Actor Nicholas Ralph will take to the stage as part of the extraordinary Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert this May.
The Scottish performer, of Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece television series All Creatures Great and Small, is set to tread the boards of the Usher Hall in Edinburgh as Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland celebrate 80 years since the end of World War Two on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – two days prior to VE Day.
He’ll be joined by Scots singer/songwriter Cammy Barnes, as well as both the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who will perform a varied programme of stirring music befitting the strength and resilience of the wartime generation.
Nicholas said: “I am thrilled to have been asked to participate in Scotland’s Salute VE80 concert. It will be an absolute honour to take to the stage with a short performance in front of many of our nation’s current and former members of the Armed Forces.
“I look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day.”
The concert will also feature first-hand testimony from surviving Scottish VE-Day veterans, some of whom will be present on the evening, to reflect on the past and celebrate the enduring spirit of service.
It is being narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as the evenings compere.
Captain Ann Millar RM, Band Director, said: “The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland are delighted to be involved in the VE80 concert.
“We as a band take huge pride in delivering music to the highest standard and are very much looking forward to working with all the other acts to bring Scotland an evening of musical excellence as well as a fitting tribute to commemorate the men and women, both serving and civilian whose courage 80 years ago led to Victory in Europe.
“We are planning an evening with a full, varied and entertaining programme, featuring moments of poignancy, celebration and tradition in equal parts; it will be an honour to be part of something so profound and special in such an iconic setting in the heart of Edinburgh.”
A spokesperson for the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland said: “For the Band, it is a privilege to be supporting Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, who we have a long history of supporting and whom carry out outstanding work for both serving and ex-members of HM Armed Forces.
“It is not often where both premier military music ensembles can join forces and this occasion is definitely not to be missed.”
All profits made from ticket sales will be split 50/50 between Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland. Profits will go directly to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, through Legion Scotland’s comradeship events and Poppyscotland’s welfare provisions.”
Tickets for this one-off concert spectacular, which are priced at £20.25 for the Stalls, £25 for the Grand Circle and £19.45 for the Upper Circle, are available now and can be booked through the Usher Hall booking office online or by calling 0131 228 1155.
Edinburgh based VPZ recently took the streets surrounding Holyrood in a youth vaping awareness campaign to highlight concerns around super-size disposable vapes in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
A specially designed trailer sat outside the Scottish Parliament to shed light on the alarming rise of illicit ‘Big Puff’ vapes and its impact on youth vaping.
Alongside the trailer’s journey, there was a gathering of 20 that supported the campaign cause and raised awareness on the importance of the ban on those illicit devices.
The trailer featured two striking 1-tonne containers, one filled with legal 2ml vapes (35000 units) and the other packed with illicit, super-size disposable vapes (9000 units), showcasing the stark visual representation of the challenges the industry and policymakers could face if appropriate measures are not taken.
So-called ‘Big Puff’ vapes exploit a loophole in the vaping law that allows the sale of devices with greater liquid capacity than the legislated 2 ml.
By utilising an external plug-in tank of 10 ml, these vaping units effectively become a 12 ml product, which is 6 times more than the allowed vaping liquid in a disposable device. New devices are being approved by the MHRA weekly, some with more capacity than 12ml.
Despite being considered rechargeable, the super-size vape products are made with a low-quality battery, and an unchangeable coil which effectively makes them single use.
Greig Fowler, Director of VPZ – The Vaping Specialist, said: “We hope that our campaign has served as a wake-up call to policymakers and the public, as it’s crucial that MPs act now to address the dangers of these super-sized disposables before the UK finds itself in the midst of another youth and environmental crisis.
“VPZ is taking a stand against the dangers posed by the unregulated vaping products that threaten to undermine the forthcoming disposable ban in June. Our mission is to highlight the urgent need for action and collaboration to tackle these arising issues to the public.
“Dr Caroline Johnson outlined amendment NC9 which would bring this area into check, however, that was discussed and rejected following a vote. The problem needs addressed now and not in 12-18 months’ time when the Bill is passed.
“If we fail to respond decisively now, we risk further harm to young people, an environmental disaster, and undermining vaping’s role as a smoking cessation tool, which has helped millions to quit smoking.
