‘The Spartans FC Head Coach Douglas Samuel has gone on extended leave with immediate effect.
‘Sporting Director Mixu Paatelainen will support the coaching team while Douglas is on leave.’
The Spartans: Club Statement
One in three Scots urged to tell First Minister: ‘Don’t turn your back on arthritis’
New campaign calls for Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan
People living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions across Scotland are being urged to add their voice to a major campaign calling on First Minister John Swinney to deliver Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.
Arthritis UK has launched an open letter to the First Minister demanding that arthritis is recognised as a national health priority and that the Scottish Government commits to a dedicated plan to improve diagnosis, treatment and support.
Across Scotland, 1.7 million people – around one in three of the population – live with an MSK condition such as arthritis, with many experiencing daily pain, fatigue and disability.
Despite the enormous scale of the issue, arthritis remains one of the only major health conditions without a dedicated strategy in Scotland.
Under the banner “Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis”, the campaign is urging people affected by arthritis and other MSK conditions, their families and supporters to sign the open letter and send a clear message to the First Minister that action is needed.
The proposed MSK Action Plan would seek to ensure people receive the right diagnosis and support sooner; improve access to rehabilitation and supported self-management; help people remain active and independent; and provide stronger national leadership and investment in MSK health.
Lauren Bennie, Head of Arthritis UK in Scotland, said: “Arthritis affects an extraordinary number of people in Scotland, yet for far too long it has failed to receive the attention it deserves.
“Behind the figure of 1.7 million people are individuals living every day with pain, fatigue and disability – often waiting too long for a diagnosis, treatment or the support they need to live independently. That has to change.
“We are calling on the First Minister to face the facts about arthritis and commit to Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.
“But we need the voices of people living with these conditions to be heard. We are urging everyone affected by arthritis or an MSK condition – along with their families and friends – to sign our open letter and tell the First Minister: don’t turn your back on arthritis.
“With the right leadership and a dedicated national plan, Scotland has an opportunity to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”
The campaign will run throughout the autumn, with Arthritis UK also working to secure what would be the first dedicated debate on arthritis in the Scottish Parliament. Campaigners will take the open letter to Holyrood on the day of the debate.
Among those supporting the campaign are people with first-hand experience of the impact of arthritis, including Amy from Dundee, who was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager; Bobby from near Stranraer, who waited more than two years simply to be placed on the waiting list for a knee replacement; Mairi from Islay, who faced years of delays in accessing treatment; and Ken from Stirling, who waited almost 20 years for an osteoarthritis diagnosis.
People can add their name to the open letter and call on the First Minister to face arthritis head on at:
https://www.arthritis-uk.org/news/first-minister-don-t-turn-your-back-on-arthritis/
CASE STUDIES:
Amy’s story, Dundee
Diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager, Amy from Dundee, Scotland, was silently struggling in constant pain at school and had to fight to get the support she needed.
Now training to be a doctor, she faces long working hours and is worried about how she will cope with managing her condition at work.
“I’m finishing university this year and about to enter the workforce. I’m excited about becoming a doctor, but I am concerned about how I’ll manage my fatigue. Junior doctors work long hours with few rest breaks, and that makes me nervous. I’m concerned I won’t specialise as quickly as my peers. However, I hope by telling my story I can change things for other young people with arthritis. It’s not all bad news, and we can thrive with the right support.”
Bobby’s story, Stranraer
Bobby, from Stranraer, was diagnosed in 2020 with osteoarthritis in both knees. Living in immense pain, the wait began, and it was more than two years before Bobby was even added to the waiting list for surgery.
He had his first knee replaced in November 2023, followed by his second the following August.
Surgery was life-changing. His mobility returned and he now plays walking football several times a week. Today, he encourages others living with arthritis pain, or waiting for surgery, to reach out to others. Bobby also hopes to raise awareness of walking football, so that more people can benefit from the physical and mental benefits it offers.
“Yes, it was painful in the knees, but also painful in the head. It played havoc with my thoughts, my mind, my life. The mental impact is phenomenal. You feel like you’re a burden when you can’t do things. You try to keep going through the pain.
