New car sales remained stuck in reverse gear last month, with Scottish dealerships suffering more pain than their counterparts south of the Border.

Industry figures revealed that just over 76,400 cars were registered across the UK in August, down 6.4 per cent on the same month last year. In Scotland, the total fell by 10 per cent to 5,827 vehicles.

• READ MORE: Scotland to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032

August is traditionally one of the quietest months for showrooms ahead of the September plate change and industry leaders pointed to a likely lift in the months ahead from various scrappage and trade-in incentive schemes introduced recently by car manufacturers such as Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

Some 1.64 million new cars have been sold so far this year UK-wide, a decrease of 2.4 per cent on the same period in 2016.

Sandy Burgess, chief executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, said: “Whilst disappointing to see the continuing decline of these results, this is no surprise to us as we have been suggesting that the market will self-adjust throughout the remainder of this year.

“That said, the significant increases in manufacturer support now being experienced will have a very positive effect on the private buyers and may well bring some increase in activity levels within that sector of the market.

“With Scotland having an even split across private and business purchases this in turn could reduce significantly the overall impact of the softening of the market experienced to date.”

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

Mike Hawes, head of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which complies the figures, added: “August is typically a quiet month for the new car market as consumers and businesses delay purchases until the arrival of the new number plate in September.

“With the new 67-plate now available and a range of new models in showrooms, we anticipate the continuation of what are historically high levels of demand.”

The decline in the UK new car market for a fifth consecutive month is also likely to have been impacted by higher vehicle excise duties, particularly at the upper end of the market.

• READ MORE: Scottish new car sales market goes into reverse

Demand for diesel cars continued to plummet, down 21.3 per cent year-on-year in August and 11.5 per cent for the first eight months of the year.

Petrol models were up 3.8 per cent last month, while alternatively fuelled vehicles rose 58.3 per cent to achieve a market share of 5.2 per cent.

On Friday, Volkswagen became the latest manufacturer to launch a scrappage scheme offering motorists thousands of pounds if they trade in an old diesel car for a new model.

Alex Buttle, director at car buying comparison website Motorway.co.uk, said: “Diesel continues to have a woeful 2017. Comparing last month to August 2016, the picture is a pretty bleak one, with new car registrations down more than fifth. And the bad news keeps coming.

“Nearly every major car brand has announced their own diesel car scrappage schemes over the past few months. It’s unlikely to instil too much confidence in consumers to buy diesel when they see how little faith the manufacturers themselves have in diesel motors.”

BEST SELLERS IN SCOTLAND

Vauxhall Mokka X (246)

Fiat 500 (198)

Volkswagen Polo (167)

Ford Focus (138)

Kia Sportage (134)

Vauxhall Corsa (126)

BMW X3 (118)

Volkswagen Golf (116)

Ford Fiesta (114)

Ford Kuga (113)

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We have today installed a new commenting system across The Scotsman website.

The new set up will help ease the moderation problems we have been having recently.

We would like to thank all our commentators for sticking with us during what has been a testing time.

We are keen to develop the comments section and involve our members more in the running of the site.

If you have any suggestions as to how we could improve the comments system and indeed the site overall then please drop me an email semerson@scotsman.com or leave a comment below.

We’re also keen to know what you like to see more of (or less of) on The Scotsman site.

Thanks again for your patience.

Scotland’s poultry producers should prepare themselves for a potential new strain of avian influenza reaching Europe’s poultry farms this winter, a leading disease expert has warned.

Ian Brown, head of virology at of the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), told the World Veterinary Poultry Association conference that there was a likelihood that avian flu would return to Europe over the next few months.

• READ MORE: Farming news

And if the strain was different to one we had seen before – which was possible – it could have significant implications on the poultry industry, he warned.

Brown said while the situation was currently uncertain, it was important poultry keepers were prepared against a potential biosecurity risk.

“Even if the virus is changing, the way it behaves and spreads remains the same, so the pathways in which it gets into a unit are not any different,” said Brown, who is also director of the international reference laboratory for avian influenza at APHA-Weybridge.

“At this time of year, producers need to review their biosecurity and work as a group in the industry to set protocols.They need to be fastidious, as one case can cause the whole sector to suffer.”

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

Brown said practices such as compartmentalisation – where business or multiple farms can adopt common biosecurity measures to standardise their approach to protecting bird health – could be beneficial.

However, relatively simple measures such as ensuring buildings are in a good state and feed bedding and equipment is stored away from areas wild birds can access were just as important.

“The challenge for the industry is to look at the risks we know,” he said. “The riskiest period is September to April, so we need to think about how we can sustain that biosecurity.”

• READ MORE: Scottish poultry farmers warned over deadly bird flu strain

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said it was important producers remembered the risk of bird flu from wild birds, and urged bird keepers to reduce contact with wild birds in ponds and other water areas.

“As winter migration season approaches, all bird keepers should be enhancing their disease prevention measures in response to any increase in risk and are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest situation by signing up for the APHA free text alerts service,” she added.

“I would also strongly encourage both commercial and hobby bird keepers to be prepared and use this time to reassess and update their contingency plans, in consultation with private vets or the APHA.”

New code may end uncertainty for limited partnership tenants

While there may only be just over 500 farming businesses still involved in limited partnership agreements, the publication of a code of practice for planning the future of those involved in such arrangements yesterday will directly address one of the areas of greatest contention between landlords and tenants.

Limited partnership tenancies were used as a means of circumventing security of tenure throughout the latter decades of the 20th century until changes to the holdings legislation introduced limited duration leases in 2003.

However, with the majority of these agreements now approaching their dissolution date, many limited partnership tenants have found themselves facing an uncertain future, with what effectively constitutes their lease coming to an end in what might be considered the middle of their farming careers.

• READ MORE: New code launched as farming tenant amnesty opens

While some landlords have rolled leases over to time-limited agreements which will last until the tenant retires, other high-profile cases have led to years of contention and legal wrangling, with the Scottish Government’s intervention during the early years of the new legislation leading to further problems and lengthy appeals.

However, the new code of practice, drawn up by tenant farming commissioner Dr Bob McIntosh, is designed to take some of the uncertainty out of the issue and provide a framework for both sides to work together towards a satisfactory deal.

“It is important that discussions take place with plenty of time for both parties involved to discuss their aspirations before a final decision is agreed to the future of the partnership,” said McIntosh.

