An Edinburgh academic who set up Scotland’s first free ‘tax clinic’ for people on low incomes has won a place on a US-UK exchange programme.
Dr Amy Lawton’s Scottish Tax Clinic has helped vulnerable people overturn tax debts of more than £100,000. She hopes to learn from the US, where the tax clinics have been in operation for many years.
Dr Lawton’s free advice service is open to anyone in Scotland who has run into problems with their tax returns and who cannot afford to pay for professional advice. She helps around 100 people per year, sometimes cancelling penalties of thousands of pounds.
Her pioneering clinic at the University of Edinburgh works in partnership with the tax charity TaxAid UK, and is staffed by local, professional volunteers and law students at Edinburgh Law School where she is a senior lecturer. It allows law students to put theory into practice with real-life cases whilst also helping those who have nowhere else to turn.
Dr Lawton said: “My Scottish Tax Clinic is the only free, dedicated tax clinic in the UK, but tax clinics are a much bigger thing in the US where it is much easier to get pro bono tax advice if you are on a low income.
“Tax has a reputation for being a rich person’s problem but people on all levels of income get into trouble with HMRC.
“Often they’ve forgotten to fill out their tax return due to severe personal circumstances or they are juggling multiple jobs without the correct tax code. Some of the penalties involved mean they can soon stack up thousands of pounds of debt.”
Dr Lawton has won an All Disciplines Scholar Award from the US-UK Fulbright Commission and will spend a term at Villanova Law School, the home of one of the oldest tax clinics in the United States.
The Villanova Federal Tax Clinic represents, litigates for and provides a voice for low-income taxpayers. It plays a crucial role in making sure the US tax system is fair for individuals who may otherwise not have a voice.
The US was Dr Lawton’s inspiration when she established the UK’s very first tax clinic whilst teaching at Lancaster University.
When she moved to the University of Edinburgh the clinic moved with her, and it remains the oldest one in operation in the UK, and the only one solely devoted to tax support.
Dr Lawton added: “Citizens Advice Bureau won’t provide advice on tax, so there are very limited options for professional advice unless you have the money to pay for it.
“The tax charities (such as TaxAid UK) and the Scottish Tax Clinic provide a vital service for those with nowhere else to turn. Not everyone needs a lot of help, but some people have tax debts of thousands of pounds.
“A lot of that debt is usually penalties for late filing. If you are more than a year overdue with your tax return there is a fine of £1,600, even if you don’t owe a penny in tax. The Scottish Tax Clinic has been successful at appealing these kinds of crippling debts, which can be life changing for those involved and can avoid them having to file for bankruptcy.
“I realised that the US has so much experience in this field that we can really learn from here in the UK. My tax clinic is successful, but it is still a very isolated resource. The US started with just one clinic and now there is a network of government funded clinics, allowing people all over the country to access independent advice.
“I’m hoping that, following my Fulbright Commission exchange, I’ll be able to make that strong argument that tax clinics should be more present in the UK.”
The US-UK Fulbright Commission was established in the aftermath of the Second World War to foster better understanding between the US and the UK, and promote the empathy gained from cultural immersion.
Active in 150 countries, the Fulbright programme is the largest international education exchange in the world: more than 370,000 people have participated in it globally since it began, and over 25,000 have received US-UK Fulbright awards.
Sixty-two Fulbright alumni have won Nobel Prizes; 88 have won Pulitzer Prizes and 40 have served as head of state or government.
Maria Balinska, Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, said: “Our vision is a world where there are no obstacles to learning, understanding and collaboration.
“Today there are many global challenges to overcome, and the world needs compassionate leaders to tackle them.
“This year’s cohort of awardees will be placing cultural engagement at the heart of their experiences as they undertake ambitious study and research programmes in the US: I am filled with hope for the wonderful collaborations that will ensue.”
Dr Lawton will join a cohort of 31 Fulbrighters heading to the USA from the UK for 2024-25.
Beyond learning from the Villanova clinic, Dr Amy Lawton’s Fulbright project seeks to explore the impact of legal representation in the tax court in both the US and the UK.
As a Fulbright Scholar, she is keen to learn how her clinic can grow, by immersing herself in one of the most experienced tax clinic countries in the world: the United States of America.
Workplace expert, Acas, has issued top tips today to help employers prepare for potential issues that could arise during the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris that start on Friday.
Paris 2024 will take place between Friday 26 July and Sunday 11 August 2024. Acas advises employers and small businesses to have agreements in place that cover requests for time off, sickness absence, website use during working hours or watching TV during this period.
Relais de la flamme des Jeux Olympiques de Paris 2024, Val-de-Marne
Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “Paris 2024 will be an exciting event for many sports fans but staff should avoid getting disqualified for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.
“For many businesses, maintaining a certain staffing level is critical in order to survive and sprint to that finish line. Employers should have a set of simple workplace agreements in place before the starting gun goes off for the Olympic Games. These agreements can help ensure businesses remain productive while keeping staff happy too, which are key ingredients for a gold medal winning team line up.
“Our top tips can help managers get the best from their team athletes by planning for potential hurdles, arranging team relay handovers if necessary and avoiding unnecessary false starts.”
Acas offers some top tips for employers to consider for the 2024 Olympic Games:
Time Off – Employers may wish to look at being a little more flexible when allowing employees time off during this period and employees should remember that it may not always be possible to book a holiday. The key is for both parties to try and come to an agreement. All requests for leave should be considered fairly. A consistent approach should be applied for holiday requests for other major sporting events too.
