for a visit. The force's deputy chief constable, Alan Speirs, said last week that the cost of a visit by Mr Trump would be 'considerable.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Trump's last presidential visit in 2018 prompted a major security operation and large protests in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and London. Police Scotland's bill for covering Mr Trump's Turnberry visit to Scotland during his first term in office was £3.2 million, around half of which was accounted for by overtime payments. The force had to build watchtowers and temporary barriers, as well as perimeter patrols at Turnberry and Prestwick Airport. The overall policing bill around the UK for the 2018 visit was nearly £18m. Mr Trump is expected to visit his resort in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire. Picture: Getty | Getty Images It is understood there will be no private meeting with King Charles. However, Mr Trump will make a full state visit to the UK later this year. The visit will take place from 17 September to 19 September, Buckingham Palace has confimed. Mr Trump will be hosted by the king and queen at Windsor Castle and accompanied by his wife, Melania. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anti-Trump campaigners are to stage a mass demonstration in central London on the first day of the state visit. The Stop Trump Coalition is also planning further protests, including one near Windsor Castle. Demonstrators plan to assemble at London's Embankment at 2pm on 17 September before march to a rally taking place in the evening at an as-yet undisclosed location. Other protests, are set to be confirmed once more details of Mr Trump's visit are known. In a statement on X, the group urged people to join the initial protest, stating: 'Let's make it absolutely massive.' There had been speculation about whether Mr Trump would be able to address the UK parliament, as French president Emmanuel Macron did during his state visit last week. However, MPs will not be around during the conrmed dates, which fall just after they start a break for party conference season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The occasion in September will be Mr Trump's second state visit, having been hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 during his first term in office. Such a decision is unprecedented, with second-term US leaders typically invited for tea or lunch with the monarch. Asked for Sir Keir's view on the president addressing parliament, the prime minister's ocial spokesman said: "The prime minister is focused on welcoming President Trump to the UK for an historic second state visit and building on the excellent relationship they've had that's been delivering for working people.'
