PENTLANDS MSP Gordon Macdonald has announced that he is to step down at the next Holyrood elections.
The SNP MSP told constituents:
‘It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency over the last fourteen years. The Boundary Commission has decided to retire the name of the constituency in May 2026; this will coincide with reaching my own retirement age which I believe is the right time for me to step down from the Scottish Parliament at the forthcoming election.
I have during my time in office tried to serve you diligently and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support you have extended to me over the years.
Since my election in 2011, I have strived to be a voice for our community, working on issues ranging from the need for local affordable housing to national policy that affects our daily lives.
Whether it was advocating for local retail businesses, pushing for better health services, or ensuring our education system serves every child, I have sought to represent the spirit and needs of Edinburgh Pentlands with integrity and passion.
I want to express my thanks to my office team and party activists, past and present, who have been tireless in their support, and to all the residents, community groups, and stakeholders I have had the pleasure of working with. Your engagement has been the cornerstone of my work here.Â
As I prepare to leave this role, I commit to using my remaining time to ensure a smooth transition and to continue addressing the issues that matter to us all.
I have worked tirelessly for 50 years to achieve independence and will continue to campaign for Scotland to join the family of nations. The members of my local branch have been informed of my decision.
Thank you, once again, for the privilege of serving as your MSP.
Nine of the UKâs leading book festivals are delighted to announce an exciting new collaboration as they join together in membership of the British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA).
In light of the common funding challenges that arts organisations face and an ever-evolving media landscape, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has united with eight of its peers to create a new platform for discussion and collaboration.
This move to help futureproof literary festivals across the country is made possible courtesy of a generous donation from award-winning, independent publishers Canongate, which will support the festivalsâ membership fee.
All nine festivals were until last year sponsored by Baillie Gifford.
Joining Cheltenham and Stratford, who are existing BAFA members, Edinburgh International Book Festival joins the Association alongside other UK book festivals – Borders Book Festival, Cambridge Literary Festival, Hay Festival, Henley Literary Festival, Wigtown Book Festival and Wimbledon BookFest.
BAFA, which has other book festivals as members, offers vital support to UK arts festivals at all levels, from volunteer run organisations to some of the most iconic names in the UK arts calendar including BBC Proms, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, London Soundtrack Festival and many more.
Membership of BAFA will not only offer a shared forum for festivals to liaise and co-ordinate mutual support, bolstering their lobbying power, it will also afford each festival access to additional resources and academic links, as well as discounted services that prove invaluable in the running of large-scale arts events. Ultimately, this new common membership of BAFA will enable a stronger collective voice for communicating the value and benefit of book festivals.
Despite their significant profile in the wider festivals landscape, this will mark the first time that book festivals have engaged in such a UK-wide collaboration.
It is hoped that BAFA will build on the work already achieved by Scottish book festivals via the Scottish Book Festivals Network, collaborating on a national scale and thus reaching a wider audience.
BAFA supports the arts festivals sector through networking, training, advocacy and support. As a united voice for the sector, BAFA champions arts festivals and will be using the findings of its Festivals Forward research, commissioned by BOP Consulting in 2024, to make the case for the sectorâs unique contribution not only to the UKâs cultural life but to its audiences and communities.
Annie Ashworth, Director of Stratford Literary Fetsival, said: âWe have been members of BAFA for many years and enjoyed the benefits.
“Book festivals are a vital part of the UK’s cultural landscape and, by more of us linking with each other under its umbrella, we can share our challenges, best practice and ideas, and offer even more value to audiences, authors and publishers.â
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: âWe are really excited to announce this partnership. Our group of festivals has been working more collaboratively since last summer, and see real opportunity in continuing to share expertise and strengthening our partnerships.
“Joining BAFA is a great example of how working together can really bolster our collective impact. Book festivals are critical for writers, and are a vital part of both publishing and of the wider cultural landscape.
“We look forward to working together to navigate an ever changing arts landscape and championing the huge value of what we do, all across the UK.â
Fiona Goh, Director of BAFA, said: ‘BAFA is delighted to welcome these acclaimed and diverse literary festivals to our membership, joining other arts festivals from across the UK, including the BBC Proms, Harrogate International Festivals and Cheltenham Festivals.
“Weâre looking forward to working together to support book festivals to develop and flourish, and to champion the extraordinary work of these events in enriching the lives of communities across the UK.‘
THE Gandhian Peace Society (GPS) has shared ‘an urgent and transformative development’ – the recent publication of their new report,Hinduphobia in Scotland: Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice:
As a charity rooted in Mahatma Gandhiâs principles of non-violence, GPS is proud to announce that this pioneering study has been presented to the Scottish Parliamentâs Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice of Hinduphobia in the UK (writes DHRUVA KUMAR, General Secretary of Gandhian Peace Society).