Sickness absence – Employers may want to remind staff that their sickness and attendance policies will still apply during the Olympics. Any unauthorised absence, patterns of absence or late attendance are likely to be investigated and could result in formal proceedings.
Flexibility – One possible option is to have a more flexible working day. Employees could come in a little later or finish sooner and then agree when this time can be made up.
Allowing staff to listen to the radio or watch the TV may be another possible option. Employers could also allow staff to take a break during popular events. Another option is to look at allowing staff to swap shifts with their manager’s permission.
It is important for employers to be fair and consistent with all staff if they allow additional benefits during the Olympics. Any change in hours or flexibility in working hours should be approved before the event.
Use of social media and websites – there may be an increase in the use of social media or websites covering Paris 2024. Employers may wish to remind staff of any policies on the use of social media and websites during working hours. The policies should be clear on what is and is not acceptable web use.
Professor Lord Darzi appointed to establish the state of the nation’s health service
Report will provide ‘raw and honest assessment’ of issues facing health service
Work will be led by Rt Hon Professor Lord Darzi, OM, KBE, a lifelong surgeon and innovator, independent peer and former health minister
Findings will feed into government’s 10-year plan to radically reform the nation’s health service
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, has ordered a full and independent investigation into the state of the NHS, to uncover the extent of the issues facing the nation’s health service.
Mr Streeting says he wants a ‘raw and honest’ assessment that will deliver ‘the hard truths’. He has appointed Professor Lord Darzi, a lifelong surgeon and innovator, independent peer and former health minister, to lead the rapid assessment, which will be delivered in September.
Its findings will provide the basis for the government’s 10-year plan to radically reform the NHS and build a health service that is fit for the future.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “Anyone who works in or uses the NHS can see it is broken. This government will be honest about the challenges facing the health service, and serious about tackling them.
“This investigation will uncover hard truths and I’ve asked for nothing to be held back. I trust Lord Darzi will leave no stone unturned and have told him to speak truth to power.
“I want a raw and frank assessment of the state of the NHS. This is the necessary first step on the road to recovery for our National Health Service, so it can be there for us when we need it, once again.”
Professor Lord Darzi said: “As every clinician and every patient knows, the first step to addressing any health problem is a proper diagnosis.
“My work will analyse the evidence to understand where we are today – and how we got to here – so that the health service can move forward.
“This is an important step to re-establishing quality of care as the organising principle of the NHS.”
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: “Frontline NHS staff are doing an incredible job, despite the huge pressures they face, to deliver care to over a million people every day, but we know that they face huge struggles and patients are not always getting the timely, high quality care they need.
“We will work closely with the government, independent experts and NHS staff to take a detailed look at the scale of the challenges and set out plans to address them – this comprehensive analysis will be an important step in helping us to build an NHS fit for the future.”
The Health and Social Care Secretary’s promise to fix the broken NHS was backed by action last week when he met with key figures across the health service.
This included meetings with junior doctors to discuss ending the strikes, and talks with the British Dental Association about rebuilding NHS dentistry.
He also visited a GP surgery in north London to see first-hand how the practice is delivering a patient-led service providing continuity of care – a key pillar of the government’s ambition to improve primary care.
Mr Streeting also set out his wider commitment to support the government’s growth mission by improving the health of the nation.
The aims are based on 3 key steps:
cutting waiting times to get people back to work
making the UK a life sciences and medical technology superpower
creating training and job opportunities through the NHS to deliver growth up and down the country.
Parents heading on road trips with their kids during summer holidays are being urged to take extra precautions on the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid fines.
Motoring experts from Quotezone.co.uk are reminding parents of common driving issues when travelling with children.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
As families prepare for summer holidays, the team at Quotezone have compiled a safety checklist to help parents setting off on road trips
Some of the most common safety issues involve not using the car seat correctly and not fitting it securely.
It’s important to make sure to use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for the child’s age, height, and weight, while also ensuring it is properly installed and compatible with the vehicle – parents could be hit with a fine of up to £500 and points on their licence if the requirements aren’t up to scratch.
Before heading on a road trip it’s also crucial to make the call on whether or not drivers are too tired – driving in a tired state can hamper drivers’ abilities to concentrate, react and navigate the roads.
If too tired, drivers need to seek out alternative transport, invite other drivers or delay the trip.
Other common issues include leaving loose items in the car, multitasking behind the wheel and forgetting to turn on the child lock.
Quotezone.co.uk car and travel insurance expert Catherine Boyd said: “The summer holidays can be a particularly stressful time for parents, heading off on holidays, juggling childcare and trying to keep children entertained with various road trips.
“Our list of safety tips will hopefully act as a helpful reminder of key checks that need done within the car before setting off on the next adventure.
“Children can also grow a lot over the holidays so it’s important to double check the safety measures in the car are still appropriate for the child’s age, weight and height – cleaning and refitting them regularly to make sure they are working properly.
“Quite a dangerous example, which maybe isn’t as commonly known, is the effect of keeping loose items in the body of the car itself. During a sudden manoeuvre or incident on the road, these items can become projectiles, injuring passengers, so keeping bottles of water or electronic devices stored safely in specific holders will help reduce the risk of issues.”
Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top safety tips when driving with children:
Car seat double check
The Highway Code states that children need to be in car seats until they reach the age of 12 or are at least 135 centimetres tall. For babies younger than 15 months, it’s essential to place them in a rear-facing car seat, as this is the safest position for them. It’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s manual for installation or seek professional assistance, and carry out regular checks to make sure the seat is not loose.
Driving when tired
Fatigue significantly slows reaction times and impairs judgement, which makes it very dangerous to get behind the wheel if you haven’t had enough rest. It’s a difficult but important decision to make if you’re too tired to drive – opting instead for public transport or inviting other drivers on the trip.
Loose items
Whether it’s toys, water bottles, tablets or phones, loose items should be secured in the car to prevent serious injuries in the event of a sudden stop or collision – loose items can increase their weight by up to forty times at just 30mph. Make sure to store loose items in specialist holders or use the boot or glovebox compartments, place phones in a mount and use drink holders for any beverages.
Phones
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, if you need to make calls you need the appropriate hands-free equipment. If not needed it’s sensible to store your phone in the boot to avoid temptation.
Child locks
It is important to always activate the child lock when driving with children in the car, children love to press buttons and might accidentally open the car door while the vehicle is moving, it also gives the driver time to open the door when it is safe to do so, avoiding issues when parking on busy roads or car parks. Failing to activate the child lock can be considered careless driving and may lead to fines and points on your driver’s licence.
Multitasking
Children’s behaviour in the car can sometimes be demanding, it’s important to try and remain calm and wait for a safe spot to pull over and address the children’s needs or any issues.
The BIG LIST of places to take the kids is updated for 2024 and bigger and better than ever!
With the school summer holidays upon us, we’ve been busy updating our list of must-visit places in Scotland! We’ve removed closed venues, added exciting new spots, and updated prices to keep you informed.
Before you head out, remember to double-check the venues’ or events’ social media pages for the latest updates, as things can change quickly.
If you’re planning to visit multiple places marked as National Trust or Historic Scotland (especially Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Culzean Castle) then a yearly membership of these organisations may save you money.
If you’re eligible for a Young Scot card (free for 11-26 year olds) then applying for one (at “www.young.scot”) will also save you money on some entrance fees.
We hope this helps keep your little ones entertained over the holidays! Have a fantastic summer exploring all that Scotland has to offer!
Above Adventure, Kilmarnock. Indoor climbing & bouldering. From £6
Adventure Golf Island, Dunfermline £5-£9
Adventure Planet softplay centres, Cumbernauld and Paisley, £7.95 – £9.95
Aerial Adventures soft play, Livingston. £2 – £8
Agnew Park, Stranraer. Play park, mini railway, boats, putting, go karts. FREE entry. Mini railway £1.20 children £1.95 adults, Mini cars £1.20, Boats £4-£5.25, Go-karts £3.10.
Airthrill, East Kilbride. Trampoline & inflatable park. From £12.95
Almond Valley farm park, Livingston. Outdoor play, indoor play, animals, picnic, soft play, walks. £10 – £12
Almondell & Calderwood country park, Broxburn FREE
Amazonia @ M&Ds, Motherwell, £5.20 – £6.80
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum (& gardens), Dunfermline. FREE
Codona’s, Aberdeen. Indoor and outdoor play, go karts, mini golf. From £4
Colourplay CIC, Kirkintilloch. Messy play and art activities £
Colzium Estate, Kilsyth – visitor centre, cafe, play area etc. FREE
Conifox Adventure Park, Kirkliston. Outdoor play £3.50 – £9.50 (under 1s free) Indoor soft play £2.75 – £13.95 (under 1s free). 30% discount on indoor+outdoor tickets
Cowan Park, Barrhead. Large play area, walks, trim trail with gym equipment, tennis courts (April-Sept, free to use, free coaching sessions in summer). FREE
Craft Daft on a Raft, Kirkintilloch. Studio fee £4.50, pottery to paint from £8. £15 minimum spend per table.
Crafty Workshops, Jedburgh. Age 3+. £
Craigend Nursery – indoor sandpit, Cumbernauld £4
Craigie’s Farm Shop, Edinburgh. Play area and pick your own fruit. From £5
Craigtoun Country Park, St. Andrews. Free entry, £10 wristband for attractions.
Falkirk Wheel £9.50 – £17.50 (other activities separate charge)
Farmer’s Den soft play, Dumfries & Annan. £5
Fife Zoo £4 – £6
Finlaystone Country Park, Port Glasgow. Woodland play areas and walks £4-£6 under 3 free
Firepit & Kiln Carvery & Pottery, Glasgow Quay. £
5 Sisters Zoo, West Calder, £13.95 – £18.95, under 3s FREE
Flanders Moss national nature reserve, nr Kippen, Stirlingshire FREE
Flip Out Trampoline Park, Rutherglen £9.45 – £14.45
Forgotten Worlds, Stewarton. Large retro game shop and arcade. One hour unlimited arcade gaming pass £5
Fossilfield Training Centre, Auchinleck, East Ayrshire. Pony/horse riding social enterprise for children, young people and adults who experience social and economic barriers.
