The crime of buying booze for youngsters came under the spotlight in Kilmarnock this week (July 29th).
Scottish Community Safety Minister Kirsten Oswald MSP visited the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock to see for herself how retailers, alcohol producers and Police Scotland have come together to drive home the message that buying alcohol for under-18s could land someone a fine, jail time or both.
The “It’ll Cost You’ Campaign is delivered by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership, Police Scotland and Community Alcohol Partnerships.
The event at the Asda Superstore in Kilmarnock demonstrated the unique partnership working between the alcohol industry, retailers, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the police in tackling underage drinking and youth disorder.
Asking an adult to buy alcohol for under 18s is one of the most common tactics used by young people to access alcohol. It’s an offence in Scotland for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for someone who is under the age of 18.
This is known as proxy purchase. Adults who buy alcohol for children may face a fine of up to £5,000 or three months in jail. The campaign raises awareness of the damaging effects and criminal nature of buying alcohol for under 18s.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald said:“It was valuable to see first-hand how the ‘It’ll Cost You’ campaign brings together retailers, Police Scotland, Community Alcohol Partnerships and the alcohol industry to tackle proxy purchasing and help prevent underage drinking.
“Buying alcohol for anyone under 18 is a criminal offence and could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. It can put young people at risk of harm, increase their vulnerability, and contribute to antisocial behaviour.
“While awareness is growing, proxy purchasing remains an issue in our communities and I urge anyone considering it to think carefully about the consequences for themselves and the young person involved.”
Chief Inspector Michelle Grant, Police Scotland said: “When young people access alcohol, it can become a factor in violence and increased vulnerability. Buying alcohol for underage people is dangerous and it’s a criminal offence which can result in a fine, a prison sentence, or both. Don’t buy alcohol for young people.”
Grace O’Keeffe, Corporate Affairs Manager Asda said: “Asda is pleased to be supporting the ‘It’ll Cost You’ proxy purchase campaign.
“As a responsible retailer we want to play our part in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Luke McGarty, Scottish Grocers’ Federation, added: “The success of initiatives such as Challenge 25 have helped reduce the number of direct sales of alcohol to under 18s, but young people are increasingly accessing alcohol by other means.
“Asking an adult to buy alcohol for them is one of the most common tactics used. The It’ll Cost You campaign helps to tackle this.”
Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership, said:“Proxy purchase continues to be a challenge across Scotland.
“This campaign highlights the dangers and penalties that can result from adults buying alcohol for young people.”
4th August at Bird & Blend stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow
Bird & Blend Tea Co. Celebrates Tea-rrific A-Level and GCSE Results Days in Scotlandwith a Free Iced Matcha Worth £5.25 for Students and Teachers on 4th August at Bird & Blend Edinburgh & Glasgow
It’s time to sip back and relax – A-Level and GCSE results day has arrived!
To celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of the Class of 2026, Bird & Blend Tea Co. is treating students and their hard working and deserving teachers to a free iced Superstar Matcha, worth £5.25, on A-Level and GCSE Results Day.
Whether you’re celebrating smashing your goals or simply making it through the exam season, Bird & Blend believes every student and their teachers deserve a moment to pause, refresh and celebrate. Pop into your nearest store and enjoy a matcha on us.
Date & Time
Tuesday 4th August 2026 11:00am – 5:00pm
Location
Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores:
Edinburgh, 89 Rose Street, EH2 3DT
Glasgow, 215 Byres Road, G12 8UD
Offer Details
Claim a free iced Superstar Matcha latte, worth £5.25, by showing your A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID at the till, or TRN/school staff badge.
Offer is for an Iced Superstar Matcha only.
One free drink per person.
The offer is available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Terms & Conditions
Offer available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. In-store only.
Redeemable between 11:00am and 5:00pm on Tuesday 4th August 2026 only.
No cash alternative. Drink choice subject to availability. One free drink per person.
A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID, or a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) or school staff badge must be presented to redeem the offer.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Giants Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Until 14 Sep Tickets from £13
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Scotland’s First Warriors Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Until 16 May 2027 Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh 7 & 14 Aug Tickets from £26
The sell out Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs.
