The Programme for Government outlined a commitment to take action to reduce vaping among non-smokers and young people – research suggests that 18% of adolescents have tried vapes – and to tackle the environmental impact of single-use vapes.

Zero Waste Scotland estimates that up to 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year, with 10% being littered and more than half disposed of incorrectly.

This causes a significant and increasing cost to local authorities through litter clear up and waste management, alongside an increased risk of fires at waste centres and on collection vehicles where vapes are incorrectly disposed of.

Following a request of Scottish Ministers, the Circular Economy Minister and Public Health Minister will meet with counterparts in the UK and Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to discuss the findings of recent research and potential policy responses.

In addition, action to help ensure that children, young people and non-smokers do not use these devices will also be set out in this year’s refreshed Tobacco Action Plan, which will set out our road map to 2034.

After publishing his first Programme for Government, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “We know that the bright colours and sweet flavours catch the eye of children and young people in particular.

“The World Health Organisation has said there is evidence to suggest that young people who have never smoked but use e-cigarettes, double their chance of starting to smoke tobacco cigarettes in later life.

“Any action we seek to take will build on the regulations already in place to restrict the marketing, promotion and sale of vaping products to under 18s and the findings will be used to inform the refreshed Tobacco Action Plan.

“On the environment, the evidence is undeniable – from litter on our streets, to the risk of fires in waste facilities, there are issues which demand action.

“While we will be asking for views on a ban, we are also keen to explore other interventions that could have a more immediate impact.”

The consultation on the proposed ban will be held in the next year, while the refreshed Tobacco Action Plan will be published in the autumn.

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Lawyers at Lindsays expect Companies House to begin action against those found in breach of their obligation to be named on the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE).

The register, aimed at preventing criminals from using UK property and land to launder money, came into force in August last year.

It was introduced as part of the UK Government’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and requires overseas entities who want to buy, sell or transfer property or land in the UK to register with Companies House.

Through this, they will declare who their beneficial owners or managing officers are.

The rules also apply to those who are mortgaging a property or granting a long lease.

Secondary legislation introduced last month has created powers to impose financial penalties for offences related to the ROE.

Official data shows that, of the 1,578 overseas entities which have bought Scottish property since December 2014, only 27% have registered in the ROE.

An overseas entity is not just a company, it can be a trust of partnership which has a legal personality under a foreign jurisdiction.

Entities which fail to register can face criminal and civil sanctions and will be unable to transact with their land due to the restrictions placed over it.

Companies House has said it is assessing cases for enforcement action, working in partnership with law enforcement bodies.

The financial penalties came into force on June 21.

They can be imposed if Companies House is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person/s involved have engaged in conduct amounting to an offence under the law passed last year.

Louise Norris, a Partner in the Commercial Property team at Lindsays, said: “The introduction of this secondary legislation is a clear signal that officials at Companies House are preparing to investigate alleged breaches and take action, where appropriate.

“There is no cap on the level of fines which may be imposed for the offence of failing to register, but the Secretary of State for Business and Trade has indicated that the starting point for fines will depend on the estimated value of a property.

“There are three bands, starting at £10k, then £20k and £50k respectively.

“Where the overseas entity owns more than one property, a fine will be charged to each property in its portfolio.

“With interest on unpaid penalties accruing at 8%, sizable penalties will quickly rack up.”

Ms Norris added: “This latest step is a timely reminder for property and landowners to ensure they have done all that they are legally required to. Any oversights could prove costly.”

Law Society of Scotland rules mean that Lindsays is unable to provide verification of application services for the ROE, but its lawyers can signpost clients to providers.

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Pavel Gubarev had his book self-published in 2015 initially but it was spotted on Amazon last week by eagle eyed shoppers.

The book runs to 377 pages but has so far left buyers unimpressed which might explain why the memoir written by the Russian solider is currently rated with two stars out of five.

The novel available to purchase for £13.70 is described by Amazon on their website as a ‘memoir of experiences of the Donbass uprising that sparked the first Donbass war of 2014’.

The cover of the book shows the Donetsk People’s Republic separatist standing with his arms crossed looking into a camera with a blue front cover.

Gubarev became notorious for his comments about Ukrainians after he made the chilling threat to kill millions.

He made the startling threats when Russia began mobilising troops to head west into Ukraine with the 40-year-old saying: “If you [Ukrainians] don’t want to be convinced, we’ll kill you.

“We’ll kill as many as we have to – one million, five million or exterminate all of you.”

Many people quickly rushed online to voice their displeasure at the book being readily available on Amazon and slammed the company for allowing the platform to host the novel.