Foxlake Adventures CIC outdoor water park, assault course, segways, Dunbar – various prices starting at £15
Frankie & Lola’s soft play, Inverness. From £1.99
Friockheim Park, Arbroath. Football Pitches, Woodland, Large Children’s Play Areas, BMX Bike Area. FREE
Fun Street, Silverburn, Glasgow. Soft play, mini town, interactive gaming. £1.99 – £15.99
Galleon Centre, Kilmarnock. 25m swimming pool with kids pool and flume, ice rink, squash, sports courts. £
Galloway Activity Centre, Parton (Loch Ken) Water sports, outdoor sports, board/boat/bike hire, laser tag, outdoor water park & water slide. From £20
Garage Bowling, go karting and adventure golf, Kilmarnock. From £5.50
Garrison Funfair, Millport, Cumbrae. Vintage rides, games, inflatables. Easter – September (open all week in school summer holidays, otherwise weekends only). Tokens £2.50
Garscube Playrooms, Glasgow £15 annual membership plus £4 per visit
Gem Rock Museum, Creetown. £6
Glasgow Climbing Centre from £26
Glasgow Green, adventure park, walks. FREE
Glasgow Museum Resource Centre, FREE pre booked tours.
Glasgow Science Centre, £11.50 – £14.75
Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre, Bellahouston 6 week ski/snowboard course £90 – £96. Tubing sessions from £12
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust – Bridgeton Bus Garage, Glasgow. Open on selected weekends Spring-Autumn for visits & FREE historic bus rides, guided tours by arrangement in winter.
Gooey Events Limited, Livingston events from £30
Gourock Outdoor Pool £3.70 – £4.50
Grampian Transport Museum, Alford. £5-£13 (under 3s free)
Gravity Trampoline Park, Glasgow Xsite Braehead and Edinburgh Fountain Park. From £4
Hamilton Water Palace. Indoor pool with pirate ship area for under 8s (check times as they vary). Child (4-17) : £2.30
Adult (18+) : £4.70. Under 4s free
Hannahston Alpacas, Drongan. £10-£15 Fri-Mon
Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. Playground, golf, maze, mini zoo. FREE entry
Heads of Ayr farm park, Ayr – animals & play park indoor/ outdoor £15.50 (under 1 free)
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. Open air museum. March-October. FREE (£2 for parking)
Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. £16.85 – £22.50
HistoryLinks Museum, Dornoch. £
Hollywood Bowl, Springfield Quay & Bargeddie. Kids eat,drink and play from £7.50
Holmwood House, Cathcart £8.50 (National Trust)
Hopetoun House & grounds, South Queensferry. March – Sept. £4 – £13.50 (Young Scot card holders £1) Dogs – grounds only.
Howard Park, Kilmarnock. Large play area, sports courts. FREE
Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery @ Glasgow Uni FREE
Infinity Trampoline Park, Inverness. From £4.99
Inflata Nation, Kinning Park Glasgow. Inflatable park (indoor). £6.99 – £10.99
Innoflate inflatable parks. Glasgow, Livingston, Cumbernauld, Dundee, Aberdeen. From £5.95
Inveraray Jail, from £9.50 – £15.50
Inverness Kart Raceway. From £26.Age 8+
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. FREE
Irvine Beach Park. Sandy beach, sand dunes, extensive grassy dune area with walking paths and stone dragon sculpture, pond, skate park, toilets, kiosk, free parking. FREE
Jungle Creek Soft Play & Adventure Golf, Glasgow (Soccerworld). Usually a deal available on Groupon. £5-£10
Juniors Play Cafe, Hamilton. £4 per child, include lunch for an extra £2.50. Babies aged 0-12 months go free. £6.00 deposit books your table (redeemable in the centre)
Loch Lomond shores – shops, cafes, sea life centre, water sports, outdoor play park. From FREE
Lochwinnoch RSPB FREE
Lollipop Land soft play, East Kilbride £5.95 – £8.95
Loopy Lou’s soft play, Boddam, nr Peterhead. Indoor soft play with outdoor play area & astro sports pitch. £6-£10 (under 1s free)
Low Park Museum, Hamilton FREE
Lunderston Bay, Gourock, FREE
Lynn Glen, Dalry, Ayrshire. River walk with fairy houses, waterfall. FREE
Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries (Mar-Oct) £10 under 2s FREE
Make Do & Grow, Govan. Free drop in arts and crafts and workshops
M&D’s, Motherwell – funfair All day wristband £21.95. Other packages available
Mariner Leisure Centre, Falkirk £3 – £5.20 (Under 3’s go free)
Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre, Jedburgh. FREE
McDiarmid Park, Barrhead. New play park including accessible equipment. FREE
McMoos ice cream parlour and cafe, Boness
Merkinch Nature Reserve, Inverness. FREE
Merlin Cinema, Thurso. £
Milk Barn, Falkirk – ice cream parlour on farm, £
Messy Nessy Playcentre & Ceramic Cafe, Thurso. From £3.50
Millport, Isle of Cumbrae. Catch ferry from Largs (£2 – £15.20) – hire a bike / play on beach £ / FREE
Monty’s Farm Park, Ardardan, Cardross. Outdoor play: adult (13+) £5, child £9.50, age 1-2 £8, under 1 free. Indoor play additional £3.50 for children age 1+ (adults free)
Movement Park, Whiteinch. Parkour, BMX, Skateboarding, urban sports. From £6.50
Mugdock Park, nr Milngavie – muddy walks/ ranger activities / garden centre FREE
Muiravonside Country Park, nr Falkirk, FREE (some events cost)
Muirshiel Country Park, Lochwinnoch, FREE (some events cost)
Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh FREE
Museum of Edinburgh. FREE
Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead. Mine tours and gold panning available. From £6.50
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage, Edinburgh. Tues-Sat. FREE entry (suggested donation £3)
Museums of the University of St Andrews. FREE
National Museum of Flight, North Berwick, from £8.50 – £13.50, under 5s FREE
National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride, £7 – £10, under 5s FREE (National Trust-affiliated)
Rangers football club museum & stadium tour, Glasgow. Museum £11.50 adult, £6.50 child, stadium £20 adult, £12 child. Combined tickets available. Under 3s free
Ravenscraig Activity Centre, Greenock. Learn to climb, soft play from £13.50
Renfrew Museum (within Renfrew town hall). Mon-Fri 10-4. FREE
Ride Right cycling lessons & club, Strathclyde Park & Bellshill, £20 per session
Riverside (transport) Museum & Tall Ship, Glasgow. Museum FREE, Tall ship £4.50 adults, £2.70 children, £12.70 for family of four, under 5s free.