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I’m sitting on a train when a group of football fans streams on. Fresh from the game – their team has clearly won – they occupy the empty seats around me. One picks up a discarded newspaper and chuckles derisively as she reads about the latest “alternative facts” peddled by Donald Trump.

The others soon chip in with their thoughts on the US president’s fondness for conspiracy theories. The chatter quickly turns to other conspiracies and I enjoy eavesdropping while the group brutally mock flat Earthers, chemtrails memes and Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest idea.

Then there’s a lull in the conversation, and someone takes it as an opportunity to pipe in with: “That stuff might be nonsense, but don’t try and tell me you can trust everything the mainstream feeds us! Take the moon landings, they were obviously faked and not even very well. I read this blog the other day that pointed out there aren’t even stars in any of the pictures!”

To my amazement the group joins in with other “evidence” supporting the moon landing hoax: inconsistent shadows in photographs, a fluttering flag when there’s no atmosphere on the moon, how Neil Armstrong was filmed walking on to the surface when no-one was there to hold the camera.

A minute ago they seemed like rational people capable of assessing evidence and coming to a logical conclusion. But now things are taking a turn down crackpot alley. So I take a deep breath and decide to chip in.

“Actually all that can be explained quite easily … ”

They turn to me aghast that a stranger would dare to butt into their conversation. I continue undeterred, hitting them with a barrage of facts and rational explanations.

“The flag didn’t flutter in the wind, it just moved as Buzz Aldrin planted it! Photos were taken during lunar daytime – and obviously you can’t see the stars during the day. The weird shadows are because of the very wide-angle lenses they used which distort the photos. And nobody took the footage of Neil descending the ladder. There was a camera mounted on the outside of the lunar module which filmed him making his giant leap. If that isn’t enough then the final clinching proof comes from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s photos of the landing sites where you can clearly see the tracks that the astronauts made as they wandered around the surface.

“Nailed it!” I think to myself.

But it appears my listeners are far from convinced. They turn on me, producing more and more ridiculous claims. Stanley Kubrick filmed the lot, key personnel have died in mysterious ways, and so on …

The train pulls up in a station, it isn’t my stop but I take the opportunity to make an exit anyway. As I sheepishly mind the gap I wonder why my facts failed so badly to change their minds.

The simple answer is that facts and rational arguments really aren’t very good at altering people’s beliefs. That’s because our rational brains are fitted with not-so-evolved evolutionary hard wiring. One of the reasons why conspiracy theories spring up with such regularity is due to our desire to impose structure on the world and incredible ability to recognise patterns. Indeed, a recent study showed a correlation between an individual’s need for structure and tendency to believe in a conspiracy theory.

Take this sequence for example:

0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

Can you see a pattern? Quite possibly – and you aren’t alone. A quick twitter poll (replicating a much more rigourous study) suggested that 56% of people agree with you – even though the sequence was generated by me flipping a coin.

It seems our need for structure and our pattern recognition skill can be rather overactive, causing a tendency to spot patterns – like constellations, clouds that looks like dogs and vaccines causing autism – where in fact there are none.

The ability to see patterns was probably a useful survival trait for our ancestors – better to mistakenly spot signs of a predator than to overlook a real big hungry cat. But plonk the same tendency in our information rich world and we see nonexistent links between cause and effect – conspiracy theories – all over the place.

Peer pressure

Another reason we are so keen to believe in conspiracy theories is that we are social animals and our status in that society is much more important (from an evolutionary standpoint) than being right. Consequently we constantly compare our actions and beliefs to those of our peers, and then alter them to fit in. This means that if our social group believes something, we are more likely to follow the herd.

This effect of social influence on behaviour was nicely demonstrated back in 1961 by the street corner experiment, conducted by the US social psychologist Stanley Milgram (better known for his work on obedience to authority figures) and colleagues. The experiment was simple (and fun) enough for you to replicate. Just pick a busy street corner and stare at the sky for 60 seconds.

Most likely very few folks will stop and check what you are looking at – in this situation Milgram found that about 4% of the passersby joined in. Now get some friends to join you with your lofty observations. As the group grows, more and more strangers will stop and stare aloft. By the time the group has grown to 15 sky gazers, about 40% of the by-passers will have stopped and craned their necks along with you. You have almost certainly seen the same effect in action at markets where you find yourself drawn to the stand with the crowd around it.

The principle applies just as powerfully to ideas. If more people believe a piece of information, then we are more likely to accept it as true. And so if, via our social group, we are overly exposed to a particular idea then it becomes embedded in our world view. In short social proof is a much more effective persuasion technique than purely evidence-based proof, which is of course why this sort of proof is so popular in advertising (“80% of mums agree”).

Social proof is just one of a host of logical fallacies that also cause us to overlook evidence. A related issue is the ever-present confirmation bias, that tendency for folks to seek out and believe the data that supports their views while discounting the stuff that doesn’t. We all suffer from this. Just think back to the last time you heard a debate on the radio or television. How convincing did you find the argument that ran counter to your view compared to the one that agreed with it?

The chances are that, whatever the rationality of either side, you largely dismissed the opposition arguments while applauding those who agreed with you. Confirmation bias also manifests as a tendency to select information from sources that already agree with our views (which probably comes from the social group that we relate too). Hence your political beliefs probably dictate your preferred news outlets.

Of course there is a belief system that recognises logical fallacies such as confirmation bias and tries to iron them out. Science, through repetition of observations, turns anecdote into data, reduces confirmation bias and accepts that theories can be updated in the face of evidence. That means that it is open to correcting its core texts. Nevertheless, confirmation bias plagues us all. Star physicist Richard Feynman famously described an example of it that cropped up in one of the most rigorous areas of sciences, particle physics.

“Millikan measured the charge on an electron by an experiment with falling oil drops and got an answer which we now know not to be quite right. It’s a little bit off, because he had the incorrect value for the viscosity of air. It’s interesting to look at the history of measurements of the charge of the electron, after Millikan. If you plot them as a function of time, you find that one is a little bigger than Millikan’s, and the next one’s a little bit bigger than that, and the next one’s a little bit bigger than that, until finally they settle down to a number which is higher.”

“Why didn’t they discover that the new number was higher right away? It’s a thing that scientists are ashamed of – this history – because it’s apparent that people did things like this: When they got a number that was too high above Millikan’s, they thought something must be wrong and they would look for and find a reason why something might be wrong. When they got a number closer to Millikan’s value they didn’t look so hard.”