Political economist Alex Kokcharov was one of many people who questioned the retailer’s decision to platform the allegedly hate-filled book.

Alex took to social media last Tuesday, to air his disgust at the book being published on Amazon’s website.

The associate director wrote in his post: “#Russian terrorist Pavel Gubarev is sanctioned by the #UK government since 2014 but yet he is selling his hatred-filled books on Amazon UK.

“Hello @AmazonUK, do you care to comment?”

The post received more than 750 likes and dozens of comments as many were quick to share their anger at seeing the book available on Amazon.

One person wrote: “Amazon, this person supports the Russian’s ideology and it seems like you’re okay with it, allowing him to sell his books on your platform. We’d love to hear any comments from you.”

Another said: “Amazon, how are you selling this book? This is a person who is under sanctions (including financial sanctions and as a politically exposed person) in the UK, EU, US and a number of countries worldwide.

“This individual should not be making money in the UK.”

A third commented: “Amazon, why do you let the terrorist, murderer, ideologist spread the disinformation and make profit? What the actual hell?

A fourth added: “Get this trash out of Amazon, now.”

A final commenter wrote: “Remove this book immediately or I’ll stop buying books from your sites @AmazonUK”.

Gubarev was allegedly sanctioned by the UK in 2014 as a result of his participation in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

In 2022, he is said to have signed a short-term contract with the Russian Armed Forces, joining as a “private” in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In May 2023, Gubarev became a leader of the Russian group the Club of Angry Patriots – a nationalist movement that criticises the Russian government for its inability to win the war against Ukraine.

An Amazon spokesperson said:

“We comply with our legal obligations and, as a bookseller, we provide customers with access to a wide selection of content, including content that may conflict with our company values and corporate positions.”

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The funding provided to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust‘s (CRT) budget has been cut by 60%.

Councillor Graeme Downie for Labour, West Fife & Coastal Villages and Alex Rowley MSP for Labour, Mid-Scotland & Fife have written to Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice.

The pair urged Ms. Somerville – who is also the local MSP for Dunfermline, which encompasses West Fife – to restore £100k of funding to the CRT which has been cut this year.

Cllr. Downie and Mr. Rowley are concerned the funding cut will impact vital programmes in former coal-mining areas of West Fife and across the Kingdom. 

These projects currently include regeneration of the local area, increasing the capacity of local groups and charities and the Game On project which uses football to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. 

The latest cut in grant from the Scottish Government equates to £750k to £650k in cash terms, comes on top of a freeze since 2011, meaning CRT has seen a real terms reduction of over £400k or almost 60% of their total budget in the last 12 years.

Councillor Graeme Downie said: “The Coalfields Regeneration Trust are a vital part of the local community in the villages of West Fife and across the rest of the Kingdom of Fife.”

“These further savage cuts by the SNP will have a huge impact on communities across West Fife and elsewhere around Dunfermline and beyond.”

“The SNP have no excuse for taking this action now having already frozen their contribution for over a decade.”

“Shirley-Anne Somerville must reverse this decision and restore the £100k of funding for next year immediately.”

“If she does not she will be hurting people within her own constituency as well as in other parts of Fife.”

Alex Rowley MSP, said: “In the midst of the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades and local authority budget cuts that are pressuring public services to breaking point, we need the work of organisations such as the Coalfields Regeneration Trust now more than ever.”

“Just last year, Shirley-Anne Somerville was thanking the Coalfields Regeneration Trust at the SNP conference for the outstanding work they do in our constituency– if she is truly grateful, she will reverse the decision to cut £100k from their budget, which will allow them to continue their vital work.”

“The Coalfields Regeneration Trust has a proven track record and is uniquely placed to support regeneration at a local level across the former coalfield communities of Fife – we must do all that we can to ensure a secure future for this great organisation.”

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Graeme Downie, Labour candidate for Dunfermline & West Fife was reacting to the announcement by Keir Starmer that Labour’s plan to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030 will be “made in Scotland.”

Mr. Downie said the announcement demonstrates what a UK Labour government will deliver, contrasting it with the UK Conservative government and SNP administration in Edinburgh.

Mr. Downie believes Longannet could be a perfect opportunity for investment and delivering thousands of jobs under the next UK Labour government.

The site was once the largest power station in Scotland from its opening in 1970 to its closure in 2016.

The 80,000m² site is owned by Scottish Power and while there were attempts to bring train manufacturer, Talgo, to the site in previous years, Scottish Enterprise confirmed this option has lapsed.

