Drama@Drylaw is a friendly, informal group, facilitated by Freda O’Byrne, which comes together to move, chat, laugh and explore everyday life through simple drama activities.
The work they do is based on familiar, real-life situations, so it’s great for building confidence, communication skills and vocabulary – including for people who already have a good level of English and want to practise in a natural, supportive way. Everyone’s contributions are valued, and people bring their own experiences to the group.
Each session begins with gentle, mindful bodywork to help us relax and feel comfortable working together. There’s also time to catch up, share news and enjoy being part of a group before moving into creative activities.
The work is different every week, so if you miss a session because of appointments or family commitments, you can drop straight back in the following week.
There’s no acting, no scripts and no pressure to perform – just a chance to try something new in a safe, encouraging space.
Drama@Drylaw meets every Tuesday at the centre 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Team Scotland
Commonwealth games Glasgow 2026
Scottish Bowls team
Mary Wilson
New investment from sportscotland will support Scotland’s top athletes as they prepare for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The national agency for sport has today announced that 43 athletes from eight sports will share £210k of National Lottery funding from the sportscotland Athlete Personal Award programme (SAPA).
The programme is designed to ease financial pressures and allow athletes to dedicate more time to training, recovery and competitions as they build towards as representing Team Scotland on home soil.
The latest group of awarded athletes is a mix of those who are still aiming for Team Scotland selection, and some who have already booked their place at Glasgow 2026.
Edinburgh judoka Sarah Adlington and bowler Mary Wilson are among the athletes receiving awards. The list also includes Glasgow 2014 gold medal winners Neil Fachie OBE, Alex Marshall MBE and Paul Foster MBE.
Sarah Adlington is aiming to make her third Commonwealth Games appearance after winning gold at Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022.
COVENTRY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: Gold medalist Sarah Adlington of Team Scotland celebrates during the Women’s Judo +78 kg medal ceremony on day six of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Coventry Stadium on August 03, 2022 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Sarah Adlingtonsaid: “Balancing other commitments with training and competitions is always difficult.
“In a Commonwealth Games year we know we have to do everything we possibly can in terms of our preparation.
“The SAPA funding from sportscotland is a huge help with that, it allows me to attend more international competitions and camps leading up to the Games.”
Mary Wilson (pictured top) has already been selected for her Commonwealth Games debut, the Dudley BC member will compete in the B6-B8 Pairs with Pauline Wilson.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: ““Scotland is set for a truly memorable summer of sport. Hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow once again is a huge moment for Scottish sport and our athletes.
“This National Lottery investment from the SAPA programme will ensure our athletes can focus fully on their training and performance as they prepare for one of the biggest events of their careers.”
Kenny More, Scottish Gymnastics Performance and Pathway Lead, said: “Scottish Gymnastics was delighted by the news that seven athletes were to receive SAPA funding. In a sport where the costs of daily training, performance camps, and competitive opportunities need to be met it is such a boost to the athletes.
“It settles many of their worries, allows them to reduce or eliminate working commitments, and supports their mental and physical readiness to meet the challenges ahead of them. We get regular comments from their club coaches about the positive impact this funding has on their gymnasts.
“We are grateful to sportscotland for this specific funding and the ongoing support of sport science and medicine practitioners who positively influence these and other gymnasts on a daily basis.”
Bowls Scotland Head of High Performance, Kareena Cuthbert, said: “The investment through sportscotland SAPA funding is massively beneficial for our bowlers, giving them the best possible support and preparation for the 2026 Games.
“This backing allows our athletes to train, compete and perform with confidence and reflects a shared ambition to deliver continued success on the biggest stage.”
Everyday symptoms could signal serious autoimmune condition
This Coeliac Awareness Month (May), Coeliac UK is warning that thousands of people in Scotland could be living with an undiagnosed autoimmune condition, after new research reveals many are brushing off key persistent or recurrent symptoms as part of everyday life.
24% of adults in Scotland say that they wouldn’t speak to their GP at all about the symptoms of coeliac disease. Meanwhile, nearly half (40%) of people in Scotland dismiss persistent tiredness as normal, and 30% say the same about brain fog or difficulty concentrating – despite these being common warning signs.
Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people; only 36% of people with coeliac disease are diagnosed, yet awareness remains worryingly low.