“We must work together to strike the right balance, protecting smokers and ex-smokers while preventing further damage to public health and the environment.”
VPZ strongly supports most of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill measures to tackle youth access, including restriction of naming, packaging, and marketing.
However, VPZ believes that there should be a balanced regulatory approach to protect adult smokers looking to quit while effectively cracking down on illicit and unregulated products in order for the UK to reach its 2030 Smoke-Free goals.
VPZ has previously warned adult vapers that the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill could restrict some the favourite flavours that helped them quit smoking, potentially affecting around 3 million vapers and ex-smokers if passed.
VPZ has over 185 stores in the UK and has helped over 1 million smokers quit since it was established in 2012.
Number of people receiving the highest level of support across UC and other benefits has increased by 50% since the start of the pandemic
Figures show 1.8 million people now in Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) category as broken Work Capability Assessment continues to push people out of work.
New figures emerge ahead of proposals to reform health and disability benefits and builds on the plan to get Britain working.
1.8 million people on Universal Credit are getting no support to find work, according to latest data.
Whilst an increase was expected, as people move from other benefits to Universal Credit, the rise has increased above expectations, with the number of people receiving the highest level of support across UC and other benefits increasing 50% since the start of the pandemic, between February 2020 and August 2024.
The government is already taking action to get people into work through its plan to get Britain working which will empower local mayors to tackle economic inactivity, overhaul Jobcentres, and deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning.
Building on the biggest employment reforms for a generation, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is due to announce radical welfare reforms to create a thriving and inclusive labour market – as part of the government’s Plan for Change to unlock work, boost growth and raise living standards.
Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon. Liz Kendall MP, said: “Millions of people have been locked out of work by a failing welfare system which abandons people – when we know there are at least 200,000 people who want to work, and are crying out for the right support and a fair chance.
“This government is determined to fix the broken benefits system we inherited so it genuinely supports people, unlocks work, boosts living standards while putting the welfare bill on a more sustainable footing.”
In the current ‘dysfunctional’ system, a person is placed in binary categories of either “fit for work” or “not fit for work” through the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) – an assessment the government has said it will either reform or replace, so it no longer drives people who want to work to a life on benefits.
Through this process, those not fit for work are told they have Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) – meaning they won’t receive employment support or further engagement from the system at any point following their assessment – effectively abandoning and locking them out of work indefinitely.
The current system, in which people 25 and over on the standard rate of UC get £393.45 a month and those with a health condition get an additional £416.19, gives an incentive for people to say they can’t work – and get locked out of help and support – simply to get by financially.
Over the past five years, 67% of people on Universal Credit who have been through a WCA were considered LCWRA – a symptom of the assessment system pushing people to prove their inability to work for a more generous payout.
The Labour government says it has ‘hit the ground running’ to tackle health-related inactivity at its root, improving the country’s wellness by investing £26 billion in the NHS, delivering 2 million extra appointments to tackle medical waiting lists, and hiring an extra 8,500 mental health workers, so people get the treatment they need to stay healthy and in work.
This comes alongside the £250 million plan to get Britain working and the recently announced 1,000 Work Coaches will be redeployed to offer intensive employment support to around 65,000 sick and disabled people – a ‘downpayment’ on Labour’s plan ‘to restore fairness to our welfare system’.
Keith is a local volunteer for the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh that helps older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Keith gets the bus or walks to the homes of older and disabled people in EH3, EH4 and EH5 (and further abound!) who have booked some DIY work with the charity.
Keith has completed 50 jobs since August 2022 in the area which has included changing many lightbulbs, and he is up a ladder in a whizz!
This is the most popular job that Keith does and can make so much difference to someone who only has one bulb as the main light source in a room. Another popular request is changing lightbulbs in fridges and hanging curtains or setting up a new laptop.
Keith goes that extra mile and has done jobs like typing up simplified instructions on how to use a mobile phone for an older person. In many cases, just visiting the client makes a big difference to them especially if they are housebound and have had few visitors.
2025 is the 40th anniversary of the charity Care & Repair Edinburgh who provide practical help around the homes of the elderly and disabled residents of Edinburgh.
The charity, which was based in Leith, was established in 1985 with the premise of “helping elderly people who are in most need and whose homes require repair or improvement”.
