The NEN – North Edinburgh News – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Almost half of Scottish voters blame Government policy for pub closures

Over one-in-four Scottish voters said the single most impactful decision Government could do to help the sector is to make business rates fair 
One-in-ten say that their MP has spoken up for the sector and just 7% say that their MP is doing enough to protect pubs 
Ahead of the local elections, the Long Live the Local campaign calls on MPs to make pubs a priority

Scottish voters blame Government when their local closes, new research conducted by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common research reveals. 

Campaigners say that the survey, which found that 48% of the Scottish public blames either national or local government when a pub closes, should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the local elections that they must prioritise the sector.   

When asked what would save the sector, the plurality of voters (26%) said that making business rates fair for pubs would be the best decision. 

Despite the strong feelings voters in Scotland have for their local pub, few felt that their local MP was sufficiently engaged on the issue.  

These results follow additional support for Scottish pubs, showing that many voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done to truly protect Britain’s pubs.   

Only 10% of voters said that their MP had spoken up for the sector, whilst just 7% said that their MP had done enough to support pubs in their constituency. 

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.  

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Scotland, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.  

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country. 

“With the local elections right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local. 

“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.” 

Luke Tryl, Executive Director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them. 

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them. At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain. 

“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.” 

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign launched in 2018 to raise awareness of the UK’s alarming rate of pub closures.

Currently standing at over 250,000 supporters from all over the country, the campaign encourages people to support the people behind the pint.  

NHS Lothian: Collect your prescription before May Bank Holiday

A quick reminder: On Monday 4 May 2026, GP practices and many community pharmacies will be closed.

If you need a prescription, please arrange to collect soon.

Visit our website: https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/public-holidays/

Extreme and Very High wildfire warning this holiday weekend

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF), is issuing wildfire warnings for areas of Scotland going into the May Bank Holiday weekend.

South West Scotland: from Wednesday, 29 April, there is a very high risk of wildfire.
Whole of Scotland: starting Thursday, 30 April, there is an extreme risk of wildfire. This warning will remain in place until Friday, 1 May.
Southern Scotland and Central Highlands: starting Saturday, 2 May, there will be a very high risk of wildfire.

SFRS’ Head of Prevention and SWF Chair, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, said: “Going into the May bank holiday weekend, we will be seeing an extreme risk of wildfire across the whole of Scotland. We know people will be wanting to enjoy the good weather, but we ask they do so responsibly.

“People should avoid lighting outdoor fires and be mindful that one spark can spread causing a large amount of damage.

“Remember, there’s no such thing as a harmless fire. Wildfires have the potential to destroy property, landscapes and wildlife, which is why it is so important that members of the public use extreme caution under these conditions.

“Share wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and visitors. And if anyone spots a large outdoor fire, please report it immediately by calling 999, providing your location, and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.”

With the extension to the Muirburn season also drawing to a close on Thursday 30 April, we advise landowners to exercise caution in line with the Muirburn Code.

Learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

About Time! Tollcross Clock restoration gets green light

Funding to restore one of the city’s most cherished landmarks – the historic Tollcross Clock – was approved yesterday, with works set to begin next month

Finance and Resources Committee Members approved £72,572 to carry out full restoration of the James Ritchie and Sons clock, which has stood at the heart of the Tollcross community since 1901 and has been in storage since 2022.

The clock was removed from the Tollcross crossroads four years ago following a routine inspection that identified significant structural deterioration at its base. While the planned junction works is now delayed, restoration work will still get underway, meaning the clock could return to the area from April 2027.

Officers will use the restoration period to engage local stakeholders and councillors on the most suitable location for the clock’s return. While the original position within the carriageway is no longer considered appropriate due to risk of further damage and ongoing maintenance costs, work is ongoing to find a setting that honours the clock’s place in the community. Any relocation may require listed building consent.

Funding for the restoration is expected to come from the council’s Common Good Fund. The clock’s permanent reinstatement, site selection and funding will be referred to the Culture and Communities Committee next month.

Cllr Mandy Watt, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “This clock has been part of Edinburgh’s story for more than 120 years, and the community has been clear that it belongs back where people can see and enjoy it. Today we’re making that happen. By approving the funding, we’re committed to get this iconic piece of civic heritage properly restored and back where it belongs.

“We’ll work closely with residents to find the right location, and I’m delighted that we’re finally able to give this project the momentum it deserves.”

The Tollcross Clock has been a fixture of the city since its installation at what was then a thriving tram interchange.