Commenting, Mr Downie said: “Today’s announcement shows what a UK Labour government can deliver for Dunfermline and the rest of Fife, creating opportunities and meeting the aspirations and ambitions of people across the Kingdom.

“Previous Labour governments took decisions in the interest of Fife, saving sites such as Rosyth dockyard, while both the Tories and SNP have failed to deliver renewable energy jobs or attract investment for sites such as Longannet, which has such huge potential to reinvigorate the regional economy.

“The Tories have no plan to attract investment to Scotland, while the SNP failed to plan for the use of a major site like Longannet, with promises of train factories and offshore wind jobs all falling away.

“That is why it is critical we have as many Scottish Labour MPs as possible at the next election, securing a Labour government that will deliver the change Dunfermline & West Fife needs.”

Mr. Downie has written to Jonathan Reynolds MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Industrial Strategy, inviting him to visit Fife to meet local businesses and skills providers to understand the full potential of the Longannet and other sites.

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BOSSES at Scotland’s leading financial services recruiter are warning that a failure to match the recent Budget’s childcare promises will damage the country’s economy and set back gender parity. 

Core-Asset Consulting is urging the incoming SNP Leader to make it an immediate priority, in order for key sectors, such as financial services, legal and accounting to be able to retain and attract talent and avoid losing candidates to English cities and hold back gender parity.

Financial services and broader professional services are a hugely influential part of the Scottish economy, with Edinburgh boasting the largest economic hub outside of London. 

Louise Powrie, Managing Director with the £26 million turnover firm, said: “There will be an expectation that the Scottish Government will enhance its childcare provision to bring it in line with that announced by Westminster – and it can’t afford to drag its heels. 

“With the average annual cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under two in Great Britain estimated at just under £15,000, the lack of state provision represents a serious barrier to parents – particularly mothers – wanting to return to work. 

“Financial and professional services are sectors that feature a highly mobile workforce and client pool. It’s remarkably easy for talent to relocate to follow improved offerings elsewhere. Access to funded childcare from nine months onwards could certainly prove a deciding factor.”   

Hunt’s measures aim to boost the workforce by covering costs of childcare in England to make it financially easier for parents to go back to work.

The Scottish Government already provides care for eligible two-year-old children, as well as three- and four-year-olds. 

Louise added:  “We must get this right. Given that women tend to be children’s primary caregivers, there is a real chance that the labour market will experience long-overdue gender diversification by cutting costs for women to return to work. 

“We will be watching recruitment markets closely. Increased gender diversity in the workforce over the medium term will be a key indicator of the policy’s success, by affording more women the opportunity to resume their careers if they choose.

“It remains to be seen how Westminster’s approach to expanding childcare might be mirrored by the Scottish Government, particularly given the real potential this would offer for diversifying the gender makeup of the workforce in Scotland.”

Core-Asset Consulting is Scotland’s pre-eminent recruitment and headhunting agency dedicated to financial and professional services. Formed in 2005, it was born out of Betsy Williamson’s desire to take the best of her experience of large corporate recruiters, applying the focus on infrastructure and training to a more sector-specialised business.

Based in Edinburgh, the £26m firm employs 23 people and works across the entire financial services sector, from the smallest boutiques to the biggest global players.

Initially the firm carved its reputation in Scotland’s globally-renowned asset management sector. However, the success of its model allowed it to expand across the wider financial services market. It now boasts dedicated accounting, investment operations and finance teams and also works in Scotland’s thriving legal sector. The Industry Trends and Salary Guide is 63 pages of market analysis, salary data and insights from consultants, clients and candidates. To register to receive a copy, please visit: https://bit.ly/Salary-Guide-2023 

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Last year saw a jump in household gas and electricity bills, with the wholesale price cap going up by 52% in October 2022, leaving families and individuals now struggling to survive.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) surveyed 290 people in December 2022, and asked about their experience of fuel poverty over the last 12 months.

The ONS claimed in their winter report that as many as two thirds of families surveyed are now relying on pre-payment meters, and over 65,000 households nationwide are living in fuel poverty.

Due to the extortionate increases, the study found that 90% of families are struggling to pay their energy bills, and are ultimately being forced to choose between heating or eating.

This has resulted in a mass number of parents and children being admitted to hospital with illnesses as a result of having gas and electricity cut off.

The scope of those affected by fuel poverty includes young families and pensioners, with instances being reported of medical equipment being turned off to save money and OAPs rationing food.

Incredibly, the report reveals that 4.5 million UK households were in fuel poverty in October 2022, but this figure is set to almost double to an estimated 8.4 million from April 2023.

Foodbanks have also seen a rise in numbers, with a staggering 60% of households across the UK relying heavily on food distribution, and mental health services skyrocketing in patients.

