Dry weather sees water scarcity spread further across Scotland

Dry weather has led to more Scottish river catchments moving through the water scarcity levels, according to the latest report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). 

The number of catchments affected continues to grow this week, with four additional areas moving into Moderate Scarcity and nine more reaching Early Warning. Around half of Scotland’s river catchments are now at one of SEPA’s water scarcity levels. 

Moderate Scarcity is now in place in the Tyne in Lothian, Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don in Aberdeenshire, Esk and Tweed catchments. 

Alert remains in place for the Deveron, Ythan, Dee in Aberdeenshire, Almond and Findhorn catchments, while Early Warning now covers the Conon, Spey, Tay, Earn, Ness, Forth, Esk in Dumfriesshire, Annan, Nith, Dee in Galloway, Cree, Clyde, Irvine and Ayr catchments. 

The River Lossie catchment is no longer at Significant Scarcity following rainfall last weekend. However, the overall trend across Scotland is one of continued drying, with more catchments now affected. 

Water scarcity means there is less water available in rivers, lochs and groundwater, increasing pressure on the environment and on businesses, farmers and other organisations that rely on taking water directly from these natural sources. 

Rainfall has been normal to wet across western and much of northern Scotland. In contrast, much of the east has experienced dry conditions, with parts of Angus and Fife extremely dry. 

River flows reflect this pattern, with high to very high flows across western catchments and low to very low flows across much of the east. In the Tweed catchment, July river flows at the Coldstream gauging station reached the second lowest recorded at the site since records began in 1971. 

Ground conditions are dry across much of eastern Scotland, particularly in parts of the northeast and along the east coast. Groundwater levels in Fife are also very low for the time of year. 

SEPA are continuing to work directly with businesses, farmers and other organisations that take water from rivers, lochs and groundwater, providing practical advice to help them plan ahead, use water efficiently and reduce pressure on the environment. 

 Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and periods of prolonged dry weather are becoming an increasingly important challenge for our rivers and the businesses that rely on taking water directly from the environment. 

“While conditions are not as severe as they were at this point last year, the coming weeks and months are a critical time for water demand. Those who take water directly from rivers, lochs and groundwater should already be taking steps to use less, plan ahead and make sure they are prepared if conditions continue to deteriorate. 

“We are working directly with businesses and other water users in affected catchments, providing practical advice to help them manage water responsibly and reduce pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the plants and animals that depend on them. 

“Acting early will help protect the environment and reduce the risk of restrictions being needed later in the summer. Anyone concerned about accessing enough water for their business, or who needs advice on preparing for drier conditions, should contact SEPA as early as possible.” 

SEPA are advising businesses and other organisations that take water directly from the environment to: 

  • monitor how much water they are using; 
  • use water as efficiently as possible; 
  • keep equipment in good working order to reduce leaks and losses; 
  • understand the water scarcity level in their catchment;  
  • have contingency plans in place should conditions worsen. 

People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website.

These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland. 

The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s website at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity  

SEPA Water Scarcity situation report – 16th July 2026

Edinburgh law firm joins forces with Age Scotland in Power of Attorney drive

  • Importance of legal documents highlighted as new partnership is announced
  • Lawyers will donate a percentage of their fees to charity to support its work with older people
Age Scotland Chief Executive Katherine Crawford and Grant Johnson, Partner and Head of Private Client Services at Lindsays, marking the organisations’ partnership promoting Powers of Attorney. Picture: Ryan McGoverne / Lindsays July 2026

A new partnership has been forged to encourage more people in Scotland to put a Power of Attorney in place.

Age Scotland has joined forces with independent Edinburgh-headquartered legal firm Lindsays to help people appoint someone they trust to manage their finances and make welfare decisions on their behalf, should they need extra help.

The move comes as new research by the charity reveals that more than one million over-50s in Scotland do not have a Power of Attorney – with its staff fielding high numbers of queries from older people and their families around the legal process.

They are now making referrals to Lindsays, whose headquarters are at Caledonian Exchange, who will help clients draw up Powers of Attorney.

Lindsays is making a donation from every referral to the charity, which supports people across the country to grow old securely, with a good quality of life.

A Power of Attorney is a document that an individual creates to set out who they would like to take decisions for them around critical issues such as money and care if they become incapacitated. They are relevant whatever someone’s age or personal circumstances.

