PEP Summer Party – 23 July!
Join us from 12pm–3pm at The PEP Centre for an afternoon packed with entertainment, a BBQ, refreshments, and plenty of fun and chat!
3 West Pilton Park, EH4 4EL
0131 315 4466
Bring a friend and celebrate summer with us!
A young footballer from Penicuik who once faced poverty and uncertainty is playing collegiate sport in the United States, thanks to Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
As Scotland’s football team enjoys the global spotlight during the World Cup, 18-year-old Peter Bradford from Penicuik is home for a summer break from his dream football scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in upstate New York.
Just a few years ago, the idea of a football scholarship would have been beyond Peter’s wildest dreams.
When Peter was 12-years old, single-mum Michelle, was struggling to cope after she was forced to give up her job as a psychiatric nurse due to a shoulder injury.
With no financial safety net, cupboards were empty and Michelle faced impossible choices about how to support her family.
“It took a lot for me to ask for help,” said Michelle. “I honestly didn’t know how I could support my family and keep Peter’s football going.”
Michelle turned to Children First’s support line for financial support, and not long after that she was put in touch with the local Children First team in Midlothian where her family received support from Charles.
Children First provides emotional, practical and financial support to children and families through its national support line and local services across the country.
With additional support to manage finances, the family began to regain stability at a critical moment.
Peter, who had trained four times a week from a young age, received support to continue playing the sport he loved. This included funding for training and new football boots.
Charles also took him on trips to matches and offered Peter consistent encouragement to build his confidence – support that made a lasting difference. Charles still keeps in touch with the family now.
Michelle said: “Peter wouldn’t be where he is today without Children First. At the point when I reached out to them, I just didn’t have the financial capacity to keep his football going.”
Peter went on to play for Penicuik, Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans, where his talent continued to develop. He was offered one-to-one coaching with former professional footballer Gary O’Connor via Five-Star International Events.
Then in 2024 what Peter and Michelle thought was another training session, turned into a life-changing moment when Peter was offered a football scholarship in America.
“It was amazing. It didn’t feel real,” Peter said.
Determined to make the opportunity count, Peter spent a year preparing with a strict training and nutrition programme before moving to the United States at just 17.
For Michelle, saying goodbye was the hardest part. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was leaving him at the airport, but he makes me proud every day.”
Since arriving in the US, Peter has flourished both on and off the pitch. Despite living with dyslexia and struggling in school, he has adapted with support from his college and is now studying general education.
He is working hard to support himself through a job at his college gym, has built strong relationships with family in Pennsylvania and is playing a key role in his team, the Raiders. The team recently achieved a historic win over the Herkimer Generals, their first victory against them in nearly 50 years.
Peter now has his sights set on securing a full scholarship to continue his football career beyond his time at his current college.
Now home with his mum for a few weeks over the summer, Peter is holding down a job while juggling his rigorous fitness regime and continuing his studies.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Leaving young has made me mature more. Nothing’s impossible if you’ve got a dream.”
Back in Scotland, Michelle watches every match via livestream, still amazed at how far her son has come. For his 18th birthday, she cashed in a savings bond she had taken out when he was a baby to support him as he continues his journey.
Looking back, both Peter and Michelle believe that it was the early support from Children First that changed everything.
“None of this would have been possible without Children First,” Michelle said. “They changed the direction of my son’s life when we needed it most.”
Charles Graham, Senior Peer Support Worker at the Midlothian Children First team said: “Peter’s story shows the life-changing impact that early support can make for children and families.
2If families are able to access help at the right time, it can prevent crisis, unlock potential and give children the chance to thrive. Every child should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of Peter’s journey and we wish him every success for the future. We are all so proud of him here at Children First.”
You can help more children like Peter achieve their potential by donating today to Children First: Scottish Children’s Charity Donation | Children First
Children First’s support line is here for anyone worried about a child. Their expert team understand that bringing up children can be tough at times and can provide emotional, practical and financial help on 08000 28 22 33.
Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to find out more.
Up to £30,000 of funding is available for charitable organisations in Edinburgh following the announcement that the Regional Creatives Fund is returning for 2026.
The Regional Creatives Fund, established by Amazon in 2025, offers grants of up to £30,000 to UK charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) that develop creative industry career pathways. The Regional Creatives Fund is open to charitable organisations in Edinburgh and across the UK that help underserved communities access careers in the arts, TV, podcasting, gaming, fashion, photography, journalism, comedy, and more.
