Free bus travel in Scotland for under the age of 22
Free bus travel in Scotland
Peterhead Info
New Scottish Week Peterhead 2021 ended
Famous Scottish Week Peterhead ended today last event, Songs of Praise 7.00 PM.
And so another Scottish week Peterhead ended.
We would like to thank the organisers Peterhead Scottish Week and to everyone who helped them for an interesting and entertaining week.
Big Thanks to RAF Red Arrows – it’s be great display!
Hope you back next year!
Peterhead Live and I expect the residents and guests of Peterhead to join us to thank you.
A little about Scottish week
Since 1961 Scotland and other parts of the World have celebrated our nationality and the produce of Scotland by holding a gala festival of celebration called Scottish Week.
Many towns and villages throughout Scotland held events.
In the UK only Peterhead, Aberdeenshire still celebrate it as do New York in America.
Uptake by local authorities of a “Scottish Week” Gala was slow but initially 10 places throughout Scotland decided to take up the challenge to promote the country by hosting a programme of events.
Those first ten Scottish Weeks, due to take place in the summer of 1962, were Arbroath, Coupar, Dunfermline, Rothsay, Gourock, Peterhead, Portsoy, Edinburgh, Skye and Stranraer.
Scottish Week Peterhead continues to be one of the top galas in Scotland; a benchmark for others to follow.
The crowds are bigger at events despite opposition from the weather.
The original purpose of the committee back in 1962 was to encourage locals, businesses and tourists to make it thee week to be in Peterhead – the same purpose is the desire of the committee today.
What happened this week
17 July Peterhead Producers Market 10.00 AM – 3.30 PM
17 July Trivia & Tunes Quiz 7:00 PM
18 July Truck & Van Show 10.00 AM
18 July the “MASSON GLENNIE” Picnic 11.00 AM – 5.00PM
19 July The 8th Great Buchan Bake Off 7.30 PM
20 July Prize Bingo 6.00 PM
21 July Artists Challenge 2.30 PM
21 July Baby Show 3.00 PM
21 July RED ARROWS 7.00 PM
22 July Sandcastle competition 2.00 PM
22 July Kids Outdoor Disco (under 12s) 4.00 PM
22 July Dog Tricks Competition 7.00 PM
23 July Live from Peterhead 7.30 PM
24 July Famous Car Show 10.00 AM
24 July Fancy Dress Competition 1.00 PM
24 July ASCO Carnival Parade 2.00 PM
25 July Songs of Praise 7.00 PM
Red Arrows will be back to town in 2022 if we help with the Fundraiser.
Red Arrows will be back to Peterhead in 2022 if we help with the Fundraiser.
Famous Peterhead Carnival Parade Information 2021
ASCO Peterhead Carnival Parade will take place at 2:00pm tomorrow throughout the Town Centre.
First will be the “Car Show” takes place from 10:00am tomorrow (Saturday) at the Peterhead Academy Bus Park.
The event will run until 1:30pm.
Some cars will then join the “Peterhead Carnival Parade” at 2:00pm through the Town Centre.
After the famous ‘”ASCO Peterhead Carnival Parade” will take place at 2:00pm tomorrow throughout the Town Centre.
Peterhead Scottish Week judges will vote for the Best Floats.
Immediately following the parade, Pipe Bands will perform on Queens Street at 2:45pm.
Please adhere to Scottish Government Guidelines around Social Distancing.
Road Information
A section of Queen Street WILL BE CLOSED – a road closure notice has been granted. therefore traffic will not be able to pass through Queen Street from the St. Peters Street junction (Courthouse/Justrite) to the Backgate traffic lights (Wetherspoons) for the duration of the Pipe Bands performance.
The Peterhead, Queen Street closure (as stated above) will be between 1:45pm and 3:30pm.
It is strongly advised not to park on Queen Street during these times.
No vehicle movement will be allowed.
Both sides of Windmill Street will be closed between 12:00pm to 2:30pm in order for floats and vehicles in the Carnival Parade to align.
But as we see on other sources, some of the roads will be temporarily unavailable.
Please make alternative arrangements for parking.
Organizer Peterhead Scottish Week.
New Self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID-19
Changes are being made to self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases to allow essential staff in critical roles to return to work to maintain lifeline services and critical national infrastructure.
It will be possible to apply to exempt those who work in critical roles where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, such as health and social care, transport and the provision of food supplies at risk.
Exemption will only be granted in respect of members of staff who voluntarily agree not to self isolate, and the employers’ duty of care to all their employees must be respected.
Strict conditions will apply – staff must be double-vaccinated and in receipt of their second dose at least two weeks previously. They will also require to have a negative PCR test and to agree to undertake daily lateral flow tests.
Applications may be made via the Scottish Government website.
Exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained and we are implementing these changes now – ahead of possible changes to self-isolation rules for close contacts that may apply more generally in future – to ensure staff shortages do not put key services at risk.
