Latest news with #StrathclydeUniversity
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fire service hero 'chuffed' to receive empire medal honour
A stalwart of Scotland's fire and rescue community has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for six decades of (Jim) Burns Smith joined the Glasgow Fire Brigade in 1962, aged 20, and spent years battling major blazes across the city, including the fatal factory fire at James Watt Street in 1968 that killed 22 later developed a historical archive for the fire service and co-authored a book on firefighters in 83-year-old said he was "surprised and chuffed" to be given the honour at the city chambers. Jim's career started at Soho Street fire station in Glasgow, which was said to be one of the busiest in western was previously recognised with the firemaster's certificate of congratulations for rescues at a major building collapse and he became an advocate for fire safety, working closely with schools, businesses and the retiring as staff officer to the firemaster, he worked as a civil service security manager in the Scottish government and then as a volunteer librarian with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).It was while there he developed their archive, unearthing logbooks dating back to 1823, wartime records, and personal service documents – many of which are now preserved at the Mitchell his other later achievements were supporting Strathclyde University's librarian course, co-authoring the book Tinderbox Heroes and helping to create the Glasgow heritage fire trail. His work was also been instrumental in the creation of Everyday Heroes, a book chronicling the first 30 years of Strathclyde Fire Brigade. Jim said: "I was so surprised and chuffed to receive this award. I've always been in touch with the fire service in one way or another after I retired as a fire fighter. "I felt compelled to not only document and share my own experiences but those of others in the service. These are stories that should not be forgotten."He was joined in the city chambers by his wife Grace, three sons and four grandchildren. He also thanked also made special mention of Graeme Kirkwood, from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Museum in Greenock, for helping with his Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, praised Jim's dedication and tireless efforts during his said: "His dedication ensures that vital records and experiences are remembered, and future generations can learn from the past, and honour the bravery of those who came before."
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Economic slowdown linked to global uncertainty amid Trump tariffs
A slowdown in growth in Scotland's economy is 'largely due to higher global uncertainty' – with experts saying this is linked 'particularly' to US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. The Fraser of Allander Institute also highlighted a recent rise in inflation this year as having 'played a role' as the economy 'faltered'. Economics experts at the Strathclyde University-based think tank have now downgraded their forecasts for growth. Speaking as its latest quarterly economic commentary was published, institute director Professor Mairi Spowage said: 'After a strong start to the year, the Scottish economy has faltered in March and April and is essentially the same size in real terms as it was six months ago. 'Unfortunately, the wider business environment and global events are still taking a toll on businesses and consumers, which is having a dampening effect on spending and business investment.' The think tank now expects economic growth of 0.8% in 2025 and 1.0% in 2026 – which is a slight downgrade from its April forecasts of 0.9% and 1.1%. It noted Scottish real GDP grew 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.7% in the UK as a whole. The think tank said: 'A pattern of lower growth in Scotland has persisted, leading to a weaker recovery from the pandemic than the UK generally.' Looking at the latest data, it found Scotland's economic growth had 'remained slow', with rises in the first months of 2025 having been 'partially offset' by decreases in March and April. The report said: 'The slowdown in growth this year is largely due to higher global uncertainty, particularly from the announcement of tariffs in the US and elsewhere. 'With the CPI (Consumer Prices Index) rate at 3.4% in May 2025 after staying below 3% throughout 2024, an uptick in inflation has also played a role.' The think tank said its latest forecasts 'reflect greater uncertainty and difficult economic circumstances'. It also noted that businesses had reported a slowdown of activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The report said this 'decline in activity may reflect the impact of increases to employer national insurance contributions as well as uncertain conditions, particularly from trade and tariff decisions taken by the US government'. It said the 'difficult conditions for business have been echoed in the labour market', with the think tank noting pay growth has been 'slow' and the number of employees has fallen 0.9% from last year. It also said there was 'some indication that the proportion of people living beyond their means in Scotland may have increased compared to this time last year' – but added other indicators of financial stability 'seem to be holding steady'. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'It is clearer than ever that Scotland's economy is being impacted by challenging global trading conditions and uncertainty – conditions mirrored across the rest of the UK. 'We are taking ambitious steps to grow the economy by pursuing new investment, building export potential and driving and capitalising on the Scottish innovation at the forefront of many key global industries. 'But we are doing all of this without the full economic powers needed to fully address the issues facing Scottish businesses. We need decisive action from the UK Government to counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit and business uncertainty. 'This includes reversing its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions which, as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has highlighted, is severely damaging business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Economic slowdown linked to global uncertainty amid Trump tariffs
