Susan Aitken column on Glasgow Celtic title party celebrations

Ensuring that citizens have the pathways and skills they need to make positive choices and to play their part in the wider life of the city has been a long-standing commitment of the SNP. That, of course, must include those citizens, who for whatever reason, can be particularly hard to reach.

To do this we’ve got to approach economic growth slightly differently, asking where in our economy people can be let down and then seeing what we can do to address those challenges. This is what is meant by inclusive growth.

Last week, Glasgow took another step forward in translating that commitment into action.

The All In Glasgow programme, launched at the City Chambers, brings together 17 third sector organisations to address the long-standing challenges which for too long have held too many Glaswegians back.

Funded as part of the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind programme and delivered on behalf of the council, it will work with those often furthest from employment and help them overcome often deeply complex and challenging barriers to training, securing qualifications and ultimately decent and fair work.

Employability programmes like All In Glasgow which target marginalised groups, such as unemployed disabled parents or those with substance misuse issues, can make a huge contribution to addressing both social and economic inequality.

As difficult and challenging as this can be it is only by directing support at those most in need that we can start to make a lasting difference and begin to see those persistent stats turned around. If successful, the All In Glasgow partners can direct 1500 people into employment.

The programme is tailored to address critical gaps in employability services, including paying allowances to many of those taking part. Approaches like this will support people to participate who may otherwise have been unable to, and which is of particular importance during the current cost-of-living crisis.

And it’s absolutely vital that we do this in partnership. Neither local nor national government has a monopoly on wisdom or approach and the SNP government has always recognised the value that third sector and community-based organisations can bring.

They often know communities, their needs and pathways to positive outcomes better than anyone.

If we’re not including the hardest to reach people in the city in our plans then we don’t have a city that works for everyone.

With approaches like All In Glasgow we have a real opportunity to help build a fairer, healthier and more prosperous Scotland.

We can’t take our eye off the climate ball LAST week saw the inaugural Congress of Business event, an opportunity to continue building on Glasgow’s legacy as host of COP26 and help inspire and support our economy in its drive towards net zero.

Staged in the impressive Engine Works in Maryhill, it was encouraging to see how the sustainability agenda is increasingly recognised as our best opportunity for generating truly sustainable prosperity.

I was able to update those in attendance on the progress of discussions with globally significant investors about Glasgow’s green investment plans and the practical steps needed to drive investment into major climate-focused projects at the pace and scale the planet needs.

One area where Glasgow is leading from the front is in our recognition of the critical role the council and its partners have in identifying and developing the skills we need from our workforce as economies change and new opportunities and challenges emerge.

Our transition to a sustainable future is good for Glasgow, good for our citizens and good for our businesses.

As challenging as this can and will continue to sometimes be, we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.

Celtic fan celebrations in Glasgow (Image: Sourced)

Clubs should talk to fans about behaviour

GLASGOW is a great sporting city, with football fans well used to success.

Street celebrations are part of football culture the world over and Glasgow should be no different.

And it’s to be expected that, to a certain extent, there will be a clean-up job afterwards, just as with any large scale gathering.

But recently, what should be good-natured celebrations have spilled over into something uglier, with local residents and businesses subjected to disruption and anti-social behaviour well beyond what can be considered tolerable.

It was really disappointing this happened yet again with the celebrations of Celtic’s SPFL victory over the weekend.

Litter is one thing but people’s safety being put at risk simply isn’t acceptable.

The council will review and respond to the weekend’s events with partners, including Police Scotland.

But this is ultimately an issue for football itself to address and I’d urge the clubs to engage openly with us and tell Glaswegians what they plan to do to make sure that future gatherings are a source of fun, not fear.