– Attraction cuts summer ticket prices by 12.5% to support families, with discounted tickets available to book now –
Popular Royal Mile attraction, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, is helping families make the most of the summer holidays by reducing ticket prices throughout the season as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative.
Discounted tickets are available to book now via Camera Obscura’s website for visits between 25 June to 1 September 2026, giving visitors the opportunity to secure savings ahead of the busy holiday period.
As one of the first attractions to make discounted tickets available through the scheme, Camera Obscura is supporting efforts to help more people enjoy memorable days out and discover the best of the UK’s visitor attractions this summer.
In addition to the initiative, the attraction will also honour the discounted rates for visitors who have already booked to visit during the eligible period, with refunds on the difference due to begin processing.
A family of four visiting during the summer holidays could save more than £10 compared to standard admission prices.
Reduced ticket prices include:
Adult tickets reduced from £24.95 to £21.85
Senior/Student tickets reduced from £21.95 to £19.20
Child tickets reduced from £17.95 to £15.70
Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura said; “The summer holidays are a time for making memories together, and we’re pleased to support an initiative that encourages people to get out, explore and experience some of the fantastic attractions available across the UK.
“We know families are continuing to think carefully about the cost of days out, particularly during the long summer holidays, which is why we look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to enjoy our interactive exhibits, rooftop views and unique experiences throughout the season.”
The announcement follows a strong start to the summer for Camera Obscura, which was recently named one of the UK’s top three attractions by Which? and awarded Recommended Provider status.
The consumer champion praised the attraction’s interactive experiences, hands-on exhibits and family-friendly appeal, reinforcing its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading visitor attractions.
Health Secretary welcomes sustained rise in activity
New figures show the number of operations carried out in the 12 months to April 2026 increased by 7.3% compared to the same period the year before.
New statistics from Public Health Scotland show a total of 281,115 operations were performed during the last 12 months, while 770 operations were carried out per day – an increase from 718 for year ending April 2025.
The increase in activity comes as latest waiting times statistics show new outpatient waits of over a year have decreased for 11 consecutive months and inpatient and daycase waits over a year reducing for 15 months in a row.
This is in addition to new figures which show Scottish Government pledges on extra appointments have been surpassed – the promise to provide 150,000 additional appointments last year has been exceeded, with latest data showing 168,177 additional appointments and procedures were carried out in the financial year up to March 2026 compared to same period in the previous year.
In the first 9 months of 2025-26, 34,089 procedures were carried out in National Treatment Centres, surpassing the commitment to see planned activity increasing to over 30,000.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am pleased to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out. Coupled with our continued progress to reduce waiting times, these latest figures show our plan is delivering for Scotland.
“I thank all NHS staff for their continued hard work and dedication – teams all across the country are driving this progress.
“We have delivered on our pledge to provide 150,000 additional appointments last year and our NTCs activity has surpassed our target already this year – our NHS is turning a corner and we are determined to build on this progress and ensure people are receiving the treatment they need as soon as possible.”
The programme includes a commitment of over £111m for housebuilding in 2026-27, contributing to the development of around 4275 new affordable houses over the next 5 years. This is the first year of a major intervention to address the housing emergency through the allocation of a total £1.3 billion to deliver settled homes over five years.
Amongst the housebuilding projects being progressed under the programme are: the design of homes to replace Oxcars Court and Inchmickery Court; new developments at Murrayburn, Greendykes, Burdiehouse and Powderhall; and neighbourhood redevelopment at Granton Waterfront.
The budget is inclusive of £18.3m allotted to acquiring homes from private developers to help boost settled accommodation while £2.5m will be spent bringing empty homes up to a lettable standard.
Almost £70m will support improvements across the city’s high-rise blocks, from significant refurbishment as part of the Council’s retrofit programme to fire safety improvements and window replacements, while £45m is allocated for investment in the Low-Rise estate. This will focus on essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and windows alongside repairs and energy efficiency works as part of Mixed Tenure improvement work.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “In 2023 we became the first city in Scotland to declare a Housing Emergency and we’re still committed to tackling this head-on. The Housing Revenue Account investment programme demonstrates our dedication through a range of ambitious projects to boost our housing stock and improve the standards of our existing estate.
“Like cities and towns across the country we’re facing huge challenges in terms of housing shortages, the cost of living and a rising population. By investing wisely I’m confident that we can and will lessen the impact of these issues and make sure everyone has a safe place to live.”
An additional report to Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, Housing Delivery Strategy – Update, provides further information on the housebuilding programme.
Emma Hokayem, owner of EH Fitness, is taking on an ambitious 100,000-step walking challenge on Saturday 20th June 2026 to raise funds for Redhall Primary School in Edinburgh, the school attended by her son Daniel, who has additional support needs.