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “One of the most common requests for support older people and their families make to our helpline and information service is for advice about Power of Attorney.

“Our research shows more than one million over-50s in Scotland do not have a Power of Attorney. If life takes an unexpected turn, it is important to know that the support you need will be available, but barely one in five people in their fifties have this important tool set up.

“Having a Power of Attorney in place can give you peace of mind, as you know you will have the support of someone you trust if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It is an essential part of planning for the future and retaining control of how you wish to live your life.”

She added: “Our new partnership with Lindsays deepens the level of professional advice and legal support we are able to signpost people to, at the same time as helping to raise vital funds for the services we offer older people and their families. We’re grateful for their support and look forward to working closely with them on this important issue.”

Lindsays has been raising awareness about the importance of Powers of Attorney for a number of years.

Grant Johnson, a Partner and Head of Private Client Services at Lindsays, said: “Too few people have Powers of Attorney in place.

“Having one gives clarity, reduces uncertainty, and helps avoid difficult decisions and potentially additional delays and costs later on. It gives people and their loved ones peace of mind at what are challenging and stressful times.

“Age is not a factor. Any one of us can become unexpectedly incapacitated at any time, whether temporarily or permanently.

“For small business owners, having a Power of Attorney in place can ensure your company can continue should something unforeseen happen to impair your ability to work, or even if you are simply unavailable to manage things for an extended period of time.”

He added: “We are delighted to be working with Age Scotland not only to increase awareness in its network about the importance of having a Power of Attorney, but to also be able to directly support the charity’s critical work.”

Powers of Attorney are lodged with The Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland).

Age Scotland’s latest Big Survey questioned 4,400 over-50s across Scotland.

About half of respondents (49%) said they had yet to put a Power of Attorney in place. If translated to Scotland’s entire over-50s population, that would equate to more than one million people – a number the charity says needs to dramatically reduce.

Only 21% of those aged 59 and younger said they had a Power of Attorney.

More details about the Age Scotland and Lindsays partnership – and the importance of Powers of Attorney – are available at www.lindsays.co.uk/age-scotland/.

EICC confirms £50m boost to economy with new client wins

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has generated almost £50 million in future economic impact for Edinburgh after securing 91 new events in the last six months.

The conferences and meetings are expected to bring nearly 54,000 delegates to the city and include several multi-year bookings extending through to 2031.

Medical conferences led the way, accounting for more than £17 million in economic impact during the period. This milestone is particularly significant in 2026, as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh celebrates its 300th anniversary. Finance and Investment, Charity, Education and IT & Technology events also featured strongly among the new bookings.

Major events confirmed to take place at the venue include the International Marine Conservation Congress 2026; World Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Conference 2026; and The Aerosol Society – Drug Delivery to the Lungs, which has been a client of the venue for more than 21 years, has now booked a multi-year event from 2029 until 2031.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “We are hugely encouraged by the venue’s strong performance over the last six months.

Every business event we welcome to the EICC represents more than a booking; it brings together delegates from around the world to enable knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, generate economic impact and showcase Edinburgh on a global stage.

“This continued momentum reflects the confidence our clients place in both the EICC and Edinburgh, demonstrating the city’s enduring strengths as a destination for business events and the value these events create for our economy, our innovation ecosystem and our global reputation.

“We are incredibly grateful to our clients for that confidence and to our team for delivering the high standards and trusted partnerships that make it possible.”

Since opening in 1995, the EICC has delivered more than £1 billion in total economic impact to Edinburgh supporting jobs, investment, knowledge exchange and commercial opportunities created by world-class events.

Scran Café celebrates one year of impact at Royal Hospital for Children and Young People

Today marks one year since the opening of Scran Café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), the largest café operated by youth-led social enterprise Scran Academy.

In just 12 months, the café has become a valued and welcoming space for patients, families, NHS staff and visitors, while creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Edinburgh through real-life enterprise experience and Scran Academy’s youth programmes.

This year the café has made over 33,758 meals and 15,305 coffees, welcoming more than 37,540 customers, that’s over 200 NHS staff, patients and family members served each day, who are supporting Scran Academy’s mission to see every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life.

The RHCYP café represents this mission in action. Since opening, it has provided 8  young people with Living Wage employment, alongside work placements and volunteering opportunities, with young people making up the majority of the café team.

For many, it is their first experience of paid employment, giving them the chance to develop workplace skills, confidence and independence in a busy healthcare environment.