Forty years later the charity still provides affordable DIY and repairs for older and disabled residents of Edinburgh, however the services and the number of people being helped has dramatically increased.
Between a four-year period of 1985 to 1989 670 clients were helped but in 2025 the charity will help nearly that number of elderly and disabled people in one month!
In 2024 Care & Repair Edinburgh carried out over 6,000 DIY jobs around the homes of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable residents.
This has ranged from changing lightbulbs and putting up pictures through the Volunteer Service or installing keysafes so that an older person can stay independent in their own home with a little bit of help from friends, family members or carers. Small electrical repairs have been carried, which have included changing cracked light fittings and socket plates.
The joiner has fixed sash cords in windows, installed grab rails and handrails so clients can get out into their garden or installed shelves and curtain poles to make a house more homely.
Interestingly the age range of clients that the charity has helped has also changed over the years. In 1985 only 17% of the clients were over 80 years’ old, while today the figure is more than 46% and 11over 100-year-olds were supported last year.
Care & Repair Edinburgh’s Director, Allison Strachan, said: “It is wonderful to see the difference that we can make to the lives of the elderly and disabled residents in Edinburgh, and we receive such kind feedback from clients.
“Sometimes what seems like an impossible job for an elderly person who does not have very good mobility, for example climbing a ladder to change a lightbulb can be done by our wonderful volunteers in a flash!”
Today Care and Repair Edinburgh help older and vulnerable people stay independent, comfortable, safe, and secure in their own homes for as long as they can and want to.
Please get in touch with Care & Repair Edinburgh if you think we can help you and need some practical work carried out around your home or you would like to volunteer or make a donation so that this Edinburgh institution can carry on for another 40 years.
2024 officially one of the worst years on record for UK butterflies
More than half of UK butterfly species are now in long-term decline for the first time on record
Small Tortoiseshell had its worst year ever and is in long-term decline
Common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and the wider countryside had their second-worst year since 1976
51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023
Newly released data has shown that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time on record, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline.
Nine species had their worst year since counting began, including the much-loved Small Tortoiseshell, Chalk Hill Blue and Small Copper.
Worryingly, last year was also the second-worst year on record for ‘wider countryside species’ – the common butterflies that live in gardens, parks and across the landscape such as Common Blue, Gatekeeper and Large White.
The figures come from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which has asked volunteers to count butterflies across the country since 1976 and now monitors more than 3,000 sites. The scheme is led by national charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
Overall, 2024 was the fifth worst year since records began for UK butterflies. Butterfly numbers always fluctuate annually, and last year’s low numbers are partly the result of a wet spring and relatively cool summer, however UKBMS data also show that 31 of the 59 resident UK species are now in long-term decline.
Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said:“I am devastated by the decline of our beloved British butterflies, and I’m sorry to say it has been brought about by human actions: we have destroyed wildlife habitats, polluted the environment, used pesticides on an industrial scale and we are changing the climate.
“That means that when we have poor weather, these already-depleted butterfly populations are highly vulnerable and can’t bounce back like they once did – and with climate change, that unusual weather is becoming more and more usual.”
In total, 51 of the UK’s 59 species declined in 2024 compared to 2023, with just six species showing any increase.
Among the most concerning species is the Small Tortoiseshell: one of the most well-known butterflies in the UK, its bright colours and appearance in gardens have made it a recognisable favourite.
However, since the first UKBMS results in 1976, its abundance has plummeted by 86%. Numbers in 2023 were the worst ever at that point, and last year were down again.
Unlike many of the species that are faring worst, the Small Tortoiseshell is not a rarity confined to nature reserves but a ‘wider countryside species’, living in all parts of the UK and drinking nectar from a wide variety of flowers. Its caterpillars feed on stinging nettles.
Of the eight other species that had their worst year on record, Green-veined White, Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Small Copper are also wider countryside species.
The Green-veined White, one of the UK’s most widespread butterflies, is also now in significant long-term decline.
The Grizzled Skipper, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Chalk Hill Blue, which also had their worst year on record, are already listed as threatened on the GB butterfly Red List.
These species all require specific habitat to thrive, and those habitats have been destroyed over the past century.
Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UKCEH, said: “These deeply concerning results from the UKBMS emphasise just how important it is to monitor and record our wildlife so we can target conservation efforts and protect our beloved species.
“Butterflies in particular are valuable not just in their own right but also as indicator species, meaning they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general.”
The UKBMS figures come after Butterfly Conservation declared a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency following the worst-ever results of its Big Butterfly Count last year.
Dr Fox said:“Most people will not be surprised by these results: all last summer we were inundated with people asking where the butterflies had gone and what they can do to help.
“By far the best thing we can do to help butterflies is to create more habitat. Last year we published research which showed that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass increases the number and variety of butterflies that you see.
“That is why we are calling on people and councils across the UK to pledge to not cut their grass this year from April to September: this simple act can make a real, immediate difference to butterflies, moths and other wildlife.”
Dr James Heywood, Bird Survey Organiser at BTO said:“We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of skilled volunteers who monitored butterflies last year at more than 3,000 sites as part of the UKBMS, as well the 300 volunteers who are recording both birds and butterflies at the same locations.
“The collective data, which reveal a concerning picture for so many species, will help to inform lasting, impactful conservation decisions. We will continue to support and encourage these brilliant citizen scientists to contribute to this scheme and ensure a better future for our amazing British wildlife.”
Steve Wilkinson, Director of Ecosystem Evidence & Advice at JNCC, said:“The results revealed by the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme highlights why robust wildlife monitoring is absolutely essential for conservation.
“Without the dedicated efforts of thousands of volunteers tracking butterfly numbers, we wouldn’t fully understand the scale of this decline. This comprehensive surveillance allows us to identify which species need urgent intervention, track long-term trends, and measure the effectiveness of our conservation efforts.
“The UKBMS data doesn’t just tell us about butterflies – it provides a critical indicator of the health of our wider environment. In the face of habitat loss and climate change, these monitoring schemes provide the evidence base we need to take meaningful action before it’s too late.”
Encouraging small businesses to thrive and foster collaboration amongst producers and food groups to promote local produce.
The Scottish Government is providing £100,000 funding for the sixth round of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Regional Food Fund.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to Scottish food business for projects aimed at elevating Scotland’s food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best local produce the country has to offer.
Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the Scottish economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.
“However, we realise how vital engaging with regional markets is in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through remarkable initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing small projects the opportunity to promote and showcase their regional goods.
“This funding enables businesses to raise awareness of locally available produce to communities and showcase some of Scotland’s most exciting food and drink ventures.”
Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond said: “As the Regional Food Fund enters its sixth round, we look forward to reviewing a diverse range of applications.
“Over the years, the fund has supported everything from food and drink festivals and campaigns to collaborative initiatives showcasing the journey from field to fork. This highlights the strength of the desire for local produce and the growing food tourism scene in Scotland.
“The fund encourages regional collaboration and celebrates unique food and drink stories that continue to nurture and elevate Scotland’s thriving food culture, making it a renowned destination for food experiences.”
Just one in five (21%) older people say the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.
‘Older people living on a low income, with caring responsibilities, or with a health condition are more likely to have cut back on heating and food.’
Independent Age call on Scottish Government to create a Pensioner Poverty strategy.
A charity’s new annual index on the economic wellbeing of older people in Scotland has revealed the difficult reality of being on a low income in 2025.
‘Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index: Scotland 2024-25’, commissioned by Independent Age and conducted by the Diffley Partnership is a nationally representative poll of people aged 66 and over. This year marks the first year of the Index. The research will be repeated annually to track trends over time.
The Index shows that nearly one in five (19%) older people in Scotland have a household income of less than £15,000 a year, and paints a stark picture of difficulties in later life in income, costs, housing, quality of life and political representation. The research shows that certain groups are being particularly affected by the cost of living on a low income, including carers, people in one-person households and people living with a disability.
The number of older people in poverty is rising, with 156,000 or one in seven currently affected, a number that has risen by 25% in the last decade. Independent Age are calling for the Scottish Government to create a dedicated strategy to tackle this and for the UK Government to make sure that all social security payments provide enough to live on.
Income and financial wellbeing
The Index shows that older people across Scotland on a low income generally do not feel positive about their financial situation and that Government support for older people does not feel sufficient.