“When I see some of the people out there waiting, I encourage them to push for it because it’s life-changing. You wake up from surgery and the pain is gone. I was a totally different person. Honestly, I didn’t know how much my osteoarthritis had impacted me until I had my knees replaced. Before, I had to go up chimneys for work, and I was really restricted on how much I could climb a ladder. I’ve worked every day since I left school. And I felt like I couldn’t give it 100% because the knee pain had hit me so hard. But now I can go up and down ladders again easily!”
Kathy’s story, Helensburgh
Kathy suffered pain from childhood and was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 50, although she had been living with pain since she was 13 years old.
For so many years, Kathy was looking for an explanation for the pain she was experiencing. She watched it take over her life without having any answers, in constant severe pain, not sleeping and suffering depression. She felt she was ‘existing’, not living.
At 47, when the pain was at its worst and had spread to her knees and back, Kathy went to see a new doctor who was determined to get to the bottom of her pain. After tests and X-rays, it was found that she was living with arthritis in her spine and hips. Finally getting a diagnosis was a huge relief to Kathy.
“Life before diagnosis was a nightmare. I didn’t sleep because the pain was so bad and, at one point, I was on both morphine and fentanyl patches, harsh medication. The pain affected my mental health so badly that I was diagnosed with severe depression, which was compounded by grief after losing my husband 11 years ago.
I closed myself away. I didn’t know how to deal with the pain, and nobody was helping me.
“That doctor knew what I needed, got tests done and referred me to a community link worker who took me to an Arthritis UK group three years ago, and my whole life changed. It really brought me out of my shell because I’d gotten to the point where I just locked myself away. I remember that first week at a group feeling like I didn’t dare talk, scared I’d burst into tears.
“It is disappointing that the diagnosis took so long because my life could have been different so many years ago. I could have spared a lifetime of pain. I’ve also missed out on so many things; I loved badminton but had to give it up at 14 because it affected my back so badly, and I’ve never been able to play since.”
Three quarters of A&E staff witness violence and aggression at work at least once a week
‘Safe to Care’ campaign launched
Around three in four UK Emergency Department staff have told the Royal College of Emergency Medicine that they experience or witness violence and aggression in their department on a daily or weekly basis.
That’s according to new survey data, revealed today (7 September) as part of the launch of RCEM’s Safe to Care campaign.
‘Safe to Care‘ aims to highlight the appalling levels of violence and aggression that doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in Emergency Medicine continue to face while at work.
In the coming weeks and months, RCEM will be sharing testimonies of those who have experienced violence or aggression at work and will be calling on the four UK governments to take immediate action to ensure Emergency Department (ED) staff feel safe, and are safe, to provide care.
Levels of violence towards NHS staff has become intolerable: RCEM surveyed over 2,000 ED staff, with 96% of respondents saying they experienced violence or aggression in their ED from patients or members of the public.
More than three quarters (73%) said it was a weekly, or even daily, occurrence and around two thirds said the incidents they experienced were of a discriminatory nature.
One anonymous resident doctor told the survey: “Working in the ED, you brace yourself for a lot, but nothing truly prepares you for direct, hateful verbal abuse, especially when it’s racially charged.”
Meanwhile, an ED consultant told the survey that they had been kicked in the face by an aggressive patient lying on a trolley.
Just four per cent told RCEM that they always felt safe working in ED, and barely more than half (57%) felt safe most of the time.
If left to continue, the impact this will have on the workforce could be devastating for Emergency Medicine, with 75% of staff reporting short-term stress and anxiety, 40% experiencing burnout, 14% taking time off work – and 28% experiencing long-term stress or anxiety.
Meanwhile, many staff said they had little confidence that reporting incidents will lead to action, with fewer than half (41%) of staff who made a report saying their trust took ‘meaningful action’.
Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “No one should go to work fearing or, worse, expecting, to be attacked, intimidated or abused. Nor should they lack confidence that their employers have their backs, or that the judicial system will kick in.
“Yet, that’s the reality faced by the majority of my colleagues in EDs across the country. They often do not feel safe to care for patients. It is an appalling state of affairs which is contributing towards many people seriously considering whether Emergency Medicine – or even healthcare in general – is for them.