A slowdown in growth in Scotland's economy is 'largely due to higher global uncertainty' – with experts saying this is linked 'particularly' to US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. The Fraser of Allander Institute also highlighted a recent rise in inflation this year as having 'played a role' as the economy 'faltered'. Economics experts at the Strathclyde University-based think tank have now downgraded their forecasts for growth. Speaking as its latest quarterly economic commentary was published, institute director Professor Mairi Spowage said: 'After a strong start to the year, the Scottish economy has faltered in March and April and is essentially the same size in real terms as it was six months ago. 'Unfortunately, the wider business environment and global events are still taking a toll on businesses and consumers, which is having a dampening effect on spending and business investment.' The think tank now expects economic growth of 0.8% in 2025 and 1.0% in 2026 – which is a slight downgrade from its April forecasts of 0.9% and 1.1%. It noted Scottish real GDP grew 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 0.7% in the UK as a whole. The think tank said: 'A pattern of lower growth in Scotland has persisted, leading to a weaker recovery from the pandemic than the UK generally.' Looking at the latest data, it found Scotland's economic growth had 'remained slow', with rises in the first months of 2025 having been 'partially offset' by decreases in March and April. The report said: 'The slowdown in growth this year is largely due to higher global uncertainty, particularly from the announcement of tariffs in the US and elsewhere. 'With the CPI (Consumer Prices Index) rate at 3.4% in May 2025 after staying below 3% throughout 2024, an uptick in inflation has also played a role.' The think tank said its latest forecasts 'reflect greater uncertainty and difficult economic circumstances'. It also noted that businesses had reported a slowdown of activity in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The report said this 'decline in activity may reflect the impact of increases to employer national insurance contributions as well as uncertain conditions, particularly from trade and tariff decisions taken by the US government'. It said the 'difficult conditions for business have been echoed in the labour market', with the think tank noting pay growth has been 'slow' and the number of employees has fallen 0.9% from last year. It also said there was 'some indication that the proportion of people living beyond their means in Scotland may have increased compared to this time last year' – but added other indicators of financial stability 'seem to be holding steady'. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'It is clearer than ever that Scotland's economy is being impacted by challenging global trading conditions and uncertainty – conditions mirrored across the rest of the UK. 'We are taking ambitious steps to grow the economy by pursuing new investment, building export potential and driving and capitalising on the Scottish innovation at the forefront of many key global industries. 'But we are doing all of this without the full economic powers needed to fully address the issues facing Scottish businesses. We need decisive action from the UK Government to counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit and business uncertainty. 'This includes reversing its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions which, as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has highlighted, is severely damaging business confidence, investment, growth and jobs.' Sign in to access your portfolio
Glasgow Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Famous Glasgow names to be awarded honorary degrees
Gorbals-born, Lord Willie Haughey will add an honorary degree from Strathclyde University to his already impressive list of titles. The Labour peer, OBE, KB, and founder and owner of City Facilities Management Holdings, is among 11 names to be given the recognition from Strathclyde Uni at graduation ceremonies this summer. Lord Haughey with his wife, Susan, founded City Refrigeration in 1985. He is a former non-executive director of Celtic, a sponsor of the Scottish Cup and helped save Hampden as the home of Scottish football by part-funding a deal to buy the stadium from Queen's Park. Also being recognised for her work is crime writer Denise Mina, a former student of the university and successful novelist with top-selling books, many of which are set in Glasgow like Garnethill, and The Long Drop, her true crime story about murderer Peter Manuel. Politicians are also being awarded honorary degrees. Glasgow's Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, a Glasgow SNP councillor and Mary Robinson, former President of the Republic of Ireland (1990-97) and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002). Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Strathclyde Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: 'It is a pleasure and privilege to see so many high achievers, from such a wide range of fields, receiving honorary degrees from our University. 'Each has excelled in their respective professional careers and activities and, between them, they reflect every aspect of Strathclyde's ethos as a leading international technological university that is socially progressive. 'They are inspirational and present exceptional examples for our students and graduates to emulate. We welcome them all to the wider Strathclyde family.' Honorary degrees will also be awarded to Professor Dame Anne Johnson, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Co-Director of the Institute for Global Health at University College London, Jon Stanton, Chief Executive of the Weir Group, Fiona Drouet MBE, founder and CEO of the Emily Test charity, Dr Ruth McKernan, neuroscientist and venture partner, SV Health Investors, David Garbutt, Chair of NHS Education for Scotland, Lady Eileen McDonald, Ambassador for the University of Strathclyde. Awards of Alumnus and Alumna of the Year will also be made to, respectively, Colin Gray, Head of the Scottish Government in the USA, and Lena Wilson, former CEO of Scottish Enterprise.