The fundraiser, 100,000 Steps for Redhall, aims to raise a minimum of £20,000 to improve vital spaces within the school for children with additional needs.
Funds raised will go towards refurbishing the school’s soft play area, a space that helps children regulate during the school day and release tension in a safe environment, as well as redeveloping the outdoor area into a dedicated outdoor education space for learning, exploration and play.
Emma and a team of supporters will begin the challenge in Balerno at 5am, routing around the outskirts of Edinburgh, down to South Queensferry, across to Musselburgh, then back through Edinburgh city centre before finishing in Balerno at approximately 10pm. The challenge is expected to involve around 17 hours of walking.
Members of the community are invited to join for all or part of the route, with full route details to be shared closer to the event.
Emma Hokayem said: “Redhall is an incredibly special school, and as a parent, I see every day just how important the right environment is for helping children feel safe, supported and able to thrive. Since Daniel started there, our lives have completely changed for the better, and I wanted to do something that could make a real and lasting difference for the school and the children who rely on these spaces every day.
“My goal is to raise at least £20,000 to refurbish the soft play area and create an outdoor education space. I’d love as many people as possible to get involved, whether that’s walking with us on the day, donating, or simply sharing the fundraiser as widely as possible.”
Redhall Primary School relies heavily on grant funding, with its main annual fundraising event being a family BBQ at the end of the school year. This challenge aims to provide meaningful additional support and create a lasting impact for the children and families the school serves.
Strachan House and Queens Manor in Edinburgh will be opening their doors to the local community for an day of coffee and cakes on Saturday 27th June.
Taking place between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cakes prepared by the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home.
Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House, says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”
Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care and dementia care from respite care to long term stays.
Police Scotland has released an image of a man who may be able to assist with an ongoing investigation into a series of housebreaking incidents in Edinburgh.
The incidents took place at residential properties across the city between 4 and 21 April, 2026.
The man officers wish to speak with is described as aged mid-30s to mid-40s, medium to heavy build and clean-shaven. He is believed to speak Spanish and may have a South American accent or use Colombian slang. His most recent clothing includes a baseball cap, waterproof jacket, and an across-the-shoulder bag.
Detective Constable Tom Cunningham said: “We would appeal to the man in the image, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us as soon as possible.
“Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2553 of 21st April 2026.
“Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
ScottishPower is giving its customers the chance of a vital World Cup assist by cutting the cost of their match‑day parties with half‑price electricity for its customers across the UK.
With football fans gathering late into the night in living rooms across the country as Scotland and England go for glory, ScottishPower will kick-off discounted match day bonus hours covering all planned group matches for both nations.
It means ScottishPower customers can focus on the football, not the bills, as they power TVs, sound systems, kitchen appliances and even their party lights for 50% less during the tournament.
The limited-time offer is designed to help customers make the most of the event while keeping energy costs down, with two hours at 50% off per game – so every Scotland and England group match is covered and feels like a win-win.
The bonus hours boost comes in addition to ScottishPower’s existing Power Saver scheme which already sees its customers benefit from being able to choose eight hours of electricity at half price every week, at a time that suits their lifestyle best.
As a business that also generates and distributes power to millions of homes across the country, ScottishPower is preparing for the biggest overnight electricity demand event in its history.
Opening fixtures are already forecast to create an unprecedented overnight surge in electricity demand — during what is normally one of the quietest periods for the network.
Andrew Ward, ScottishPower Customer Business CEO, said: “We know football brings people together and with this offer, customers can enjoy every kick, tackle and goal knowing they’re getting great value at the same time.
“We are continually striving to put our customers in control, and this is a great boost to give them more ways to score even more savings.”
Existing ScottishPower customers will soon be able to opt into the Power Saver World Cup bonus hours initiative, and new customers joining the leading green energy company will be eligible to opt in too.
Key matches included in the offer are (UK kick-off times):
Scotland group games:
Scotland v Haiti – Sunday 14 June, 2:00am (discounted period 0200-0400)
Scotland v Morocco – Friday 19 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)
Scotland v Brazil – Wednesday 24 June, 11:00pm (discounted period 1100-0100)
England group games:
England v Croatia – Wednesday 17 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
England v Ghana – Tuesday 23 June, 9:00pm (discounted period 2100-2300)
England v Panama – Saturday 27 June, 10:00pm (discounted period 2200-0000)
The World Cup deal adds an extra assist to ScottishPower’s existing line-up of customer perks, including Power Saver, which offers customers 8 hours of cheaper electricity at selected times throughout the week.
Power Saver aims to incentivise customers to shift their electricity use away from peak periods to times when overall demand on the grid is lower, helping to balance energy supply more efficiently. By moving usage to off-peak hours, customers can benefit from cost savings while supporting a more stable and sustainable energy system.
ScottishPower is the only energy provider giving customers control over when they benefit from discounted periods.
