Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North & Musselburgh, has today hailed the landmark announcement by Creative Scotland, which will see a record number of cultural organisations across Midlothian North & Musselburgh receive stable, multi-year funding—thanks to a significant budget commitment from the Scottish Government.
With over £200 million being provided to 251 organisations over the next three years, this represents the largest ever funding commitment for Scotland’s cultural sector. Additionally, 13 more organisations will benefit from a £3.2 million Development Fund, allowing them to transition into the Multi-Year Funding portfolio in 2026/27. An additional 141 organisations will receive multi-year support, ensuring greater stability and sustainability for Scotland’s vibrant creative industries. Existing regularly funded organisations will also receive an average funding uplift of 34% in 2025/26, increasing to 54% in 2026/27—delivering the security needed for them to thrive and continue making an impact. This investment includes £470,000 multi-year funding by 2028 for the Brunton Theatre Trust. The Brunton has been the beating heart of Musselburgh for 50 years, and this investment will help ensure Musselburgh continues to have access to the arts in the future. Colin Beattie MSP welcomed Scottish Government’s commitment to the arts, highlighting that this funding not only reinforces Scotland’s status as a global cultural leader but also delivers real economic benefits by supporting jobs, freelancers, and creative workers across Midlothian North & Musselburgh. Colin Beattie MSP said: “This is a momentous moment for Scotland’s cultural sector. Thanks to the Scottish Government’s historic investment, more organisations than ever before will receive long-term, stable funding—ensuring that culture remains at the heart of our national identity. “In Midlothian North & Musselburgh we value our culture sector, and this investment strengthens our commitment to supporting the artists, performers, and organisations that enrich our lives and communities. “This funding boost will not only sustain existing institutions but also support new voices and emerging talent from all over Midlothian North & Musselburgh.” ENDS
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NEW REPORT: CHILD POVERTY TO DECLINE IN SCOTLAND BUT RISE IN REST OF UK
Scotland is set to be the only part of the UK to see a decline in child poverty rates thanks to Scotland-only social security policies introduced by the SNP Scottish Government, a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has shown. The publication predicts that Scotland’s child poverty rate will fall from 23.7% to 21.8% by January 2029, thanks to policies like the Scottish Child Payment, and scrapping the two-child benefit cap. While child poverty is likely to increase elsewhere in the UK, the report states that measures taken in Scotland will drive a divergence between the Scottish and UK figures. Local SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the report, which shows the difference that Scottish Government policies like the Scottish Child Payment are making to the lives of children here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "This report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlights the real benefit that SNP policies like the Scottish Child Payment are having on children in Scotland, including here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh. “To see child poverty rates in Scotland drop while they look set to rise across the rest of the UK, shows the tangible difference that progressive, evidence-led policy interventions can make to the lives of our young people. “The SNP Scottish Government has made eradicating child poverty its number one priority. Whilst there is still much work to be done, it is encouraging that the action we are taking is bringing us closer to achieving this, and that our policies are making a tangible difference to children's lives here in Midlothian North & Musselburgh.” ENDS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CAPACITY AND EASIER ACCESS TO GP APPOINTMENTS
First Minister John Swinney's plan to improve the NHS, will ensure lower waiting times and easier access to GP appointments for people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh Colin Beattie has said. The plan outlined by the First Minister follows the SNP Scottish Government announcing record funding for the NHS in its budget last month – with funding for health and social care increased to £21 billion, with £2,113.00 for frontline services delivered by NHS Lothian. The First Minister announced plans to 150,000 more appointments and procedures, as well as a £10.5 million increase in funding for GPs and a pledge to invest a greater proportion of new NHS funding to primary and community care. A new app will also be created for the NHS in Scotland under the plans, which the First Minister described as the “digital front door” to the health service. Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “The plans outlined by First Minister John Swinney will make a real difference to people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh - ensuring that people get the care they require in good time by making it easier to get a GP appointment and cutting waiting times. “The NHS plays a vital role in all our lives and is there when we and our families need it. I know many people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh have been calling for exactly this type of leadership to drive improvement in our NHS. We have listened and we have taken action - that is what you get with a John Swinney Government. “Improving patient's experience of our NHS is vitally important to the SNP Government, which is why we have announced record funding for the health and care frontline services of £21 billion in the Scottish Budget. “Whilst the UK Labour Government has hit the NHS and care services with increases in National Insurance Contributions and continues to hint at increased privatisation in the NHS, the SNP is backing the NHS with record funding and a clear path for modernisation and renewal - and that is a mission I know that people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh will all be able to get behind." ENDS Colin Beattie MSP visited the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre in East Lothian to hear first-hand about the positive impact direct access to the Care When it Counts (CWIC) service is having for patients in East Lothian.
