Visit to intradrive
At the end of last week, I had the exciting opportunity to visit intradrive and learn more about the exciting technology they’ve been developing in Edinburgh. The team have been working on developing high performance e-mobility powertrain technology, using a circular economy model.
Thanks for letting me come down and test drive the new models!
Visit to Abertay University
I was delighted to be in sunny Dundee this week to see the innovative work going on in our higher education sector. It was exciting to visit those at Abertay University behind the new Movie Lab initiative coming to Dundee. The project will utilise state of the art real time production techniques, like CGI and augmented reality to create virtual sets. It really has the potential to transform the industry in Scotland and support high quality local jobs.
It was equally fascinating to visit the new Centre for Protein Degradation (CeTPD), led by Professor Alessio Ciulli, whose innovative techniques have the potential to revolutionise disease treatment. The centre is already attracting scientists from the biggest pharmaceutical companies and looks to build on Dundee’s already world leading reputation in life sciences by stimulating the creation of high growth companies and jobs, here in Scotland.
The nexus between our universities and the economy is absolutely vital. We must do much more to harness the fantastic research power of our universities to support innovation, business formation and our economy.
Visit to the Marie Curie Hospice and Lane Street Development with Ian Murray MP
On Friday morning, I visited the Marie Curie Hospice, which sits inside my Scottish Labour colleague, Ian Murray’s constituency of Edinburgh South. It was fascinating to hear more about their provision and approach to end of life care. It was also crucial to hear about their concerns and challenges for the future and what needs to happen to make sure they are best suited to continue their work – both from the building itself and out in the community.
As our population gets older, the work they do is increasingly important and they have my continued support – an excellent institution that does vital work for our communities.
On Friday afternoon, it was also interesting to meet with the Lane Street Hotel team to discuss their plans for a new development at the back of the famous Canny Mans pub.
I look forward to keeping up to date with the progress of their applications and will keep an eager eye on this potential development.
An update on my work on Restraint and Seclusion
On Thursday, I spent the day discussing my proposed Members Bill on various panels with activist Beth Morrison and Restraint Reduction Scotland and Scottish Autism.
With Scottish Autism, I took part in a Facebook Live interview with Charlene Tait, where I discussed how a Members Bill works in the Scottish Parliament and what I hoped to achieve by putting guidance on restraint and seclusion on a statutory footing.
With Restraint Reduction Scotland, I was afforded the opportunity of presenting my consultation, the key proposals it would introduce if successful and I then took questions from members of the network.
Thanks to both for giving me the opportunity to talk more about the work I’ve been doing and thanks too for providing me with lots of new approaches to think about.
You can watch my Facebook Live discussion with Scottish Autism here: https://fb.watch/ml_fTRDZvn/
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or want to share your views: daniel.johnson.msp@parliament.scot
