Usual Place Visit for Minister for Public Finances

Hannah Goodlad, Minister for Public Finances visited The Usual Place today, Tuesday 4th August 2026 to find out more about our work with young people who need additional support.

Facilitated by South of Scotland Enterprise, Ms Goodlad met with The Usual Place CEO, Craig McEwen, Business Development Manager Ru Jarvis and SoSE Chair, Professor Russel Griggs. She was particularly interested to know what the organisations on the ground really need from the Scottish Government in order to help them thrive and continue to make a difference in their communities.

The Minister was given a tour of the building starting at our Values Board where she heard about The Usual Place’s underpinning belief that EVERYONE is of equal worth, EVERYONE can contribute, EVERYONE deserves dignity and respect.

She met some of the young people who are learning and training here, including Chris who was preparing hot drinks and cakes, Oliver and Riley in the kitchen and Mentors including Harry, who started as a trainee and took her lunch order, she also chatted with Kyla who served her drinks to the table and later was clearing tables in our busy cafe.