The survey found that symptoms of fuel poverty included: anxiety and depression, irritability, infections, cancer exacerbation, asthma, sciatica and physical deterioration.

When asked about the mental and physical effects that the cost-of-living has had on individuals, responses from the surveyed group proved grim.

One anonymous person said: “[I’ve] secluded myself from others.

“I have difficulty sleeping due to being worried and anxious about energy costs, my debt and the cost of everything else that has increased of late.”

A second person added: “I’ve had worsening sciatica and am constantly in pain. My doctor has told me it is a physical reaction to my mental stress/anxiety.”

A third heartbreakingly revealed: “I miscarried and had to spend time in hospital.”

Another said: “I just simply cannot keep up with the cost of everything. I feel depressed and anxious constantly,”

Leading UK social enterprise company Wise Group is now calling for the government to step in and instruct companies to decrease fuel costs, as well as provide better mental health and NHS services for those already struggling.

Speaking today, Michael Matheson, the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport said: “This report sets out the incredibly challenging circumstances facing many thousands of households struggling to meet their energy costs.

“The Scottish Government continues to work with energy companies, consumer organisations and the third sector to support as many people as possible with their energy bills.

“But to truly tackle fuel poverty and ensure this situation doesn’t become a recurring position in our society, we require long-term, sustained action and a holistic approach to shift the focus.

“Through our Fuel Poverty Strategy and Heat in Buildings Strategy, the Scottish Government has set out its clear vision and ambition, towards making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run, which will be accelerated over the coming years.”

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The 200-metre tall structures are part of Banks Renewables’ Kype Muir Extension Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire that will consist of 15 new ultra-efficient turbines.

Lying just south of Strathaven, Kype Muir Extension’s turbines will have an installed generation capacity of up to 67.2MW of renewable electricity.

This will provide around 53,700 households with green electricity annually over the turbines’ 30-year lifetime – the equivalent of taking 23,550 petrol cars off the road each year.

The First Minister marked the turbine connection at a key time for renewable energy in Scotland.

Just a year on from Glasgow playing host to COP26, clean, green energy has proved abig talking point in the Scottish Government’s agenda, with onshore wind power seemingly a key player in the country’s drive towards its net zero ambitions.

During her visit to Kype Muir Extension on the morning of the 16 November, the First Minister unveiled a plaque at the site, as well as having the opportunity to discuss the future of renewable energy with members of the Banks Renewables team.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Onshore wind is the biggest source of renewable energy in Scotland, making it a vital part of our mission to become a net zero economy by 2045.

“In addition to being a cheap and reliable source of electricity that harnesses one of our most abundant resources, onshore wind can also help us meet that target in a way that benefits communities.

“[This is] through the creation of high quality jobs, and investment in local businesses and supply chains – as part of a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. 

“The damaging impacts of the climate emergency recently highlighted at COP27 and the spike in energy prices since the war in Ukraine demonstrate the importance of accelerating that transition.

“Kype Muir extension is a significant example of that in action, and the Scottish Government will shortly outline how we plan to boost the country’s onshore capacity by up to 12 gigawatts by 2030.

“[This] could produce enough electricity to power 10 million homes for a year, or every home in Scotland for more than four years.” 

The South Lanarkshire wind farm is an extension of Banks Renewables’ 26-turbine Kype Muir Wind Farm site.

The extension will feature four 156m, three 176m and eight 200m-tall wind turbines.

Scottish civil engineering firm RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd – who constructed the first Kype Muir wind farm – has also been appointed as the contractor for the extension site.

The adjacent Kype Muir wind farm and the new extension will have a combined capacity 155.4MW which will generate enough electricity for around 124,000 households each year.

Andrew Liddell, Development Director at Banks Renewables said: “To welcome the First Minister to the site and have her mark such a major milestone for Scotland’s renewable energy sector is an incredible privilege and proud moment for everyone involved in the project.

“Kype Muir Extension and its impressive turbines are an excellent example of a project that can make a real and positive impact towards the Scottish Government’s ambitious net-zero targets.

“Not only does the wind farm have the tallest and most efficient turbines on UK land, but it will also play a key role in providing the surrounding community with major benefits – something that is high on our agenda.

“Over its 30-year lifetime, there is no doubt that Kype Muir Extension will prove valuable in many different ways for South Lanarkshire and Scotland as a whole.”

The Kype Muir project is a flagship development for Banks Renewables and its site is where the company’s first Scottish Community Partnership, the Kype Muir Community Partnership was launched, pledging to support local projects that are charitable, educational, philanthropic or benevolent in purpose through the distribution of funding.

