TODAY (10th June) an important new cat welfare law will come into effect – but only for pet cats in England. This new legislation will mean all pet cats in England must be microchipped, ensuring they have the best possible chance to be reunited with their owners if they go missing or are injured.
Cats Protection is campaigning to make sure cats in Scotland are not left behind on this important feline welfare issue. Figures from our Cats and Their Stats report 2023 shows over a quarter of cats in Scotland – around 240,000 – are currently not microchipped.
This means that if they become lost they may never be returned home, and their owners may never know what has happened to them. It also puts a strain on Scottish animal charities, who may end up rehoming stray cats because they’re unable to trace their owner.
Animal welfare is a devolved issue, and we’re urging the Scottish Government to take action to introduce compulsory microchipping of pet cats. In addition to the new law for cats in England, microchipping has been compulsory for dogs in Scotland since 2016.
As a nation of animal lovers, we must ensure that animal welfare standards in Scotland keep up with the rest of the UK.
Police are appealing for information surrounding the disappearance of 14 year old Ibrahim Krubally and 15 year old Abraham Njai, both last seen in the Gorgie area on 6th June. They are believed to be together with Ibrahim briefly being seen yesterday.
Ibrahim is described as 5ft4, black hair, black hoody and joggers, black body warmer and trainers. If seen please contact 101 quoting incident number 3842 of 08/06/24.
Abraham is described as 5ft8, medium build, short black hair, black jumper and black coat, black trainers and two earrings in one ear. If seen please contact 101 quoting incident number 3714 of 09/06/24.
New report reveals reading for enjoyment is at it’s lowest in nearly 20 years
More than 190 Edinburgh children have taken part in storytelling sessions designed to inspire a love of reading, as new research reveals that reading for enjoyment among 8 – 18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest since 2005 – for almost two decades.
According to the National Literacy Trust, reading for enjoyment is proven to build a child’s confidence as well as make them feel happy and relaxed, yet only 41.5% of children and young people from Scotland say they enjoy reading in their free time.
The events have been organised by Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, that aims to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.
Storyteller Luke Winter joins P3, P4 and P5 for Young Reader’s Programme at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Children from Castleview, Niddrie Mill, and Brunstane primary schools enjoyed a performance from a professional storyteller and took part in a range of fun activities including a bookmark making workshop. Each child was also given a book of their choice to take home for free, the third book this year gifted as part of the wider programme.
2024 marks the thirteenth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the programme launched at Fort Kinnaird, it has supported more than 2,700 school children and seen more than 8,200 books donated across Edinburgh.
P4 – Young Reader’s Programme comes to P3, P4 and P5 at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
The Young Readers Programme is especially designed to provide additional support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them better access to books.
The National Literacy Trust research revealed that fewer young people who received free school meals (FSM) said they enjoyed reading when compared to their peers who did not receive free school meals (39.5% FSM vs 43.8% non-FSM).
P4 – Isla 8 and Marcie 8.
Young Reader’s Programme comes to P3, P4 and P5 at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Liam Smith, centre manager at Fort Kinnaird,said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, so we are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Programme and all the local children and families we have been able to support over many years.
“It’s such a rewarding initiative, hearing how the children are inspired by the stories and activities and seeing just how excited they are to take their own book home. This is a programme that really makes a difference and we’re so pleased to be a part of it for another brilliant year.”
Storyteller Luke Winter joins P3, P4 and P5 for Young Reader’s Programme at Niddrie Mill Primary School, Edinburgh.
Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Sparking a love of reading can change a child’s life. It can inspire children’s imagination, provide comfort and escape, build confidence, and support improved literacy skills which are the foundation for all learning.
“Through the Young Readers Programme, we have partnered with British Land for the last 13 years – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting storytelling events, and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions.
“Our goal is to inspire a love of books and reading that will stay with them forever, which in turn will provide them with essential literacy and life skills they need to succeed and reach their own goals.”
A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online plans to walk the Pentland Skyline in Scotland this Saturday (June 15) to raise money for Childline.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, is raising money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk to someone, in confidence, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth, who plans to complete the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends, said: “This walk feels like a positive way of marking a tragic event. It’s happened to us, there’s nothing we can do to change that.
“But it’s comforting to know I’m helping other young people who may be struggling with their mental health in the same way that Sophie was, and it helps to keep her memory alive, which is hugely important to me.
“When you lose a child you are always wondering what they’d be doing now. I’ve watched some of her friends grow up into beautiful young women and men.
“Sophie would have turned 24 this month and I am thinking she would probably have finished university, she might have a job, where would she be living? There’s a whole future that didn’t happen for Sophie.
“I want to do something to help prevent another family from losing a child in such a tragic way.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
This summer Vue is turning back the clock to 1999 by screening seven iconic films from the 20th century’s final year.