Just over one in five (22%) older people with an income of less than £15,000 rate their financial situation as good.
Three in five (61%) older people say the amount they receive from the State Pension isn’t enough to cover basic living expenses.
One in four (24%) older people with a health condition are not aware of Attendance Allowance/Pension Age Disability Payments.
One in four (24%) older women reported having an income of less than £15,000 compared to one in eight (13%) men.
Costs and cutbacks
Rising costs are hitting older people across Scotland, especially those living on a low income. Women, disabled people, carers and one-person households were found to be at particular risk of being financially forced to cut back on heating, skip meals and reduce social interaction.
Almost one in three (29%) older people in Scotland have skipped meals in the last 12 months
Less than half (47%) of older people in Scotland on an income of less than £15,000 are confident they will be able to pay their heating bills over next 12 months
Half (50%) of older people report that they have cut back on heating or utilities at least occasionally because of financial difficulties.
Over four in five (83%) older people with an income of less than £15,000 have cut back on heating or utilities.
Almost a third (32%) of older people with a health condition have skipped meals because of costs, compared to a fifth (21%) without a health condition.
Almost one in four (23%) women frequently or always cut back on heating or utilities, compared to one in six (17%) men.
Housing
The number of older private renters is rising across Scotland, yet this group often feel ignored by society. The Index shows that for too large a number, their housing situation is less than ideal.
People in the most deprived neighbourhoods (SIMD 1) are least likely to own their home outright and the most likely to rent from a social landlord compared to those in all other neighbourhoods (SIMD 2-5).
Older people renting from a private landlord were the least likely to say their home is ‘entirely suitable’ (40%) compared to those who own with a mortgage or loan (61%) or those who out-right owned (63%).
One in four (24%) older people report a challenge with the affordability of their housing, with it becoming unaffordable for them to live there.
Quality of life and political representation
Although most older Scottish residents polled said they are satisfied with their quality of life, most felt they were not well represented by political offices.
63% of people of pensionable age say they are not represented by the Scottish Government. This increases to 77% when it comes to the UK Government.
85% of older people supported the Scottish Government creating a pensioner poverty strategy and 81% supported the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner.
Across the board, older individuals with one or more health conditions are less likely to be satisfied with each aspect of life than those without any health conditions, including their quality of life as a whole (67%; 90%), their level of social interaction with others (66%; 83%), their general health (50%; 90%) and their ability to access public transport (54%; 73%).
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Managersaid: “In a fair and just society, no one should be living their later years cutting back on food or not using the heating. They shouldn’t be living in a home that doesn’t meet their needs. Our new Index paints a stark picture of the reality of living on a low income in Scotland in 2025.
“We’re calling on the Scottish Government to develop a Pensioner Poverty strategy to address the misery felt by a rising number of older Scots on a low income. This should set out actions to boost incomes and social security take up and improve housing affordability and energy efficiency.
“They should also work to create an Older People’s Commissioner who could make sure that the voices of older people across Scotland are heard in policy making. Also, the UK Government must make sure that the social security payments that they control are adequate to live on.
“An Index to measure the economic wellbeing of older people across Scotland is overdue. We know that many in this group feel ignored by wider society, and that the poverty facing many of them isn’t given the attention it needs. We hope that the Index will change that.”
Mark Diffley, Founder and Director of the Diffley Partnershipsaid: “This important new survey provides valuable insight into the challenges older Scots face and highlights areas where support is needed, particularly for those on low incomes.
“Many are struggling financially and feel poorly supported and represented by government bodies and political representatives. Cost cutting behaviours are pervasive amongst older people and are especially prevalent amongst those who are further marginalised, such as those living in deprived neighbourhoods and people with health conditions.
“As the population ages, it’s vital to develop policies which ensure financial security and confidence to support continued independence and dignity in later years. We look forward to continuing to work with Independent Age to measure how these attitudes change over time.”
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging everyone offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring to come forward, get vaccinated and stay protected – because COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared.
Last summer in Scotland, there were more than 10,000 reported cases of COVID-19 and over 4,000 people hospitalised.
This year’s spring vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19. This includes older adults in care homes, people aged 75 and over, and those with a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from COVID-19.