Symptoms ‘hidden in plain sight’
Despite its prevalence, coeliac disease can affect the whole body – but many of its most common symptoms are overlooked and often mistaken for everyday issues or other conditions.
While issues like bloating or diarrhoea are more widely recognised, others – including fatigue, anaemia and neurological symptoms such as brain fog – are frequently dismissed or misattributed.
New YouGov research commissioned by Coeliac UK highlights the critical awareness gap in Scotland:
Over half of UK adults (56%) aware of coeliac disease don’t realise coeliac disease causes symptoms beyond digestion
Myths and misconceptions remain widespread.More people attribute symptoms to stress or lifestyle rather than a serious medical condition. 21% blame diet/lifestyle, 13% blame stress and 14% think it’s part of ageing, over a medical condition (21%).
Only 11% of people know how common the condition is in reality
Coeliac disease is not a food intolerance or lifestyle choice. It is a serious autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the gut and preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed.
This has real consequences. On average, it takes 13 years from the onset of symptoms for an adult to be diagnosed – more than a decade of potentially avoidable ill health.
Left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious long-term complications, including osteoporosis, infertility, chronic gut ulcers, increased risk of infections, and neurological damage.
Hilary Croft, Chief Executive at Coeliac UK, said: “This isn’t a lifestyle choice or a popular food trend – it’s a serious autoimmune condition. We’re seeing people normalise symptoms and ignore their body’s warning signs. Signs that could point to coeliac disease.
“The result is that many people end up waiting for over a decade before they find out what’s causing their pain and discomfort. Fatigue, brain fog or ongoing digestive issues shouldn’t just be dismissed as part of a busy life or getting older.”
This Coeliac Awareness Month, Coeliac UK is urging people not to ignore persistent or recurrent symptoms, and instead to take action and seek medical advice. Their free online self-assessment, Is It Coeliac Disease, helps people understand their risk and start conversations with healthcare professionals.
Hilary continued: “Take action today, and check whether your symptoms could be coeliac disease, with the Coeliac UK self-assessment.”
For nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK has advocated for people affected by coeliac disease by raising awareness, improving diagnosis pathways, funding research and working to ensure safe and affordable access to gluten free food.
NEXT MEETING MONDAY 25 MAY – FEATURING GRANTON WATERFRONT UPDATE!
All welcome at our monthly meeting on Monday 25 May, 6.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
It’ll feature a presentation by Granton Waterfront Programme Director, Sat Patel, so come along for an update!
This is a hybrid meeting – if you’d like to attend online, please get in touch for the MS Teams link. Alternatively, we can raise any issues for discussion on your behalf. Simply email engagement@grantoncc.scot
Jenny Gilruth takes on “greatest honour of my life.”
Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.
Ms Gilruth described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.
Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.
Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.
The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.
“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.
“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland. We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence. That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.
“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.
“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”
People in Scotland donated an estimated £910 million to charity last year, declining from £1.1bn in 2024, according to new research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
CAF’s research finds that the number of people giving to charity has been declining. Last year, 58% of people in Scotland donated or sponsored to support charities. Against the backdrop of household financial pressures, one in five (22%) people in the UK report they don’t donate to charity because they cannot afford it.
CAF’s UK Local Giving Report looks at levels of charitable giving, community engagement and local pride in every UK constituency.
More than a third (38%) already engage in their local community in Scotland, but one in six (17%) would like more opportunities to get involved. More than half (51%) of people in Scotland have a sense of local pride, increasing to 65% in Mid Dunbartonshire which has the strongest sense of satisfaction and belonging.
The report highlights the virtuous circle that when people engage in their local communities, they are more likely to donate to charity and feel a sense of local pride.
Mid Dunbartonshire also gave the highest percentage of household income to good causes with an average of 1.14%. This compares to Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, where people donate 0.64% of their household income.
Mark Greer, Managing Director of the Charities Aid Foundation, commented: “Charities are at the core of our communities. Through their work up and down the country, they strengthen local areas and support those in need.
“When we are facing a sustained trend of declining donations, part of the solution to unlocking greater giving lies in understanding the power of place and community. It might seem obvious, but places matter to people.
“This report shows that when people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more. It tells us that the people in areas with low levels of engagement and giving aren’t disinterested – they need and want more opportunities.