Deaf Families Museum Takeover 7 Aug 11:00–15:00 Free, booking required
As part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival and in partnership with Deaf Action, join us for a day of activities for deaf families throughout the museum. Designed for families with children ages 0 – 11, the day will feature a range of free activities for different age groups, including sensory play, crafts, BSL storytelling, object handling, creative activities and family-friendly experiences inspired by the museum’s collections.
BSL Tour: Giants Exhibition Gallery 1 13 Aug 14:00 Tickets from £13, concessions available
Meet the colossal creatures that lived after the dinosaurs on a Deaf-led tour of ‘Giants’. Through life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and hands-on experiences, discover ten enormous prehistoric giants with tour guide, Babs Brown.
Creative Workshop: Egyptian Ceramics 22 Aug Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
Explore Egyptian pottery with writer and ceramicist Mohamed Tonsy. Create your own decorative piece, inspired by historical objects from the National Collection. Mohamed will be joined by one of our Curators of the Ancient Mediterranean, who will share their knowledge about Egyptian objects in the collection.
Magic Carpet Sep 7, 14, 21 10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30 Tickets from £4 per session
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Creative Workshop: Drawing the Earth 12 Sep 12:30–16:30 Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
In this workshop, led by geologist and illustrator Vojta Hybl, you will explore the rock cycle – the process by which rocks change from one type to another.
2026 marks 300 years since James Hutton’s birth. Often credited as the father of modern geology, Hutton’s ideas about deep time changed how understood the age of the Earth.
Vojta will combine scientific knowledge of geology with a range of creative approaches to demonstrate just how dynamic rocks can be.
You will visit some of our collections inspired by James Hutton, to encourage your drawing as a new way into understanding geology.
The Sunday Sketch 20 Sep & 25 Oct 14:00 – 16:00 Tickets from £13
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Creative Workshop: Drop Spinning 26 Sep 10:30-12:30 Tickets from £50, Members and concessions available
Join Nic DeRushie, researcher and living educator, for this inspirational and practical workshop around traditional spinning techniques. There will be the opportunity to make spindles and learn the basics of spinning using Scottish heritage breed fleeces. Learn about yarn plying and explore projects that can be done using a small amount of hand-spun yarn.
In Conversation: Understanding Prehistoric Lives Beyond Conflict 26 Sep 14:30-16:00 Tickets from £10
The exhibition curator of ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’, Dr Matthew Knight, is joined by Tristan Hughes, television presenter, author and history podcast host, and Nicole DeRushie, historian and author of ‘Bog Fashion’, to discuss the archaeological evidence that tells us about life beyond conflict in prehistoric Scotland.
Music at the Museum 27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027 11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15 Free, drop-in
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Find out Fridays 4 Sep – 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00 Free, drop-in
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 10:30–12:00 Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
National Museums Collection Centre 242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours 25 Aug, 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30 Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making 22 & Sun 23 Aug Tickets from £95
Choose from two full-day basket making workshops at the National Museum of Rural Life. Each workshop led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson features a different style of basket to make and take home. In the Saturday workshop make a traditional berry picking basket. In the Sunday workshop, make a beautiful Zarzo flower gathering basket.
Working Animal Day 12 Sep 10:30-16:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a fun-filled celebration of working animals at the National Museum of Rural Life. See amazing outdoor displays from sheepdog training experts Glen and Jan Welsh, and specialist dog stunt team Les Amis d’Onno. Then head inside the museum for themed crafts and family storytelling.
Tractor Tots 18 & 21 Sep, 2 and 5 Oct Learning Centre £25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 7 Aug & 11 Sep 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In August, Eilidh MacKenzie will discuss ‘The Work of Poppy Scotland’ and in September, Elaine Edwards will discuss ‘The Work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.’
Escape From France Puzzle Room Until 7 Aug (weekdays only) 11:30-16:00 Free with museum admission, drop-in
Work together as a family in the puzzle room and see if you’ve got what it takes to escape from France. Can you disguise yourself, speak French well enough to fool a German and find the right money to pay your rail fare to the coast?