Myth-busting mishaps

You might be tempted to take a lead from popular media by tackling misconceptions and conspiracy theories via the myth-busting approach. Naming the myth alongside the reality seems like a good way to compare the fact and falsehoods side by side so that the truth will emerge. But once again this turns out to be a bad approach, it appears to elicit something that has come to be known as the backfire effect, whereby the myth ends up becoming more memorable than the fact.

One of the most striking examples of this was seen in a study evaluating a “Myths and Facts” flyer about flu vaccines. Immediately after reading the flyer, participants accurately remembered the facts as facts and the myths as myths. But just 30 minutes later this had been completely turned on its head, with the myths being much more likely to be remembered as “facts”.

The thinking is that merely mentioning the myths actually helps to reinforce them. And then as time passes you forget the context in which you heard the myth – in this case during a debunking – and are left with just the memory of the myth itself.

To make matters worse, presenting corrective information to a group with firmly held beliefs can actually strengthen their view, despite the new information undermining it. New evidence creates inconsistencies in our beliefs and an associated emotional discomfort. But instead of modifying our belief we tend to invoke self-justification and even stronger dislike of opposing theories, which can make us more entrenched in our views. This has become known as the as the “boomerang effect” – and it is a huge problem when trying to nudge people towards better behaviours.

For example, studies have shown that public information messages aimed at reducing smoking, alcohol and drug consumption all had the reverse effect.

Make friends

So if you can’t rely on the facts how do you get people to bin their conspiracy theories or other irrational ideas?

Scientific literacy will probably help in the long run. By this I don’t mean a familiarity with scientific facts, figures and techniques. Instead what is needed is literacy in the scientific method, such as analytical thinking. And indeed studies show that dismissing conspiracy theories is associated with more analytic thinking. Most people will never do science, but we do come across it and use it on a daily basis and so citizens need the skills to critically assess scientific claims.

Of course, altering a nation’s curriculum isn’t going to help with my argument on the train. For a more immediate approach, it’s important to realise that being part of a tribe helps enormously. Before starting to preach the message, find some common ground.

Meanwhile, to avoid the backfire effect, ignore the myths. Don’t even mention or acknowledge them. Just make the key points: vaccines are safe and reduce the chances of getting flu by between 50% and 60%, full stop. Don’t mention the misconceptions, as they tend to be better remembered.

Also, don’t get the opponents gander up by challenging their worldview. Instead offer explanations that chime with their preexisting beliefs. For example, conservative climate-change deniers are much more likely to shift their views if they are also presented with the pro-environment business opportunities.

One more suggestion. Use stories to make your point. People engage with narratives much more strongly than with argumentative or descriptive dialogues. Stories link cause and effect making the conclusions that you want to present seem almost inevitable.

All of this is not to say that the facts and a scientific consensus aren’t important. They are critically so. But an an awareness of the flaws in our thinking allows you to present your point in a far more convincing fashion.

It is vital that we challenge dogma, but instead of linking unconnected dots and coming up with a conspiracy theory we need to demand the evidence from decision makers. Ask for the data that might support a belief and hunt for the information that tests it. Part of that process means recognising our own biased instincts, limitations and logical fallacies.

So how might my conversation on the train have gone if I’d heeded my own advice… Let’s go back to that moment when I observed that things were taking a turn down crackpot alley. This time, I take a deep breath and chip in with.

“Hey, great result at the game. Pity I couldn’t get a ticket.”

Soon we’re deep in conversation as we discuss the team’s chances this season. After a few minutes’ chatter I turn to the lunar landing conspiracy theorist “Hey, I was just thinking about that thing you said about the moon landings. Wasn’t the sun visible in some of the photos?”

He nods.

“Which means it was daytime on the moon, so just like here on Earth would you expect to see any stars?”

“Huh, I guess so, hadn’t thought of that. Maybe that blog didn’t have it all right.”

• This article first appeared in The Conversation

“Boss, the plane, the plane!” Yes, it was these immortal words from Herve Villechaize aka Tattoo to Mr Roarke on the programme Fantasy Island that I always knew would lead to a good story.

At a luxurious, but remote tropical island, the enigmatic Mr Roarke would make the dreams and fantasies of well-heeled guests come true. Money was no barrier and what the guests thought would be a terrific fantasy on many occasion turned out to be anything but.

Usually, as with all fantasies they had not thought it all through, so different circumstances and outcomes would pop up and surprise them. This then got me thinking about people who start businesses from a laptop and a spreadsheet and create their own fantasies.

• READ MORE: Jim Duffy: Expect a bumpy ride on the way to ‘startupland’

I once had a guy – who we will call an “entrepreneur” as he told me he was one so I had to believe him – tell me his business was valued at £20 million. “Great news,” I thought as I studied him. “Can you tell me all about it and how many staff you have?”

“Tell me about the profit you make and all of your plans for growth.” And this is where the conversation became a little strained. He pulled out his MacBook Pro and opened it up, where I was presented with a spreadsheet. Now, I’m not a big spreadsheet fan, but I sat and had a good look at it all the same. The spreadsheet outlined a £4m profit in year three. It showed explosive growth in customers using his mobile app. I must say it all looked good and most plausible on a laptop screen. But, when I asked him some questions about the £4m profit, I ended up with more and more questions.

With not one customer at that time, this “entrepreneur” had created his very own fantasy that would have fitted well into an episode of Fantasy Island. He was convinced beyond reason that his early adopter customers would jump at the chance to use the app and that the money would tumble in thereafter. I could see Mr Roarke and Tattoo shaking their heads behind the scenes as this fantasist in front of me was living in a world of make believe. I suggested that he go out to a friend of mine who would be a model customer for his app.

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

A few days later I got two rather interesting phone calls. One from my colleague who told me that the “entrepreneur” was deluding himself and one from the “entrepreneur” telling me that my colleague had been rude and did not understand how the app worked, so dismissed it. “Oh dear,” I thought, “the grim reality of facing a customer asking hard questions of your wonderful spreadsheet that is in fact, a fairy story or fable.”

Suffice to say, the man with the £4m profit business in year three is no longer contactable and has in fact disappeared into a black hole, despite me suggesting that he keep talking to customers to get more feedback and insight.