“We have seen significant staff shortages in a small number of organisations in recent days and we have worked with them to protect services. Applications for exemptions are being considered from today and we will consider applications as they come in.
“Clinical evidence tells us we can safely and effectively release some critical staff from self-isolation, with appropriate safeguards. However, this is a very limited change at this stage, to be applied on a case by case basis and only where absolutely necessary.
“We will not allow key services to be threatened by staff shortages but equally we must continue to protect public health.”
More information
Information and support for people who are asked to self-isolate because of COVID-19.
The First Minister set out to parliament on 13 July that changes to self-isolation policy may take effect beyond Level 0.
Under this new process, before a staff member who is a close contact of a positive case can return to work, they must fulfil the following criteria:
- be fully vaccinated, having had their second dose at least 14 days before exposure
- be asymptomatic, and be in possession of a valid vaccination record (available from NHS Inform here)
- have evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
- return a daily negative lateral flow test for up to 10 days after exposure
- fully comply with any PPE requirements, hand hygiene and other infection control measures
Staff who cannot reasonably isolate from on-going exposure to a COVID positive household member will not usually be asked to return to work.
Applications can be made via the Scottish Government website and will be required to demonstrate:
- that the organisation meets the definition of CNI as set out here Critical National Infrastructure | CPNI
- how self-isolation is impacting critical functions and services
- what steps have already been taken to address this pressure
- the impact of no action
- the scope of the requested exemption – location, number of staff etc
- whether they are currently engaging with a local IMT regarding outbreak management
Health, social care and local services will have a different process and this will be communicated separately.
8 Best Reasons not to feed seagulls
8 Best Reasons not to feed seagulls
Family Funfair C&S Leisure New in Peterhead from 19th July
Family Funfair C&S Leisure
Scotland will move to Level 0 on Monday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed that all of Scotland will move to Level 0 Covid -19 restrictions on Monday – however, there would be a number of changes to what had previously been announced.
Scottish Government covid protection levels update
From Monday (19 July) Scotland will move to Level 0, with modifications on previous guidance:
Scotland will move to Level 0 with Main changes new things:
- Up to 8 people from 4 households can meet in your home or theirs – and can stay overnight.
- Up to 10 people from 4 households can meet in an indoor public place with 1m distance between households.
- Up to 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors in your garden or a public place for informal gathering – distancing not required within the group of 15 outdoors, but different groups need to distance.
- You do not need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home.
- Customers no longer need to pre-book a two-hour time slot in hospitality venues (unless the venue requests it) but track and trace details must still be collected.
- Hospitality venues must close at midnight.
- Those arriving from amber list countries will no longer have to isolate on arrival in Scotland, if double vaccinated and return a negative PCR test.
- You can travel anywhere in Scotland.
- You can travel anywhere in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands – before you travel you must check the travel rules in those countries.
- Up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals.
- You should still work from home where possible.
- All organized outdoor and indoor sports, personal training, organized exercise and coaching are permitted with safety measures.
- Small seated indoor events are permitted with a maximum of 400 people.
- Outdoor seated and open space events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 2,000 people.
- Outdoor grouped standing events are advised to operate with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people.
- We still shouldn’t be car sharing with those not in our household.
- We should be testing regularly, regardless of whether or not we have COVID-19 symptoms – full details on different types of testing: https://www.gov.scot/…/coronavirus-covid-19-getting…/
- Make sure you get both doses of your vaccine to reduce the risk of serious illness if you catch COVID-19.
- Beyond Level 0 (on track for 9 August), the blanket self-isolation of all close contacts will be removed if double vaccinated and return a negative PCR test.
- Advice is being gathered on the removal of self-isolation of young people who are close contacts in education settings. A further update and decision on this will be taken before the return of schools.
- The next full review of the protection levels will take place on Tuesday 3 August ahead of the potential move beyond Level 0 from Monday 9 August.
Scotland will move to Level 0: what you can do
Check the level for an area using the postcode tool.
At Level 0:
- you can meet socially in groups:
- of up to 8 people from 4 households in your home or theirs – and can stay overnight
- of up to 10 people from 4 households in an indoor public place like a café, pub or restaurant
- of up to 15 people from 15 households outdoors
- under 12s do not count towards the total number of people or households meeting outside but count towards the household numbers indoors
- you do not need to physically distance from family and friends in a private home
- you can travel anywhere in Scotland in Levels 0, 1 or 2 but must not enter a Level 3 or 4 area unless for a permitted reason
- you can travel anywhere in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands – before you travel you must check the travel rules in those countries
- you can provide informal childcare, for example to look after a grandchild
- up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals
- tradespeople can carry out any work in your home such as painting, decorating or repairing
- you should work from home where possible
Testing
Everyone is encouraged to get tested, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms. Testing is free and results are available in around 30 minutes. Read guidance on getting tested.
