Fiscal Framework
#spiritscotland
Two million visitors to National Galleries of Scotland
Tonight at the Queen’s Hall
Craiglockhart Community Council
It is amazing how quickly we all assume the abbreviations of the political world.
Deputy First Minister is off to London today to have further talks with the Westminster government. He is seeking a deal on financial arrangements for the powers which Scotland expects with the Scotland Bill, otherwise the fiscal framework.
The Scottish Government made a new offer to the Treasury last week and now that Chief Secretary to the Treasury Greg Hands has returned from his holiday, Mr Swinney will meet with him later today.
Mr Swinney said:
“The Scottish Government is very clear that we want to reach an agreement on the fiscal framework that lives up to the spirit and the letter of the Vow and delivers the key principle of no detriment as set out in the Smith Commission.
“For both Parliaments to have adequate time to scrutinise an agreement it is important that we make progress. That is why I am travelling to London as part of our efforts to secure a fair deal for the people of Scotland and for the rest of the UK.
“Crucially, for there to be an agreement which the Scottish Government could consider recommending we must ensure that the Barnett Formula is retained and that Scotland and the rest of the UK are no better or worse off as a result of the devolution of further powers, that is a key test of any proposal.
“I remain committed to reaching an agreement that is in line with the principles of the Smith Commission.”
VisitScotland invited Danny Macaskill along to Edinburgh Castle last week to publicise their new campaign to put Scotland on the tourist map.
If you have anything to add to the conversation you are asked to add the hashtag #spiritscotland to your tweets.
Photos of the Scottish capital will be beamed across the world to inspire foreigners to discover Scotland and all that it has to offer.
The TV advert used to publicise the campaign has the RSNO and a voiceover by Edinburgh-born actor Iain Glen, along with an Edinburgh-based army piping instructor.
Sergeant Andy Reid, a regular at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where he has performed as the lone piper, recalls his experience of the annual spectacle at Edinburgh Castle in a 90-second film.
On his involvement in the campaign, he said: “This was a great opportunity to represent my unit, and the army as a whole, to promote and inspire others to visit Scotland.”
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More than two million people have visited the National Galleries of Scotland in the last year in Edinburgh, the first time that so many have done so.
The number of visitors has risen by over 12 per cent over the previous year.
The amazing exhibitions at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art like The Amazing World of M.C. Escher and ARTISTS ROOMS : Roy Lichtenstein, a special three room display of works from the Pop Art forerunner Lichtenstein all served to attract more art lovers than ever before.
John Leighton, Director-General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that visits to NGS have now surpassed 2 million for the first time in our history.This result reflects a growing interest in our collections, exhibitions and activities from local, national and international visitors and, as one of Scotland’s leading cultural institutions, we hope to build on this success in years to come. Our focus will remain on improving and promoting our world-class collection, engaging with the public in new and exciting ways and developing both the strength and breadth of our yearly cultural programme.”
We are sure that even more people will want to see the new exhibition at the Modern which is part of British Art Show 8.
We had a preview last week:
The Edinburgh Reporter News from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.
Tonight at The Queen’s Hall you are invited to Shut Up and Dance!
American indie rock band Walk the Moon’s upbeat anthem Shut Up & Dance was one of the biggest hits of last summer, topping the Billboard chart and hitting triple platinum sales in the USA and tonight they are in Edinburgh.
Tickets here.
Nominations are now open for new members of Craiglockhart Community Council.
All names must be in by 7 March 2016.
Councillor Maureen Child, Convener of the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee, said: “Community councils play such an important role in local democracy, allowing residents to make their opinions heard to the Council and other organisations.
“Anyone interested in making a difference in the Craiglockhart community should consider signing up for the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in improving their local area.”
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Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