Robert Burns Birthplace, Alloway. Museum, outdoor play area, cafe, sculpture trail.£7 – £12 (National Trust)
RollerStop, Kinning Park. Roller discos/lessons/skating rink from £8
Rothesay Castle, From £4.50 – £7.50, under 7s FREE
Rouken Glen Park, Giffnock FREE
Rouken Glen Pottery, Giffnock. Pieces from £5
Rozelle Park, Ayr. Museum & gallery, woodland walks, sculpture trail, tea room, park run. Outdoor areas FREE
Ruff and Tumble soft play, Glasgow (Pollokshaws) £2-£9.50
Stoneykirk Aviation Museum, nr Stranraer. Most Sundays April – October £3.50 – £6 (under 5s FREE)
Stranraer Museum FREE
Strathaven Park, play park FREE. Miniature train rides (summer weekends only), boating pond, putting, cafe. £
Strathclyde Country Park. Walks, play park. FREE. Water sports & bike hire £
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge FREE (tram rides small charge)
Sunnyside Garden Centre, Kilmarnock. Cafe with outdoor kids play area. FREE
Surgeons Hall Museums, Edinburgh. Adults – £9.50, Child (5-17)- £5.00, Under 5s – Free
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick £4.50 – £7.50, under 7s FREE
Tentsmuir, Fife – Nature Reserve, Beach, Forest, FREE
The Alpaca Trekking Centre, Thornhill, Stirling from £22
The Ark on the Clyde CIC, Port Glasgow. Animal encounters from £9.95 (entrance charges for Finlaystone Park apply)
The Bubbles Factory soft play, Carluke. £7.99 – £8.99
The Children’s Wood, Glasgow West, from £1
The Craft Pottery, Glasgow City from £5
The Ecology Centre, Burntisland, Fife £
The Experience, Hillington Bookable FREE events
The Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow FREE (some exhibitions £)
The Highlanders Museum, Fort George, near Inverness. Museum FREE. Fort George £9 adult, £5.40 child, under 5s free (Historic Scotland)
The Japanese Garden at Cowden, Clackmannanshire. Walks, gardens, treehouse, activity boardwalk. £9.25 entry
The Kids Village, Saltcoats. Play cafe, gaming room, sensory room. From £5
The Lonely Broomstick, Falkirk. Harry Potter themed shop. Wand and potion experiences £15
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum. FREE
The Playbarn at Auchrannie, Isle of Arran. £5 – £7.50 (free for hotel guests). Swimming pool also on site £
The Playbarn at Smithstone, Stonehouse South Lanarkshire. Indoor soft play with outdoor play area. 0-6 months: Free, 6 months – 2 years: £4.50, 2 years and above: £6. FREE entry for two adults per booking. £1 entry fee for additional adults.
The Play Barn at Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick. Indoor play area £3-£10 (max height 1.5m), outdoor play park FREE
£1 entry special offer for July 2024
The Secret Garden & Play Barn, Callendar Park, Falkirk. £5 first child, £2 each additional child
The Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright. FREE
The Tall Ship, Glasgow Riverside – museum / cafe / teeny under 5 soft play. £4.50 adults, £2.70 children, £12.70 for family of four, under 5 free.
The Wee Play Place & Cafe, Alexandria. £5-£7 (adults £1)
Time Capsule, Coatbridge – fun swim pool £3.55 – £6.85 (under 3 FREE)
Time Twisters, Edinburgh (Sighthill). Soft play, laser tag, build a bear. £
Tir Na Nog, Balfron – holistic centre & shop/cafe £
Tollcross Farm, Glasgow – small animals – FREE
Tots Spot play cafe, East Calder. Open Mon-Fri school hours, Sat morning. Age 0 – 11 months: FREE, 1-3 years old: £5.00, 4 years old+: £6.00, Adults: FREE
Treasure Land soft play, Hawick. £3.50-£3.75
Tree Top Tumble soft play, Mackinnon Mills, Coatbridge. £3 for 60 mins (max height 145cm)
Trimontium Trust & Museum, Melrose. Roman History Museum with VR Roman fort experience. from £6 (under 5s free)
Troon beach, South Ayrshire. Large beach, kiosk, mini golf, fairground, play park. FREE
West of Scotland Padel, Stevenston. Indoor court hire £15/30min (2-4 players)
Whin Park, Inverness. Playground, mini train, walks, mini golf. From FREE
Whitelee Wind Farm, nr Eaglesham. Walks & indoor interactive exhibit. Regular kids activities (science centre affiliated) FREE
Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, Galloway. Includes guided roundhouse tour. March-Oct, Sunday-Friday. £4.50-£7.50 (under 7s FREE) Discount for Historic Scotland members.
