This year’s shortlisted projects feature major place-making investments, employability initiatives, and activities delivered by community groups and arts organisations in both urban and rural contexts.
Shapinsay Shortlisted in 2023 SURF Awards
The Last Tram
The original trams idea predates the SNP’s period as Scotland’s government. Indeed, having become the minority government in 2007, and with the trams legislation up for discussion, the party actually voted against it and wanted to spend the money on dualling the A9, as they stated in their manifesto ahead of the Holyrood election.
Emma Roddick MSP: “The Scottish Child Payment – unique in the UK – has lifted 50,000 children out of poverty”
“The Scottish Child Payment has supported 765 Orkney children over the period of its existence so far, bringing £793,765 into the islands.”
Half of Scotland’s Local Authorities Have Identified #RAAC in Schools
The Scottish Government has published a list of Local Authority areas where inspections have identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their schools. There are 16. Orkney Islands Council has confirmed that there is none in the islands’ schools.
Slight Growth in Scotland’s Social Service Workforce
‘As Scotland’s social work, social care and children and young people workforce continues to grow it’s a good time to recognise the valuable contribution they make helping people live the lives they want but also their contribution to the economy .’ SSSC Acting Chief Executive, Maree Allison
765 Children in Orkney Supported by the Scottish Child Payment
Since it started (2020) 6,435 payments have been made in Orkney amounting to £793,765.
Sharing Views on How we Commemorate a Death
A series of consultations has been launched by the Scottish Government on funeral arrangements, including water burials.
Report on Children’s Audiology Services is a “first step in a process of change”
“Parents told the review about the difference a good audiologist can make and it is clear from this report we need to make sure they always have the resources, training and leadership required to deliver effective support. ” -Mark Ballard of the National Deaf Children’s Society
Should Snare Traps be Banned ?
“The Scottish SPCA strongly supports this announcement by the Scottish Government. As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have long called for an outright ban on the use of snares due to the level of suffering an animal is caused.” – Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn
Animal Health and Welfare Funding for Farmers and Crofters
“This new animal health and welfare payment is one of the first steps in this process and will reward farmers who take an active role in improving the health and welfare of the animals they keep.” – Rural Affairs Secretary in the Scottish Government Mairi Gougeon