Our report, presented to the CPG on 23 January 2024 and discussed in a meeting chaired by Foysol Choudhury MSP and convened by Professor Peter Hopkins, blends rigorous statistical data with firsthand accounts from Scotlandâs Hindu populationâapproximately 0.3% of the countryâs 5.4 million residents.
The findings reveal a troubling rise in prejudice and systemic barriers:
56% Surge in Hate Crimes: Police Scotland data shows a 56% increase in charges linked to anti-Hindu prejudice between 2019 and 2021. Notable incidents include the 2021 vandalism of Dundeeâs Shree Sanatan Mandir and the 2020 arson attack on Edinburghâs Radha Krishna Temple.
Systemic Workplace Discrimination: Hindus face the lowest public-sector recruitment rates among religious groupsâ1.99% at NHS Greater Glasgow, 2.7% at Glasgow City Council, and 1.39% at Renfrewshire Council. A 2022 study found that 93% of Hindu employees avoid wearing religious attire at work, while 38% report denied requests for religious holidays.
Social Stigma: A survey revealed that 16% of Scots would feel uncomfortable with a relative marrying a Hindu, a higher rate than for Muslims (14%), Jews (11%), or Buddhists (9%).
These findings, compiled over eight months of collaboration with academics, interfaith leaders, and community members, underscore the urgent need for action. Professor Hopkins praised the reportâs evidence-based approach, while Peter lauded GPS for bringing Hinduphobia into public discourse.
Beyond documenting these challenges, our report proposes an actionable four-pillar strategy to address Hinduphobia:
Legal Reforms: Strengthen Scotlandâs Hate Crime Act to explicitly recognize Hinduphobia as a distinct form of prejudice.
Education: Revise school curricula to include accurate teachings about Hindu history and culture, countering ignorance and stereotypes.
Workplace Policies: Mandate anti-discrimination training and clear guidelines for religious accommodations in public and private sectors.
Community Support: Establish interfaith networks and victim support hubs to foster solidarity and resilience.
As Dhruva Kumar, Sukhi Bains and Neil Lal, authors of the report, aptly stated: âThis isnât a Hindu issue alone. Itâs about building a Scotland where diversity is protected.â
The significance of this report extends far beyond Scotland. It has sparked widespread dialogue, with coverage in over 110 media outlets worldwide, including ANI, Press Trust of India, HinduPost The Week, The Tribune, Business Standard, The Print and WashingtonDCDespatch, as well as prominent Asian platforms like Awaz FM.
Dhruva Kumar said: âScotland has a long tradition of welcoming diversity. We must uphold those values by ensuring that no religious community faces marginalisation or discrimination.â
Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh like never before with The Real Mary Kingâs Close âUnderground Unlockedâ experience
The streets beneath Edinburghâs Royal Mile which were home to real residents, will come alive once again.
For one evening only on Thursday, 13th March, The Real Mary Kingâs Close is inviting guests to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light. Unlike the usual guided experiences, this immersive event will let visitors wander the streets at their own pace, uncover hidden tales, and interact with the past in an environment brimming with atmosphere and characters.
The one-of-a-kind event will see the streets beneath Edinburghâs Royal Mile buzz with life as guests stroll through preserved homes and businesses, stepping into the world of those who once lived, worked, and died here.
Recently crowned the UKâs best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisorÂŽ Travellersâ ChoiceÂŽ Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary Kingâs Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Guests at âUnderground Unlockedâ will come face to face with the people who once called The Close home. Encounter the enigmatic plague doctor, John Paulitious, and hear his grim warnings. Stop for a conversation with Mary Stewart, Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her last night in Edinburgh in Pearsonâs Close.
Exchange words with renowned poet Robert Fergusson, or pause to listen to Janet Chesney, mother of the Closeâs final resident, as she shares memories of a vanished way of life.
The two-hour experience will allow guests to wander leisurely and curiously as every turn reveals a new piece of history, character, and every shadow holds a secret.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary Kingâs Close, said:Â âOur new Underground Unlocked events give a rare chance to explore The Real Mary Kingâs Close at your own pace for up to two hours.
“During the one-off experience, guests will meet and interact with up to 13 historic residents, and step inside preserved homes and businesses, exactly as they stood centuries ago.â
âWe wanted to give an idea of what the streets would have been like back in the 17th when the Close would have been bustling with life. At The Real Mary Kingâs Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time.
“We canât wait to welcome them to âUnderground Unlockedâ and give them our most immersive experience yet.âÂ
The special âUnderground Unlockedâ experience will be running on Thursday 13th March from 18.00 until 21.00. Tickets are ÂŁ40 per person. Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.
How about some feelgood drumming session this weekend?
@edmcfest director Morgan Njobo is bringing his signature drumming workshop rooted in the South African rhythms to South Queensferry Library at 2pm tomorrow – Saturday 1st March.
