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Edinburgh Reporter
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Cricket Scotland and Toyota agree a deal
Cricket Scotland and Toyota have announced a new, multi-year partnership which will see the car manufacturer become Official Automotive Partner to the sport's governing body. In its new role Toyota commits to supporting the men's and women's national teams alongside investing in initiatives to help foster the growth of grassroots participation across Scotland. The deal comes ahead of the Scotland men's national team featuring in two home series against Netherlands and Nepal in June, followed by the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier in July. A key focus element will be promoting grass roots participation through 'All Stars Cricket' which is designed to introduce five to eight-year-old children to the sport. This investment will see Toyota fund 200 free bursary places each yea focused on growing state school access to the All-Stars programme, as well as supporting children at Additional Support Needs centres, making the game more accessible. In addition to the bursaries Toyota's dealerships will play a supporting role in growing All Stars Cricket within local communities, encouraging sign-ups to the programme. Toyota are also preparing to launch its 'Good For Cricket' prize draw with an aim of helping clubs raise £500,000 this year for vital equipment and resources, contributing with a bespoke platform and marketing materials plus a prize pool in year one valued at more than £200,000 to support their fundraising efforts. The draw adapts a model successfully deployed in Australia where the Toyota 'Good For Cricket' initiative has brought in the equivalent of more than £5.6 million over the past 12 years. Clubs can sign up to take part in the prize draw free of charge and will be allocated digital tickets for supporters to purchase. Each ticket sold will give the holder the chance to win from more than 50 prizes on offer, including three brand new Toyota vehicles. Participating clubs will receive all the proceeds from the tickets they sell. This partnership comes as Toyota also announces a new, multi-year partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Ireland. Trudy Lindblade Chief Executive of Cricket Scotland said: 'It is extremely important and hugely exciting for us to have the opportunity to work with a globally recognised brand that is keen to help us drive the sport forward here in Scotland. Scott Thompson, President and Managing Director at Toyota said: 'We can help support and inspire both the current and next generation of players, volunteers and fans who make cricket happen.' Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Labour hit out as free bus transport axed for most vulnerable pupils in North Ayrshire
Anger at removal of free transport for vulnerable pupils Funded school transport is being withdrawn for some of the most vulnerable children in North Ayrshire due to a 'cruel decision', say North Ayrshire Labour. Parents and carers of pupils attending Stevenston's Lockhart Campus, the community's dedicated ASN (Additional Support Needs) school, have been left devastated after being informed that funded school transport will be withdrawn for some children. For the first time, the SNP-led North Ayrshire Council have decided to apply the standard two-mile eligibility limit for school transport to pupils at the ASN school - a move that will leave many children with additional needs without vital transport support. Now the Labour opposition will battle to have the decision reversed. Labour cllr for Stevenston and Saltcoats, John Sweeney, immediately challenged the decision upon hearing the news earlier this week. Responding to the council's position that: 'having an additional need in and of itself does not automatically entitle someone to funded school transport', Councillor Sweeney said: 'This decision is utterly disgraceful. To remove transport from some of our most vulnerable young people without even a vote is beyond unacceptable. 'Lockhart Campus was specifically designed to support children with complex needs - many of whom cannot walk long distances or travel independently. I will fight this cruel decision every step of the way on behalf of affected families.' Ward colleague, councillor Jim Montgomerie, also expressed his anger at the move and commented: 'It beggars belief that the council would target children with disabilities in a cost-cutting exercise. The SNP have already joined forces with the Tories to cut school crossing patrols and teacher numbers in the recent budget. "Now they're attacking the transport rights of our ASN children. Enough is enough, Labour will not stand for it.' This decision comes amid growing concern from residents and parents over a series of cuts introduced by North Ayrshire's SNP administration. Local Labour councillors have pledged to fight to have the transport decision overturned and to stand up for the rights of ASN pupils and their families. A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We are extremely sympathetic to the needs of all our pupils and particularly those who are most disadvantaged. 'This is reflected in our transport provision which is more favourable than the statutory regulations in place. Overall, we invest significantly more per pupil in the education of our learners than elsewhere in Scotland. "Our most recent transport policy – which can be viewed here – was approved in 2021 and there has been no change to it. 'Schools follow this framework and guidelines but can put additional measures in place to help where possible. 'Establishments are currently undertaking their annual review of transport to ensure appropriate provision is in place for August 2025. 'The distance criteria is applicable to all learners however, as stated within our guidance, those with additional needs will always be considered for transport on a case-by-case basis. 'Families who have concerns about their child's transport should contact their establishment in the first instance.'