Applications are open today here and close on 2nd August 2026. In 2025, three Edinburgh charities received grants from the Regional Creatives Fund totally £68,000. Cutting Edge Theatre was awarded £30,000, Turn the Tables received £28,710 and Youth Theatre Arts Scotland received £9,600.
The 2026 Regional Creatives Fund, launched at The National Theatre in London by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, exists to widen access to creative industry careers for people in underserved communities and aligns with the Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund[1].
Applications are welcome from single organisations and from consortiums whose members are based in the same region, provided they already run skills projects making a real difference and are looking for further funding to grow, maintain, or reimagine that work.
Single organisations meeting the criteria are invited to apply for up to £30,000, while partnerships applying together can access as much as £100,000. By backing charitable organisations with established creative upskilling work, the Regional Creatives Fund gives community organisations the freedom to tackle their most urgent priorities.
The Regional Creatives Fund welcomes applications from organisations working across the creative industries, including:
Applications are open for small to mid-size charitable organisations who are registered in the UK[2]. Applicants must currently be running a programme that focuses on upskilling people from underserved communities for careers in creative industries. Creative Access, the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, defines underserved communities as a population proven to be under-represented[3] in the sector.
One-of-a-kind support from Amazon creative teams
Through Amazon’s network of creative industry professionals, the Regional Creatives Fund also provides charitable organisations with pro bono upskilling programmes, including mentoring, work experience, placements, and digital training. This support is available for the staff at community organisations and the people they support, delivered by creative minds from Amazon Music, Prime Video, Amazon Games, and more.
Applicants must be able to show the grant will expand or sustain an existing programme that’s already making a difference, whether that’s placements in game development studios, music production training, or portfolio development for the advertising creatives of tomorrow.
An independent expert judging panel will award funding to Regional Creatives Fund applicants. The panel includes senior leaders from Amazon, The National Theatre, BAFTA, Arts Council England, NI Screen, Creative Wales, Help Musicians, Audible and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Funding applications will be assessed across five key areas. Strong proposals will reflect the fund’s spirit with energy, optimism, and a clear creative purpose; deliver real impact through skills, access, and industry links; show a smart, achievable plan with confident delivery; centre inclusion by amplifying underrepresented voices; and build on existing programmes to grow what’s already working.
More information on the judging criteria is available here.
The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The UK’s Creative Industries are the best in the world, from film and TV to theatre and music production.
“The Creative sector is a leading driver of economic growth and a provider of good jobs. This Government is determined that access to those jobs should be spread across the country, and available to everyone, everywhere.
“I’m really pleased to have worked with Amazon during the recent Greater Together LA conference to secure further investment in their Regional Creatives Fund, a great scheme that is investing directly in people’s potential.”
James Dibbo, Amazon VP and CFO for Global Entertainment, said: “Amazon is significantly invested in the success of the UK’s creative industries.
“This includes working together with the UK government to unlock creative opportunities across every nation and region of the country. After seeing the incredible impact of our first awardees, we are delighted that the Regional Creatives Fund is now reopen for applications.
“Where you start should not determine how far you go – and we want to help build a future where creativity belongs to everyone, everywhere.”
The UK is one of Amazon’s global creative hubs. In 2025, Amazon announced £40 billion of investment in the UK over the next three years, including the acquisition and planned redevelopment of the iconic Bray Film Studios.
Amazon has invested billions of pounds into the UK’s creative economy, with over 2,000 people working across books, film, TV, sport, music, and fashion – alongside the wider network of creatives Amazon partners with every day.
Amazon makes significant film and television production investments across the UK. Amazon MGM Studios is seeking planning permission to expand production capacity at Bray Studios. Bray most recently hosted the production of Highlander, which also filmed across the Scottish Highlands.
Under Amazon’s long-term contract at Shepperton, the studio was home to season three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, as well as Project Hail Mary. Season three of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power also filmed on location throughout England and Wales. Additionally, season one of the new Amazon series Tomb Raider is filming at Shinfield Studios.
The Amazon Literary Partnership supports non-profit literary organisations, writing centres and community engagement programmes across the UK and Ireland, helping to create opportunities for aspiring writers of all ages and stages.
Now in its seventh year in the UK, and having expanded to the Republic of Ireland in 2024, the partnership has awarded grants to organisations dedicated to nurturing creative talent, amplifying underrepresented voices, and empowering more people to experience and contribute to the power of storytelling through the written word.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, Amazon is expanding its Literacy Champions programme to help inspire a new generation of readers across the UK.
Delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, the initiative trains Amazon volunteers to lead shared reading and storytelling activities in schools and communities, helping children build confidence and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Launched in 2023, the programme supports the National Year of Reading’s ambition to recruit 100,000 new reading volunteers by the end of 2026 and increase access to positive reading role models for young people nationwide.
Amazon Music is committed to expanding access to UK music talent. Partnerships with the BRIT Trust and Amplify support new creative professionals entering the industry. The Step-Up Fund, delivered with the Featured Artists Coalition, enables artists to fund new recordings, touring costs, marketing campaigns, PR activities, video production, and content creation.
To find out more about the Regional Creatives Fund, visit:
https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/community/amazon-regional-creatives-fund
A law firm in Edinburgh has raised a brilliant £7,740 by participating in an annual charity Will-writing campaign – making it one of the top-donating firms across the UK this year and the third highest new firm in this year’s campaign.
Ralph Sayer Solicitors and Estate Agents dedicated their time and expertise to writing Wills as part of this year’s Will Aid campaign. Instead of charging their usual fees for basic Wills, they invited clients to make a donation to Will Aid – helping to fund vital charity work in the UK and across the world.
The funds raised will support Will Aid’s partner charities, which carry out work across a range of important causes, from providing humanitarian aid to protecting vulnerable children and those facing hardship here in the UK.
Kimberley Mackay, Partner, said: “We’re delighted to have helped so many people put their affairs in order while raising such a substantial amount for charity as part of Will Aid. It was a real team effort, and we’re incredibly proud to have made such an impact in our first year taking part.
“Well done to all the team and thank you to the people who took part. The money raised will make a real difference to people in need, both here at home and around the world.”
Since its launch in 1988, Will Aid has raised more than £26 million in donations, with millions more pledged in charitable legacies thanks to the generosity of participating solicitors.
Lauren Poole, Chair of Will Aid, praised the firm’s achievement, and said: “A huge congratulations to the team at Ralph Sayer for getting involved in Will Aid for the first time and making such a strong contribution.
“It’s fantastic to see firms embracing the campaign and using their expertise to support both their clients and our partner charities. We’re incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment.”
Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid’s Campaign Director, added: “It’s always encouraging to see firms like Ralph Sayer take part in Will Aid for the first time and achieve so much.
“The campaign continues to grow thanks to the support of new participants, and their willingness to give their time and expertise plays a vital role in helping us reach more people and raise essential funds for our charity partners.
“We hope this is the start of a long and rewarding involvement with Will Aid.”
Will Aid runs every November, offering people the opportunity to have a professionally written Will in exchange for a donation. The suggested donation is £120 for a basic single Will and £200 for a pair of basic mirror Wills, with all proceeds supporting Will Aid’s partner charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Shelter, and Trócaire (Northern Ireland).
To be the first to know when the list of Will Aid solicitors goes live for the 2026 campaign, sign up here: https://www.willaid.org.uk/early-bird
More solicitors are needed each year to meet demand. To find out more about taking part, visit https://www.willaid.org.uk
Scotland’s future is in the European Union as an independent country, Europe Minister Stephen Gethins has said on the tenth anniversary of the UK’s Brexit referendum.
The Scottish Government continues to support strengthening the UK-EU relationship, ensuring Scotland’s voice is represented, and on advancing Scotland’s long-term constitutional options.
Ahead of the expected second UK-EU leaders Summit, the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to ensure the negotiations on a food, drink and farming agreement, emissions trading, and youth mobility all deliver the fullest possible outcomes for Scotland and ensure Scotland’s interests are clearly represented.
Minister for Europe and External Affairs Stephen Gethins said: “Ten years on from the referendum, the decision to leave the EU has caused nothing but harm to Scotland.
“Businesses face barriers that did not exist before, households are under greater pressure, and young people have lost opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe.
“Recent efforts by the UK Government to improve relations with the EU are welcome but far from enough. Going forward, there must be much closer cooperation in areas including trade barriers, energy and mobility – as a bare minimum.
“Our focus must be firmly on the future, and I believe that Scotland’s brightest future is as an independent nation and member of the European Union. That is the challenge of the next decade.”
Families across Scotland are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break.
When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.
Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food, and Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child.
Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities.
Community organisations are also on hand to help. Home-Start, located across Scotland, provides practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.
“We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer.
“I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there – not just over the summer, but all year round.”