Sensory Sunday: National Museum of Flight 9 Aug 11:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families can explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.
Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun, hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during the session. Attendees can take their time exploring the museum as a family before and after the session.
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Doors Open Days 26 & 27 Sep 10:00-17:00 Free, booking essential
Visit the museum for free over Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic experiences and our historic hangars and airfield.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for child sexual offences across Scotland.
Ross Jameson was sentenced today (Friday, 31 July, 2026) at the High Court in Edinburgh for indecently communicating and grooming eight girls, aged between nine and 15, throughout 2025.
He contacted the girls using a mobile phone app, and coerced them to take part in sexual acts and send indecent images and videos of themselves.
He pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 10 February, 2025.
Detective Constable Fergus Kelly said: “Jameson is a depraved individual who gave no thought to his victims, using them only for his sexual gratification.
“These girls were extremely vulnerable and Jameson groomed and abused them. I hope this sentence brings them and their families some comfort.
“I want to acknowledge the strength of all the girls who provided information to police in this case. Jameson’s conviction is down to them.
“Police Scotland takes all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of the passage of time.
“We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crime and protecting children from harm and abuse. We will use all available resources to find and arrest the abusers.
“I would urge anyone who is a victim of abuse to speak to police in the knowledge you will be listened to, taken seriously and fully supported.”
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service, a lifeguard installation is being installed in St Andrew Square today – Lifeguard Appreciation Day, (Friday 31st July 2026).
Launching in 2001, following a successful pilot scheme in South-West England, over over 245 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards.
RNLI lifeguards were first introduced in Scotland on Coldingham Bay in 2013, and the team has been expanding ever since. They can now be found on 8 Scottish beaches throughout the summer season.
Since the service began in Scotland, RNLI lifeguards have saved 8 lives, aided more than 3,500 people, responded to over 2,400 incidents and carried out more than 560,000 preventative actions.
RNLI lifeguards are best known for rescuing people in difficulty in the water, but much of their work takes place before an incident ever develops.
Around 95% of a lifeguard’s role is prevention, from advising swimmers about rip currents and changing conditions to helping families stay safe on the beach and reuniting lost children with their parents.
Lachlan Edwards, Lead Lifeguard Supervisor, says: “International Lifeguard Day is an opportunity to celebrate our fantastic and dedicated lifeguard team, both past and present.
“We have a team of around 40 lifeguards, including volunteer lifeguards, who help keep the public safe and well informed. They not only work across our eight beaches, providing casualty care, support and carrying out rescues, they also work in local primary schools and help educate communities on water safety at events throughout the year.
“Having been part of the team since 2015 I have seen first-hand how the service in Scotland has grown and the impact our lifeguards have had is remarkable. We look forward to growing the team further and continuing to provide this lifesaving service.”
Owen McQueenie is a senior lifeguard who joined the service in 2019, inspired by his dad, Martin, and older sister, Tamsin, who were both RNLI lifeguards.
Owen says: ‘Being part of the lifeguard team is incredibly rewarding. I have always loved being in and around the water and surfing with my family, so being able to do this as a job, while helping to protect the public is really awesome.
‘I was inspired by my dad and sister to get involved with the RNLI lifeguard team. It’s great to work in the same field as my family and be able to share our experiences after our shifts. They were a huge support when I became a senior lifeguard, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.’
Owen recently assisted two girls who were caught by the wind on their paddleboard at Coldingham Bay and safely guided them back to the shore.
As families continue to enjoy the coast this summer, the RNLI is encouraging people to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible and to swim between the red and yellow flags.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach, visit rnli.org/lifeguardedbeach.
Recent rainfall has improved river conditions in parts of Scotland, with several catchments moving to lower levels of water scarcity. However, prolonged dry conditions mean rivers across much of eastern Scotland remain under significant pressure, with four catchments continuing to experience Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows that the Lunan Water, Lower Don, North Fife and Fife East Neuk remain in Significant Scarcity. If river flows remain exceptionally low, Tay Estuary North, the River Teviot and Ettrick Water could also move to this level over the coming week.