This approach is typical of many start-ups who hear the siren voices and get seduced by spreadsheet madness. A zero here and there is easy to add into the spreadsheet and this is where it moves from reality to fantasy. I’m not going to stifle anyone who wants to start a new business – far from it.

But I would suggest from experience that the best way to do this is to co-create the business with customers and be prepared to pivot and swap out staff. As I tell people who apply for the Moonshot Academy, there is no point in starting out with the wrong people taking up precious seats in the spaceship. It only adds to the load.

Co-creation with real people who you believe will buy your products really helps with product/market fit. It is very different from the Fantasy Island approach on a spreadsheet, where Mr Roarke and Tattoo will allow you to live out your fantasy of being an entrepreneur for the day.

There is nothing wrong with talking to people about your idea. Trust me, it is where you gather your best insight.

• Jim Duffy is co-founder of The Moonshot Academy and author of Create Special

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Digital technologies trade body ScotlandIS has pushed the button on two key projects to open up opportunities for Scottish businesses in the fields of cybersecurity and the internet of things (IoT).

The organisation will co-host the digital clusters for “Mobility as a Service” (MaaS) Scotland, in partnership with Technology Scotland, and Cyber Resilience, in conjunction with the Scottish Business Resilience Centre.

• READ MORE: Technology news

ScotlandIS said it was targeting opportunities around “smart transport” and “smart cities”, in particular.

Chief executive Polly Purvis said: “Building intelligent and coordinated public transport networks will be key in addressing society’s mobility needs in the years ahead and our members will be involved in shaping this major project.”

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

She added: “Cyber resilience is already a vital area with a constant need to protect businesses, and society in general. The cyber resilience project presents exceptional opportunities for firms to develop new products and services.”

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Ryanair is ending its policy of allowing non-priority passengers to have two items of hand luggage.

The Dublin-based carrier said it made the decision because flights are being delayed because of a lack of space in overhead lockers.

From November 1 passengers will only be able to carry a small bag such as a handbag or laptop bag on board, with wheelie bags being placed in the hold free of charge.

Priority boarding customers will continue to be able to keep both bags with them on the aircraft.

Ryanair also announced it is increasing its check-in bag allowance from 15kg to 20kg, and reducing the standard fee from £35 to £25 for a 20kg bag.

• READ MORE: Ryanair calls on UK airports to enforce two-drink limit

The airline’s chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs, said he hoped the changes will “eliminate flight delays” caused by not having sufficient overhead cabin space on busy flights.

He went on: “These bag policy changes will cost Ryanair over 50 million euros (£46 million) per annum in reduced checked bag fees.

“However, we believe offering bigger bags at reduced fees will encourage more customers to consider checking in a bag, which will reduce the high volume of customers we have with two carry-on bags at the boarding gates, which is causing flight delays due to large numbers of gate bag and cabin bag offloads.”

The changes will apply to all existing and future bookings.

Readers of Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will know that the answer to life, the universe and everything is 42.

But when it comes to the search for a new job, it seems that professionals in the fields of finance and law are looking for more than just a number.

A new study by recruitment specialist Core-Asset Consulting has revealed that the quest for “meaningful work” is the most important factor when it comes to choosing a new role, ahead of other considerations such as pay and benefits or work-life balance.

• READ MORE: Favouring flexibility over the traditional 9 to 5

More than a quarter of those surveyed across the financial, accounting and legal sectors in Scotland ranked “meaningful work” as their top criteria, while flexible working was most frequently cited as the least important factor, with some 23 per cent putting this at the bottom of their wish list.

Betsy Williamson, managing director of Edinburgh-based Core-Asset, said: “It may come as a surprise to many that ‘meaningful work’ is the most common number one factor in people choosing a job, particularly as this is a survey of financial, accounting and legal professionals. But however you interpret the term ‘meaningful work’, it seems clear that white-collar professionals are now seeking much more from their career than material rewards.”

• READ MORE: What are the highest paid jobs in Scottish finance?

Williamson said the findings had “far-reaching” implications for employers and urged them to set out a clear “driving purpose” beyond profit alone, showing how staff can make a difference beyond the office.

“This can include things such as the creation of a financially secure future for customers, tackling environmental issues and transforming local communities,” she added.

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

Core-Asset’s study comes after the Trades Union Congress (TUC) said that 42 per cent of low-paid young parents felt they had been penalised after asking for flexibility at work, while almost two-thirds were unaware of their right to take unpaid parental leave.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: “Too many workplaces expect mums and dads to forget all about their kids as soon as they walk through the door. But it’s a nightmare to plan childcare when your boss changes your shifts at the drop of a hat, and you never work the same weekly hours twice.”

• READ MORE: David Walsh: Men have to step up to paternity leave

Work-life balance researcher Dr Shainaz Firfiray, an associate professor at Warwick Business School, said: “A number of businesses are reluctant to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees. Often this reluctance stems from the belief that offering such work arrangements to all employees would negatively impact their competitiveness.”

But Williamson said firms that “recognise the importance of meaningful work will do better in attracting and retaining the best people”.

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Deloitte and the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute have agreed a partnership to provide businesses with enhanced insights into the Scottish economy.

The business advisory firm will support the research institute’s closely-watched quarterly economic commentary report, providing additional analysis and helping to communicate its findings to Scottish companies.

• READ MORE: Markets and economy news

The two organisations will also work together on a series of new studies looking at a selection of Scotland’s key sectors – including oil and gas, financial services, and digital – highlighting key trends, opportunities and challenges.

• READ MORE: Scots economy ‘facing lost decade’ as growth stays weak

Deloitte tax partner John Macintosh said: “Economics has seldom been more relevant. Businesses are facing an ever-changing landscape, not only in Scotland, but further afield too.

“This partnership will give us access to unrivalled factual and independent analysis of what is happening in the Scottish economy, helping us to advise businesses about the action they need to take. We look forward to what will undoubtedly be a fascinating and insightful series of projects in the months ahead.”

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

Graeme Roy, director at the Fraser of Allander Institute, added: “Deloitte is exactly the type of organisation that we were looking to work with, providing us with an important link into Scotland’s business community. Greater access to the right companies will help inform our reports and provide us with even better intelligence about their current experiences, challenges and opportunities.

“This partnership also represents a real vote of confidence in the value of independent economic analysis in Scotland. It’s through partnerships like this that we can help inform public debate and support the next generation of economic researchers.”