Scotland will move to Level 0 What can open:
Places and business that can open at Level 0 include:
- cafés, pubs and restaurants
- all shops and stores
- all close contact services including hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons
- all sport and exercise
- tourist accommodation
- all visitor attractions
- all public buildings like libraries and community centres
- all entertainment (apart from nightclubs and adult entertainment)
- stadiums and events – with maximum numbers
- a limited and phased return to offices
What must close at Level 0
Places and business that must close at Level 0 include:
- Nightclubs and adult entertainment.
FREE online course – Foyer Families
Foyer Families FREE online course runs for 16 weeks.
If you’re a parent or carer who’s looking to build confidence and learn new skills then our online course “Foyer Families” is just for you.
“Foyer Families” – FREE online course starts on Tuesday 24th August within Aberdeenshire and runs for 16 weeks.
It’s a great opportunity to gain important skills and accredited qualifications while cultivating a meaningful team experience– at a pace that works well for people with young children and busy lives!
FREE online course – Foyer Families is a 16-week fully funded programme created and delivered by Aberdeen Foyer which will help you to:
- Achieve accredited learning and employability skills
- Progress into further education and employment
- Support your child’s development through learning and play
- Improve the health and wellbeing of yourself and your family
FREE online Course dates
This course will run from the 24th of August 2021 to the 10th of December 2021
Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
9.30am to 2.30pm
Aberdeen Foyer is working in partnership with North East Scotland College to deliver a City & Guilds Extended Level 1 Certificate in Employability skills. REHIS Food Hygiene and Pediatric First Aid certificates will also be available during the course. Child development workshops will also be delivered.
Additional support such as childcare provision and access to digital kit can also be provided during the course.
The course will be delivered online with access to course leaders and personalised support.
Is this course for me?
If you Are a parents/carer with children under 12 looking to do any of the following:
- Develop personal confidence
- Meet other parents and contribute to shared learning
- Take part in a meaningful team experience
- Obtain accredited qualifications
- Learn how to further support your child’s learning and play in everyday life
- Consider if further education, training, or work is a possibility for you
Then this FREE online course is for you.
As part of Foyer Families you’ll complete 5 City and Guilds units:
- Building personal confidence
- Contributing to healthy living
- Effective skills and qualities for learning and work
- Coping with change
- Managing personal finance
- A range of course related activities to boost productivity, team building and personal confidence
- You will also gain a broader understanding of how learning and play contributes to child development.
- Attend wellbeing sessions including: Mindfulness, Stretch and Tone and Tai Chi
- Be invited to course-related talks from a range of external organisations and partners
FREE online Course Content
Week 1/2: Getting to know you
A chance to get to know one another and set the foundation for an exciting journey with Foyer Families.
Week 3/4: Building personal confidence
Working together to understand personal confidence, while branching out into related activities to help build your own personal confidence.
Week 4/5: Contributing to own healthy living
Looking closely at what contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Guided cooking sessions and Food Hygiene will be used to support your learning along with a range of relevant activities.
Week 6/7: Effective skills and qualities
Working together to highlight and build upon existing skills to prepare you for the working and learning environment.
Week 8/9: Managing personal finance
Focusing on planning and preparation you will gain the skills to develop budget plans and financial inclusion sessions will help you to manage your finances.
Week 10/11/12: Coping with change
Encourages you to explore the different types of change, including the impact of change and strategies to help you to cope with change.
Week 13/14: Skills development
Helping you to build your CV for potential job opportunities and preparing you for mock interviews and build progression pathways.
Week 15/16: What’s next?
Reviewing 16-week programme with discussion about future steps and finally your graduation!
Katie Summers (Aberdeenshire) M: 07979 199 896
katie.summers@aberdeenfoyer.com
We can even help with childcare and digital kit if needed.
If you think this might be for you, or a family member/friend – then please get in touch by emailing
School clothing grant
Help with school clothing grant for uniforms increases.
Eligible families can apply for a grant of at least £120 to help with the cost of school uniforms.
The Scottish Government and local authority leaders have reached an agreement to increase the national school clothing grant to a minimum of £120 per eligible primary school pupil and £150 per eligible secondary school pupil. This will be supported by £11.8 million of additional funding to local authorities.
The announcement marks another commitment for the first 100 days of this Government.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“School uniforms can place a significant financial burden on families, some of whom are already facing additional hardship as a result of the pandemic.
“This school clothing grant will help to relieve some of that pressure for around 145,000 families and it will help to ensure that all children can go to school feeling comfortable, confident and ready to learn.”
COSLA Children and Young People’s spokesperson Councillor Stephen McCabe said:
“Councils and schools are working to tackle the costs of the school day, ensuring that all children are able to fully participate in their education. Working with the Scottish Government, we are pleased that the national minimum school clothing grant has been increased and that families can get extra support as we continue on the road to recovery from the pandemic.”
Eligible families can apply for the school clothing grant through their local council.
