Water Quality Regulator says “Scotland’s drinking water remains amongst the best in the world, but improvement is required to reduce avoidable incidents’’
Scotland’s drinking water is world class, with more than 99.9% of tests meeting regulatory standards.
But the Drinking Water Quality Regulator says a rise in avoidable incidents and complaints about discoloured water shows that further improvements are needed to maintain public confidence.
David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator said: “Whilst consumers can remain confident that Scotland’s drinking water is safe and of a very high quality, too many short-lived incidents that affect customers could have been prevented, and that’s an area where I need to see real improvement.
‘’Consumers rightly expect their tap water to look, taste and smell good. While the vast majority receive excellent quality drinking water every day, incidents of discoloured water continue to affect some customers. Addressing this issue is important to maintaining public trust and confidence in Scotland’s drinking water supplies’’.
The report, covering Drinking Water Quality in Scotland during 2025, states that a total of 137,947 regulatory tests were carried out on samples taken from consumers’ taps, and 99.88% of these met the required standards. This is a slight reduction in performance compared to 2024.
22 out of 62,134 tests on samples of water leaving water treatment works failed to meet standards which is comparable to recent years.
Scottish Water received 17,558 complaints from consumers about the quality of their drinking water in 2025 which is a 5% increase on 2024. Most of these complaints were in connection with the supply of discoloured water.
The number of water quality incidents requiring detailed investigation by the DWQR during 2025 was 36, compared with 34 in the previous year, a figure the Regulator considers too high.
A full copy of Drinking Water Quality in Scotland 2025 is available at www.dwqr.org.uk
Hundreds of Asian artists from dozens of Fringe shows gathered at the City Chambers this week for the Asian Art Awards 2026.
With so much international talent on the Fringe programme it was no surprise that 2026 was another vintage year and, with the majority of winners still in town to collect their awards in person, there is still time to see most of them. The awards were presented by Richard Lewis, Chair of the Asian Art Fund Scotland and Chris Snow, Head of Artist Services at the Fringe, in partnership with WU Asia Pacific.
The irresistible “2Shoulderpads: Galaxy Train” from Japan (pictured above) won Outstanding Show for their zany poetic musical based on Japanese classical literature. Their only costume is … two shoulder pads each. “The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half” (pictured) were one of the runners up, winning over the reviewing team with their talent, upbeat attitude and message of Peace.
It was also a strong year for Scottish representation. The Outstanding Youth Show award was won by Our Town Needs a Nando’s with the all-Scottish and all-female cast bringing tremendous energy and fun to the stage.
Scottish Tamil actress Lovely Selwyn burst into tears on receiving her award, exclaiming “this is our Oscar”! Outstanding Drama award was won by Tether with a cast from Scotland and Korea while the Outstanding Children’s Show award was won by “Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy)” from Vietnam but with one of the three cast members originally from Scotland.
Finally, a Highly Commended award was received in the Youth category by the Edinburgh-based Nikkan Dance Academy for their show “Kahi: The Inner Us – Explore the Soul”, bringing traditional Indian dance to the Fringe.
Japanese Grandma Funeral starring Japanese American Kento Morita won best comedy, while the Outstanding Individual Performance was won by Cheeyang Ng from Singapore with Legendary, a musical seamlessly blending Chinese mythology and queer legacy. Outstanding Dance Show was won by Samurai and Oiran of Japan.
The Asian Arts Special Award was won by The Lady Prince Consort, a classic Chinese opera about a young wife who disguises herself as a man (Mulan-style) to save her husband, with (almost) tragic consequences. Although performed in Mandarin with subtitles, it was both beautiful and hilariously funny, and sadly only played for one night at the Queens Hall.
The Asian Art Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe have been running since 2014 with a vision of bringing Asian artists together to celebrate and promote their talents. At a time of rising tensions between east and west, art plays a vital role in bringing nations and communities together.
