63% of adults in Edinburgh don’t have an up-to-date Will 

Millions wrongly believe they have ‘nothing worth leaving’

A solid majority of adults in Edinburgh risk leaving loved ones without clear instructions about their final wishes, new research has revealed.

A new poll commissioned by charity Will-writing campaign Will Aid has found 63% of adults in Edinburgh either do not have a Will or admit the one they have is out of date.

The research, released to mark the opening of appointments for the Will Aid 2026 campaign, found 57% of people in the city have never made a Will, while a further 6% admit their existing Will no longer reflects their current circumstances or wishes.

Nationally, the picture is similarly concerning, with 67% of UK adults either without a Will or with one that is out of date – 57% have never made one and 10% admit theirs is no longer up to date.

And despite the potential consequences for the people they leave behind, 44% of UK adults say they are unlikely to write a Will within the next year.

Will Aid is warning that misconceptions about who needs a Will could be leaving millions of families unnecessarily exposed.

Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director at Will Aid, said: “The fact that 63% of people in Edinburgh either don’t have a Will or have one which is no longer up to date should concern all of us.

“A Will is about far more than the value of the money or property you leave behind. It is about making your wishes clear, protecting the people you care about and making incredibly difficult decisions easier for those you love at what will already be a distressing time.

“You may have children whose future you want to protect, possessions with enormous sentimental value, pets you want cared for or very clear wishes about who should – and should not – benefit from your estate.

“Without a valid Will, you lose the opportunity to make many of those decisions yourself.”

The national research revealed that one of the biggest barriers to making a Will is the belief that people simply do not have enough to leave behind.

Of the 1,151 UK respondents surveyed who had not made a Will, the most common reason – cited by 29% – was the belief that they did not have anything worth leaving.

Cost and simply not finding the time were each cited by 19%, while 18% said they felt uncomfortable thinking about death and 14% were put off by the perceived complexity of the process.

Peter added: “Perhaps one of the most striking findings from our national research is that almost three in ten people without a Will believe they simply don’t have anything worth leaving.

“But Wills are not just for people with substantial wealth or property. They are about giving you a say in what happens after you die and making your wishes clear for the people you leave behind.

“We want people to recognise that making a Will is relevant to them, whatever their circumstances.”

The national research also revealed some of the life events that finally prompt people to act.

Among 857 respondents who had made a Will, 23% said they wanted the reassurance of knowing their children would be looked after if they died, while the same proportion said having children had prompted them to make one.

More than one in five (22%) said hearing stories about people who had died without a Will encouraged them to act, while 18% made theirs after buying a house.

Will Aid is also urging people in Edinburgh who already have a Will not to assume the job is finished.

With 6% of local respondents admitting their Will is out of date, the campaign is reminding people that a document written years ago may no longer reflect their family, relationships, assets or wishes, particularly following significant life changes.

Peter said: “Making a Will is not something you should do once and then forget about for the rest of your life.

“Families change. Relationships change. People marry, separate and divorce. Children and grandchildren are born. People buy homes, build businesses and acquire assets. Sadly, people we intended to include in our Wills can also die before us.

“If you know your Will no longer reflects what you want to happen, it is important not to keep putting off reviewing it.

“There may never feel like a perfect time to think about death, but making or updating a Will is ultimately about looking after the people you leave behind.”

The findings have been released as Will Aid 2026 opens for appointments, giving people in Edinburgh and across the UK the opportunity to have a basic Will professionally prepared by a participating solicitor while supporting good causes.

Every November, participating solicitors volunteer their time and waive their usual fee for writing a basic Will. Instead, clients are invited to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid, with the money raised supporting the campaign’s charity partners.

Since it was founded, the campaign has brought together the legal profession and some of the UK’s best-known charities, helping people put their affairs in order while raising millions of pounds for vital charitable work.

Donna Imrie, Partner at Rollos Law, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that Wills are only for people who are wealthy or own significant assets.

“That simply isn’t the case. A professionally drafted Will gives you control over what happens after your death and allows you to make your wishes clear rather than leaving important decisions to chance.

“It is particularly important for parents and for people whose family circumstances may not be straightforward.

“We would also encourage anyone in Edinburgh who already has a Will to think about when they last looked at it. If your life has changed significantly since it was written, your Will may need to change too.

“Will Aid is an opportunity to sit down with a professional solicitor, talk through your circumstances and make sure your wishes are properly recorded – while at the same time helping charities carrying out extraordinary work in the UK and around the world.”

Appointments for Will Aid 2026 are now open and can be made with a participating firm either in person, where available, or remotely.

To find a participating Will Aid solicitor and book an appointment, or for more information about Will Aid, visit willaid.org.uk

Edinburgh Leisure publishes Impact Report for 2025-26

Edinburgh Leisure has released it’s latest Impact Report.