Wigtown Museum, Wigtown. FREE
Wild Adventure (soft play), Drumchapel, £2 – £9
Wild Goat Park, Galloway Forest. Free parking, own food required to feed goats.
Wild Shore outdoor water park, Dundee – tickets from £19
A residential development in Shawfair, south of Edinburgh has been rescued from collapsed developer, Stewart Milne to be successfully delivered by independent property developer, Dundas Estates.
Dundas has recently completed the purchase of a site on the well-established Shawfair development six miles south of the city, which boasts excellent road and rail links into the heart of the capital, as well accessibility to the airport and nearby motorway network.
Construction will shortly commence to build 59 homes, the properties will consist of a mix of 3 to 6 bed homes. By stepping into the project, Dundas has committed to delivering high-spec homes that exceed industry standards – with the aim of delivering the first homes by late autumn 2024.
As a new neighbourhood on the edge of the city, Shawfair offers a mix of local retail and community health facilities, as well as 3km of cycle paths that easily connect homeowners to the train station, schools and Park & Ride.
Craig Fairfoull, Sales & Marketing Director at Dundas, said: “We appreciate there may have been unexpected challenges and uncertainties faced by prospective homeowners engaged with the previous developer.
“However, our primary goal is to make the transition as smooth as possible, and we urge those who had reservations with Stewart Milne for one of these plots to contact us immediately.
“We aim to deliver these much-needed homes in the coming months, allowing prospective buyers to finally move into the homes they have been looking forward to.”
The development will see Dundas complete various house types that remain similar in style and specification to the previous developer, including terraced, semi and larger detached homes.
Dundas was supported through the acquisition of the site by solicitors Anderson Strathern.
Dundas Estates are an award-winning and independent Scottish homebuilder, prides itself on crafting homes that enhance the well-being of its valued customers. It emphasises creating inclusive communities and strives to simplify, enrich, and add enjoyment to the home-buying experience.
Dundas is asking potential buyers who may have reserved a plot with the previous developer to contact them at sales@dundas.co.uk to speak to a member of the sales team to discuss options further.
CARBON CAPTURE FUNDING + VISIT ‘MAKE A MOCKERY’ OF PLANNING PROCESS
First Minister John Swinney will visit the site of an innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility in Aberdeenshire today where he will unveil new Scottish Government funding for the project.
The Acorn project, based in St Fergus, would take captured CO2 emissions from industrial processes across the country and store it safely under the North Sea.
The First Minister will meet representatives of the project and undertake a short tour of the site, before meeting staff and apprentices.
While in Aberdeenshire the First Minister will also meet business leaders and members of the Scottish seafood sector at a roundtable discussion in Peterhead.
Speaking ahead of his visit to the North East, the First Minister said: “Carbon capture and storage will play a huge role in Scotland’s net zero future.
“The Scottish Government is wholly committed to supporting the Acorn Project, which will take advantage of our access to vast CO2 storage potential and our opportunities to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure.
“Scotland’s energy transition presents one of the greatest economic and social opportunities of our time. This landmark project will help to support a just transition for oil and gas workers in the North East and across the country, by drawing upon their world-leading skills and expertise to create many good, green jobs in the coming years.
“The North East is also a powerhouse of Scotland’s word-class seafood processing sector, which contributes massively to our economy. According to recent figures the region alone is home to more than 3,379 full time equivalent jobs.
“The Scottish Government will continue to engage and work closely with the sector, and communities, to ensure that Scotland’s fishing industry, the wider seafood sector, and our marine environment can thrive sustainably.”
Climate campaigners have responded to the First Minister’s plans to visit to the Aberdeenshire CCS project saying it ‘makes a mockery’ of the planning process and questioning why there was more public funding being pledged for fossil fuel infrastructure.
The visit was announced as news broke of an official complaint into the Scottish Government’s handling of the planning application for the Peterhead gas power station with carbon capture.
The FM’s visit raises a number of concerns including that the explicit endorsement of this project may undermine any future assessment of a planning application to build the Acorn Project.
Environmentalists are also alarmed that public money is being handed to a pet project of fossil fuel companies. Shell, who are a key partner in Acorn, have made £50 BILLION profit in the past two years.
The Acorn Project is not yet in the planning system, and no application has been made yet it appears the FM is gambling our energy future on this technology working. The Scottish Government’s over-reliance on faltering Negative Emissions Technologies created a huge gap in its calculations around emissions reductions for the 2030 climate targets.
CCS has never delivered the capture rates that its proponents claim and there is a growing body of evidence that all it is doing is capturing public money and providing greenwash for continued fossil fuel expansion.
Friends of the Earth Scotland climate and energy campaigner Caroline Rance said: “The Acorn carbon capture terminal does not exist and there hasn’t even been a planning application submitted to build it.
“However, with these fawning statements of support, the First Minister is in danger of making a mockery of the Scottish Government conducting a fair assessment of future planning applications.
“Vital public services are crying out for funding yet John Swinney has decided to give millions of pounds to a pet project of Shell, who made £50 billion profit in the last two years. The public must be starting to think the Scottish Government has been captured by the fossil fuel industry with hundreds of cosy meetings, huge handouts and the rolling back of positions on ending oil and gas.
“The Acorn Project is a pipe dream of polluters that will never live up to its hype.The purpose of CCS is to greenwash plans to keep burning oil and gas. Carbon capture has already had billions of pounds and decades of work to prove itself and it has failed on its promises everywhere it has been tried.