The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, Underbelly and The Palestinian Circus with Medical Aid for Palestine (Palestine)
YOAH, Underbelly, Cirquework and Cluster Arts (Japan)
Outstanding Musical or Comedy Show
Winner: Japanese Grandma Funeral, Kento Morita. (USA)
Highly Commended:
Hater, Brava Guava, UK
Olivia Xing: Baby of Colour., Olivia Xing. (China)
Outstanding Dance Show
Winner: Samurai and Oiran, Asakusa Kaguwa (Japan)
Highly Commended:
Strange Tales from Liaozhai, Yuerge Dance Theatre / Shanghai International Dance Center Theater. (China)
Outstanding Drama
Winner: Tether, Wonder Fools and Theatre SAN (Scotland/Republic of Korea)
Highly Commended:
LANDSFRAU, Doris Crea Collective (Performed by Mariann Yar) (Germany)
Olympic Hopefuls, in vivo Productions (USA)
Why English?, Vibhinna Ramdev (India)
Outstanding Youth Show
Winner: Our Town Needs a Nando’s, Hot Mess Productions (Scotland)
Highly Commended:
Kahi, The Inner Us – Explore the Soul, Nikkan Dance Academy, (India/Scotland)
Outstanding Children’s Show
Winner: Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy), Lang Spot Vietnam (Vietnam)
Outstanding Individual Performance
Winner: Cheeyang Ng, Legendary(Singapore)
Highly Commended:
Seonju Jang, The Renaissance of Spring: Samsara and Shroop Directed and Choreographed by Yu-mi Kim. Jajack Movement and the Art Support & Incubation Dept., GGCF (Republic of Korea)
Emma Tsoi, He Wants Kids, She Doesn’t, BF Productions. (Hong Kong)
Aarushi Agni, EMOJI: The Hieroglyphs Of Our Time…. (USA)
Asian Arts Special Award
Winner: The Lady Prince Consort Anqing Zaifen Huangmei Opera Theatre (China)
Highly Commended:
R/evolution(s), Dance Base Yokohama/Conan Amok (Japan)
Also shortlisted was The Princess Gives Her Lover a Sword by Guangdong Chao Opera Institute (China)
For further information please contact organiser Asha Trivedy of Asian Art Fund Scotland via contact@asianartfundscotland.org and 07511209053 or trustee Jim Orr on 07718 666452.
Collective Gala is a free family-friendly day of celebration with creative activities for all ages. Explore newly commissioned artworks and performance by Scottish artists, join behind-the-scenes tours, shop with local makers, and enjoy creative play sessions for children.
The day will culminate in a celebratory procession inspired by Gala traditions. Saturday, 5th of September, from 11 am to 4.30 pm. FREE ENTRY!
Review aims to widen access to NHS fertility treatment
Criteria to access NHS IVF treatment in Scotland is to be reviewed.A national review will consider extending access to NHS IVF treatment to single women and couples who have children from previous relationships.
It will also look at consistency of access to fertility preservation, including access for women who have undergone cancer treatment, and at reducing waiting times for those who require donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
Scotland currently has the most generous countrywide provision of NHS IVF in the UK, providing all new patients, subject to access criteria, up to three full cycles of treatment.
The review will also consider recent updates to clinical guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommends up to three additional NHS-funded IVF cycles for those who have not achieved a successful pregnancy after their initial three cycles.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Access to NHS IVF treatment should be fair, timely and reflect the way people’s lives and families look today, and delivering this review is one of our key 100 day commitments.
“The review will look closely at the current system, including waiting times for those who need donor eggs or sperm for their treatment.
“This work builds on annual Scottish Government funding, which has supported the expansion of NHS IVF treatment over the past ten years.”
Residents and colleagues from an Edinburgh care home have strengthened their partnership with a local bowling club.
Leith Bowling Club, one of the oldest bowling clubs in Edinburgh was the proud recipient of sponsorship from Forthland Lodge Care Home’s community fundraising kitty. The support is part of the Meallmore-operated care home’s ongoing commitment to backing local organisations and maintaining strong links with the surrounding community.
The sponsorship will help support the club while boosting connections, creating opportunities for residents to continue visiting, get involved and enjoy time with people from the wider community.
In recognition of the donation, residents and colleagues were invited along to the club to see the sponsorship board and experience a sunny afternoon at the club.
Wendy Forbes, Care Home Manager at Forthland Lodge said: “Leith Bowling Club is a natural partnership for Forthland Lodge as we already have close ties established.
“Connections like these are about much more than simply getting out for the afternoon. Staying involved with familiar local places, clubs and community groups can help residents maintain relationships, enjoy shared interests and continue to feel part of the area they call home.
“We had a wonderful time at the bowling club unveiling the new sponsorship board. Our residents enjoyed spending time in the sunshine and catching up with members of the club. We very much look forward to more frequent visits in the year ahead.”