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Labour MP calls for SNP Government to launch Scottish child grooming inquiry
EXCLUSIVE: Joani Reid said there is "even less understanding" about the scale of the problem in Scotland and the "lack of information is simply unacceptable." Scotland needs its own child grooming inquiry, a Labour MP insists after a major probe into Asian sex gangs was announced south of the border. Joani Reid's call comes months after seven members of one of Scotland's biggest child sex abuse rings, known as 'the beastie house', were handed life-long sentences. She urged First Minister John Swinney to launch a Scottish grooming inquiry after Keir Starmer yesterday committed to a probe into the gangs south of the border. East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Reid said: 'Young women and girls are being exploited by organised grooming gangs in Scotland just as they have been across England. 'Strathclyde University's Professor Alexis Jay, the UK's leading expert on sexual exploitation, made this clear to MPs earlier in the year. 'The truth is we have even less understanding about the scale of this problem in Scotland. That is simply unacceptable. 'It is vital Scotland is fully engaged with any statutory inquiry. We urgently need Police Scotland, local councils, and the Scottish Government to share their knowledge, and learn crucial lessons.' Joani, grand-daughter of legendary trade unionist Jimmy Reid, added: 'If the Scottish Government does not intend to hold its own dedicated inquiry, we need clear reasons why – not the vague responses we've had so far. This issue is too serious and urgent to leave unanswered. 'The first immediate step should be introducing a clear legal duty to report suspected child abuse. It's hard to under-stand why the Scottish Government continues to delay on mandatory reporting. There is broad consensus among child protection experts such legislation is urgently needed. 'I hope the First Minister recognises how important it is to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard Scotland's young people. We cannot allow bureaucracy or complacency to put children at further risk.' The UK Government rejected calls for a public inquiry earlier this year. It instead said it was focusing on putting in place the recommendations already made in a seven-year national inquiry by Professor Jay. But the Prime Minister announced on Saturday a full probe would be held after a review by Baroness Louise Casey. The report linked the grooming gang issue to men of Pakistani origin and said people were ignored for fears of racism. Local authorities and institutions that failed hundreds of victims will be held to account. The inquiry can also order local deep dives into historic cases. The National Crime Agency will lead a new crackdown on perpetrators, taking on cases that weren't properly dealt with. It will also look at over-hauling local responses to these crimes to end the culture of denial that failed young girls. Reid previously asked the Scottish Government to make it a legal obligation to report sexual abuse for those working with kids. Her call comes months after seven members of one of Scotland's biggest child sex abuse rings – known as 'the beastie house' – received life-long sentences. Three victims under 13 were subjected to a catalogue of abuse at a filthy drug den in Townhead, Glasgow, over a seven-year period from 2012. Police said they suffered 'unimaginable abuse'. Offences included rape, attempted murder and assault. The victims were known to child protection services before police opened a probe in 2020. They were added to Glasgow City Council's child protection register in 2018 and were the subject of regular social services meetings – especially after an allegation of physical abuse was made in June 2019. One girl, said to run wild in her community, was described as gaunt and had the worst case of head lice an expert had seen in her 30-year career. The seven members of the ring – all drug addicts – were convicted in January following a nine-week trial in 2023. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Child sexual abuse and exploitation has a devastating impact, which is why we are taking action to ensure that children are protected from harm. 'The independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is undertaking an extensive review of child protection policy and practice in Scotland and will report with recommendations for further development in due course. We have also established a national multi-agency Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group, of which Professor Alexis Jay is a member, to consider all UK and Scottish work and make recommendations to Ministers accordingly. 'In Scotland, all healthcare and education professionals already have a duty to report child abuse. The case for introducing mandatory reporting more widely remains under active consideration, and we are continuing to engage closely with key partners, including Police Scotland, Social Work Scotland and Child Protection Committees Scotland, on this important issue.'