To take advantage of the special Power Saver World Cup Bonus Offer, you need to be a ScottishPower electricity customer with a communicating smart meter and consent to half-hourly readings being automatically shared.
Customers should download the SP app and switch on notifications to receive alerts ahead of the World Cup kicking off to opt in for their two hours 50% discount covering Scotland and England matches.
Usage savings will appear as ‘Power Saver Credit’ on a customer’s bill or statement in line with normal billing process. Daily standing charge will be charged at normal rates. Eligibility criteria, exclusions, and T&Cs apply.
National Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement shines a spotlight on personal development achievements beyond exam results
Eleven Edinburgh pupils receive award out of 2,000 national programme participants
A group of S5 and S6 pupils from Edinburgh have received recognition for developing the skills Scotland’s employers value most – including teamwork, communication and problem-solving – at a national awards ceremony celebrating exceptional achievement this week.
Eleven pupils from Portobello High School, Liberton High School, St Augustine’s RC High School, Craigroyston Community High School and Drummond Community High School were selected as part of a Scotland-wide cohort in recognition of the remarkable personal growth, resilience and workplace-readiness they demonstrated whilst completing the Powering Futures Challenge Programme – a SCQF Level-6 qualification which sees pupils work in teams to tackle real-life challenges set by business and industry partners.
Through the programme, pupils develop practical workplace skills while strengthening links with locally-based mentors working in Scottish businesses.
Millie Williams, Sophie Morrison, Sira Johnston, Michelle Ogheneme and Charlotte Reid (pictured above) were among over 2,000 young people nationwide to take part in the Powering Futures Challenge Programme created to celebrate achievements that go beyond traditional academic attainment.
While over 2,000 pupils nationally undertook the Powering Futures Schools Challenge Qualification, the Edinburgh award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme – with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers.
The Ken Muir Awards for Exceptional Achievement were launched in June 2025.
Professor Ken Muir of the University of the West of Scotland – after whom the awards are named – has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education. As a key contributor to the 2023 report, It’s Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland’s system of education, including preparing learners better for the world of work.
Professor Muir said:“We need a culture and mindset shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, examination grades are important – but these Awards, and the ethos of the Powering Futures Schools Challenge Programme overall, is about reimagining what success looks like by valuing and recognising achievement in every sense of the word.
“Whether that is developing communication skills, learning to work in a team, or building confidence in presenting an idea, I am delighted to present these Awards to pupils who demonstrate the immense value of Powering Futures’ exciting and motivating learner-centered approach.”
Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “We are delighted to celebrate this year’s Ken Muir Award winners, recognising the immense personal growth and achievement they have demonstrated this academic year.
“By connecting these young people directly with Scottish business and industry through a hands-on approach, we are not only celebrating their success but actively opening up vital career pathways and empowering them to confidently shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Scotland.”
The Home Secretary gave an oral statement to the House of Commons yesterday (2 June)
With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement about the murder of Henry Nowak.
Last December, Henry – aged just 18 – was a first-year university student with his life ahead of him. He was kind, hard-working, loved by his family and friends. His murder – at the hands of Vickrum Digwa – was a horrifying act.
Digwa murdered Henry and then lied about him, as he lay dying, falsely accusing him of racism. It was an evil act and I know the thoughts of the whole House will now be with Henry’s family and his friends just as mine are.
What they have been through is heart-breaking and for most of us, unimaginable. I know nothing can take their pain and loss away, but yesterday, we saw some measure of justice. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment. He will serve a minimum term of 21 years.
His mother, Kiran Kaur, has been convicted of “assisting an offender”. She is due to be sentenced on 17 July and today, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised further charges against other members of the attackers’ family with further sentencing and possible charges pending. We must be cautious still in what we say about this case so that we do not place any proceedings at risk.
However, I can and must pay tribute today to the dignified and powerful words of the Nowak family, in the statement they gave after yesterday’s sentencing. They deserve answers. They deserve answers, in particular, about what happened on that awful night and the actions of the police officers who arrived on the scene.
I expect many in this House and many more across this country have now seen the police officer’s bodycam footage, released last night. It is, without question, a disturbing and tragic thing to see.
People are rightly asking questions about how the situation was handled and they are shocked, and disquieted, to hear Henry’s words: “I can’t breathe.”
I know that it is difficult to wait any longer for answers but there is a proper process to assess whether there have been incidents of police misconduct led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct – the IOPC. They will determine what could and should have been done differently. They will determine what action may need to be taken against individual officers.
The family yesterday called on me and I quote: “To ensure the IOPC has the resources, authority and independence it needs to conduct a full, fearless and transparent investigation.” I can confirm to you today that we will do so. The IOPC will be equipped and encouraged to act, to find the truth and to ensure, if necessary, that there are consequences.
