Latest news with #TaysideContracts
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Castle Huntly prisoners to work for Tayside Contracts across Dundee
Castle Huntly prisoners are to be given work placements across Dundee shortly before release. Tayside Contracts is one of more than 70 firms that has entered into a partnership with the prison. But the contractor insists the prisoners will not work in or around schools or anywhere requiring PVG (protecting vulnerable groups) clearance. The project is designed to support the rehabilitation of low-risk prisoners towards the end of their sentences. The work is expected to significantly enhance their chances to get work and integrate back into society. It's also designed to reduce the risk of reoffending. Tayside Contracts will provide work experience in a range of sectors, including construction, facilities management, and catering. The placements are designed to offer structured, meaningful work opportunities that build skills, foster personal responsibility and prepare individuals for life beyond prison. However, Tayside Contracts, which provides services in many of the region's schools, insists no prisoners would be placed in schools or any location where PVG checks are required. In addition, the firm told The Courier that full risk assessments would be undertaken by the Scottish Prison Service and Tayside Contracts prior to all placements. Tayside Contracts joint committee convener Steven Rome said: 'Research consistently shows that access to employment is one of the key factors in successful rehabilitation. 'By offering low-risk prisoners the chance to work with an established, reputable employer the partnership helps bridge the gap between the prison environment and gaining fulfilling employment.' The contractor says it plans to work with all participants to ensure they gain the skills needed for long-term employment. Councillor Rome, who represents Dundee North East (SNP), added: 'The partnership is a reflection of Tayside Contracts' ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the community, whilst providing second chances for those looking to turn their lives around'. Marcus Whitehead, head of offender outcomes at HMP Castle Huntly said it was expanding the range of work placements available. He said: 'Work placements are crucial for people in custody as they allow for a managed and supported reintegration into the community. 'This ultimately gives them a better chance for success when they are released.'
The Courier
08-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Perthshire mum's school dinners petition gathering support
Support for a Perthshire mum's petition demanding better school dinners doubled in 24 hours. Lauren Houstoun says she's been blown away by the backing for her campaign to bin fake meat from school meals. More than 2,300 people have now added their names to the online petition. And the Blairgowrie mum-of-three was reminded why she's doing it on Tuesday. Lauren launched her crusade after Kirkmichael Primary had no alternatives to processed meat substitutes on the menu last Tuesday. And on the day The Courier reported on her petition, the same thing happened again with her daughter's nursery school dinners. Lauren Houstoun, with her husband Andrew and children Alasdair (5), Ellen (4) and Duncan (2). Image: Lauren Houstoun. She says Perth and Kinross Council and Tayside Contracts are letting children down. And she's urged them to look to the example of Aberdeenshire, where pupils are offered a three-course meal every day with far less processed food. Support has been pouring in from across Perthshire and beyond. 'The petition is going up all the time,' said Lauren. 'A lot of people seem to be in the same boat. They're all saying this isn't good enough.' School dinners petition is about healthy choices Lauren runs Glenkilrie Larder, which supplies beef, lamb and venison from husband Andrew's family farm near Blairgowrie. She insists her crusade is not about putting more meat on the menu. It's about giving children a choice and providing quality vegetarian and vegan produce, instead of processed foods. Glenkilrie Larder supplies venison to schools. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson The Houstoun children aren't allowed processed meat substitutes like Quorn and soya mince. And for the last two Tuesdays, there has been nothing on the Perth and Kinross schools menu that five year-old Alasdair and four year-old Ellen could eat. Lauren supplied last-minute packed lunches on both occasions. But she says she's fighting for the children and families who aren't so lucky. 'For some kids that's the only meal they'll get,' she said. 'That's what upsets me.' Authorities defend current menus Perth and Kinross Council says all of the food served in its schools meets strict nutritional standards, based on scientific evidence and dietary advice. School meals provider Tayside Contracts says it follows a 'rigorous menu development process'. The Scottish Government says local councils are best placed to understand local needs, circumstances and priorities. Lauren's school meals petition can be found at
The Courier
06-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Perthshire mum's petition to improve school dinners