This week’s assessment does show improvements in the south and west of the country. The Lower Tweed, Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal catchments in the Scottish Borders have recovered enough to come out of Significant Scarcity, though the area does remain in Moderate Scarcity.
Doon, Irvine and Ayr have improved to Early Warning, while Argyll Coast, Loch Linnhe and Lochy (Inverness-shire) have returned to Normal Conditions.
However, conditions continue to deteriorate elsewhere. The Spey, Ythan and Dee (Aberdeen) have moved to Moderate Water Scarcity, while the Forth has moved to Alert.
Although rain is forecast over the coming days it is too early to know whether it will provide enough sustained rainfall to restore river flows in the catchments currently under pressure.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Recent rainfall has brought welcome improvements in some parts of Scotland. However, many rivers, particularly across eastern Scotland, continue to experience the impacts of prolonged dry weather, with some recording exceptionally low flows for the time of year.
“It’s encouraging to see improvements in some catchments, but recovery does not happen overnight. A river’s level may improve enough to move out of significant water scarcity while the wider catchment remains under pressure.
“Even though we’ve seen some rain, it doesn’t always reach the areas that need it most, and even when it does it may not be enough to restore river flows after a prolonged dry period. How rivers respond depends on the right amount of rain, in the right place, at the right time
“We assess conditions every day and update water scarcity levels as the evidence changes. You can keep up to date with this changing picture on our website using our Drought Risk Assessment Tool. Our weekly report will continue to provide the national picture,”
SEPA’s water scarcity assessments reflect conditions across each catchment, taking account of rainfall, river flows and soil moisture. Significant Scarcity is different. It is triggered when river flows remain below the recognised Q95 low-flow threshold for a prolonged period, indicating increased pressure on rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions remain in place in catchments affected by Significant Water Scarcity and will be lifted as soon as measured river conditions recover.
SEPA continue to monitor conditions daily using its Drought Risk Assessment Tool, with decisions based on measured environmental conditions rather than rainfall forecasts or fixed dates.
The Prime Minister has launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving England’s communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area
Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation
Mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so communities directly benefit when their economy grows, with new powers for communities still on the road to devolution
Taking a tried and tested approach nationwide – delivering better transport, more homes and skills training matched to local jobs
The Prime Minister yesterday launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.
As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time.
This means when places create jobs and grow their economies, they will now keep more of the rewards – giving local leaders new powers to invest in what matters most locally.
The government wants every community to benefit from stronger local decision-making. Areas without a mayor will still be supported to establish strategic authorities and gain greater control over local priorities.
In his second week in office, the Prime Minister told his Cabinet that it is time to launch a new era of devolution – taking power and decision-making out of SW1 and putting it closer to people’s lives.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I said we’d take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country. Today, we make good on that promise.
“Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community. Soon, every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.
“I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. I’m not going to make that same mistake now I’m PM.
“The whole of government will now pull together behind the people and places that desperately need our support. This is how we’ll bring back hope and bring power home to you.”
The plans will end the Whitehall-first culture that has held back local areas for decades, forcing departments to justify why powers should stay in Westminster rather than be handed to local leaders.
By shifting power, funding and decision-making closer to people, the changes will give every part of the country the tools to create strong local economies, improve public services and shape its own future.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “The people who best understand what skills employers want, what transport an area needs and where investment can make the biggest difference are those who live there.
“For the first time we’re giving Mayors a share of income tax so communities directly benefit when their economy grows – passing power out of Westminster and driving growth in every postcode.
“This is the way we start to build new hope and advance the working people of this country.”
From next spring, mayors will begin retaining a greater share of locally generated revenues, starting with business rates. Further details on this and on income tax retention will be set out in a roadmap at the Budget and will be underpinned by the government’s firm commitment to fiscal discipline.
Over time, local areas will move away from dependence on Whitehall grants and towards funding that rewards local growth.
The ambition is to extend the benefits of devolution across the whole UK, working with devolved governments and local leaders to give communities more control over their future.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “This is the first step in our plan to rewire this country and build a better future, where power is no longer hoarded in Westminster but is put back in the hands of local people – where it belongs.