Local authorities could be given the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships that visit their areas in future.
The Scottish Government is seeking views on the practicalities of such a levy, as well as the potential market implications and effect on local economies and communities.
Analysis shows there were around 1,000 cruise ship visits to Scottish ports in 2024, bringing 1.2 million passengers â an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: âThe tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Governmentâs decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.
âLast year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.â
The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.
The areas that welcome the most cruise passengers are Invergordon, Orkney, Edinburgh, Lerwick, and Greenock, and the average ship in the five busiest ports carries over 1,000 passengers.
Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted the record funding going to City of Edinburgh Council after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a ÂŁ1 billion increase in funding to local authorities.
After the budget received cross-party support â despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands â City of Edinburgh Council is set to receive an increase in funding worth ÂŁ60 million.
This increases funding for local priorities, teachers, and additional support for learning and to tackle the climate emergency. It also facilitates pay increases agreed for teachers, social care workers, refuse collectors and more.
Gordon Macdonald MSP said: âThis yearâs Scottish Budget provides record funding for Edinburgh Council which will help deliver the services people rely on and ensure our communities get the investment they need.
âAfter over a decade of austerity and a Labour tax hike which is set to cost councils ÂŁ100 million, our local authorities have been repeatedly betrayed by Westminster parties.
âUnder the SNP, we are not only investing in our local councils, but we are mitigating the impact of Westminster decisions, to the tune of ÂŁ144 million for the National Insurance hike alone.
âThis SNP government is delivering for the city, and I am pleased parliament has backed this budget to ensure that continues.â
Scottish public play crucial role in stopping needless animal cruelty
OneKind campaign generated support of thousands of Scots to end the use of snares
A leading Scottish animal charity, OneKind, is celebrating the thousands of volunteers and members of the public who helped to locate and report cruel snares ahead of a historic ban to end the capture device comes into force.
This significant milestone means that wild, farmed, and companion animals across the country will no longer endure the inhumane mental and physical agony inflicted by snare traps.
The Scottish Government’s historic decision to ban snares, passed through the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act, marks a monumental step forward in ending animal cruelty. OneKind had been working on getting snares banned for many years and thanks to public interest and support finally got the ban confirmed in November 2024.
Snares, which have long been used by gamekeepers to trap wild animals like foxes in the name of protecting game birds for shooting, are indiscriminate and often cause immense suffering to a wide range of non-targeted species, from deer and badgers to cats and dogs. The new law, which came into effect in November 2024, makes it an offence to use snares or cause harm to wild animals through snaring.
This win was made possible thanks to various funding streams for the charity including that of Bighearted Scotland which helps fund essential campaigns through Payroll Giving.
Bob Elliot, Director of OneKind said:“The ban on snares is a victory that will end the suffering of countless animals across Scotland. For years, we have seen the devastating impact of snares on both target and non-target species alike.
âThe distress caused to pets, wildlife, and even livestock has been heartbreaking. The Scottish Government has underlined its commitment to bettering animal welfare across the country with this landmark decision, and we couldnât have done it without the support of the general public who helped us locate many snares in the Scottish countryside, our dedicated donors â including Bighearted Scotland – and supporters.”
OneKind has been at the forefront of this battle, campaigning for many years to eliminate the use of snares in Scotland. The charityâs efforts included public marches, rallies outside the Scottish Parliament, petitions, and extensive outreach to raise awareness of the cruelty caused by these devices.
The snare ban is the culmination of years of hard work by OneKind, but it also signals a shift in how we view wild animals. By protecting them from these inhumane traps, Scotland is taking a strong stance on the ethical treatment of wildlife.
Bighearted Scotlandâs ongoing support of OneKindâs campaigns, particularly through payroll giving, has been crucial in securing this win. Payroll giving allows employees to donate a portion of their salary directly to causes like OneKind, ensuring a consistent and reliable funding stream that powers crucial campaigns.
Deborah Roe, Chair of Bighearted Scotland said:âWe are proud to be part of a landmark moment for Scotland, our wildlife and our beautiful countryside through our ongoing support of OneKind.
âWe want to make donating and giving back as easy as possible which is why, this Payroll Giving Month, we are encouraging people to opt in to payroll giving to benefit four Scottish Charities including Erskine, OneKind, Epilepsy Scotland and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.
âBy donating via payroll giving you can be guaranteed you are supporting a range of charities spanning various causes and making a real impact, to real people.â
Bighearted Scotland is a consortium that has been supporting Scottish charities for over 30 years. Bighearted Scotland is dedicated to enhancing fundraising efforts through payroll giving, or Give as You Earn, which allows employees to make regular, tax-efficient donations straight from their gross pay.