“Both the Scottish and UK Governments need to realise that public money would be far better invested in climate solutions that work today and can create decent green jobs such as home insulation, public transport and affordable renewable energy.”
Key questions for the First Minister:
• How can Ministers making future planning decisions be expected to judge the Acorn project on its merits when the First Minister is fawning over it and is funnelling public money towards it?
• Why is public money required to deliver this project when the oil companies who will benefit are making obscene profits?
• How will this project avoid the failures that have been seen in every other carbon capture project around the world?
‘I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down‘
US President Joe Biden has announced that he will NOT stand for re-election.
His full statement, which he posted on X, reads:
“My Fellow Americans, over the past three-and-a-half years, we have made great progress as a nation.
“Today, America has the strongest economy in the world. We’ve made historic investments in rebuilding our nation, in lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, and in expanding affordable health care to a record number of Americans.
“We’ve provided critically needed care to a million veterans exposed to toxic substances. Passed the first gun safety law in 30 years. Appointed the first African American woman to the Supreme Court. And passed the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world. America has never been better positioned to lead than we are today.
“I know none of this could have been done without you, the American people. Together, we overcame a once in a century pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We’ve protected and preserved our democracy. And we’ve revitalised and strengthened our alliances around the world.
“It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“I will speak to the nation later this week in more detail about my decision.
“For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me re-elected.
“I want to thank Vice President Kamala Harris for being an extraordinary partner in all this work. And let me express my heartfelt appreciation to the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me.
“I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
MR BIDEN added on Twitter:
My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.
Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.
Vice-President Karmala Harris responded: “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
“I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
In a statement, former US President Barack Obama said: “Joe Biden has been one of America’s most consequential presidents, as well as a dear friend and partner to me. Today, we’ve also been reminded — again — that he’s a patriot of the highest order.
“Sixteen years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I knew about Joe’s remarkable career in public service. But what I came to admire even more was his character — his deep empathy and hard-earned resilience; his fundamental decency and belief that everyone counts.
“Since taking office, President Biden has displayed that character again and again. He helped end the pandemic, created millions of jobs, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, passed the first major piece of gun safety legislation in 30 years, made the biggest investment to address climate change in history, and fought to ensure the rights of working people to organize for fair wages and benefits. Internationally, he restored America’s standing in the world, revitalized NATO, and mobilized the world to stand up against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“More than that, President Biden pointed us away from the four years of chaos, falsehood, and division that had characterized Donald Trump’s administration. Through his policies and his example, Joe has reminded us of who we are at our best — a country committed to old-fashioned values like trust and honesty, kindness and hard work; a country that believes in democracy, rule of law, and accountability; a country that insists that everyone, no matter who they are, has a voice and deserves a chance at a better life.
“This outstanding track record gave President Biden every right to run for re-election and finish the job he started. Joe understands better than anyone the stakes in this election — how everything he has fought for throughout his life, and everything that the Democratic Party stands for, will be at risk if we allow Donald Trump back in the White House and give Republicans control of Congress.
“I also know Joe has never backed down from a fight. For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.
“It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.
“We will be navigating uncharted waters in the days ahead. But I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges.
“I believe that Joe Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America that provides opportunity for everyone will be on full display at the Democratic Convention in August. And I expect that every single one of us are prepared to carry that message of hope and progress forward into November and beyond.
“For now, Michelle and I just want to express our love and gratitude to Joe and Jill for leading us so ably and courageously during these perilous times — and for their commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.“
REPUBLICAN Presidential candidate DONALD TRUMP reacted in customary style with a tirade on his Truth Social platform:“Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — and never was!”
“We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Ever gracious, the former President later told NBC News: ‘Joe Biden is the worst president in the history of the United States by far.
“He should never have been there in the first place – he should have stayed in his basement.’
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.
“I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have made his decision based on what he believes is best for the American people.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “Joe Biden has served the people of the USA with devotion and total commitment.
“Now, in a typically selfless act, he steps aside to do what he thinks is right for his people. He came to Scotland for COP26 and made a powerful contribution. He has our best wishes for the future.
A very short walk from both Princes Street and Charlotte Square in the heart of the capital, The Resident Edinburgh combines the heartfelt hospitality The Resident is known for with a distinct Scottish warmth, evoking the brand’s connections with Scotland.
The Resident Edinburgh will be open to guests from 1st September 2024, with rooms available to book now.
All 164 rooms and suites are designed for the home from home experience with mini-kitchens in every room and great natural light. Guest rooms have been specially crafted anticipating a slightly longer guest stay. Overall, the hotel has a cultured thoughtful elegance befitting the prime location and the world destination status of Scotland’s capital city.
From Double Rooms to Junior Suites averaging between 17 and 35-metres-squared, the stylish rooms offer a range of breathtaking views including Edinburgh’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle and exceptional views north over the Firth of Forth.
Amenities have been carefully selected and include everything from a personal Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary capsules, GHD hairdryers for the dressing and vanity area; Molton Brown bathroom products in the stylish en-suites; a dining/working area beside the full height windows.
The Resident has the latest easy to use in room tech and free Wi-Fi solutions for simple streaming from your own devices to minimum 50” UHD TVs. The beds are bespoke designed for The Resident with multi pocket springs and luxurious mattress toppers, Twin, King, or Super King.