With mind-boggling sci-fis, classic teen comedies and animated favourites heading back to the big screen, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Ahead of its time and spawning not one but three sequels, The Matrix will be returning from 8 June. The brainchild of the Wachowskis, it’s hard to believe we were first introduced to Neo and his followers 25 years ago.
Another blockbuster (sand)storming back onto the big screen this summer is The Mummy. Arriving from 6 July, travel back to 1920s Egypt as English librarian Evie, her trickster brother Jonathan and hunky guide Rick accidently unleash a curse which had been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep for centuries.
Arguably one of the most quotable films in movie history, American Pie is also celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The ultimate teen movie, starring the iconic Jennifer Coolidge as Stiffler’s mum, will be gracing Vue from 19 July.
One for the family, Toy Story 2 will be flying back onto screens from 20 July. In Pixar’s classic sequel Buzz and his friends vow to rescue Woody, who finds himself stolen by a toy collector, only to discover the idea of immortality in a museum tempting…
Also returning to the big screen will be sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest (from 21 June) starring Sigourney Weaver, classic rom-com She’s All That (from 29 June) starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and action thriller Deep Blue Sea (from 26 July) starring Samuel L Jackson.
Toby Bradon, general manager at Vue UK & Ireland, said: “Here at Vue we pride ourselves on screening so much more than just blockbusters, as our latest Back on the Big Screen season shows.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since these classic films were first released. We’re thrilled to be sharing them on the big screen, the way they were meant to be seen.”
For more information or to book tickets visit www.myvue.com
Emergency funding to support people affected by severe flooding in Kenya
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has pledged funding of £250,000 to aid charities responding to those affected by the severe flooding in Kenya through the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF).
Oxfam and Islamic Relief will receive £125,000 each to support thousands of families affected by the flooding with their immediate basic needs, including food, shelter and clean water. The funding will also support services to raise awareness and prevent gender-based violence.
Nearly 1.6 million people across East Africa have been affected by recent heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. In Kenya, 315 deaths have been reported and more than 58,000 families are estimated to have been displaced.
Mr Robertson said: “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones and the thousands of families whose homes have been substantially damaged by the severe flooding across Kenya.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing essential assistance to people in need.
“This funding will play an important role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the flooding, including helping to provide access to food, shelter and clean water.”
Oxfam in Kenya’s Humanitarian Lead Mat Cousins said: “The Scottish Government’s contribution is a lifeline for many families in Nairobi’s informal settlements who have lost everything to the floods.
“This funding will not only address immediate needs such as clean water and shelter but also provide crucial support for women and girls facing heightened risks of gender-based violence. We are grateful for this solidarity in such challenging times and hope it inspires other governments to provide similar life-saving support.”
Islamic Relief Regional Community Fundraising Manager Nadeem Baqir added: “This funding will serve as a vital lifeline for the many families impacted by Kenya’s flood crisis, aiding in the recovery and rebuilding of lives and livelihoods.
“The world’s most vulnerable communities are often the first to suffer from climate-related natural disasters, and we are thankful for the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting those in greatest need.”
This election could be the most unequal in 60 years, with people on low incomes being shut out of our democracy.
The #VoteYourValues campaign gives our members access to tools that can help people in their communities get vote-ready.
In a democracy, everyone’s voice matters equally.
So it’s completely unjust that so many people on lower incomes get shut out from using their vote. This General Election looks set to be the most unequal for more than six decades, due to a ballooning turnout gap at elections and the growing role of money in British politics, according to a recent report from IPPR.
Douglas Ross has announced he will resign as leader of the Scottish Tories.
He says he will carry on in the role until after the general election and will also resign as an MSP if he is re-elected to Westminster.
It follows a row over Mr Ross standing as a candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East instead of David Duguid, who has been in hospital and was in effect de-selected.
Mr Ross was also hit with Sunday newspaper allegations of irregularities over his expenses claims.
Mr Ross has denied any wrongdoing and says he would welcome any inquiry.
Today footage and a report from a huge investigation into the state of RSPCA Assured farms has been released, with 45 UK farms featured. The RSPCA Assured scheme is one of the largest, so-called, animal welfare programs in the UK.
RSPCA President, Chris Packham, was sent the footage and has today called the footage “indefensible.” He also called for the suspension of the scheme. Peter Egan, former RSPCA Vice-President condemned the footage too.
The scheme has been described as “effectively fraud” by a Crown Court Judge.
Animal Rising is calling on the RSPCA to drop the assurance scheme entirely, saying “This is definitive proof that farming animals can never be done nicely.”
Today, amidst an utter scandal for the RSPCA, Animal Rising has released footage from over 40 UK farms that the charity’s animal welfare scheme assures as, supposedly, ‘high welfare’.
The footage shows scenes including baby chickens dying in factory farms and pigs left dead for days in filthy sheds.