This impact has resulted in the café team gaining national recognition, with Scran Café becoming a finalist at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.

Reflecting on their first year, the young team at RHCYP shared: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are also thankful to all the people who made this possible, who have been leading and supporting us in this newly opened space.

“We have also built great friendships along the way, and we are so proud of what we have created.”

Founder and Chair of Scran Academy, John Loughton BEM, said: “This year we’ve watched young people graft, grow in confidence and build something pretty special.

“Yet again, they proved what I believe to my core: Back young people and they will amaze you.

“To NHS Lothian, our customers, partners and every person who has championed us this year, thank you for believing in young people with us.”

UK’s biggest travelling Titanic exhibition makes Edinburgh debut this winter

Early bird tickets available as landmark exhibition featuring world-famous artefacts opens at the Royal Highland Centre this November

Tickets are on sale now for the Edinburgh debut of the UK’s biggest travelling Titanic exhibition, with Titanic Exhibition opening at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 for a limited run until 14 February 2027.

White Star Heritage has announced that Titanic Exhibition will make its Edinburgh debut this winter, opening at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 and running until 14 February 2027.

Following hugely successful exhibitions in Aberdeen and Glasgow, which recorded some of the strongest opening-week ticket sales anywhere in the UK, the exhibition will arrive in the capital for the first time for its biggest Scottish run to date, featuring new displays and at least eight artefacts never before displayed in Scotland, giving returning visitors fresh reasons to experience the exhibition.

Visitors will experience one of the country’s most significant collections of Titanic artefacts, assembled over years by White Star Heritage.

Highlights include an original deckchair from R.M.S. Titanic – one of only a handful to survive, alongside a fragment of the aft Grand Staircase recovered from the surface of the sea shortly after the disaster, a genuine Titanic lifeboat plaque, and four fragments of metal, glass and ceramic brought up entirely by accident from a Second Class cabin during a scientific expedition.

Also on display will be the expedition jumpsuit of the late Paul-Henri Nargeolet, the celebrated French Navy commander who completed more than 35 dives to the wreck before losing his life in the Titan submersible implosion of June 2023.

The immersive exhibition traces Titanic’s complete story – from its construction at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, through its ill-fated maiden voyage, to its rediscovery on the ocean floor – told through authentic artefacts, powerful personal accounts and vivid set pieces. At the start of their visit, every visitor receives a boarding pass for a real passenger or crew member who sailed on Titanic, and discovers their fate at the end.

Tom Rudderham, Director of White Star Heritage, said: “Scotland has always given this exhibition a wonderful welcome, and bringing it to Edinburgh for the very first time is something we have wanted to do for a long while.

“We cannot wait to welcome visitors aboard this winter.”

Mark Currie, Managing Director of the Royal Highland Centre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Titanic Exhibition to the Royal Highland Centre for its Edinburgh debut.

“This is exactly the type of large-scale, immersive experience our venue is designed to host. With the space to showcase internationally significant collections and welcome thousands of visitors, the Royal Highland Centre provides the perfect setting for an exhibition of this scale and ambition all year round. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Scotland throughout the winter.”

Originally set up as an enthusiast’s passion project, Titanic Exhibition has grown into the UK’s biggest travelling Titanic exhibition. Led by Titanic historian, collector and exhibition designer Tom Rudderham, alongside event manager Joe Levy, whose background in archaeology and social history has helped shape the visitor experience, the exhibition combines rare artefacts with compelling storytelling to bring one of history’s most famous voyages to life.

Titanic Exhibition: Edinburgh opens at the Royal Highland Centre on 28 November 2026 and runs until 14 February 2027.

Tickets are on sale now at titanicedinburgh.com, with early bird prices available until midnight on 31 August 2026.

The McTavish Award launched

The Stand Comedy Club in partnership with The List Magazine and The Comedy Unit is proud to launch a brand-new Edinburgh Fringe award for 2026: The McTavish Award.

The McTavish Award will recognise the most outstanding Fringe show by a Scottish or Scottish-based act. The prize is sponsored by W Edinburgh and will include a £2.5k prize, a fringe run or tour in our venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow & Newcastle plus development mentoring with The Comedy Unit for TV or radio.

We’re incredibly excited to launch this award, however we need your help to make it happen!

