Breast cancer genetic testing

Tuesday, 21 May 2013 07:08

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Genetic testing for faulty breast cancer genes is to be extended for women in Scotland.

Clarifying the position in Scotland, Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

Strengthening links with Qatar

Monday, 20 May 2013 07:06

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Scotland’s External Affairs Minister will promote Scottish exports and expertise in the Middle East on his first overseas visit outside of Europe since taking office.

Humza Yousaf’s three-day visit to Qatar – which began on Sunday May 19, 2013 – is aimed at further strengthening Scotland’s economic, diplomatic and cultural links with the rapidly expanding region.

Europe's first electricity grid research centre

Friday, 17 May 2013 07:08

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First Minister Alex Salmond has opened Europe’s first world-class electricity grid research centre. The centre will examine how advanced technologies can shape the low-carbon power industry of the future.

The £12.5 million Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) in Cumbernauld has been established in response to growing demand for secure, reliable and environmentally-friendly power, and uses a mini electricity grid system, not connected to the national network to test new technology.

Amazon should refund £10m Scottish Government handout say Greens

Thursday, 16 May 2013 16:57

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Green MSPs are urging the Scottish Government to recall its grant funding of Amazon UK following news that the company paid just £2.4 million in tax in the last financial year on UK sales of £4.2 billion.

A briefing provided to MSPs visiting Amazon's Dunfermline centre earlier this year showed that the Scottish Government has offered up to £10.6m to the company in funding, far more than the £2.4m paid by the company in corporation tax in 2012/13.

Scottish Socialists for Independence announces launch

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 22:58

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A new campaigning group for independence has announced it will launch on May 28th. Scottish Socialists for Independence is a cross party campaign open to all who support the aim of a socialist, republican, and independent Scotland.

Maggie Chetty, secretary of the new group, said in a statement:

"We in the Communist Party of Scotland and many Scottish socialist republicans believe that independence will break the bonds of Empire, dismantle the autocratic, monarchical British State and create a situation where we can develop democratic and more equitable relations with the nations of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"We have set up Socialists for Independence (SSI) as another strand of the left in Scotland. We do not seek to compete with or replace other strands - you can be a member of our organisation as well as other organisations or parties as long as you support our goal of an independent, socialist republican Scotland.

"We feel at this time in the debate it is crucial to stress the broad nature of the support for independence, to support the SNP's progressive proposals and to insert socialist demands in the on-going debate."

Billed as a "night of music and politics", Scottish Socialists for Independence will hold their launch in St Andrews in the Square, Calton, Glasgow at 7.30pm on Tuesday May 28. All those who support a vision for a left-wing and progressive Scottish Republic are welcome to attend.