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AN air force corporal aiming to do 100 marathons to raise cash for the RAF’s leading welfare charity has now completed number 80 in Perth.

Jon Ward, who is based at RAF Lossiemouth, got the running bug after completing his first marathon in 2007.

READ MORE: Aberdeen Ladies Lunch raises £57k for children’s hospices

He’s now aiming to become part of the exclusive 100 Marathon Club while paying homage to his career in the RAF.

Jon’s last marathon falls on April 1 next year, the 100th birthday of the service.

He completed the Perth Marathon on Sunday in 3hrs 18min 42sec.

His next race will be on 29 October in Frankfurt when he hopes to beat his PB and go under three hours.

He has to take a few weeks’ break due to work commitments.

Following on from that will be 10 in 10 at the end of November when he will tackle 10 marathons in 10 days. He’s also planning a 40-mile ultra marathon the same month.

Jon said: “I have been fortunate that I have never needed support from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“But being a serving member of the RAF, I see first hand how the charity supports the entire RAF family, so it seemed like a natural fit for me to raise funds for them.

“And who knows, after I’ve completed this challenge my legs may give up so I may need their help after all.”

Jon’s marathon effort at the weekend comes on the back of a 36.5-mile ultra marathon in Speyside two weeks ago, the longest distance Jon has run to date.

He added: “I enjoyed the run, even thought I had a problem with my knee. It’s not put me off doing more ultra marathons.

“When this challenge is complete I’m hoping to do a 100-mile or even a 200-mile run next year.”

Jon’s busy job as a Logistics Mover means he has been able to take part in marathons around the world including Greece, America, the Caribbean and the Falklands.

As a result he’s become an accomplished runner, improving on his first marathon time of 4:56:00 in 2007 to a personal best of 3:01:00.

READ MORE: Campaign will see Inverness sick kids play outdoors all year

Louise Gibson, Head of Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Without the generous support of people like Jon we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do, supporting retired and serving RAF personnel and their families in everything from financial difficulties to mobility aids.

“Having taken part in a marathon myself I know how much training and hard work goes in to it but I cannot imagine taking on 100.”

In 2016 they spent £17.6m supporting more than 65,000 member of the RAF Family.

For more information on the RAF Benevolent Fund

The Scottish Government will fund research into the concept of providing all citizens with a Universal Basic Income, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announed yesterday.

Formerly a fringe idea favoured by left-wing economists at Liberal institutions in America, the idea of a basic income has gained traction in recent years as fears grow over depressed wage growth and the rise of automation.

READ MORE: How a Universal Basic Income could redefine the Welfare State

Speaking in Holyrood yesterday, while announcing the SNP’s “Programme for Government”, the First Minister said she would work with councils to potentially fund trial schemes.

Ms Sturgeon said: “One idea that is attracting interest, not just here but internationally, is that of a citizens basic income. Contemplating such a scheme inevitably raises a number of practical issues and questions, not least around the Parliament’s current powers, and undoubtedly there are arguments for and against.

READ MORE: Dani Garavelli: Universal Basic Income could be on its way

“However, as we look ahead to the next decade and beyond, it is an idea that merits deeper consideration. I therefore confirm that the Scottish Government will work with interested local authorities to fund research into the concept and the feasibility of a citizens basic income, to help to inform Parliament’s thinking for the future.”

The idea is mooted as giving every citizen, regardless of other circumstances, a set amount of money per month.

Supporters say it could stimulate the economy by giving people more money to spend, while detractors point to the huge potential cost, and argue it could lead to a something for nothing culture.

There is currently a trial ongoing in Finland, which sees 2000 unemployed people receive nearly £500 a month, which continues even if they find work.

Other vehicles would be banned, with penalty levels expected to be more than £20 a day.

The RAC said these would include most diesel cars, since the latest engines were only introduced three years ago.

That would be ten times the proposed £2 a day congestion charge proposed for Edinburgh 15 years ago.

Glasgow city centre is expected to be first zone, to be launched by the end of the year.

Edinburgh - which is also bidding to be first - along with Aberdeen and Dundee would follow by 2020.

Environmental campaigners urged the Scottish Government to get a move on with the scheme to tackle the country's air pollution hotspots as transport minister Humza Yousaf launched a two-month consultation into what it might involve.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today the first LEZ would be announced shortly as she launched a £60 million fund to accelerate electric vehicle charging and battery technology.

She said air pollution in some areas of Glasgow were "really bad".

The only maps in the consultation document are of Glasgow city centre, some of them show streets where pollution limits are broken, such as parts of Argyle Street, Union Street, Renfield Street, Hope Street, St Vincent Street and Renfrew Street.

The document said: "The Scottish Government’s preference would be a road access restriction scheme for LEZs."

This is where vehicles that do not meet emission standards (or are not exempt) would incur a penalty if they entered a LEZ.

Possible penalty levels were not included in the document, but it said it would be "proportionally higher" than in LEZs in other countries where drivers of vehicles not meeting emission standards were charged less than £20 a day.

The proposed standards are Euro 4 petrol engines, introduced in 2005, and Euro 6 diesel engines for cars, taxis and vans, introduced in 2014.

Bus and lorry engines would have to be Euro VI standard, and motorbikes Euro 3.

The zones would operate round the clock and be enforced using cameras recording vehicle number plates.

There could be exemptions for blue bade holders, emergency vehicles, bin lorries, and night shift workers travelling when no public transport was available.

RAC spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: “These proposals will have motorists reeling at the thought that they could be banned from driving in certain areas of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee possibly as early as next year if they drive a diesel vehicle that is registered prior to September 2014.

"If they flout the ban, drivers in the wrong vehicles could face a costly fine.

“Nobody doubts the need for bold decisions being made to tackle Scotland’s pollution issue in its biggest cities, however, the outlined measures could have serious financial and practical impacts on those living and working in and around these cities.

“Unlike the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone, where motorists and businesses will have had up to six years to plan and budget for necessary upgrades to their vehicles, these proposals appear to fast-track stringent restrictions with a limited ‘sunset’ or grace period for those who live or operate businesses within the proposed zones.”

“Motorists accept that tough measures are essential to tackle our air quality problem however there should not be a rush to penalise them at the first opportunity.

