Print Scotland President Michiel Molenaar
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Print Scotland, the sector’s trade body, has issued a stark warning during Scottish Apprenticeship Week that Scotland risks a “skills cliff edge” unless apprenticeship funding disparities with England are urgently addressed.
Under the current system, a Print Industry Occupations apprenticeship in Scotland attracts just £3,200 in training contribution (age 16-19) and only £1200 for 19-24-year-olds. In England, comparable Print Technician apprenticeships attract funding closer to £10,000, representing a gap of almost £7,000 per apprentice.
Leaders from across Scotland’s print, packaging and label industries say the disparity places Scottish businesses and training providers at a serious disadvantage.
Richard McCombe, Managing Director of Graphic Warehouse, representing the large format print and signage sector, and Vice President of Print Scotland, said: “How can a Scottish apprentice be worth less than half of their English counterpart? The qualification level is comparable. The industrial skill level is comparable. But the funding support is nowhere near comparable.”
McCombe said the industry remains committed to developing the next generation of skilled workers but warned that employers are increasingly being asked to carry an unsustainable share of the cost.
The issue is shared across the wider print supply chain. Michiel Molenaar, President of Print Scotland and Managing Director of Kennedy Smith, representing the packaging sector, said: “Packaging supports some of Scotland’s most successful export industries, including food and drink and pharmaceuticals. These industries depend on highly skilled technical operators.
“If apprenticeship pipelines weaken because funding does not match the real cost of training, that will ultimately impact the wider economy.”
Susan Carr, Managing Director of CV Labels and Print Scotland Board Member, representing the label printing sector, said the disparity is becoming increasingly visible to employers. “Label and packaging production relies on precision manufacturing skills that take years to develop. Apprenticeships are the most effective way to build that capability.
“When Scottish employers see similar apprenticeships in England receiving significantly higher funding, it raises serious questions about how Scotland values technical skills.”
Garry Richmond, Managing Director of Print Scotland, said the organisation sees the pressures facing both employers and training providers. “Businesses across Scotland want to recruit apprentices and invest in the next generation. But the current funding structure makes that increasingly difficult to sustain.
“Without adequate support, both employers and training providers face real challenges in maintaining apprenticeship placements.”
Jim McKenzie, Apprenticeship Assessor with Print Scotland and a member of the organisation’s board, works directly with apprentices and employers across Scotland. He warned that the issue could have long-term consequences.
“Across print and manufacturing we are seeing large numbers of experienced professionals approaching retirement. Apprenticeships are the only sustainable way to replace those skills. If funding does not properly support those placements, the pipeline of new talent will inevitably shrink.”
Print Scotland says the funding gap comes at a critical moment for Scotland’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Richard McCombe added: “We are heading towards a skills cliff edge. If we do not replace retiring skills now, Scotland will struggle to deliver the infrastructure, manufacturing and export projects it depends on.”
Print Scotland is calling for:
– A review of apprenticeship funding bands
– Alignment of print funding with comparable technical frameworks
– Greater parity with English apprenticeship funding
– Stronger incentives for SMEs to recruit apprentices
“Scottish businesses are ready to invest in young people,” McCombe said. “But without proper funding support we are asking employers and training providers to carry a disproportionate burden.” He added: “Celebration during Apprenticeship Week is important – but celebration alone will not prevent a crisis.”
Ayton Castle, Berwickshire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Villagers in Berwickshire have been invited to have a natter about a celebrity ‘Chatty Man’ and his plans for a Disney TV show on their doorstep.
Comedian and Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr has purchased Ayton Castle for more than £3.25 million.
The 17-bedroom Gothic estate dates back to 1845 and spans approximately 160 acres of listed gardens and parkland.
Disney+ are working with the star on a new series called Castle Man – inspired by the title of his Channel 4 chat show, Chatty Man and to be filmed in and around the castle.
Now the production team behind the programme will be holding a public meeting for residents, in Ayton Bowling Club on Wednesday, March 18 from 6:30pm, where they will be answering questions regarding the show and how it will impact the village.
But attendees have been informed that Mr Carr will not be at the gathering and that because the bowling club can only hold a maximum of 120 people admission will be on a “first come basis”.
The reaction to the show locally has been generally positive on social media, one villager saying: “I think this is quite exciting – I hope it has a positive impact on the village.”
One of the issues likely to be raised at the meeting is if access to the castle’s grounds would still be available.
The reality show is being produced by Expectation, the same company which is behind Clarkson’s Farm on Prime Video.
In the official release promoting the show, Sean Doyle, vice president (unscripted) at Disney+, said: “Alan Carr is one of those rare talents who brings instant warmth, wit, and originality to everything he touches.
“We’ve watched him turn his hand to stand-up, game shows, podcast, and presenting, but when we discovered he was looking to purchase a castle to run, we knew this was a journey we had to follow.
“Expect Alan in new territory, with all the same riotous entertainment you know and love.”
Carr, who turns 50 in June, added: “Some men when they have a mid-life crisis buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail, but me – I want my very own castle.
“Since I was a boy in Northampton, I’ve always dreamt big, and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home and as I turn fifty, I feel it’s my time.
“All I want is a turret to call my own – get me over that drawbridge!”
Haddington town house will host council meeting
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Fewer than 20 people took part on a consultation over introducing temporary licences to rent out homes during major events in East Lothian.
The public consultation asked whether the local authority should be able to grant people the right to rent out their homes during occasions including the Scottish Open without having to apply for a permanent short term let licence.
A report to a meeting of East Lothian Council’s licensing sub committee next week will say the majority of those who took part were in favour of temporary licences or exemptions being available.
But it also states that the consultation, which ran in January this year, only received 19 responses from the public.
The report reveals there are 515 licensed short term lets across East Lothian with more than half in the seaside town of North Berwick.
It states there are three other local authorities in Scotland who already offer temporary licences and exemptions including Edinburgh where there are more than 4,300 short term let licences issued.
Last summer, it stated the capital issued 155 temporary licences and 284 temporary exemptions.
The report calls on East Lothian councillors to consider following in Edinburgh’s footsteps by considering introducing exemptions and temporary licences to its offerings which could be in place before next summer.
Reasons for exemptions or temporary licences could be for people who are unsure whether they want to operate an STL permanently, to support visitors during major events including the Scottish open and Fringe by the Sea, or for residents who live away from their home for short periods of the year.
The report stated only three of the 19 people who took part in the consultation said they were short-term let operators with nine describing themselves as East Lothian residents.
When asked if the council should offer temporary licences, over 68 per cent (13) said they should and 73 per cent (14) said temporary exemptions should also be allowed.
Councillors will decide whether to add the temporary options to licensing at a meeting next week.