The CWIC Service’s clinical team provide same day primary care appointment services, offering assessments, diagnoses, and treatment for a range of non-recurring acute illnesses. Following an initial assessment over the telephone, patients may be offered a follow up appointment at the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, or an onward referral to a specialist team if required. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: "The health of our country is one of the Scottish Governments main priorities and I am all too aware of the issues constituents are facing when booking an appointment with a GP. "Piloting direct access to services like CWIC are key in helping relieve the pressures that GPs face and ensuring that patients are seen by a medical professional. "Being assessed by the correct expert is key, and this is why the CWIC service can provide swift access to a range of multi-disciplinary clinicians and is proving to be a great success with patients. "Registered patients of Inveresk, Riverside, Tranent and The Harbours have access to the CWIC service. The CWIC direct access telephone line is available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 10:30am on 0300 790 6292. “The CWIC service and our wider health service would not be what it is without the hard work of the staff. "Whilst the CWIC service will not single handedly reduce the pressure on GP Practices, it is a welcomed step in the right direction. I would like to thank all the staff at CWIC for their hard work and commitment to patient care, and for accommodating me and showing me the positive impact, the service is having." ENDS SNP MSP Colin Beattie has encouraged all eligible people in [LOCAL AREA] to make sure that they get their winter flu jag to protect them against serious illness.
Scotland had the highest uptake of flu vaccines amongst people over 65 in the UK last winter, with research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) showing that 79.8% of people over 65 in Scotland received their winter flu vaccine. This was a higher percentage than in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Latest figures show that so far this winter 53.2% % of eligible adults in NHS Lothian have received their flu and Covid-19 vaccines. People have until 31st March to receive their jags but are being encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible to protect them against serious illness this winter. Other eligible groups for the double dose flu and Covid-19 vaccination include pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health workers. Those entitled to the flu-only vaccination include primary and secondary school pupils, unpaid carers and the homeless. SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: “Getting vaccinated gives you the best possible protection against flu viruses which are circulating this winter. The flu vaccine offers strong protection, while the Covid-19 booster reduces the severity of illness and boosts protection. “The vaccines will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious illness and help to protect those around you from catching flu and getting ill. “It is hugely encouraging that Scotland had the highest uptake of vaccines in the UK last winter and I encourage everyone in Midlothian North & Musselburgh, who hasn’t already done so this winter, to check if they are eligible. “Getting vaccinated is not only the best way to protect yourself and your family from serious illness this winter, but it will also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS over the busy winter period.” ENDS Colin Beattie MSP has hit out at the UK Labour government’s betrayal of WASPI women as figures from SPICe reveal 5,630 women in Midlothian and 7,170 in East Lothian may have lost out on pension payments.
As a result of the DWP’s failure to inform them of changes to the state pension age, it is estimated that a total of 355,910 women across Scotland did not receive money they were entitled to. Now, following their electoral victory in July last year, the UK Labour government have reneged on their promise to compensate these women. The SNP however continues to call for the WASPI Women to receive the compensation they deserve, doing so again in a Holyrood debate this week. Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said: “The Labour government’s betrayal of the WASPI Women is utterly shameful. “As many as 5,630 across Midlothian and 7,170 in East Lothian have lost out as a result of a UK government mistake, and many have tirelessly campaigned for decades to right this wrong. “For the Labour Party – after mere months in power – to break their promise to compensate these women is wrong and an enormous breach of trust. “The SNP will continue to campaign alongside the WASPI Women for the compensation they deserve. I urge the Labour government to see sense and u-turn on their decision.” ENDS |
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