"Focus should firstly be on establishing which vehicles are the highest polluting vehicles doing the most mileage in the most polluted areas.

"Typically in urban area these tend to be buses and taxis so there must be an urgency to clean these vehicles up first.”

Neil Greig, policy and research director of the IAM RoadSmart motoring group, said: "Specifying Euro 6 for diesel is very stringent as it is the latest standard.

"In effect this could bank relatively new cars from Scottish cities. This will hit low income families worst."

Ms Sturgeon admitted the plans could be unpopular.

She said: "Some of the changes that will be involved for a low emission zone.. do involve behavioural change, they do involve things that can be difficult for people.

"But the scale of this challenge and the importance of this challenge means we've got to do these things.

"But if we get ahead of the game in Scotland there's also lots of benefits we can get out of this transition.

"We can encourage businesses to come here and do their research and make their products.

Scottish Greens environment spokesman Mark Ruskell urged ministers to "pick up the pace" on the plans.

He said there were 38 pollution zones in Scotland where safety standards are regularly broken, including Bearsden, Glasgow, Johnstone, Coatbridge, Crieff, Cambuslang, Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Musselburgh, Falkirk, Dunfermline, Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Mr Ruskell said: “Traffic pollution causes lung and heart disease, and thousands of premature deaths every year in Scotland, so the fact the Scottish Government is slowly waking up to the need for action shows the benefit of consistent Green pressure on this issue.

"We now need a commitment to fund LEZs with local councils, given we have 38 pollution hotspots in communities across the country."

Emilia Hanna, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the earth Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government last year made a commitment to introduce the first LEZ by 2018, but needs to announce the location of that zone as soon as possible if it is to have a chance of being delivered on time.

"The obvious place for the first LEZ is Glasgow, because it has the highest death toll from air pollution, with over 300 people dying early from toxic air each year.”

Mr Yousaf said: “We have a clear vision for Scotland’s air quality to be the best in Europe.

"However, poor air quality remains a public health issue, particularly for those with existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

“This consultation will help us deliver LEZs that are well designed with consistent national standards, in partnership with local authorities and regional transport partnerships.

"LEZs allow local authorities to set an environmental limit on key transport routes to improve air quality by allowing access to only the cleanest vehicles.

“As well as improving air quality, low emission zones can also contribute to tackling congestion and improve our urban environments.

“The vehicles to be included in, or be exempt from, LEZs will be for individual local authorities to decide, but could include freight, taxis, buses and private motor vehicles.

"The consultation also seeks views on issues such as lead-in times, operating hours and enforcement."

The first LEZ was introduced in Sweden in 1996 and there are now more than 250 in 15 European countries.

THE ScotRail Alliance is giving away £1 million worth of free off-peak tickets to some of Scotland’s top destinations.

The giveaway is both a thanks to customers and an opportunity to showcase the huge variety of places that the rail network covers.

READ MORE: Glasgow-Dundee journeys to be disrupted until May 2018

These free Off-Peak Day Return rail tickets are available to claim online, on a first-come-first-served basis, from 10am on 6 September until the offer closes on 15 September. Those who get free tickets must use them between 18 September and 30 November.

This leisure ticket giveaway follows a season ticket ‘thank you’ offer earlier this year, when the ScotRail Alliance and Transport Scotland jointly funded a week’s free travel for monthly and annual season ticket holders.

The ScotRail Alliance’s Managing Director Alex Hynes said:

“We’re in the middle of building the best railway Scotland has ever had and this leisure travel offer is part of getting customers involved. Scotland’s rail network offers some spectacular scenery and we’d love as many customers as possible to get out there and enjoy it.

“These tickets are a way of giving some of our customers a free means to do so. We expect high demand, so my advice is claim your tickets early and enjoy the journey!”

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands said: “I am delighted to see the ScotRail Alliance deliver this leisure ticket giveaway as part of our ongoing efforts to recognise and reward passengers for their custom and patience while we invest £5 billion to help transform Scotland’s railways.

“This builds on the free week for regular travellers earlier this year following the essential works at Queen Street Tunnel and Winchburgh, which was a testing experience.

READ MORE: Drivers could face penalties in Scotland’s first low emission zone

“Our ambitious programme will bring enhanced station facilities and services with new, longer, faster, greener electric trains, alongside intercity trains connecting our cities.

“This should encourage more people out of their cars, bringing with that environmental and health benefits.”

The number of social enterprises operating in Scotland has leapt over the past year but some parts of the sector remain “fragile”, a key study has revealed.

There are some 5,600 businesses now running as social enterprises north of the Border, up from 5,199 previously, according to the newly published Social Enterprise in Scotland: Census 2017 report.

• READ MORE: What is a social enterprise and how can I get involved?

Collectively, they make an estimated £2 billion contribution to the economy – while there are 81,357 full-time equivalent employees working in Scottish social enterprises.

The study also found that 64 per cent of Scotland’s social enterprises are led by women and just over a third are located in rural parts of the country.

However, half of those ventures questioned said they had been negatively affected by the economic climate over the last 12 months.

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

The research was led in partnership with a range of sector support organisations alongside the Scottish Government.

Gerry Higgins, of Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS), speaking on behalf of the steering group, said: “The data in the report contain a broadly positive picture, with social enterprises making a significant economic contribution and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges for the economy and public services.

“The 2017 census also shows that some parts of the sector remain fragile or in need of continuing support to fully realise their potential.

“As public expectations of business and the need for an inclusive economy grow, we need to continue investing in Scotland’s world-class support for social enterprise.”

• READ MORE: Alastair Davis: Let’s make social enterprise our default

Social enterprises aim to generate a profit like any other business, but invest 100 per cent of it in their social purpose. Well-known examples include The Big Issue, Social Bite, Capital Credit Union and the Homeless World Cup.

The census also found that the average differential between the highest and lowest paid worker in a social enterprise was just 1:2.5.

Angela Constance, Scottish Government secretary for communities, social security and equalities, said: “I have no doubt of the contribution that social enterprises make to our country. They are fantastic examples of what we want to achieve in a fairer Scotland.

“The Government will continue to support social enterprises through our ten-year strategy, investing millions of pounds into the sector. I am proud of all we have achieved, working collaboratively.”

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Labour leadership candidate Richard Leonard's campaign is to be run by the new party's new Midlothian MP Danielle Rowley, it was announced today.

