News.Scotland.Org

December, 28

The licence structure will soon get a new look according to that the actual driving age will become 18 years though the provisional licences will be issued from 17 years of age. This would mean that the drivers have to be 18 in order to drive in roads. Also the new rule will make the practical test a bit harder. This new structure will help young drivers to improve the approach toward driving and road safety.

It is known that the driving test will become tougher in this new structure and also there are plans to include the knowledge on road safety in the school syllabus. This new format of test is an innovative way to make sure the driver is capable to drive in all conditions. The previous 40 minutes driving test is now expanded to two stages and also included many new additions like driving at night and on motorways. All this will help to encourage the driver to drive safely.

As it is evident that these days many accidents are occurring mainly involving young drivers who are losing their lives for driving recklessly. This new structure will help to control the hazardous driving to some extent. Now to make sure young drivers have more driving experience and confidence, the young licence aspirants have to complete 500 hours of driving before getting the final nod.

Hope this new plan will help to reduce the reckless driving and will bring out more confident drivers. Now time will tell how far this new structure prepared by department of transport will succeed.

Scotland, Dec 28: The traditional and favourite food items like the Scotch pies and butteries are facing the threat posed by the lack of funding. European money has been paid for at least half of the training costs in the food sector will no longer be available from the European Social Fund.

According to Iain Gray the East Lothian MSP and the finance spokesman of the Labour party said: “The food sector industry is facing a potential food shortage. The main reason for this is due to the shortage of potential skilled labourers. The shortage of bakers who are able to produce traditional treats such as the plain loaf, pan loaf and bridie is the prime matter of concern.”

He further added that: “Proper training is the need of the hour, baking is not an exception. It is not a wise decision by the SNP government to exclude the overall food industry from the purview of training assistance. It is important that we give shape to next generation of master bakers.”

The European Social Fund amounts to £1.4m and £3m had been spent for the training the food industry since 2001. Labours said that effort has is giving shape to about 700 training chances per year.

While commenting on this a Scottish government spokesman pointed out that: “The change was put forth by the former Labour administration. The food sector had been excluded at that time. The present Scottish government is taking initiative to discuss on the key issues of financing the food sector training. Soon after the New Year we will organise a meeting that would discuss about the national food policy and the future of food industry in Scotland.”

The traditional food industry of Scotland will lose its identity and existence if it is not encouraged properly.