Edinburgh Leisure Chief Executive Jen Holland said: “I am delighted to share Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report for 2025–26, a story of progress, resilience and people working together to help Edinburgh be active and well.

“This year’s report marks an important turning point, with stronger financial foundations, growing participation and continued investment in places and programmes that help more people feel active, included and connected.

“From expanding health and wellbeing programmes such as Balanced Life, to widening access through community facilities, subsidised provision and inclusive opportunities for people facing barriers, our work continues to support a healthier, happier and more active Edinburgh for everyone.

“One of this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl participants, Eileen Ingram, summed up that purpose when she told us: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”

“Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

“I hope you enjoy reading the report and celebrating what we continue to achieve together for Edinburgh and its people.”

Access Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report 2025-26 here.

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Scottish Parliament is not working, IPPR Scotland says in new report

Former high profile MSPs told the think tank in a series of “exit interviews” that the parliament is not living up to its consensus-building potential, contributing to key targets being missed.

It is not just the public who are deeply frustrated and disillusioned with the way politics and policymaking are working in Holyrood, new research from IPPR Scotland has found.

MSPs themselves have been feeling the same malaise, with a record number of them having chosen not to stand for re-election at this year’s Scottish parliamentary election.

In a series of detailed “exit interviews”, MSPs from across the political spectrum – including former backbenchers and senior cabinet figures – told researchers that the parliament has been underperforming. The findings come at a time of declining trust in politics and growing frustration with the way democratic institutions function. Voter turnout fell dramatically at the 2026 election and various polls showed voters felt Scotland was headed in the wrong direction.  

The Scottish parliament was designed to bring competing ideas together to find productive compromise. But interviewees described a shift towards shallow partisanship, with MSPs increasingly falling back on party lines and formulaic debates where politicians speak past each other.

This disconnect between the parliament’s consensus-building design and adversarial politics undermines the quality of scrutiny and legislation.

The problems show up in the way parliamentary committees operate. When the parliament was set up in 1999, committees were imagined as spaces for sustained, collaborative discussions, allowing MSPs the time to develop subject expertise and contribute meaningfully to policy matters.  

But interviewees said members pay little attention to one another, and serious engagement with the substance of issues is all too rare.

Researchers found that:

  • Short committee tenures are limiting the development of expertise. The median time MSPs serve on committees has hovered around one-and-a-half to two years, compared with five-year parliamentary terms. This restricts their ability to develop the kind of subject expertise that longer tenure would provide.  
  • Instead of interactive discussions, MSPs increasingly resort to monologues. In the first parliamentary session, a committee member spoke an average of 117 words before another member spoke. By the sixth session, this had doubled to 232 words.  

This affects the process of legislation making. Committees were intended to scrutinise legislation in detail, drawing on members’ expertise, expert witnesses and detailed evidence. But MSPs said debate has shifted to the final stages of legislation with poorly thought through amendments introduced at the last minute.

The researchers’ analysis of parliamentary data backs this up. In the first session (1999-2003), final-stage debates were about half as long as committee discussions. By the sixth, (2021-2026) the pattern had reversed, with final debates longer than committee stages.

IPPR Scotland has argued that the parliament needs to strengthen its consensus-building mechanisms, both to build trust with the electorate and because the challenges the country faces need long-term policies with widespread buy-in.  

The think tank recommends that reforms to parliament be designed by a new Citizens’ Commission on Scotland’s Democracy, giving citizens a formal role in reviewing and reporting on the functioning of Scottish democracy through citizens’ assemblies and juries.

Dave Hawkey, senior research fellow at IPPR Scotland, said: “Scotland faces formidable challenges, from cutting emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate crisis to managing the ageing population and reducing inequality.

“Solving each of these will need bold and far-reaching policy, including ideas from every corner of Scottish society.

“Low trust in politics is a major barrier to building the consensus we need to successfully guide Scotland through these changing times. Concretely, if citizens lack trust in politics, they will not agree to pay the taxes we need to fix our shared problems.”

Anonymous MSP1 said: “If you go as a minister to be interrogated by the opposition or backbenchers, the greatest disappointment is always how rubbish their questions are because they’re all sitting on their phones, you get to their shot, they ask a pre-prepared question.

“It’s either political or general most of the time. And then they go back to scrolling on Twitter.”  

Anonymous MSP2 said: “You have legislation that grows arms and bells and whistles. [During recent debates] I was thinking: I cannot believe we’re actually accepting or agreeing to this amendment that, in one line, will give somebody a headline but will cause a huge tail end of policy issues.”  