A Perthshire mum has launched a campaign for school dinners free of processed food. Lauren Houstoun saw red last week after her son's school had nothing but processed meat substitutes on the menu. The mum-of-three sounded off in a post on social media, which quickly went viral. And now she has launched an online petition calling on the Scottish Government and local councils to improve school meals 'to the standard growing bodies and minds deserve'. It has already gathered more than 1,000 signatures in its first three days. Lauren runs Glenkilrie Larder, supplying beef, lamb and venison from husband Andrew's family farm near Blairgowrie. But she insists her crusade is not about putting more meat on the menu. Rather, it's about giving children choices that are healthy, high quality and as unprocessed as possible. 'It just really upset me,' she said. 'Why are we offering our kids so much processed food?' Lauren was spurred into action by a phone call from her son's school last Tuesday. Kirkmichael Primary School staff know the Houstoun children aren't allowed processed meat substitutes. But that day's menu – Quorn nuggets, savoury sausage roll and 'mighty mince' (soya mince) – left Alasdair, 5, with no options. Lauren quickly made him something to eat and delivered it to him. She doesn't blame the school. But the incident got her thinking about the parents who don't have that luxury, and the children who aren't so lucky. 'I don't want this to sound obnoxious, but I know our kids are very fortunate,' she said. 'They get a good breakfast and a dinner at home. If they go to school and all they can eat is soup and a sandwich it's not the end of the world. 'But for some kids that's the only meal they'll get. That's what upsets me.' Some council areas are already doing better, says Lauren. Aberdeenshire provides a three-course meal every day, much of it cooked fresh and much less of it made from processed food. And while Lauren would like meat-eaters to have at least one option on the menu each day, she insists this is not about making children eat more meat. 'You can provide vegetarian and vegan options without resorting to highly processed food,' she said. 'What's wrong with a baked tattie, or macaroni cheese, or even soup and a sandwich? 'Why aren't they using pulses like lentils if they want to get protein on the menu? 'Why aren't we using good, local, seasonal produce?' Perth and Kinross Council says all of the food served in its schools meets strict nutritional standards, based on scientific evidence and dietary advice. That's led to the introduction of meat-free days when meals include other sources of protein. A spokesperson said: 'We are committed to working together with Tayside Contracts to deliver a school meals service that provides nutritious options that appeal to as many children and young people as possible, and feedback about the service is used to inform its future development.' School meals provider Tayside Contracts says it consults with pupils and staff as part of a 'rigorous menu development process'. 'Creating a school meals menu that is environmentally responsible, caters to lifestyle choices, while complying with the nutritional regulations and appeals to the varying tastes of young people, is very challenging,' said a spokesperson. 'However, we absolutely want to do our best, to continuously improve, and to take into consideration all the needs of stakeholders.' The Scottish Government says it expects local authorities to meet the statutory duties set out in the school food and drink regulations, but they are best placed to understand local needs, circumstances and priorities. Lauren's school meals petition can be found at
The Courier
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
New Angus Council power structure to be revealed this week
Angus Council's new power line-up will be confirmed within days. A 13-strong coalition is finalising its nominations for leading roles ahead of a special full council meeting on Thursday. It follows the successful motion of no confidence in the minority SNP administration, which cut short their control of the authority. We already know former SNP group deputy leader George Meechan is to be the new £50,000-a-year chief of the Conservative/Independent/Labour coalition. And Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative Derek Wann is to assume the role of second-in-command. The appointment of Provost and Depute Provost will be the first items of business for this week's special full council meeting. The new administration is remaining tight-lipped on its nomination for the role of civic figurehead. Monifieth councillor and former Depute Provost Craig Fotheringham is considered a strong contender. But the new group also includes Kirrie councillor Ronnie Proctor, who filled the post in a previous administration. The 13 administration members will take convener and vice-convener roles on six of the main committees. Those are: An opposition councillor must chair the Scrutiny and Audit committee, which comprises a majority of non-administration members. The meeting will also decide the remuneration of all elected members. The change of power comes just weeks after councillors across the country received pay hikes of as much as 20%. Angus Council can have a maximum complement of 13 higher-paid senior councillors. Their total wage bill is capped at £412,940. All other councillors will receive £25,982 a year. The remuneration report to full council reveals a total of £1.03 million has been set aside for councillor pay, including pension and national insurance costs. Meanwhile, the council has detailed the circumstances behind the timing of the special meeting. And it has emerged the absence of new deputy leader Derek Wann had no bearing on the issue. There had been speculation the meeting was delayed due to him being on holiday. Instead, it was largely due to former administration councillor Brenda Durno's position on a Tayside Contracts joint committee. A council spokesperson said: 'The challenges in setting a time and date for the special council were primarily due to the need to align with the ongoing process of recruitment in relation to Tayside Contracts involving Councillor Durno as a council-appointed member of the committee.' 'If Cllr Durno's position had become vacant, this would have had a significant delay and financial impact on the Tayside Contracts recruitment process. 'This process was concluded on April 29.'