Heartfelt hospitality is the ethos of The Resident Edinburgh’s guest experience. Each team member will be a “Resident Insider”, meaning they will be equipped with insider city knowledge so they can be tapped into for local advice, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in what Edinburgh has to offer.
The personal touch is what The Resident is renowned for, every evening hosting an hour of early drinks for guests. This social pause gives guests and the teams an opportunity to connect with each other and receive recommendations straight from the knowledgeable Resident Edinburgh team, all while enjoying drinks and snacks from local suppliers, including Stewart Brewery and Quirky Chocolate or Wines from Justerini & Brooks. Guest events will showcase local artisan producers and give deeper insight to Edinburgh’s culture and Arts scene.
The hotel will partner and support businesses around the city, providing guests with exclusive offers for local restaurants, bars and gyms to ensure they have access to the best venues in Edinburgh. The breakfast partner, The West End Brasserie, will offer a full breakfast offering for guests to go to. The other partners include; Cairngorm coffee, Dulse, Kyloe and attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia, The Real Mary King’s Close and Pickering’s at Summerhall.
The Resident Edinburgh is aware of the cultural and arts appeal of the City to its visitors. The library lounge will host a curated book collection of fascination and relevance to the city, as well as its culture.
The hotel owners, Mactaggart Family and Partners have commissioned Art for the public spaces from Emily Beamish of Dacre Fine Art, featuring local artists Katy Eccles, Hatti Pattisson and Poppy Cyster. The Resident will be the perfect spot to relax with friends for a quiet glass of wine, or a specially selected whisky.
The hotel has a variety of quiet niches to retreat for work or leisure. Whether a long day of exploring the city, or returning to the hotel after a day of work, the warmth of The Resident Edinburgh’s team will be there for you.
The Resident Edinburgh’s interior design takes inspiration from local surroundings and the designers have placed emphasis on sourcing items to fully capture the vibrant character of Edinburgh. Furnishings have been carefully handpicked and fabric elements in the rooms and lounge areas have been sourced from well-regarded Glasgow-based, Timorous Beasties.
The hotel’s interior colour palette draws subtly on national references; the pale blue of the Saltire flag, the soft hues of the Craigleith sandstone, the earthy tones of the countryside visible from the rooms and finally the smoky browns that allude to the city’s affectionate nickname of ‘Auld Reekie’.
David JM Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels Ltd, said: “The Resident Edinburgh marks a significant milestone for The Resident brand, many of us in the business and especially our ownership have cherished, deep Scottish roots and a great affinity for Edinburgh and its cultural affluence.
The Resident Edinburgh brings a new offering to the visitor for the City, a slightly longer stay with the guest and our teams at the centre. The Resident has an enviable track record at ensuring the visitor whether on business or leisure can experience a home from home, living like a local but with a very light touch.
The Resident teams’ advocacy of businesses, attractions, artisans and institutions within the city will be fulsome as our mission to showcase the entrepreneur chefs’ restaurants and bars throughout the city.
“The guest experience is at the centre of our operation, and we have carefully curated a hotel that is inspired by Edinburgh, Scotland and the people who live here. We are delighted to be able to offer a personal experience for any guest that enters The Resident Edinburgh and equip them with insider knowledge, so they can feel like a resident in Scotland’s vibrant capital.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming guests from September; the afterglow of the Festival will be a perfect time to visit a city that has proven increasingly to appeal throughout the year.”
Gillian Mylles, General Manager of The Resident Edinburgh, said:“I am so excited to be bringing The Resident experience to Edinburgh. The attention to detail in The Resident Edinburgh is impressive.
“Amenities and services have been diligently considered to offer an exceptional experience for guests in an idyllic setting. We will be welcoming guests from all around the world, each visiting the capital for a variety of different reasons, and we have made sure we can cater to any potential need.
“The Resident Edinburgh will be a comforting home away from home. Guests will be able to get involved in the Edinburgh community, learn insider tips from the very best and also have the chance to socialise with other guests. I’m looking forward to our doors opening in September and meeting Edinburgh’s current and new residents”.
The Resident Edinburgh has seen the redevelopment of a 1960’s building, repurposing the former 1963 HM Revenue and Customs office for a use for at least the next 60 years. An innovative glass recycling solution by Arup is a first in a hotel project in the UK; 10 tonnes of glass from the building’s façade were returned to glass manufacturer, NSG Pilkington, which resulted in savings of 12 tonnes of virgin raw materials and more than 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided during new glass manufacture.
The hotel will open from the 1st September 2024, and reservations can be made directly on the hotel’s website. By becoming a member, guests can enjoy 15% off booking and other benefits. Sign up in one simple step by visiting: https://www.residenthotels.com/registration/.
The Resident Edinburgh joins five existing The Resident properties located in prime locations in London and Liverpool, with planning permission approved for The Resident Farringdon, London. The Resident Covent Garden and The Resident Liverpool have both been ranked as #1 in their respective cities on Tripadvisor, cementing the fact that the brand has guest experience at its heart and will be bringing this elevated offering to Scotland.
Police Scotland Air Support Unit launched their drone in South Queensferry this week as part of an operation tackling antisocial vehicle use in the Hawes Pier area.
Community officers were joined by Cllr Lewis Younie and assisted by colleagues from our Roads Policing Team to raise awareness of the issue and engage with those involved.
We’ve removed closed venues, added exciting new spots, and updated prices to keep you informed. 
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= free (ie. no admittance fee)
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= dog friendly
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