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Appeal for information following fatal hit and run on A8 near Newbridge

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal hit-and-run crash on the A8 Glasgow Road, near Newbridge yesterday (Monday, 7 September, 2026).

Around 9.25am, police received a report of a crash involving a grey Mercedes A250, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30.

Emergency services attended, however, the 58-year-old driver of the Hyundai i30 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital for treatment and released.

The two women and a man from the Mercedes left the scene on foot prior to officers arriving.

Extensive enquiries, using specialists resources including air support and the dog unit, were deployed to help trace them and remain ongoing

The road was closed to allow investigation enquiries to be carried out and was re-opened around 7.05pm.

The vehicles were recovered.

Inspector Thomas Mallinson said: “My thoughts are with the family of the person who died at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and it is vital we trace the three people who left the area before police arrived.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed it or who has information which could assist our investigation to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage to please get in touch if it holds anything which could be relevant.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

Hatchet Man Healey takes axe to delays holding back growth

  • Chancellor John Healey has set out his plan to drive growth in every postcode, backing Britain’s extraordinary strengths to deliver benefits across the whole country.
  • New ambition to double the number of UK unicorn firms in clear signal of ambition for British economy, alongside powers which will help businesses test and scale technologies from delivery robots to medical treatments.
  • Northern 500 initiative and £150m British Business Bank fund to back high-growth firms across the North.

Speaking at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry today (Monday 7 September), the Chancellor laid out how he will take an axe to delays holding back growth, from backing British business and giving local leaders more power, to clearing away the delays that hold back investment.

Changes to the judicial review process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects announced today will fix a system where every decision can face another challenge, consultation or review before a single brick is laid or a spade enters the ground.

Sending a clear signal on his level of ambition for UK business, he also set a goal to double the number of unicorn firms – companies valued at over £1billion – in the UK.

The Government will work with the Business Department to identify the next generation of high-growth companies and help them overcome regulatory barriers, access capital, and win government contracts as an early customer.

And he announced the Northern 500: which will bring together 500 of the North’s most ambitious mid-sized businesses into a single growth community led by the Great North partnership of Mayors and supported by the private sector and central government.

Chancellor John Healey MP said: The UK is the third in the world for innovation. Our record is extraordinary… But too often, ideas born here in Britain have to go elsewhere to find the capital they need to grow…

“I’m setting an ambition to double the number of unicorn firms in this country. Together, with Johnny Reynolds I will identify the next wave of unicorns, with the state as an early first customer to ensure they have the necessary backing to scale.”

The Chancellor also committed to delivering new powers to oversee ‘sandboxing’ that will be ready to deploy next year. Sandboxing is the term for how companies and regulators can work together to test new models or features in safe and controlled environments.

The new powers, to be delivered through the Business Department’s Regulating for Growth Bill, will let businesses test cutting-edge products and technologies safely, establish what works and scale more quickly.

Potential use cases of these new powers include patient access to innovative treatments, rollout of delivery robots, defence technologies or maritime autonomous vehicles.

Today’s speech also set out reforms to tackle the bureaucracy holding back growth and investment, putting decision-making back where it belongs and helping ensure people in every postcode benefit from a government focused on delivery.

Chancellor John Healey MP added: I will take an axe to the thicket of consultation, litigation and administration that has a stranglehold too often on private investment.…

“And let me say this – the people who elected this government expect us to get on with it. The role of government is to act.

Judicial review challenges typically delay nationally important infrastructure projects by a year and a half. For example, Sizewell C was delayed by two judicial reviews, both of which ended up being dismissed by the courts, delaying the delivery of clean power to the equivalent of six million homes and 10,000 jobs at peak construction.”

The Chancellor has also instructed the Government to embrace risk when it needs to in order to get things done. Under the current system, decisions have been held back, for example:

  • Despite 99% of respondents to a Call for Evidence supporting microchipping cats in the same way as dogs in 2019, it took nearly 5 years to make it happen: one call for evidence, two further consultations, legislation through Parliament and then finally enacted in June 2024.
  • The planning process for East West Rail began in 2019 and has already involved four rounds of public consultation in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2026. And it could still face more challenges before getting over the line

That’s why from today, Ministers have been told that public consultations are not always required and have encouraged departments to find other ways to get views from the public and experts when developing policies.

The reforms support the Prime Minister’s drive for a faster, more effective state through No10 North, which brings together decisionmakers from across government to accelerate growth and strengthen delivery. 

The Treasury and No10 North have been working in lockstep and directly with departments to identify where projects are stalling, why, and which changes to law, regulation or process are needed to get them moving again.