Dean Gilfether, Member at Leith Bowling Club said:“We’re thrilled to welcome Forthland Lodge as a sponsor of our club.
“Their support means a great deal to us and will help ensure we can continue to maintain our facilities, support our members, and encourage more people in the local community to take up the sport.
“Forthland Lodge is a fantastic supporter of local activities, and we’re proud to be strengthening our ties with such a well-respected part of our community. A huge thank you to the team for their generosity – we’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership, with plenty of resident visits in the mix!”
Situated in Restalrig, Forthland Lodge offers a selection of high-quality ensuite rooms equipped with modern conveniences. Run by one Scotland’s most trusted health and social care providers, Meallmore Ltd, it provides excellent standards of care for its residents.
Meallmore currently operates 27 homes across Scotland: 21 for older people, five for adults with mental health needs and one for adults with learning or physical disability. Three new homes are in development, which will provide services for elderly people in Aberdeen City, Broughty Ferry and Clarkston.
Green Councillors are proposing that Edinburgh Council should pursue a lifeguard station on Portobello beach, along with a suite of other measures aimed at enhancing the safety of people using the water.
The motion, discussed at a meeting of the Council yesterday, also asked for beach safety and hygiene to form part of the ongoing Portobello Promenade regeneration project which will see improvements to the beachfront.
Green Councillor for Portobello/Craigmillar, Alys Mumford, who brought the motion, said: “The last time Portobello Beach had a safety audit was almost a decade ago.
“In that time, we have seen visitor numbers explode and with it, increased potential for danger as we see more people using the water to swim, sail, and enjoy everything the water has to offer. Edinburgh currently has no lifeguarded beaches, and from conversations with the RNLI, it seems clear that there might be a case for Portobello to be the place to host lifeguards for the city.
“Portobello beach is one of Edinburgh’s jewels, but issues around safety and water quality mean it isn’t able to be enjoyed equally by everyone. This is an issue that is raised with me repeatedly by residents and visitors alike, and I hope this motion goes some way towards making progress.”
The motion also highlights the concerns about sewage incidences impacting on the water and the beach.
Lorenzo Martinico, Scottish Green Party Candidate in the upcoming by-election in Portobello/Craigmillar, has pledged to do more to inform residents about water quality, and endorsed the motion from Cllr Mumford.
Lorenzo Martinico said: “Part of the problem is our ancient sewage system, which the council can’t upgrade on its own without government funding, butin the short-term, we need to make sure that people know when it isn’t safe to go in.
“Currently we have two electronic noticeboards, but they are not necessarily in the places where people are going to go into the water – and even if you do remember to check, SEPA doesn’t test the water often enough for them to be accurate.”
Girlguiding’s recent Girls’ Attitudes Survey showed that at 11–16 years old, 43% of girls think it will be hard for them to progress as women in a male-dominated industry. This rises to 66% in 17–21-year-olds.
We ran Camp CEO to give our young members the opportunity to raise their aspirations, showing girls that there are many career paths, and giving them the skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.
A Ranger (17) who attended shared: “Camp CEO has really inspired my potential at a time I have felt worried for my future. I didn’t realise how much listening to other people’s experiences could change my mindset. It has made the world feel bigger and with hard work, my goals feel more achievable.”
St George’s School, Edinburgh has appointed Niamh Green, who currently leads the prestigious girls’ school Roedean in the south of England, as its next Head.Niamh Green takes up the role at the leading independent school for girls in Edinburgh next year and brings more than 20 years’ experience in girls’ day and boarding education.
Green will succeed Carol Chandler-Thompson, who has led St George’s since August 2022 and leaves next year to take up a Director of Education role with a global schools group. Chandler-Thompson will remain connected to the school as a Member of Council.
Tracey Ashworth-Davies, Chair of Council at St George’s, said: “On behalf of the Council, I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Niamh Green as St George’s next Head, following a rigorous search with the support of Saxton Bampfylde.
Niamh’s breadth of experience, across teaching, boarding, pastoral leadership and headship, combined with her strong commitment and expertise in the education of girls, made her the outstanding choice to lead St George’s forward. I could not be more confident in her ability to build on the legacy and historical foundations of the school.”
Ms Green joined Roedean as Head in 2023 and this year the school achieved its best A-level and GSCE results in the last ten years.