“Our devolution revolution is about bringing an end to the begging-bowl culture of the past, and instead making sure our local leaders have the tools they need to drive the change that communities have been crying out for.
“We need every region to be firing on all cylinders if we want good growth in every postcode, and we will do everything in our power to make that a reality.”
The reforms will be driven by a strengthened No10 North operation, working with mayors, local leaders and other partners to remove barriers to growth, accelerate delivery and ensure government is better connected to communities across the country.
Local leaders will gain greater control over the services that shape people’s lives, including housing, transport, skills, employment support and public services.
This includes powers to:
Bring rail and bus services under greater local control, helping introduce integrated ticketing and more reliable services.
Build more homes where they’re needed and unlock stalled development sites by giving local leaders stronger planning and regeneration powers and more devolved funding.
Give more control over large local transport schemes, trams and metros to Mayors by removing and streamlining Whitehall.
Give mayors control over 16-19 funding and employment support, so young people can train for the jobs local employers need and people out of work can get tailored support back into employment.
Back local industries and innovative businesses, and attract investment, creating more well-paid jobs.
Where power is devolved, Whitehall resource will follow, giving devolved leaders the resources they need to drive change closer to home
Reforms will remove barriers that prevent locally led transport projects from going ahead, handing over new planning powers for mayors and give local areas greater flexibility over how funding is spent.
Under a new “local first” principle, ministers will be expected to justify why powers should remain in Whitehall rather than being devolved.
The United Kingdom has invested less in its future than any other G7 country over the past three decades. Giving local leaders greater control over funding and investment decisions will help unlock opportunities that have too often been overlooked by a Whitehall-led approach.
The Prime Minister believes the country’s towns, cities and communities can drive far more growth and opportunity if they are given the tools to do so.
Where local leaders have been trusted with greater responsibility, they have already delivered results:
In West Yorkshire, a Housing Investment Fund of up to £334 million is helping unlock land for development and bring forward stalled sites, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes.
In the Liverpool City Region, local leaders are transforming transport through the rollout of Tap and Go ticketing on Merseyrail, bringing the bus network into local control later this year and taking rail services back into public ownership by 2028.
In the North East, 65,000 residents have been supported to gain qualifications, opening up new employment opportunities in sectors including construction and childcare.
The UK cannot rely on success in a small number of places alone. By giving more communities the tools to succeed, these reforms will help spread opportunity more widely, raise living standards and ensure more people feel the benefits of economic success in their everyday lives.
As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.
Following the recent wildfire in Holyrood Park, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has warned that the growing numbers of major wildfires seen across Scotland and Europe highlights the urgent need to recognise the scale of the climate emergency and strengthen efforts to tackle its causes.
Recent weeks have seen devastating wildfires spread across parts of Spain and France, while Scotland has also experienced significant blazes, including within the Cairngorms National Park.
These incidents are evidence of a new and worrying trend of hotter, drier conditions resulting in an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
We are also seeing an increase in fires in habitats that used to be much more resilient to such events.
Wildfires have a long-lasting impact on the affected areas causing lasting damage to natural habitats, threatening wildlife and releases large amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere. They also pose a significant risk to the safety of the communities who live in their vicinity of such fires.
France is currently seeing the largest peacetime evacuation in its history and Bordeaux, a city with a million people living in its urban area, is threatened with destruction.
Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The fire that occurred in Holyrood Park was not an isolated incident. Across Europe we can witness the growing consequences of a changing climate. These events serve as a stark warning that the climate emergency is not a future problem, it is happening right now.
“Climate change is creating the conditions for longer periods of hot, dry weather, making destructive wildfires more common and more severe.
“We must respond with the urgency this crisis demands by accelerating our actions to reduce emissions, protect and restore our natural environment and invest in climate adaptation measures that make our communities more resilient.”
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu today:
Carrot and herb soup
Lentil curry
Potato croquette
Garden salad
Chocolate chip bread and butter pudding
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.
And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