“Tackling violence and aggression is crucial for the wellbeing of staff, whose dedication to the NHS is all too frequently being repaid in kicks, punches and abhorrent verbal abuse.
“We know that long waits and crowding are key drivers of this, but that is not the fault of staff – that’s on our governments. Every hour of every day, our Emergency Medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.
“This should not be a novel concept to anybody. Much has been said by us and other organisations over the years about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff. But the problem seems to be getting worse, not better.
“It’s time for action, time for governments, employers and organisations stand up for NHS staff, and time to ensure that those who intimidate, abuse or assault those who are trying to care for them face meaningful consequences for their actions.”
Violence and aggression is not always an isolated problem. Many survey respondents pointed out that long waiting times (90%), overcrowding (85%), staff shortages and corridor care (both 65%) was making the problem worse.
Tackling these issues will undoubtedly create a calmer environment in A&E, which provokes fewer incidents.
In a new briefing, RCEM is calling on government in the four nations, and NHS leaders, to make Emergency Departments safe to care by:
- Preventing violence and abuse before it occurs – starting with the eradication of long waits to be seen, crowding and corridor care, whilst strengthening security standards
- Supporting staff through better training, reporting, follow-up, and links with the police
- Improving accountability of organisations to protect and support NHS staff, with better working across systems to ensure perpetrators face justice
Dr Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee, said: “Safe to Care has a very clear goal: make EDs a place in which you can work without fear of intimidation or attack.
“Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising.
“Whilst most patients and relatives continue to be a pleasure to treat, it is true that we are seeing increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour from a significant minority.
“Anyone who works in ED knows that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff has become normalised. That must end and we call on policymakers and NHS leaders to help us make EDs a safer place for staff.”
Amazon staff summer celebration at Edinburgh Zoo
Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration
Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.
The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.
Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.
“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”
Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.
“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”
The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.
Jet2 expands Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport
- Jet2 has announced extra availability to Reus and Halkidiki from Edinburgh Airport for Summer 27
Jet2 has expanded its Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport, giving Scottish holidaymakers even more options when booking flights to popular sunshine destinations.
From today, additional seats are available to Reus, Spain and Halkidiki, Greece, which are both exclusive routes to Jet2, offering greater flexibility outside of the peak summer season for customers planning a trip from Edinburgh Airport.
Whether they’re looking to explore the impressive Modernist architecture of Reus or discover the vibrant food and nightlife scene of Halkidiki, the expanded programme gives holidaymakers even more choice for Summer 27.
Customers can enjoy an extended season through exclusive Jet2 routes to Reus, with weekly Tuesday services from 6th – 27th April. In addition, the season to Halkidiki, has been extended from 21st – 28th October, with weekly Thursday services.
This comes as part of Jet2’s wider Summer 27 expansion, with more capacity and choice available across 22 of Jet2’s routes from nine of its UK bases.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “We know how much our customers are looking forward to planning their summer holidays next year, and we are seeing continued demand for holidays earlier and later in the summer season as well as during the peak.
“By adding more seats from Edinburgh Airport to fantastic destinations including Reus and Halkidiki, we’re giving Scottish holidaymakers even more opportunity to book early, plan with confidence and choose the options that suit them.”
For more information and to book your flights, visit www.jet2holidays.com
Green Light for Major New Housing and Green Skills Hubs
The UK Government has now released £14.09m to Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Partnership after signing off on its locally designed three-year Local Growth Fund investment plan, which targets areas with the lowest household incomes to create jobs and boost living standards.
Funding for Years 2 and 3 will be rolled out as the region progresses through its plans.
A partnership between the four regional colleges of Borders, Edinburgh, Fife, and West Lothian plans to train over 20,000 new entrants across the region over the coming decade as well as upskill existing workers.
South East Scotland is the fastest growing region in Scotland, with some of the highest housing demand for now and into the future. The new training hubs will be strategically important in the delivery of 40,000 new homes across the region’s seven strategic housing sites.
