Latest news with #SiobhianBrown
Daily Record
an hour ago
- General
- Daily Record
Take the low road from Lanarkshire and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across Lanarkshire are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including how to swim safely outdoors. The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential. Attendees will have the opportunity to: Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Take the high road from West Lothian and try paddleboarding and canoeing at Loch Lomond
Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event Residents from across West Lothian are being encouraged to pack their swimwear and take the high road to Loch Lomond to enjoy a host of free water activities and demonstrations this Friday. Water Safety Scotland is hosting the fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch on July 25. The annual water safety event is supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables. The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities, including swimming safely outdoors. The fourth annual event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, with Water Safety Scotland warning that continued vigilance is essential. Attendees will have the opportunity to: Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: 'Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water. Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.' Scotland's Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown MSP, said: 'With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland's Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency. 'Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency. 'My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.' Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, added: 'We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it's particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water. 'We're delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.' 'With Scotland's abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it's absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.' The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow
They previously urged the First Minister to take 'decisive action' 'COWARDLY ACT' Orange Order chiefs to meet with Scottish Government over air gun attack on marchers in Glasgow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFFICIALS from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march. Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Orange Order bosses slammed yobs who fired an air rifle at marchers 3 Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city on July 5 3 The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister Credit: PA During the day, four people were struck with "air weapon pellets", according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. Speaking to the PA news agency, the First Minister confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. "The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today," he said. "Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. "In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. "These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland." The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister about the "cowardly" act which they say "endangered lives". A spokesperson said previously: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. "The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily. Hundreds step out for women's Orange Walk through Glasgow "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice."
The Herald Scotland
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
ScotGov officials meeting with Orange Order following march violence
Officials from the Scottish Government are to meet with the Orange Order, John Swinney has said, after an air rifle was fired at participants in a recent march. Thousands marched through Glasgow earlier this month as part of celebrations to commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. During the day, four people were struck with 'air weapon pellets', according to police, while the march continued along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Park, with no serious injuries reported. The First Minister confirmed officials will speak to representatives of the Orange Order on Wednesday, with community safety minister Siobhian Brown due to do the same at a later date. READ MORE: Glasgow's biggest Orange Order parade happens this weekend Hundreds march on Glasgow's streets for VE Day Orange Walk 'The Scottish Government is meeting with representatives of the Orange Order today,' he said. 'Officials will take that forward and in due course, the community safety minister will meet with the Orange Order. 'In recent days, members of the Orange Order have been subjected to acts of violence which are deplorable and they are unacceptable to whoever they affect within our society. 'These matters are currently being taken forward by Police Scotland.'
STV News
11-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Revellers urged to be vigilant for drink spiking over festival season
The Scottish Government has partnered with the NHS to warn Scots to be vigilant of the dangers of drink spiking over the summer period. Victims and community safety minister Siobhian Brown has urged those socialising over the summer and festival period to look out for the signs of spiking, which include memory loss, loss of balance, confusion, paranoia, and hallucinations. Meanwhile, the NHS will log potential victims of spiking who report to A&E. Brown said: 'We are aware of the concern in spiking cases that the link between health professionals and Police Scotland has not always been clear to victims 'We are therefore introducing changes to the NHS system which will allow us to record those who present to A&E as potential victims of spiking. This will provide invaluable data on previous unrecorded incidents and will allow us to better understand the extent to which these lead on to formal police reporting. 'We remain committed to raising awareness of and addressing issues around spiking, and urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay safe as they enjoy the summer and festival period.' It comes as TRNSMT got underway on Friday, with the Edinburgh Fringe kicking off next month. Safer Scotland's tips to keep safe from spiking include: Never leave a drink unattended, whether it is alcoholic or not Never accept a drink from someone unknown Don't drink or taste anyone else's drink Throw a drink away or take it back to the bar if it tastes strange or different Avoid drinking or taking substances which impact safety and wellbeing Always stick together with friends and look out for each other, even when within smaller social gatherings. If leaving a venue early or going home alone make sure friends are aware and there is a plan for getting home safely 'Recognising the signs of spiking is crucial, as the signs can appear rapidly', Dr Julie Ronald, associate medical director at NHS 24 said. 'Common symptoms can include sudden dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. 'If you suspect you or someone else has been spiked, stay with a trusted friend and seek immediate help. It's important to alert venue staff and seek medical help right away. Call NHS 24 on 111 for advice, but in a life-threatening emergency remember to always call 999.' 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