“We need targeted investment and collaboration from government, philanthropists and businesses to revitalise local cultures of giving and encourage community connections, helping to strengthen charities and the places they support, for the future.”
Ten most generous constituencies in Scotland based on proportion of income donated to charity:
Fruitmarket opens an exhibition championing the creativity of Edinburgh primary school pupils
Fruitmarket’s Creative Connections exhibition marks the culmination of a pioneering three-year programme that places artists in schools to embed creative learning in the classroom. This year’s Creative Connections exhibition will be open to the public on 29.05.26–31.05.26 from 11am–6pm at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh.
The exhibition features artwork inspired by Fruitmarket’s programme, created by Primary 5–7 pupils across six primary schools in South Edinburgh: Craigour Park, Gracemount, Gilmerton, Liberton, Prestonfield and St Catherine’s R.C. Primary.
Since 2023, Fruitmarket has worked in close partnership with classes across the six primary schools in South Edinburgh. The schools have been paired with practising visual artists who have been in residence at the schools, working with pupils on creative projects supported by regular visits to the gallery.
The six artists are Alice Dansey-Wright, Coral Brookes, Georgie Fay, Greer Pester, Kate Temple and Lorna Gallagher. Through regular professional development sessions, Lead Artist Louise Fraser has supported teachers to develop new skills and the confidence to embed arts pedagogy in the classroom across the three years.
Creative Connections was created by Fruitmarket, in close collaboration with participating schools, in response to a demand for creative provision in Primary schools and a focus on pupil wellbeing and confidence following the Covid-19 Pandemic. The project was made possible at this scale and depth through a multi-year grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and now has set a benchmark for educational visual arts programmes in Scotland.
Over three years, 757 pupils aged 8 – 11, 23 classroom teachers and six headteachers have participated.
Artists worked with the same classes across the academic year, providing consistent mentoring for pupils and ongoing support for classroom teachers. At the end of each year, pupils showcased their work in a public exhibition celebrating achievement and strengthening connections between schools, families and the gallery.
This year’s cohort has drawn inspiration from recent Fruitmarket exhibitions including What Is Us and What Is Earth, by Glasgow-based artist Ilana Halperin and Wilding, by the Indigenous American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.
One Headteacher said: “I think what’s really made the difference in this project is the fact that we have had the opportunity to work over a number of years. It is not unusual for us to be able to have a project that comes in for a term or a couple of lessons and children enjoy it and they go away afterwards, but it’s that sustainable impact that we don’t necessarily see to the same degree.
“The chance to build up a relationship with an actual artist, to build up a relationship with a gallery has a huge impact for the staff, for the school, also for the children as well, who really, I think, feel that the Fruitmarket is their gallery because of this extended time they’ve had together.
“That depth of the project has been something I’ve not actually seen that before in a project I’ve worked with in my 30 years in education.”
Fiona Bradley, Fruitmarket Director, said: “Over the course of three years, though our ongoing project evaluation, we have seen how working closely with artists in the inclusive context of contemporary art spaces –where there are no right or wrong answers – can help both pupils and teachers express themselves and grow in confidence.
“The annual exhibitions of pupils’ and teachers’ work at Fruitmarket are something we look forward to every year and give our audiences the opportunity to share in a moment of pride with pupils, teachers and families.
“We are very proud that the project has become so valued by the schools, and we have committed to continue to deliver the programme in the new school year in a sustainable form. We are actively fundraising for the continuation of the project and we are very grateful to the funders who are already help make this possible.”
Kevina Khan, Grants Manager, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: “Creative Connections shows the incredible things that can happen when artists, teachers and pupils collaborate.
“Through the programme, artists-in-residence and teachers have been building meaningful relationships and finding ways to bring the expressive arts into the curriculum for excellence.
“The impact on children’s educational outcomes, confidence, wellbeing and engagement is powerful.
“The professional learning element of the programme means that these creative approaches to teaching and learning will have a lasting legacy.”
‘Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect’
Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities in England thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.
New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.
The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.
The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue.
It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.
“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.
“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”
Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.
Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.
“Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.
“As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.
“We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.”
The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.
This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.
“However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.”
The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.
Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.
“While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.
“Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.
“Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.”
Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.
Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the UK government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024.
“We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.”
Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations.
The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.
Applications open: 18 May – 29 June 2026
Apply here: 