Funding is also available for Banks’ flagship Connect2Renewables Charter to maximise the benefits of its renewable electricity developments for local people and the local economy.

Kype Muir and Kype Muir Extension are set to deliver community benefits equating to more than £700,000 per annum, with funds available to surrounding communities each year.

The Kype Muir Extension is set to be fully complete and producing clean, renewable electricity to the national grid in early 2023.

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Caoimhe Flynn donned a full camouflage army outfit, including body armour, a plastic gun and mini cardboard tank, to go to school in Glasgow on last Wednesday.

The eight-year-old’s mum, Siobhan Smith, custom-made the outfit to show solidarity to Ukraine and her local community who have welcomed several families from the war torn country this year.

Caoimhe also wanted to pay support to her stepdad who has been stationed out in Ukraine since March while working as a safety response specialist.

Speaking today,childhood studies student Siobhan, 28, said: “Our community has recently had a lot of Ukrainian families move into the area with some of the children attending the school.

“My partner has also been working in Ukraine since March and I feel that the war is more relevant to our family and community than some others. We wanted to show our support for the Ukrainian people.

“My daughter was really excited as she is aware of the ongoing situation in Ukraine and is very compassionate.

“The school loved it, they thought it was amazing. I always hand make costumes for Caoimhe every year so I think they were expecting something big again.

“The Ukrainian families at the school were amazed, they all asked to take some pictures and some of the kids had a shot of going in the tank.

“They were very thankful for giving them some time and for showing my support.”

“I am very glad that people are supportive of my idea and have been very positive about it as I worried it could have been taken the wrong way.”

Siobhan posted images of her daughter in her costume on Facebook last week, writing “Sergeant Caoimhe, reporting for duty! Slava Ukraini.”

Hundreds of social media users liked the images and left comments praising the youngster for showing her support.

One person said: “You done amazing this year hun, as we all know this the kiddies all loved her costume. You should be very proud of yourself.”

Another wrote: “Class act. ????? ??????? (Glory to Ukraine).”

A third commented: “Wow this is absolutely amazing. Well done.”

A fourth added: “This is really impressive. Well done.”

However, one viewer was not impressed by the outfit and branded it distasteful.

He said: “I’m gonna get absolutely destroyed for saying this, I just know it, but I will anyway. There’s showing support and there’s being distasteful. This to me feels like the latter.

“Thousands of Ukrainian’s are dying in the streets fighting, many have fled to the UK for refuge (rightly so).

“I don’t think it’s respectful to be making light of the horrors and rolling a tank down the road past places housing refugees.”

Siobhan responded: “Your opinion, if that is how you have perceived this. But let me just give you a bit of background.

“My partner is currently working in Ukraine and has been since March. So I am very aware of what is going on over there.

“Also, over 1,000 Ukrainians have moved into our community, with some of the children attending my daughter’s school.

“So the war may be more relevant to us as a family/community than some others.

“Upon attending the Halloween party at my daughter’s school, the Ukrainian families actually approached me afterwards to ask to take pictures as they were amazed by it.

“Their children also had a shot of playing inside it, which they loved.

“They were very thankful that I took time to speak to them and kept thanking me for showing my support. So from refugees themselves, they have been very accepting and had no problems with it.”

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However, one local Community Interest Company is working hard to ensure those in need
can still experience and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Tuesday 1st November will see The
Leith Collective launch its Christmas tree and festive food exchange across its three Scottish stores.

Locals are being urged to search their homes for any unwanted Christmas trees and
decorations that may be languishing in cupboards and attics. Non-perishable store cupboard essentials and festive treats are also being accepted. All items will be available for anyone to collect at Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no questions asked.

The Christmas initiative comes just a month after the launch of The Leith Collective’s winter coat exchange which has received an overwhelming response so far, with over 1,000 coats donated and collected by locals.

Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains why she is keen to build on the momentum of the winter coat exchange and go further to help those who are struggling:
“For many people, 2022 has been a real financial struggle, and buying a Christmas tree and festive food will prove to be too much of a stretch this year. These things aren’t essentials, and it’s highly likely that for them Christmas will be yet another casualty of the cost of living crisis.

“But I believe everyone deserves to have a nice Christmas, and what better way to
spread festive cheer than by donating to others and lifting their spirits when they need it
most.”

Christmas trees and non-perishable festive food can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird, and The Clydeside
Collective at St Enoch Centre during opening hours. It is hoped that by hosting the Christmas tree and festive food exchange in these accessible locations that those currently
experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a much-needed helping hand.

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