We’re looking for a team of passionate comedy fans to come onboard as volunteers and help us create a longlist of shows to support our industry panel in choosing the winner. If you love live comedy and think you’d be a great at reviewing shows, apply now via the link in our bio!

This award has been established in memory of Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish.

Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most original and fearless comedians, and was renowned for his kindness and generosity. He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.

Check out our website for more information

Air Departure Tax

Highlands and Islands exemptions set out

All flights between the Highlands and Islands and other Scottish airports will be exempt from Air Departure Tax (ADT) when the devolved levy comes into force next year.

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said extending the exemption to incoming flights to the Highlands and Islands from other locations in Scotland will improve national connectivity for people and businesses when ADT replaces the UK Government’s Air Passenger Duty on 1 April 2027.

Under ADT, flights from the Highlands and Islands to airports in the rest of the UK will remain exempt, including via connecting flights.

Speaking as analysis of ADT consultation responses was published, Ms Gilruth also confirmed the levy will pave the way for the introduction of a Scottish Private Jet tax from April 2028.

The Deputy First Minister said: “This is the latest step in our mission to ensure Scotland’s devolved tax system works for every corner of the country.

“These ADT exemptions recognise the particular connectivity challenges faced by the people and businesses who have made the Highlands and Islands their home, and will help support communities to thrive.

“Our progressive approach to taxation helps the Scottish Government to provide the best cost of living support available in the UK, such as free university tuition, free prescriptions and our plans for a £2 bus fare cap across Scotland.

“A private jet tax will ensure those who contribute significantly higher emissions per person compared to commercial flights will pay more for the privilege.”

‘Delivering Scotland’s Air Departure Tax’: consultation analysis report

COSLA calls for clarity over severance scheme for councillors

COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:

The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.

Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.

“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.

“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.

“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.

“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”

Gilded Balloon launches ‘Postcode Pals’ with £6 Fringe Tickets for locals

EH, KY, FK and G postcode residents can enjoy more than 140 Edinburgh Fringe shows for just £6

Gilded Balloon is inviting its neighbours to experience this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe for less with the launch of Postcode Pals – a special ticket initiative offering £6 tickets to local audiences.

Running from 10am on Monday 20 July until 6pm on Friday 31 July, the limited-time offer is available exclusively to residents with EH, KY, FK and G postcodes, giving them access to more than 140 shows taking place between 5–9 August, while availability lasts.

With the cost of living continuing to impact audiences, Gilded Balloon is introducing the scheme as a way of ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy the Fringe on their doorstep.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “As an Edinburgh-based venue, we want to encourage our neighbours to come to our shows. The Fringe is one of the most exciting times of the year, but we know that rising costs can make it harder for local people to take part.

“Postcode Pals is our way of saying thank you to the communities that support us year-round and making it easier for them to discover brilliant comedy, theatre, music, family shows and more.”

The offer covers an exciting cross-section of Gilded Balloon’s 2026 programme, including performances from Jack Docherty, Mhairi Black, Fiona Allen, Kim Blythe, Michelle Shocked, Madeleine Brettingham, Jamie Kilstein and Phil Nichol. Audiences can also enjoy acclaimed musicals including Doris, Dolly and the Dressing Room Divas, HR: The Musical and Puck Bunnies: A Heated Rivalry Musical, alongside powerful theatre productions including SLAY and CADEL: Lungs on Legs, and family shows The Kobold Show!, Mama G: The Magic Bookmark and Bring Yer Bairn Comedy  plus more than 140 comedy, theatre, music, family and spoken word shows taking part in the promotion.

How to claim the offer

Residents with EH, KY, FK or G postcodes can:

  • Log in to their Gilded Balloon account.
  • Ensure the billing address on their account includes a valid eligible postcode.
  • Use the code PALS26 when booking via the Gilded Balloon website.

The offer is valid on selected performances between 5–9 August only, subject to availability.

Offer details:

  • Booking window: 10am, 20 July – 6pm, 31 July
  • Eligible postcodes: EH, KY, FK and G
  • Ticket price: £6 (plus a booking fee)
  • Maximum 2 tickets per performance and 6 tickets per customer
  • Valid only when booking through the Gilded Balloon website
  • Available while stocks last.

Nominations open for council by-elections

The formal Notice of Election for by-elections in the Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards has been published.

Candidate nominations open today from 10am until 4pm on 31 July. Residents will go to the polls on September 3

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