Category: Scottish Media

Scot Gov: Current Trade Bill unacceptable

Scottish Government can’t recommend consent (Article via www.gov.scot) The Scottish Government cannot recommend that the Scottish Parliament gives legislative consent to the UK Government Trade Bill as currently drafted. The UK Government has recognised the role of the Scottish Government in implementing trade deals and the Trade Bill confers powers on Scottish Ministers to do so. But the bill imposes unacceptable constraints on the way that these powers can be used. In a letter from Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown to Minister of State for…

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Scot Gov: Scotland’s Budget

Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy (Article via www.gov.scot 14/12/17) The 2018-19 Draft Budget will protect the NHS and public services, support low earners and unlock Scotland’s economic potential, according to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay. Setting out plans to invest an additional £400 million in Scotland’s health service, protect public services, lift the public sector pay cap and provide a package of investment in growing the economy and supporting small businesses, Mr Mackay said the budget would “invest in our public services and support business to…

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John Swinney: Devolution must be protected

EU Withdrawal Bill talks continue. Speaking after today’s meeting with UK First Secretary of State Damian Green on the issues surrounding the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill – which was also attended by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell and Scottish Secretary David Mundell – Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Today’s meeting was a useful opportunity for an exchange of views between ourselves and the UK Government on Brexit and to discuss the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill. “The discussions…

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Queensferry Crossing officially opens

First Minister joins The Queen on historic day. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today accompanied Her Majesty The Queen for the official opening of the Queensferry Crossing. The event marked the culmination of six years work to build the structure, involving more than 15,000 people, at a cost of £1.35 billion – £245 million under the original budget. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony on the south side of the bridge, undertaken by Her Majesty, The Queen was accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to an event on the…

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World Cup Qualifier Scotland 2 Malta 0

BBC REPORT: Scotland beat Malta to move to within a point of second-placed Slovakia in World Cup qualifying Group F. However, the Scots dropped to fourth place on goal difference because Slovenia beat Lithuania 4-0. Christophe Berra headed in Leigh Griffiths’ corner to put Scotland ahead early on at Hampden. And Griffiths knocked home on the rebound after James Morrison had fired against the post shortly after the interval. Slovakia’s loss away to group leaders England allowed Gordon Strachan’s side and Slovenia to close the gap on second place with…

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World Cup Qualifier Lithuania 0-3 Scotland

BBC REPORT: Scotland breathed fresh life into their World Cup qualifying campaign with a convincing win away to Lithuania. There had been chances missed at both ends by the time Stuart Armstrong rose to head the visitors into a deserved lead after 25 minutes. It wasn’t long before Andrew Robertson topped that with a sublime looping drive from just outside the box. Scotland’s pace and control dropped after the break, but James McArthur prodded in a third to settle the game. The win moves Gordon Strachan’s side ahead of Slovenia,…

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New £500 million motorway officially opened

M8 journeys cut by 20 minutes First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened the £500 million M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, saving motorists up to 20 minutes on journey times. The project, including the new seven mile stretch of the M8 motorway, aims to tackle congestion problems in central Scotland and is the first part of a combined £1.7 billion investment by Transport Scotland in the roads network. New analysis by Transport Scotland shows journey times are significantly improved, with vehicles now travelling along the M8 at an average…

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Scotland’s economy bounces back

Oil and Gas stabilises as economy grows by 0.8%. (Article via www.gov.scot) Expansion in the manufacturing sector has helped the Scottish economy to grow by 0.8% – the highest rate of quarterly growth in Scotland since the end of 2014, new figures reveal. The positive growth figures show the Scottish economy rebounding from negative growth in the previous quarter – with a growth rate for the first quarter of 2017 that is four times the UK wide rate for the same quarter. Statistics announced by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show: •The…

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Celtic win Scottish Cup to seal Treble

Celtic completed a domestic treble without losing a game as Tom Rogic fired in a stoppage-time goal against Aberdeen to win the Scottish Cup. Report Via BBC Scotland Sport: A beautifully controlled half-volley from Jonny Hayes after nine minutes was reward for a fine Dons start. But Celtic were level within two minutes as Stuart Armstrong was given too much time to pick out the far corner from the edge of the box. Late Celtic pressure paid off as Rogic fired low past goalkeeper Joe Lewis. A thrilling 90 minutes…

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