Ms Rowley is daughter of the party's current interim leader Alex Rowley who has yet to declare if he is backing the ex-union official or Anas Sarwar in the race to replace Kezia Dugdale.

It came as Mr Sarwar revealed that the leaders of the Labour groups in Glasgow and Edinburgh Councils were backing his candidacy.

Ms Rowley overturned an SNP majority of almost 10,000 y to win back the Midlothian seat for Labour in June and said she was "very proud" to be heading up Mr Leonard's campaign.

"Richard has the vision and ambition to transform Scotland into a country where every person has a job, a decent home and a good education, " she said.

• READ MORE: Labour MSPs and MPs back Anas Sarwar bid to lead

"Where people can live in a caring and prosperous society and where no one is abandoned or left behind. These will be our priorities as we set out Richard’s vision.”

Mr Leonard added than she will lead an "army of volunteers" who have signed up to campaign for him.

"I look forward to working with them taking forward my vision for real change across this great country.”

It came as Edinburgh Labour group leader Cammy Day and Glasgow Labour group leader Frank McAveety both endorsed Mr Sarwar.

Mr Day said: "We need leaders in Holyrood who will stand up for Edinburgh as our capital city, and join us in our fight against poverty and social justice - and I know Anas will support this."

Mr McAveety added that the Glasgow MSP "has the experience we need in someone who can be the next First Minister.”

SUPERMARKET chain Lidl has announced their first ever range of maternity clothes.

The maternity collection is called Esmara Pure. It will feature a range of ‘affordable’ maternity clothes for pregnant and nursing mums.

READ MORE: £1m ticket giveaway on top Scottish rail destinations

Prices start at just £4.99, while most of the essentials in the collection can be picked up for less than £10.

The range features a selection of leggings, dresses and tops, as well as a nursing bra.

Bra sizes will range from UK36C to 40C. The maternity collection will have clothes sizes available up to a UK20.

Josie Stone, head of non-food at Lidl UK, said: “Featuring mostly nude, natural and autumnal colours, our first maternity range is guaranteed to be flattering on every pregnant, or nursing, shape.

“Whether she is a discerning fashion lover or a comfort seeker, every mum-to-be will be delighted and will be wearing these pieces time and time again.”

The new maternity collection by Lidl for mums is launching alongside their brand new range of baby clothing.

READ MORE: Highland butterfly house attracts over 140,000 in first year

Named Lupilu, the organic cotton collection features soft baby towels with handy hoods for swaddling, as well as cardigans for little ones with animal ears on the hood.

The new maternity collection by Lidl and the Lupilu baby range will be available in Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday.

The introduction of “Frank’s Law” in Scotland was announced by Nicola Sturgeon yesterday in response to a high-profile public campaign.

The proposed legislation is named after former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel who was living with dementia before his death in 2014. The changes would see free personal and nursing care extended to under-65s who have degenerative conditions.

Mr Kopel’s wife, Amanda, has been leading the calls for a change in the law since 2013.

• READ MORE: Lothian MSP behind push for ‘Frank’s Law’ dementia care

Ms Sturgeon told MSPs yesterday that a study into the proposed implementation of Frank’s Law had now been published. “I am pleased to announce that we will now begin work to fully implement Frank’s Law,” she said.

Mrs Kopel said in an interview that it was a “momentous day” for the campaign team.

“Somewhere along the line I kept thinking that Frank’s Law is a battle that is winnable,” she said.

“There were really rough days - days when I felt like just giving up and thinking I can’t go on with this any more because I kept getting knocked down. But so many people have been beside me.”

Mr Kopel was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2008, aged 59. His family had to pay out about £300 a week on personal care towards the end of his life, as he was not entitled to free care until he was 65.

Conservative MSP Miles Briggs had lodged a member’s bill in June in an effort to change the law.

Sports Direct’s under-fire chairman, Keith Hellawell, has defended the retailer’s decision not to shift temporary staff off zero-hours contracts, saying a “very large proportion” of the workforce wanted flexibility.

The former West Yorkshire Police chief constable and government drugs tsar said zero-hours contracts “were a legal form of employment” and staff would not want to join the company if they were unhappy with the working conditions.

• READ MORE: Sports Direct profits plunge 58% as pound suffers Brexit hit

Speaking during the annual meeting held at the retailer’s controversial Shirebrook warehouse in Derbyshire, Hellawell also dismissed calls for an independent review of working conditions, claiming that during his 20 years in business he had not seen the benefit of outside consultants.

His comments came ahead of the result from a vote by independent shareholders on whether to reappoint Hellawell, who said at last year’s AGM that he would step down if did receive unanimous support from investors.

He said: “We say causal workers, you say zero-hours contracts. It is still a legal form of employment in this country.

“While that still is a legal form of employment we will choose if we wish to continue with that form of employment. A very large proportion of our workers are happy to maintain that flexibility.”

Hellawell added: “We are constantly looking at ways of keeping our workforce happy.”

200 Voices: find out more about the people who have shaped Scotland

Around 15 shareholders attended the retailer’s AGM, which was met with protests outside the venue by the Unite union over working practices for staff.

Richard Greening, chair of the London Borough of Islington pension fund, which owns 21,000 shares, said it was good to see a worker on the board, but called for a “truly independent” review of working conditions and corporate governance.

Sports Direct previously said it would offer guaranteed hours to all staff following a review by its law firm RPC, which it launched in response to claims that “Victorian” style working conditions were rife throughout the firm.

• READ MORE: Darren McGarvey: Good to see young workers protest against poor treatment

However, Unite claims the retailer has reneged on that promise and is still advertising for casual staff on its jobs website and in store.

On the prospect of an independent review, Hellawell said: “I look always at the outcome of the work that is being done rather than who does it.

“In the past I have had consultants come into an organisation and never been happy that it has been of benefit. We ask the workforce to give us that picture.”

The meeting was also attended by Sports Direct’s worker representative on the board, Alex Balacki, who joined the retailer as a Saturday boy and has risen to store manager after spending 13 years with the organisation.

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Pupils at an English school were forced to “line up in the rain” while teachers colour-matched their trousers to make sure they had been bought from the right shop.

Children at Kepier School, in Houghton, Sunderland, who failed the match test were then placed into isolation or sent home.

The “outrageous” moment was captured on camera as pupils had their clothes checked.