Originally a pendulum clock, it was converted to a spring-driven mechanism in 1926 and later to electrical operation in 1969.

It was temporarily removed in 1974 for junction works but was reinstated following strong public demand.

PICTURE: DIARMID MOGG

Edinburgh College seeks two Non-Executive Board Members

Help shape Edinburgh College’s future!

We’re looking for two Non-Executive Board Members.

If you’re passionate about People/HR, entrepreneurship, sustainability, or community leadership, apply by 4 May: https://ow.ly/KNA150YQBc2

#EdinburghCollege

DWP ‘puts disabled people first’: Thousands of health staff complete landmark autism and learning disabilities training

Training tackles harmful assumptions about disability and ensures staff make practical, meaningful adjustments for the people they serve

Thousands of DWP healthcare professionals completed Oliver McGowan training to better support autistic people and those with learning disabilities as they navigate the benefits system.
Marking Autism Awareness Month, the milestone forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to putting disabled people at its heart.

Over 4,000 DWP healthcare professionals have completed part of training designed to transform how the government supports autistic people and those with learning disabilities, as Autism Awareness Month draws to a close.

The training is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man with autism and a learning disability who died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication against his and his family’s wishes. It was established following a campaign by his family to ensure that staff working with autistic people and those with learning disabilities have the knowledge and skills to support them safely.

The accomplishment is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to putting disabled people at the heart of everything it does.

The training tackles “diagnostic overshadowing” – where symptoms are wrongly attributed to a person’s disability rather than investigated properly – ensuring people receive the right support at the right time.

It also gives staff practical tools to make meaningful reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities and autism as they navigate the benefits system. These include:

More time in assessments, reducing anxiety and allowing people to communicate clearly and confidently.
Simpler, clearer communications from Jobcentres, making information accessible to people who may find complex language difficult to process.
Sensory-aware Jobcentre environments, ensuring spaces feel safe and manageable for people who may find busy or loud environments overwhelming.

“This training is part of how we achieve that, equipping our staff to treat every autistic person and everyone with a learning disability as an individual, and to provide support that genuinely works for them.

“We’re determined to break down barriers for disabled people, and to put autistic people and those with learning disabilities at the very heart of our decisions and direction.

“I pay tribute to the hard and brave work of the McGowan family in Oliver’s memory.”

This milestone is part of the Government’s wider commitment to ensuring disabled people’s voices and lived experience shape policy.

The Independent Disability Advisory Panel – ten experts with lived experience of disability and long-term health conditions – have been appointed to advise on the design and delivery of health and disability policy.

Clinical Author at DWP: “Hearing directly from people with lived experience made this training memorable and practical. It reinforced that autism and learning disability affect people in very different ways, and that taking time to listen- to the individual, and to those who know them best – makes a real difference.

“These principles are now reflected in the guidance I develop for health professionals carrying out assessments on behalf of across DWP.

“I believe this training helps support safer, more person-centred assessments and helps us get it right for autistic people and people with a learning disability.”

The training is one part of wider support the Department is investing into better support people with autism.

Earlier this year, DWP funded Acas to deliver free neurodivergence masterclasses for small and medium-sized employers – with more than 1,800 employer representatives attended, building the knowledge and confidence to recruit and support neurodivergent staff effectively.

Alongside this, the Government also legislated to give benefit claimants the legal right to try work without the immediate risk of losing their benefits – a significant and practical change for neurodivergent people navigating the employment system.

Separately, an expert academic panel has examined the specific barriers neurodivergent people face in the workplace, with its recommendations under active consideration.

Autism Awareness Month serves as an important moment to reflect on progress, and to reaffirm this Government’s determination to ensure autistic people and those with learning disabilities are supported, heard, and treated with the respect they deserve.

Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability Mencap, said: “Increasing benefit assessors’ understanding of learning disability is an important step towards a more accessible and inclusive benefits system. The training they’ve received has the potential to make a real difference in helping them to communicate more clearly, recognise individual needs and make reasonable adjustments.

“People with a learning disability need to be properly understood and receive the level of support that’s right for them to navigate the benefits assessment process.

“This training is already making a difference in health and social care teams, and we hope it will now make another public service more accessible to people with a learning disability so that they can live their lives to the full.”

The Oliver McGowan Training is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death in 2016 was found to be potentially avoidable. His mother Paula McGowan OBE campaigned for it to become law under the Health and Care Act 2022.