There have been accusations, I know, of two-tier policing: That one community has been prioritised over another. It will be for the IOPC to determine the facts with regards to this specific case and I cannot and will not comment on them, but let me say this on the question of preferential treatment more widely. The police in this country have a sacred duty: To police without fear or favour.
Everyone in this country is equal before the law. It is the promise upon which our whole justice system rests and the equality of every citizen is the foundation on which the openness, tolerance and generosity of this country rests.
Let me also be clear about one other thing – a dangerous undercurrent that I have seen in the reaction to this awful crime. Threats against police officers are utterly unacceptable. There can be no justification for intimidation, abuse or attempts to take the law into one’s own hands.
A police officer, unrelated to this case, has been misidentified online and subjected to death threats. He has been forced to relocate, to protect himself and his family. Misinformation and inflammatory commentary is making a dreadful situation even worse. We must all, together, condemn it and we must allow the facts to be established through the appropriate investigations and the courts. We must do so calmly and responsibly.
The Nowak family, and Henry’s memory, deserve answers. They have also called on us all to take action: action to address the daily tragedy of knife crime in this country. This government is committed to halving knife crime in this decade.
Since the start of this Parliament, we have made progress: knife crime has fallen by 10%, Knife homicides are down 27%, at their lowest level in a decade. Clearly, we must do more, while there are still tragedies like this one. For that reason, we have recently published our Halving Knife Crime Plan. It sets out how we will go further to drive sustained reductions in violence. It brings together action across government and across society to stop people from turning to knife crime and to ensure perpetrators are caught and brought to justice.
Amongst a range of measures, this will see: Schools and families supported to address the root causes of knife crime through the establishment of 50 Young Futures Hubs; police using new crime mapping tools to target enforcement more precisely; and making better use of Stop and Search and cruel and exploitative drug gangs stopped from criminally exploiting children, preventing the knife violence driven by the county lines trade.
In relation to knife controls, there have been calls to limit the right of Sikh’s to carry their ceremonial knife, the kirpan – one of the 5 holy items in their faith. The Offensive Weapons Act of 2019, passed under the previous government, clarified and strengthened existing legal protections in relation to long kirpans. This included extending defences so that kirpans can be lawfully possessed for religious reasons and used in religious and ceremonial contexts.
Let me be clear: carrying a knife for the purpose of religious observance is one thing. Using it, as so tragically occurred in this case, is quite another: it is a vile act. A crime of the utmost severity and it will be met with the severest punishment.
Yesterday, the Nowak family ended their statement with a powerful call to us all. I quote: “We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.” They quoted the words of the prosecuting lawyer and I quote again: “This is not a case about Sikhism. This is not a case about racism. This is a case about murder.”
I echo those words. We cannot allow this murder to turn communities against one another. We must condemn those who seek personal political profit from tragedy.
Instead, we must show who we really are in this country. This was a murder: a vile and violent crime. The punishment must be reserved for those who are responsible for the act. We do not believe in collective punishment in this country.
Instead, we stand together against an act of pure evil. We condemn those who committed this heinous crime, not all those who share their faith or their ethnicity.
Yesterday, a sentence was handed down in court. I know it will never be enough. The loss felt by Henry Nowak’s family and friends will last forever. A wonderful young man will never enjoy the promise of the life that stretched out before him.
The evil acts of his murderer and accomplice will never be undone. But we can choose to use this moment to pursue positive change. We are still limited in what we can say: there is a sentence to be handed down and further charges may follow and there is an IOPC investigation ongoing.
I call on everyone here to be responsible in this moment, to allow justice to run its full course. However, while we must be limited in what we say, we must not be limited in how we act.
I will end with the words of the Nowak family, once more. Last night, they wrote that “no other family should experience the heartbreak and horror of losing a child to knife crime.”
Let that be the challenge to us all. Across this House, across government and across society.
It is the very least we can do to honour the memory of Henry Nowak.
I commend this statement to the House.
Speaking after the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, Mark Nowak, Henry’s father, said the family did not want his death “to be used to create further division, hatred or tension”.
Despite this appeal and the Home Secretary’s words there were ugly scenes in Southampton last night when a large crowd gathered to protest over the murder. Missiles were thrown and violence flared as angry demonstrators clashed with riot police on the streets near Digwa’s family home.
Two people have been arrested so far and more are expected to follow as police review drone footage.
Commenting on the incident, Home Secretary said: “The scenes this evening in Portswood are completely unacceptable.
“The Nowak family made a powerful call to us all yesterday to not let Henry’s death be used to create further division, hatred or tension.
“There can be no justification for hijacking this tragedy to stir up violence and disorder. Those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law.
“I thank the police who have tonight shown great bravery and calm in the face of disgraceful violence directed at them.”