Parents contacted The Scotsman’s sister paper, the Sunderland Echo, in fury after their children were punished for not wearing the exact grey trousers supplied by the school’s sanctioned uniform provider, or for wearing shoes which could not be polished.

They argued that, although they understood why blazers and ties with the school logo on must be bought from the same supplier, they didn’t see why they were being forced to buy the plain trousers for £15.99 from Sunderland firm Total Sport.

That is despite the same style of trousers being available for less than half the price in supermarkets.

‘It’s like a prison’

Principal Nicola Cooper said the school is “very proud” of the new uniform and “almost all of our learners are in full school uniform”. But one parent compared the school’s stance to that of a prison.

Deb Pearson, whose daughter Nikki, 12, attends Kepier, said: “My daughter was turned away at the gates because she was wearing boots rather than shoes.

“I had difficulty finding a pair which fit her, but it’s not like she was wearing trainers or anything like that.

“When she told them she had nowhere to go, they put her into an isolation room.

“The whole thing is ridiculous. “It’s like the children are in a prison.

“They were checking their clothes for tags, which is just a disgrace.”

‘They had no right’

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “They had no right to line up the children like that in the rain and inspect them. “It’s outrageous, and like something you’d expect in the Army.

“The headteacher went down the line with a swatch of clothing to check the children were wearing the correct uniform.

“Many parents are up in arms about this and can’t believe the way the school is going on.”

Donna Morris’ son Aaron, 14, is about to start Year 10: “I got a text message from him saying ‘They are not letting me in’, so I rang him and he said they would not let him in because his trousers were not from Total Sport,” she said. “I spoke to his teacher who said he had to give Aaron a letter to send him home. They said it would not affect his attendance but Aaron would not be allowed back into the school until it was resolved.

“I went down to the school and spoke to one of the teachers who actually loaned him a pair of trousers from Total Sport so he could go into class.

“I just think it’s disgraceful.”

‘They don’t want to follow rules’

But not all parents were angry. One mum m One mum messaged the Echo’s Facebook page to defend the school: “The school gave more than enough warning of the uniform policy before the six weeks holidays,” she said.

One mum messaged the Echo’s Facebook page to defend the school: “The school gave more than enough warning of the uniform policy before the six weeks holidays,” she said.

“Grey trousers are grey trousers and you can buy similar ones from the likes of Asda for families who have money issues etc, however, the school do provide low income families with vouchers to be able to purchase these particular ones, and the same for blazer and ties etc.

“Children who got sent home were the children who did not follow the rules. These children and their parents is what is wrong with this world today. They don’t want to follow rules nor act as they should because they put themselves above the rules.

“Out of nearly 1,500 pupils in this school over 90% were dressed appropriately yet the other 10 per cent went against a fair school policy. There may be 10% of parents unhappy but there are 90% who agree with the school and have done what it takes to ensure their children respect the school’s rules and wishes for children to be in a particular uniform.

“I believe the school should reimburse low income families who are on free meals also and provide the vouchers for the uniform as I don’t think anyone was aware of this option from the off.

“Regards from a parent who had to tighten her belt to pay for the uniform and is still here to tell the tail and who respects school rule.”

‘We’re proud of our new uniform’

The school’s policy drew heavy criticism in May after it announced it was to introduce a new uniform, with navy blazers and charcoal grey trousers.

Hundreds of people backed a petition campaigning against the change, which argued that the “colours look ridiculous and will make the children feel self-conscious”. Plain grey trousers – very similar to those provided by Total Sport – are available for £7 at supermarket Tesco. Kepier Principal Nicola Cooper said: “We are very proud of our new uniform and learners look extremely smart. “Almost all of our learners are in full school uniform and we have appreciated the support of their families.” No-one was available for comment from Total Sport.

• This article first appeared on our sister site, the Sunderland Echo.

Leaked Government proposals to force a post-Brexit cut in the number of low-skilled migrants to Britain have been branded “morally bankrupt” by Scotland’s First Minister.

Nicola Sturgeon warned the “dreadful” policies could see families broken up, while restrictions on people coming into the UK would be economically “devastating” for Scotland, which has relied on immigrants to boost its population.

She hit out after an 82-page government paper, obtained by The Guardian, suggested that new immigration arrangements would be introduced immediately after a Brexit transition period lasting at least two years.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon announces funding of Universal Basic Income trials

Departure from the EU will mean ‘’the end of rights-based, unconditional free movement’’, with the Government adopting powers to take ‘’a more selective approach’’ over which migrants will be allowed to work and settle in the UK.

It is understood that the document - marked ‘’Official Sensitive’’ - is a draft version of a forthcoming White Paper which has been circulated among senior officials and politicians but has not been agreed by ministers.

READ MORE: Brexit: Leaked immigration documents ignite row in Commons

‘’The Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards EU migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to those wishing to come here and employers,’’ it states.

This could involve requiring EU nationals to seek permission before taking up a job, making employers recruit locally first or restrict access to lower-skilled occupations which are not experiencing staffing shortages, the document suggests.

Among proposals floated to cut numbers of lower-skilled migrants are a restriction to two years’ residency, compared with work permits for a longer period of three to five years for those in high-skilled occupations.

Human rights campaigners and industry leaders from organisations including the National Farmers’ Union, the Food and Drink Federation and the British Hospitality Association have already acted with alarm.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The proposals in this paper are morally bankrupt, they seem to ignore the fact we’re dealing with human beings. These proposals would lead to family break up in some cases.

“But secondly they would be devastating for the Scottish economy. We need to be able to attract the best and the brightest from around the world to Scotland, we’ve got a demographic challenge we must meet if we are to continue to grow our economy.

“So these proposals are dreadful and I think they are just a sign of the fact that this UK Government has completely lost the plot and completely lost sight of what they should be doing to secure a brighter future for the country.”

The row erupted as Labour’s shadow Scottish secretary Lesley Laird said the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) - which brings together the UK’s devolved administrations - must meet in the next three weeks to discuss Brexit.

Ms Laird urged Scottish Secretary David Mundell to allow her to take part in the talks “to ensure that Scottish Labour have input into this process”.

The Scottish Government has been demanding ministers from across the UK get together for a JMC meeting, with no such talks having been held since February 2017.

Ms Laird told the Scottish Secretary: “It is imperative that you act now to establish a credible way in which the JMC can operate effectively and ensure the voices of the devolved nations are heard.”