In February, Payroll Giving Month, Bighearted Scotland and its member charities raise awareness about the power of payroll donations, which are often a consistent and reliable source of funding. However, despite the programâs impact, the amount donated through payroll giving has decreased by 15% over the last decade, with the number of donors also declining by 13%.
For those interested in supporting OneKind and other member charities of Bighearted Scotland, visit www.bigheartedscotland.co.uk to learn more about how to set up payroll giving in your workplace.
The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland launches plans this week to bring about significant change to reduce health inequalities in three of Scotlandâs local authority areas.
This collaboration brings together Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of University College Londonâs Institute of Health Equity (IHE) with councils and health boards in Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Over the next two years, this partnership will help local areas and Community Planning Partners to strengthen their local plans to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing in their communities. It will support local partners to understand the actions which will have the greatest impact on health inequalities locally and help to overcome the barriers to implementing these.
The ultimate goal is to enable people to live longer, healthier lives by addressing the root causes of health inequalities and preventing illness before it starts. By creating conditions where communities can thrive, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change.
A key element of the collaboration is its role in bridging the gap between national policies and local implementation. The insights and learning from the collaboration will be shared across Scotland through a dedicated learning system, ensuring that communities nationwide can benefit from the knowledge gained.
To mark the beginning of the partnerships, each of the three local areas host launch events this week. These events will serve as a platform to engage with the community, share the vision of the collaboration, and kickstart this ambitious project to build a healthier, more equitable Scotland.
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of PHS, said: âOur mission in Public Health Scotland is to see life expectancy increase and health inequalities reduced. The circumstances in which we are born, live and work have a huge impact on the length and quality of our lives. People born in the most deprived areas are dying, on average, a decade earlier than their wealthier neighbours.
âItâs possible to change this by taking action across the range of factors that impact on health and wellbeing. That is what this new partnership is all about. Weâre determined to see an improvement in Scotlandâs long-term health outcomes, and we can do this by uniting partners from across the system including the NHS, local government, community and voluntary sectors, and businesses.
âThe Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland will bring together national expertise, informed by the success of ‘Marmot Places’ across England and Wales, with local knowledge to agree priority actions and support meaningful change.
âWeâre looking forward to working and learning together with a determined focus to see improvement in health, wellbeing and life expectancy across Scotland.â
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Director of the IHE said: âResearch in Scotland has demonstrated dramatic differences in health and life expectancy within and between areas in Scotland. Progress in improving health stalled after 2010, in Scotland as in other parts of the UK, and health inequalities increased.
âWe have been working with places in England and Wales to implement change at local level to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We are inspired by the commitment of communities and local leaders to improve the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age.
âWe are now delighted to launch programmes of work in three places in Scotland. Each place has vital contributions to make in improving the conditions of peopleâs lives thereby tackling health inequalities within their area.
“This local action will also inform national system leaders about the most effective ways to develop national approaches to tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Put simply, we aim to show that poverty is not destiny.â
TODAY (Friday 28 February), more than 300 elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) aged 11-18 will represent the views of their peers and hold debates on a range of topics.
Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies will return to the House of Commons Chamber today for the annual sitting of UK Youth Parliament. Â
The debated motions will include:
16- and 17-year-olds should be allowed to vote in all elections and referendums, accompanied with more political education throughout school. Â
That the National Minimum Wage for every worker under 22 be raised, to match the National Living Wage for those over 22. Â
All public transport should be free for young people.Â
All young people in the UK must have access to a standardised level of political literacy and democratic education to improve engagement in politics on a local, national and international level to develop critical thinking skills. Â
To establish period dignity, there should be free, accessible, good quality period products available in public spaces for everyone. Â
The debate areas are part of the UK Youth Parliament Manifesto for 2024-2026 âShaping Our Future, Today Not Tomorrowâ which was created by the MYPâs at their Annual Conference in October 2024, drawing on the views and issues raised by young people from across the UK.Â
For the first time in the House of Commons, an MYP will use British Sign Language to deliver his speech. A BSL interpreter will communicate this via a microphone in the Commons Chamber.
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said that he is âvery proud that this sitting of the UK Youth Parliament will be the most inclusive and exciting yet.
âI cannot wait to hear the thoughts and views of young people from across the UK, the British Overseas Territories, and the Crown Dependencies, on the issues that matter to them.”  Â
Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO, National Youth Agency: âYouth voice is a central tenet of youth work and the UK Youth Parliament provides young people with a valuable opportunity to debate the issues which they have identified as being important whilst gaining first-hand experience of the political process.Â
âThe Annual Sitting really is the highlight of the UK Youth Parliament calendar when we get to see the young Members of Youth Parliament shine in the prestigious setting as they deliver their impassioned speeches and arguments for reform.â
The debates will be streamed live (with an approximately 20-minute delay) on parliamentlive.tv and YouTube.