The training centre in the south of Scotland will also benefit from Scottish Government funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “This is a great example of colleges coming together and taking a proactive approach to meet the skills needs of the region that we serve.
“The construction sector is going to be hugely significant to Edinburgh and the Lothians over the coming years, and these training hubs will ensure it has the workforce it needs to flourish.
“Projects like this emphasise the potential that colleges have to work hand in hand with key employers to provide a pipeline of skilled labour for future employment opportunities.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “(Today) the UK Government is releasing more than £14 million to Edinburgh and South East Scotland partners who know their communities best.
“These funds will be crucial for addressing skills shortages, driving green innovation and removing barriers to local employment and infrastructure development.
“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.
“These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.”
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “This investment in new training hubs will give thousands of local people the chance to gain new skills and build rewarding careers in construction and green technology.
“With strong demand for new homes together with our work to reach net zero, having a skilled local workforce will be essential.”
According to a report undertaken by the University of Edinburgh and West Lothian College, the region has a construction workforce of 57,000, of which 21,000 (34%) commute for work into the region from other parts of Scotland daily.
The study identified that the region requires an additional 20,000 new entrants, upskilling roles and replacement construction workforce over the next 10 years.
Sky’s the limit as CHAS children take flight with Loganair
Children with life-shortening conditions from across Scotland and their families enjoyed a day to remember at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, taking to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast, courtesy of the UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair, and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600s, which flew under flight number LM1996, marking the year CHAS’s children’s hospice, Rachel House, opened its doors.
Before take-off, families enjoyed a morning of fun in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, with character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play. Even Police Scotland joined in the fun, making a beeline for the ball pit.
There was plenty of magic on board too. With support from Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom, Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joined the families for the round trip across the Highlands and Islands to the delight of the young flyers, before the aircraft returned home to Glasgow Airport.
After the aerial adventure over Scotland’s west coast, the flight was then welcomed back in style with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Among the excited flyers was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow. Isla lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and she and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home service for the past year.
Isla’s mum, Georgeta, said: “This flight was so special for us as Isla hasn’t been on a plane since she was a baby and she was always asking me when she can fly again, but because of her condition, it just hasn’t been possible until now.
“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience. We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”
Isla said: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”
Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer at Loganair, said: “This flight has become one of the moments we look forward to most each year.
“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“CHAS is there for families when they need support most, and the generosity of the businesses and people across Glasgow Airport is what makes days like this possible. Five years into our partnership, our commitment to CHAS has never been stronger.
“We’re incredibly proud to play our part, and we’ll continue to find new ways to raise vital funds, support the charity and, most importantly, help families make memories together.”
The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, supported by AGS, ground handling team Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
In 2024, Loganair added a voluntary £2 donation option to online bookings, raising further funds for CHAS, and the airline also supports CHAS at Home, the charity’s outreach service that flies nurses to families in remote island communities. The service made 1476 visits in the last year. Since 2021, Loganair has raised over £100,000 for CHAS, supporting its work with families across Scotland.
Aimee Russell, senior partnership executive at CHAS said: “For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs. Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure.
“Experiences like this mean so much to the families we support, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Loganair and their partner organisations for making this incredible flight possible once again.”
Loganair operates more than 70 routes across the UK and Europe, proudly serving communities across Scotland and further afield for over 60 years with initiatives including its GreenSkies Community Fund, which has seen Loganair donate over £120,000 to sustainable projects since its inception in 2021.
For further information on the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, visit: https://www.chas.org.uk/
Sign up for Scotland’s Wee Read
7th OCTOBER 2026
Will you join us for a Wee Read?
On 7 October 2026, people across Scotland will come together for one shared moment to celebrate the joy of reading and the positive difference it can make to our wellbeing, learning and everyday lives.
Local arrests following drug raids
POLICE have recovered drugs with an estimated street value of over £1.4 million in Edinburgh and Uphall.
On Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, officers executed warrants at addresses in the Leith, Granton and the Uphall areas where cannabis, cocaine and a six-figure sum of cash were seized.
Two men aged 37 and 62 were arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 52-year-old man was arrested and released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery highlights our commitment to tackling dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities.