Rose Patterson, Animal Rising Co-Director said: “This investigation has blown the lid off the RSPCA’s dirty secret; it is happy to rubber stamp cruelty on factory farms and industrial animal abuse.
“I’ve personally spent months investigating and cataloguing a litany of suffering across farms that the public is told to trust. Some of the scenes we’ve seen in the sheds endorsed by the RSPCA are beyond barbaric.
“The world’s oldest and most respected animal charity has clearly lost its way. The work they do for cats, dogs, and other animals is evidently not making its way to others like chickens and pigs. As the charity nears its 200th birthday it has a choice to make; will it step up, protect animals, and drop the Assured Scheme?”
Chris Packham, President of the RSPCA, has called on the charity to suspend the scheme and take a bolder stance to protect animals.
This exposé comes after several other investigations into RSPCA Assured farms by groups such as Animal Justice Project and VIVA!
Peter Egan, former RSPCA Vice-President said: ““The findings on RSPCA Assured farms across the UK are deeply troubling and call the entire scheme into question. The RSPCA has been failing animals across the UK.
“In the past, I worked extensively with the charity because I believed – and still do believe – that the RSPCA must lead the way in protecting animals. I now see that cannot happen without dropping the RSPCA Assured scheme entirely”
There is more to come on this story, with Animal Rising promising a sustained campaign of action until the RSPCA drops its assured scheme.
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future.
The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
On Saturday (8/6/24), local supporters of Animal Rising put up posters across the city centre of Edinburgh, exposing the vast differences between the public advertising and hidden reality of RSPCA Assured farms.
Areas the posters could be seen were Princes Street, Royal Mile and Lothian Road.
Other cities and towns in the UK targeted include Birmingham, Liverpool, London, Sheffield, Southampton, Newcastle and York.
In a coordinated mass action, individuals from the climate and animal group Animal Rising covered many UK towns and cities, including Edinburgh on 8/6/24, with posters exposing the vast differences between RSPCA Assured marketing and RSPCA Assured farms for pigs, chickens, salmon and cows.
This action follows extensive investigations by Animal Rising that have been compiled into a comprehensive and expert-backed report which exposes the RSPCA Assured scheme for endorsing factory farming and extensive animal suffering.
Investigations on 45 farms revealed animal suffering on every single farm and resulted in the scheme being described as ‘effectively fraud’ by legal expert Ayesha Smart. Animal Rising is calling for the RSPCA to drop the scheme and throw their support behind a transition to a plant-based food system and helping farmers to produce food sustainably.
This is their 200th anniversary year, and making this change will help remove avoidable animal suffering from our food system, create space for rewilding and nature in the UK to thrive, and allow them to extend care and compassion ‘for every kind’ in line with their recent rebrand.
Pamela Waite, 26, a local Clerical Assistant said: “I am absolutely disgusted that the RSPCA, an animal welfare charity, is making money from the exploitation and suffering of animals.
“They pretend that something humane happens in a slaughter house by labeling animal products as RSPCA assured. But, as evident from Animal Risings investigations, RSPCA Assured farms do not protect animals from harm.
“RSPCA please drop your RSPCA Assured scheme!”
In 2018, comprehensive research from the University of Oxford showed that 76% of the land currently used for food production would be freed-up by a global transition to plant-based production [3]. This land could be rewilded and begin carbon drawdown, mitigating the worst impacts of climate breakdown. A 2019 Harvard University report on UK farmland and food production from Helen Harwatt and Matthew N. Hayek also concluded that the UK would be carbon-negative if it completely transitioned to a plant-based food system [4].
Animal Rising is a social movement to create a new relationship with all beings and give us a chance for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.
RSPCA celebrates it’s 200th anniversary this weekend with a series of ‘One Fun Day’ events.
Council leader says ‘thank you’ for success of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Edinburgh
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh truly has given Taylor Swift and her hundreds of thousands of fans visiting the Capital from across the globe this weekend a spectacular welcome.
“From everything I have seen so far the atmosphere across the city has been one of fun and celebration as ‘Swifties’ travelled around having ‘The Best Day’ until it was ‘Time to Go’ home. And the event is expected to have injected tens of millions of pounds into our city’s economy.
“Whilst we’re rightly proud to attract the biggest and best events such as these concerts to the Capital I’m also conscious of the impact on our residents. And so I’d like to thank them as well as our partners including Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams and our staff for extending such a warm welcome to everyone who attended the concerts this weekend.
“Our staff have been working round the clock keeping their ‘Eyes Open’ making sure the area in and around the stadium is clean and our marshals have been on hand to help guide ‘Swifties’ to their destination and make sure everyone is safe and well.
“With our world famous summer of festivals just around the corner these highly successful concerts mark a fantastic start to an incredible summer of culture in the Capital.
“This is all another reason why I think Edinburgh is the best city in the world.”