Previously, she was Acting Head at Mayfield School, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Godolphin School and a Housemistress at Sherborne Girls. Prior to that, she was Head of Upper School at Woldingham School and a teacher at the International School Luxembourg. She is a serving Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspector, sits on committees at both the Heads’ Conference (HMC) and the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), and is a Governor at Marymount School in London.
She holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from UCL, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Cambridge, a Certificate in Boarding Education from the University of Roehampton, and an MA in International Relations.
Niamh Green said: “Stepping into the role of Head at St George’s is a real honour. From my first visit, I was impressed by the whole community – exceptional pupils, staff dedicated to the girls, and governors of real calibre.
“The girls I met were articulate, energetic, and compassionate young women, with clear ambition and pride in their school. I am very much looking forward to championing this remarkable school and breadth of opportunities it offers all pupils from age two to 18.”
Ms Chandler-Thompson’s tenure saw the completion of the ‘One School’ project, bringing pupils and facilities together on the Ravelston campus and setting the direction for the school’s estate and development plans.
She reinvigorated the school’s Signature Curriculum, which is explicitly designed for girls, and boasts high achievement in traditionally male-dominated STEM subjects while bucking the trend in girls’ sports with 100% participation levels throughout the school.
Academic results in 2026 were the school’s strongest since the pandemic, with first-choice university outcomes holding above 95% throughout her tenure and 100% A grades in Higher and Advanced Higher music and languages. She also grew the school’s partnerships programme and widened community access to its facilities.
Tracey Ashworth-Davies said: “I want to thank Carol Chandler-Thompson, whose leadership has been exceptional. Throughout her tenure, Carol has amplified how relevant the School’s founding principles and values remain today, as we prepare young women to keep pace in a fast-changing world.
“She leaves St George’s in excellent health, and we wish her all the best in her new role.
“We are delighted she will continue to support the school as a Member of Council.”
LifeCare are proactively recruiting 4 new trustees, as members of our existing board reach the end of their term. This year more than ever is an exciting time to join our board as we celebrate our 85th year.
“After a long career in the NHS, becoming a LifeCare Trustee felt like a natural way to continue supporting peoples’ health, wellbeing and independence.
I feel I bring experience in strategy and governance, whilst helping to support LifeCare to turn good ideas into practical action for older people, their families and carers” – Lorna Jackson-Hall, current Chair
The Communist Party of Britain is calling on voters in the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-elections to reject “political tinkering” and “vote for principles” to fix the city’s deepest problems.
The local by-elections take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The Communist Party is standing two candidates: Peter Olech in Portobello/Craigmillar and Richard Shillcock in Southside/Newington.
The candidates argue that while other parties try to manage a failing system, only the Communist Party offers a real alternative to more budget cuts and privatisation.
They believe the only way to truly fix these issues is through permanent public ownership in three key areas:
Fixing the Housing and Homelessness Crisis: Other parties suggest market options like “affordable” rents or small planning changes. The Communists say private developers need a shortage of homes to keep their profits and share prices high. They argue the housing crisis will never be solved by the private market, calling instead for large-scale, permanent council housing built and run entirely by the local council.
Ending Council Cuts and Outsourcing: To handle tight budgets, other parties propose changing funding formulas or adding new local taxes on working people. The Communists argue that the wealthiest should pay, and public money must stay under public control. They want to end cuts and outsourcing, demanding that all public services be delivered directly by council workers with strong unions and good apprenticeship programmes.
Bringing Back Real Local Democracy: Other parties avoid the big issues or suggest moving paperwork between different levels of government. The Communists say shifting decisions around does not change who holds the real economic power. They argue that only public ownership gives communities true control over housing, energy, jobs, land, and food distribution.
“The other parties agree on the problems we face, but their policies only tinker at the edges,” said candidate Richard Shillcock.
“We are asking voters to reject political games and on Thursday 3 September to vote for the socialist principles needed to transform local government.”
The Communist Party of Britain campaigns for a socialist society that puts working-class interests, public ownership, and democratic control of local services first.
The local by-elections were triggered following the resignation of two local SNP councillors who were recently elected as MSPs to Holyrood.
The Communist Party urges voters across Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar to use their first vote and their numbered preference votes to opt for the policies they believe in—ones that will defend and extend the rights and the quality of life of working people.