If you’re invited for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring, it’s because experts know that your age or health condition mean you’re at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at PHS, said: “Being vaccinated is the safest and most effective way for older people and those with certain underlying conditions to protect themselves against COVID-19.
“You get your strongest protection from the vaccine in the first three months after getting it. Over time, this protection gradually fades so, even if you had your winter vaccination, it’s important to get another dose this spring to reinforce your immunity and help keep you safe.
“Getting vaccinated could mean the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay.”
The spring vaccination programme runs from 31 March until 30 June. If you’re eligible, you’ll be invited by letter, email or text message, depending on your selected communication preference.
You can reschedule your appointment using the online portal or via the National Vaccination Helpline (0800 030 8013).
The Scottish Government’s decision to end renter protection will harm households and families in Edinburgh. says Lorna Slater the Scottish Green MSP for Lothian region.
The protections, which ended this week, were introduced by the then Green Minister Patrick Harvie following the year long rent freeze. This mechanism potentially allows rent increases to be limited to no higher than 12% if a tenant applies to a rent officer for a decision.
The Scottish Government had said the system would support the transition away from the rent freeze and to the forthcoming system of Rent Control Areas, avoiding a ‘cliff edge’ for renters and protecting them from excessively large increases.
The cost of renting a two bedroom home in Scotland’s capital is £1,358, which is an increase of 14% since 2010.
Lorna Slater MSP said:“Households and families all over the citywill be getting notices hiking up their rents with little chance to appeal. Meanwhile rogue landlords will be celebrating in the knowledge that they are no longer being constrained.
“It doesn’t need to be like this. The Scottish Government can stop it. The protections that the Scottish Greens secured can be extended, offering renters supporters from the most predatory landlords.
“People in Edinburgh have already seen their costs soaring and this decision will only make that worse and will make further price hikes inevitable.
“All parties agree that we are in a housing emergency. The last thing we should be doing is allowing rents to be increased without limit.
“We need a robust and permanent system of rent controls that can support renters and offer protection and stability.
“Homes are for living in, not for profiteering. We need fundamental change if we are to ensure everyone in the city and beyond has a warm, comfortable and affordable place to call home.”
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has asked ‘where are the tangible plans for Emergency Care?’ after Scotland’s A&Es experienced the worst February on record for performance.
The figures, released yesterday (1 April 2025) by Public Health Scotland comes just a day after the Scottish government revealed its ‘operational improvement plan’ which RCEM says ‘missed the mark’ in tackling extreme and dangerous long stays in A&Es.
The new PHS data shows that in A&Es in Scotland in February, 6,072 patients waited 12 hours or longer before being admitted, discharged or transferred.
They also reveal just how much long waits have increased since the 2010s.
Since February 2018, for example, the number of people waiting four hours or more in major EDs has increased by 3.4 times (10,979 to 37,274) eight hours or more by 13 times (1,023 to 13,638) and 12 hours or more by almost 35 times (174 to 6,072).
Patients are often experiencing these extreme long stays on trolleys in corridors due to the lack of available in-patient beds.
People in these beds are often stuck in hospital, despite being well enough to be discharged, because there is no appropriate social care support.
So called ‘delayed discharges’ meant there was an average of 1,986 patients in hospital each day, waiting to be discharged, even though they are well enough to leave. This is the highest number for the month of February since 2016, when guidelines changes.
Responding to the data, Dr Fiona Hunter, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said: “Scotland’s Health Secretary has said he is ‘encouraged’ by a weekly improvement to the four-hour target for admission, treatment or discharge – but our members and their colleagues certainly don’t feel encouraged when you look at the bigger picture.
“Across the board – four, eight and 12 hour waits – were the worst on record for the month of February.
“This should sound alarm bells to politicians and galvanise them to act before A&Es delve into an even deeper crisis.
“This data comes hot on the heels of the government’s NHS improvement plan, which did little to reassure burnout Emergency Medicine clinicians that they won’t be treating patients, who have endured a stay on trolley in a corridor for 12 hours or more, in the weeks, months and years to come.
“It was a golden opportunity, and it missed the mark.
“It’s left us asking, where are the tangible plans for Emergency Care?
“Time is ticking for the government to act and #ResuscitateEmergencyCare.”