Eliza Waye, Home-Start Strategic Lead for Scotland said: “We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained. For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach.
“At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime. Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families.”
Hiba, a parent of three children from Knightwood, Glasgow, added: “The support from the Scottish Child Payment and Home-Start helps us afford more summer activities for our children.
“It gives them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and feel more connected to their community. This support makes the summer holidays a much happier time for our family.”
Families can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot
South Morningside Primary School was recognised in the annual TES Schools Awards 2026 at a ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The national awards acknowledge the schools and teachers whose work is transforming outcomes for pupils and setting new standards across education in the UK.
South Morningside Primary School, which has over 500 pupils, was recognised for its innovative work to encourage greater community engagement and inclusivity. The school’s child-led and creative approach to learning was also celebrated, with the school offering outdoor learning to every pupil, a range of sports programmes, interventions and extra-curricular activities for all.
This year, the awards saw a record number of nominations – the highest number since the awards began in 2009.
Winners were selected by a panel of experienced school leaders and education experts across 23 categories spanning leadership, teaching, wellbeing, pupil outcomes and innovation.
South Morningside Primary School Headteacher, Grant Gillies, said: “We are so proud of this achievement which represents the collective drive and hard work of our children, staff, parents and the wider community.
“This award represents all the amazing community partners we have – I would like to thank staff and families for their unending support and commitment to our school.”
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “It is fantastic to see South Morningside Primary School recognised at a national level as primary school of the year.
“It is an incredible achievement which acknowledges the hard work of Mr Gillies and his team. Across all our schools, we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get the most of school through an engaging and varied school day – it is brilliant to see South Morningside celebrated as a great example of this.”
On the Friday of last week, five people were injured in a series of racist and Islamophobic attacks across Edinburgh.
We, at ELREC, value and work toward an equal, inclusive and just community free from prejudice and discrimination and we stand with all of those who were affected by the events of last weekend and who are worried for their safety.
We stand, decidedly and absolutely, against all forms of discrimination, all violence and all attempts to rob Scotland of its diversity and the people of Scotland of their safety.
We are sharing the following statement in response to the reported anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.
**Statement from The Welcoming Association**
The Welcoming Association is deeply concerned by the reported anti-Muslim attacks that took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, their families, and everyone affected by these distressing incidents. We recognise that events of this nature can have a profound impact not only on those directly involved but also on wider communities who may feel frightened, vulnerable, or targeted.
Leith, Sighthill, Telford Road, and the other affected areas are home to many of our members, volunteers, staff, neighbours, and friends. Edinburgh’s strength lies in its diversity, and everyone should be able to live, work, worship, and move around the city safely and with dignity.
While the circumstances of these incidents remain a matter for the relevant authorities, we are clear that there is no place for racism, anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination, or violence in our communities.
At times of tension and uncertainty, it is important that we reject misinformation, challenge prejudice, and avoid narratives that seek to divide people. Strong communities are built through trust, mutual respect, understanding, and meaningful relationships between people from different backgrounds.
As an organisation that supports refugees, migrants, and other New Scots, we see every day the positive contribution that diversity brings to Edinburgh. We remain committed to promoting inclusion, strengthening community cohesion, and creating spaces where people can come together, learn from one another, and build a shared sense of belonging.
We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities across Edinburgh and Scotland, and with everyone working to promote equality, dignity, and respect for all.
There is no place for hatred or violence in our city.
We encourage our partners, supporters and wider network to stand with Muslim communities, challenge misinformation and help build an Edinburgh where everyone can live safely and with dignity.
Six people have been arrested and charged in connection with various offences following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.
The first incident took place around 2.40am on Tuesday, 26 May, 2026 when officers were called to a disturbance at a property on Balderston Gardens North in Gilmerton.
Three men aged 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
The second occurred around 4am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a vehicle struck a property before being set on fire on Balderston Gardens North.
Five men aged 19, 29, 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Officers were called to the third incident around 5.05am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a number of windows were smashed at a property in Niddrie Marischal Drive.
A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Detective Sergeant Chris Docherty said: “This type of criminal behaviour, which has a direct impact on local people, will not be tolerated.
“We are committed to ensuring people feel safe in their communities and will continue to be proactive in our approach to tackling crime and holding those involved to account.
“Support from the public is essential to this work and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about criminality in their area to please get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.
The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.
Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.
!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.
“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.
“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.
“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.
“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities.
“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”
City council leader Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.“