“We are determined to protect the public from this harmful criminality by disrupting the drugs trade and preventing them being circulated on the streets of Scotland.
“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.
“Information from the public is crucial. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
National funding roadshow heads to Scotland after unlocking more than £10m for UK businesses
Scotland’s most ambitious businesses are set to gain direct access to funders, investors and expert advisers when the national FUEL roadshow arrives in Edinburgh this September, building on the success of the first two events which have already generated a funding pipeline of more than £10 million for UK businesses.
On Thursday 24th September, hundreds of ambitious business owners will descend on Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium for a day of pre-arranged meetings with lenders, investors and business advisers, giving the nation’s SMEs the opportunity to explore funding options, receive expert guidance and build the relationships needed to accelerate growth.
The roadshow follows successful events in the North East and Yorkshire, where businesses took part in hundreds of one-to-one meetings with finance providers. Many of those conversations have already resulted in significant investment potential, with more than £10 million in funding now expected to flow into businesses across the two regions.
Rather than a traditional exhibition, FUEL has been designed as a practical event that removes many of the barrier’s businesses face when raising finance. Every attendee is triaged, and if appropriate, matched with relevant funders and advisers before the event, ensuring each meeting is tailored to their ambitions and funding requirements.
For business leaders that are unsure of which funding option is right for them or are not yet ready to seek finance, workshops are also available throughout the day which are designed to build confidence, develop investor and finance readiness and connect them to advisers who can help them on their journey.
Businesses attending FUEL Scotland will have the opportunity to meet representatives from a broad mix of funding organisations, from high street banks and specialist commercial lenders to alternative finance providers and investors.
Confirmed organisations include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Allica Bank, Scottish Enterprise, Creative UK, Maven, DSL Business Finance, The FSE Group and more, offering delegates the chance to explore funding options tailored to businesses at every stage of growth.
Delivered by business support and funding specialists, UMi, FUEL builds on almost two decades of helping businesses navigate funding, unlock investment and access expert advice. Since 2007, UMi has helped businesses secure more than £1 billion in grants, loans and private investment.
Nicki Clark OBE, CEO of UMi, said: “The response to FUEL has exceeded our expectations. Businesses have told us they value being able to speak directly with the people making funding decisions, while funders have welcomed the opportunity to meet ambitious companies that are ready to grow.
“With more than £10 million expected to be unlocked through our first two events, we’re excited to bring that momentum to Scotland, whether a business is looking to invest in innovation, expand its workforce or overcome cashflow challenges, FUEL is designed to make accessing finance, simpler, faster and far less daunting.”
Cameron Gordon, Accelerator Community Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we know that access to the right support is crucial for businesses to succeed.
For time-poor business owners, however, knowing what help is out there and what is best for their circumstances is not always clear. Through our Accelerator, we support a growing community of more than 30,000 entrepreneurs across the UK, and I am pleased that the Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting UMi’s FUEL roadshows, building on this work to champion small businesses and help them find the right support at the right time.”
Small Business Minister Lord Leong said: “One of the biggest challenges facing small businesses in Scotland is securing the right finance at the right time to invest, expand and create the good jobs local people deserve.
“That is why we are proud to support roadshows such as FUEL, which bring practical advice, specialist expertise and potential funding partners directly to founder-led and owner-managed businesses. By helping entrepreneurs understand their options, become investment-ready and access finance suited to their ambitions, FUEL helps turn growth plans into reality.
“Alongside this, we are working with the British Business Bank to increase the supply of finance across every region and nation of the UK. Our message to ambitious business owners is clear: wherever you are based and whatever your background, we want to help you overcome the barriers to growth, fulfil your potential and build the successful businesses and good jobs of the future.”
FUEL roadshows will be taking place throughout the UK at the following locations:
- Edinburgh – Thursday 24 September – Murrayfield Stadium
- London – December – Excel
- Birmingham – TBC
- Manchester – TBC
- Cardiff – TBC
Business owners interested in attending any of the events above can book tickets, or register their interest in future events, via the website: www.fuelroadshow.co.uk.