The reforms also reflect lessons from the Fingleton Review, which highlighted how excessive risk aversion and slow decision-making can hold back the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

To tackle delays holding back growth and investment, the Government will introduce a package of reforms to give parliament the ability designate and approve the country’s most important infrastructure and give them significant enhanced protection from legal challenge, reduce unnecessary consultations and reporting requirements, ensure legal challenges are raised and resolved earlier, and make clear that legal risk should inform ministers’ decisions, not dictate them.

Together, the changes will help deliver major projects more quickly while strengthening democratic accountability and giving greater certainty once decisions have been taken.

The Government will also launch a review of the costs of rail infrastructure in the UK in the coming weeks, to identify further practical reforms to radically cut the costs of delivering new rail infrastructure in the UK.

Together, these measures will help build a state that delivers rather than delays, giving government greater confidence to act and ensuring approved projects can move forward more quickly.

The reforms form part of the Government’s wider mission to drive good growth in every Postcode, unlocking the investment needed to create opportunities across the country.

They are a key step in realising No10 North’s focus on stripping away the administrative sludge that has built up around government, restoring democratic accountability and replacing a culture of process with a culture of delivery. 

No 10 North will continue working with the rest of government to identify further blockages in the months ahead.

Coming Up: Pension Awareness Week

Just one week to go until Pension Awareness Week!

Pension Geeks are running a series of free online events, including a session on how MoneyHelper can support you.

On 15 September DWP will be presenting at a session on Maximising Income in Later Life, spotlighting State Pension and Pension Credit.

Book your place here: https://ow.ly/QT7S50ZIKqi

Find out more and see the full programme on the Pension Awareness Week website: https://ow.ly/fxXg50ZIKqj

#PensionAwarenessWeek

#PensionAwarenessWeek2026

Portobello High School marked a milestone anniversary

Celebratory lunch and launch of digital archive


Colin Hattersley Photography

Hundreds of former pupils, staff, partners and friends gathered at Portobello High School for a special anniversary lunch celebrating 150 years of the school at the heart of its community last week.

The event was just one of several ran throughout the year to mark the milestone and brought together generations of the Portobello community to reflect on the school’s rich history and celebrate the important role it continues to play in the area.

Guests enjoyed tours of the school and an extensive exhibition featuring photographs, documents and memorabilia from across the decades.

The celebration also included the launch of the school’s new digital archive, which will help preserve its history and make it accessible to former pupils and the wider community.

Former pupils and members of staff shared memories of their time at Portobello, while a special reflection remembered those who are sadly no longer with us.

Headteacher Greg McDowall said: “It was a wonderful occasion and a real privilege to welcome so many people back to Portobello.

“There was an incredible warmth throughout the day, with former pupils and staff reconnecting, sharing stories and celebrating everything the school has meant to the community over the past 150 years.

“Although we are enormously proud of our history, this celebration was also about looking ahead and ensuring that the legacy of Portobello High School continues for future generations.”

The school is encouraging former pupils, staff and members of the community to explore the Porty 150 digital archive on its website, where further photographs, memories and historical materials will continue to be added.

The archive was created by Ian Small, former pupil and former school dux and was awarded the MacIntyre prize by the school at the lunch for his hard work. 

A number of events will also be held in the coming months, providing further opportunities for people to visit the school, spend time exploring the archive and share their own memories of Portobello High School. you can find out more at the Porty 150 section of the school website. 

Knots: A Community Walk

GRANTON:HUB – SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 1.45 – 3pm

We are pleased to invite you to ‘Knots, a community walk for all the family’ on Saturday 26th September, 1:45pm-3.00pm. It is part of the Granton:hub / Madelvic House Doors Open Day.

We will walk, play, do an art activity, and learn about nature too. This event relates to our neighbour, United Wire, and one of our other historical and contemporary industries, fishing. You will learn some basic knotting practices (appropriate for children and adults), making a joint artwork, and also something to take home with you to help you remember the walk and what you have seen.

Starting and ending at the Granton Hub / Madelvic House.

Places are limited for participants’ safety and enjoyment. Suitable for those with wheels / sticks. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Tamsin Grainger is a Paths for All walk leader. In 2024/5, she was the Granton Archive Community Development Worker, and she is an experienced pedestrian.

This event is free to attend but booking is required via Eventbrite.

CCTV appeal following serious assault on Princes Street

POLICE in Edinburgh have released images of two men they believe can assist with their investigation after a 24 year-old man was seriously assaulted on Princes Street around 2.35am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 10in and in his late teens to early 20’s. He had blonde hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with grey jeans.

The second man is described as white, 6ft and in his late teens to early 20’s with short dark-coloured hair and glasses. He was wearing a black top with grey shorts and had a tattoo on the back of his left hand.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who recognises them to contact us.

“This area was extremely busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0473 of 1 August, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”