With the Scottish Government having announced a detailed roadmap out of lockdown last week, the entire nation now have their eyes set firmly on the future.
Following a difficult year the focus is not just on a return to ‘normal’, but also on rebuilding our economy and ensuring that our nation survives and thrives in a post-lockdown world.
Last week, the Scottish Government released a strategy which laid out plans to drive economic growth post-COVID-19, reform public services and prepare the future workforce for an increasingly technological world.
It’s no secret that the pandemic has accelerated digital growth here in Scotland and on a global scale. Businesses have migrated online, homeworking has become commonplace, online shopping is booming and the public have been using social media as a means to stay connected.
The pandemic has also demonstrated the problems that come from digital exclusion. It has reminded us all that whilst technology can transform lives for the better, it’s essential that we ensure that no one is left behind.
Now, the importance of investing in Scotland’s digital framework has been underpinned in the Government’s renewed national digital strategy, titled ‘A changing nation: how Scotland will thrive in a digital world’.
The plans specify goals for increased use of technology across Scottish education and government, on top of a heightened focus and investment in digital industries.
When it comes to digital upskilling in both education and training to rapidly increase the number of digitally skilled individuals graduating from our universities and colleges each year, the government aims to help organisations become ‘secure digital businesses’, allowing them to recruit and retain skilled digital talent.
The plan is to open access to digital opportunities to all individuals regardless of age or background, establishing an ethical framework which is inclusive and without barriers.
Much of this is exciting and positive for our country – the opportunity to develop new products and services; to create and collaborate across cultures and borders and develop successful, global businesses at a scale and a speed that was previously unimaginable.
The chance to reduce the costs and increase the quality of public services, change the way in which we learn, work and live and access information and knowledge from around the world sounds incredibly promising and exciting.
This welcome announcement also comes at the same time as many young people are navigating a return to school, following weeks of home schooling and disruption to their education.
It’s clear to see that the Scottish Government is focused on ensuring that digital knowledge and skills has a place in education, so that the country can build a digitally skilled workforce and increase diversity within the digital skills pool.
It’s fantastic to see the establishment of a framework which will focus on investing in our young people and allow them to gain invaluable skills which will benefit their future.
The impact of Brexit also plays a key role, as Scotland needs to find new ways of ensuring it remains an attractive destination for talent and investment. Through heightened focus and investment in digital industries, it is hoped that Scotland will be recognised throughout the world as a vibrant, inclusive, open and outward-looking nation, which is also safe and cyber-secure.
A key enabler to a digital nation is connectivity. Scotland already has the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme, which aims to improve broadband coverage across the country, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Although this has seen a few bumps in the road, with protests taking place recently in Moray, with locals highlighting that the Scottish government’s voucher scheme to boost connections for rural and remote areas are being delayed, we’re more aware of the importance of widespread connectivity as a result of the pandemic, so this programme has come at a perfect time.
I’m pleased to see that our Government is embracing the potential of data and digital technology and that this will play a big part in shaping our future economic growth. It’s also fantastic that the Government wants to build a nation where geography, background or ability is not a barrier to benefiting from digital technology.
Becoming a digital country will benefit us all, as we look to emerge as an innovative, internationally competitive country following the pandemic.
Working during a global pandemic has brought renewed focus on mental health from businesses, both large and small, across Scotland.
The last year has been challenging for everyone. From those learning to balance working from home and their personal lives to front line workers in our emergency and essential services operating under the constant threat of Covid. Furloughed workers also have to grapple with internal distress over career uncertainties – it’s been a year like no other.
Last week it was reported that more than half of furloughed workers across the UK have reported a deterioration in their mental health. A separate study also found that people working from home are experiencing higher levels of stress and withholding mental health conditions from their employer, for fear of a negative impact on career progression.
I was pleased that Fosters Funeral Directors are stepping up to the plate by addressing the issue proactively. The funeral directors have joined forces with charity SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) to provide workshops for their staff.
The partnership will see its staff take part in ‘Maintaining Wellbeing’ Zoom sessions, whilst senior management will complete a ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ workshop with the aim of increasing awareness and obtaining crucial tools to support colleagues in maintaining their own health and wellbeing.
This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction and hopefully we will see other businesses across Scotland implement similar initiatives.
As we start to move out of lockdown, let’s hope that employers don’t forget the importance of putting in proactive steps to help maintain their staff’s mental health. After all, employee wellbeing correlates with productivity, so it could have a direct impact on a business’s bottom line.
It Made Me Laugh
Scotland isn’t known as a nation of healthy eaters and last week we lived up to that.
Chicken pakora and Irn-Bru, both staples in the 21st Century Scottish diet, are usually enjoyed separately. However, last week Glasgow chef, Myles Omar, combined the two in a hilarious viral Tik Tok video, clocking up over half a million views.
Fans have gone wild for the innovative combo, with Scotland’s other national drink, Irn-Bru, even sharing the video on its Instagram page.
It seems Omar has also caught the attention of celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay. The Hell’s Kitchen star filmed himself reacting to the Glasgow chef’s Tik Tok Irn-Bru pakora recipe, branding it a “nightmare”.
Closer to home, Glasgow favourite, Mother India, recreated the dish in its restaurant kitchen. The jury is out if this one will land a Michelin star.
It Made Me Weep
A care home in Carnoustie has launched a fundraising drive for its dog, Penny, who was adopted by the facility after her owner died.
Brookfield Residential Home has been home to the 12-year-old golden cocker spaniel since her owner was a resident there. After her owner passed away, big-hearted residents decided to keep the four-legged friend as a therapy pet.
Unfortunately, aging Penny has developed eye infections and needs regular grooming, so the care home has set up a JustGiving page to raise much needed cash for their pet pooch. Money raised will go towards vet bills and grooming.
Let’s hope our readers dig deep into their pockets and help the team smash their £500 target to keep Penny safe and happy. I’m off to make my donation now.
