Day: May 24, 2025

GIVEAWAY: Free Pret Sandwiches For Pic-NICs This Bank Holiday!

This May Bank Holiday weekend, Pret A Manger is making pic‘Nic’ prep easier than ever for customers whose name starts with ‘Nic’. 

300 lucky customers from across the country will be able to enjoy a freshly made sandwich on Pret for the pret-fect al fresco picnic.

So, if your name is Nick (or begins with ‘Nic’…), you can claim a free, delicious sandwich at select Pret shops across the UK over the bank holiday weekend. No need for the last-minute panic, Pret’s got Nic’s covered to fuel the feel-good vibes for your pic‘Nic’ this long weekend – all you need is your ID.

Here’s how it works:

  • Who can claim? Anyone with a ‘Nic’-name (Nick, Nicholas, Nicole, Nicola, Nicolette, Nico), can pop into one of the participating Pret shops (but hurry as limited to 50 on the day) and show their ID to claim their free sandwich at the tills.
  • What’s on offer? One free freshly made sandwich from the Pret menu for your park lunch.
  • How many? The first 50 ‘Nic’s’ at each location have the chance to enjoy a free sandwich
  • How do I redeem? Just pop into one of the participating shops on the specified day. Select a sandwich from one of the langars then head over to a team member at the tills and show them your ID to prove your ‘nick’ name before getting a free sandwich. The activity is limited to the first 50 ‘Nick’s on the selected day at participating Pret shops and is only redeemable for a sandwich (excludes baguettes, wraps or rye rolls)
  • When & where?
  • Manchester: 1 Portland Street, M1 1RG, (near Picadilly Gardens) Saturday 24th 
  • Glasgow: 268 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8SH (near Glasgow Botanic Gardens) Sunday 25th
  • Edinburgh: 135 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4BL, (near Princes Street Gardens) Monday 26th
  • London: 244 Great Portland Street, W1W 5QX, (near Regents Park) Monday 26th
  • London: 81 Piccadilly Street, W1J 8HY, (near Hyde Park & Green Park) Monday 26th
  • Liverpool: Unit 100, Kinsey Rd, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Chester CH65 9JJ, (Near Stanney Woods Country Park) Monday 26th

So, if your name’s Nic (or Nicole, or Nico…), this one’s going straight in your picnic basket!

Journalism in Scotland celebrated as winners of 46th Scottish Press Awards revealed

Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed

It was a triumphant night for The Scottish Sun at the 46th Scottish Press Awards, named as Scottish Newsbrand of the Year at a ceremony celebrating Scotland’s best journalism.

The Scottish Sun also picked up the Journalism Team of the Year for their reporting on the death of Alex Salmond, and their reporter Graham Mann took home the Scoop of the Year for his tenacity in recording every twist and turn of Stuart Hogg’s fall from rugby legend to domestic abuser.

Held at Glasgow’s Doubletree by Hilton hotel on Thursday (22 May 2025), the highly coveted Journalist of the Year was picked up by Bryan Rutherford of The Press and Journal who continued his successful evening after being awarded Regional Journalist of the Year and Specialist Journalist of the Year earlier.

The team from The Press and Journal also celebrated winning Front Page of the Year – one that caused a nasty spat between the then First Minister and the opposition leader with the shockwaves being felt 400 miles away as Labour Party leaders were accused of turning their backs on the North East of Scotland – of being The Traitors, no less.

The notable Lifetime Achievement Award which this year went to Melanie Reid, columnist and journalist at The Times Scotland. Melanie has been widely recognised for her inspirational contribution to journalism, disability rights and awareness and her weekly ‘Spinal Column’ will be much missed.

As Magnus Linklater, who presented the award, said: “She is an inspiration to journalists and readers everywhere.”

Martin Williams of The Herald was awarded Reporter of the Year and The Sunday Post celebrated winning Campaign of the Year with their campaign, ‘Saving Mothers and Babies’ which resulted in the Scottish Government agreeing funding for pre-eclampsia tests.

The team at East Lothian Courier were awarded Weekly Newsbrand of the Year.

A total of 27 awards crediting the vital work of print and digital journalism were announced in celebration of the finest journalism in Scotland.

Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed

Chair of Judges, Richard Neville, former Head of News Brands at DC Thomson and current Director of Neville Robertson Communications, said: “These awards celebrate talent from across the whole of Scotland and represent thriving journalism in every community from our big cities to our smallest villages.

“Maintaining that quality and consistency of coverage in every community is difficult these days but tonight’s winners show that our industry has the talent, skills and dedication needed to do the job.”

Richard Neville was joined by 35 independent judges from across the Scottish media, communications and public affairs industries. Former BBC Scotland newsreader Jackie Bird hosted the event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. 

Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed

The final awards of the evening were as follows:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
    • Melanie Reid – The Times Scotland
  • Weekly Newsbrand of the Year
    • East Lothian Courier
  • Scoop of the Year
    • Graham Mann – The Scottish Sun
  • Front Page of the Year
    • The Press and Journal
  • Journalism Team of the Year
    • The Scottish Sun – The death of Alex Salmond
  • Campaign of the Year
    • The Sunday Post – ‘Saving Mothers and Babies’
  • Reporter of the Year
    • Martin Williams – The Herald
  • Journalist of the Year
    • Bryan Rutherford – The Press and Journal
  • Scottish Newsbrand of the Year
    • The Scottish Sun
Journalism in Scotland celebrated as the winners of the 46th Scottish Press Awards are revealed

The full list of Scottish Press Awards winners can be found here.

The 46th Scottish Press Awards were sponsored by Diageo, Edrington, VisitScotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Openreach, The Glenmorangie Company Ltd, The Law Society of Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, Muckle Media, Weber Shandwick, Women in Journalism Scotland, Media House International, Event Consultants Scotland and Newsbrands Scotland.

More information can be found at https://www.newsbrandsscotland.com/

Edinburgh students triumph in one of UK’s toughest endurance challenges

Six Fettes College students have won the Youth Class at the prestigious Scottish Islands Peaks Race, a tough sea and land adventure challenge.

Team Fettes took on what is known as one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges, sailing over 160 nautical miles from Oban and running up and down mountains on the islands of Mull, Jura and Arran, totalling almost 60 miles, crossing the finish line in Troon at 3:30am on Monday 19 May.

The team was made up of six Lower Sixth students and four staff who put their teamwork to the test throughout the demanding multi-day event. They were led by skipper Roger Pim aboard the yacht Luskentyre. Students had been training for the event since September, with regular weekend runs in the Pentland Hills outside of Edinburgh, and a sail training weekend on the west coast of Scotland earlier in May.

The Scottish Islands Peaks Race, first held in 1983, combines offshore sailing with mountain running, drawing competitors from across the country and internationally. The Youth Class offers a unique opportunity for young people to push themselves in one of the UK’s most challenging adventure races.

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “We are so proud of our SIPR team and how well they worked together in supporting and encouraging one another throughout the race, and in their preparations for it. An amazing effort!”

One of the participating students, Seth J, said: “The race was tough but unforgettable; the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I feel a huge sense of achievement now it is over.

“Our training really paid off as we felt well-prepared for both the sailing and the running that were involved.

“The support from the team and the guidance from staff kept us going. Reaching Troon was a moment of pure relief and joy, knowing all our effort was worth it.”

To find out more about the various activities on offer at Fettes College, go to:

https://www.fettes.com/senior-school/co-curricular

From Kyiv to the Kelpies: Dad conquers fear of heights to protect Scotland’s children

A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland’s largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life.

After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children.

Lloyd Gwishiri, Trustee for Children 1st

Lloyd added: “The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.”

He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community.

After joining the Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a “fun and interesting adventure”.

The exciting challenge involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth. 

After conquering the Kelpies, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.

Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him.

Lloyd said: “I’m terrified of heights! But I’m quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I’ve seen photographs of the Kelpies, I’ve been planning to go there but I’ve never seen the Kelpies in person.

“It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”

Lloyd’s experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland’s children and keep them safe from harm.

Lloyd added: “I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity.

“So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity’s help can get it.”

Mary Glasgow said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the challenge.

“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.

“Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child’s life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”

To sign up to the Kelpies’ Challenge and support Children First can visit http://childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.

BBC ALBA explores violence in Scotland’s schools in latest EÒRPA episode 

In the latest BBC ALBA Eòrpa documentary, Fòirneart ann an Sgoiltean na h-Alba l Violence in Scotland’s Schools, reporter Eileen Macdonald hears the troubling testimony of teachers and school staff, and asks what’s behind the problem, and what’s being done about it.

“Scratching, slapping, stamping and trying to kick you. More serious injuries such as cuts, biting, deep bruising right up to internal bruising and suspected fractures which needed hospital treatment.”

That’s an example of the statements given to Eòrpa by teachers and school staff all over Scotland – who have been granted anonymity to share their stories – detailing the violence and aggression they are subjected to on a regular basis.

Surveys conducted by several teaching and school staff unions of their members point to a problem that has worsened in recent years. The NASUWT Union report released earlier this year stated that 44% of respondents had experienced violence or physical abuse in the 12 months prior, with 90% having been verbally abused. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) leaders too have raised concerns about the increasing levels of pupil violence.

‘Jackie’, not her real name, has thirty years’ experience as a primary teacher. She told Eòrpa of the marked change in pupil behaviour she’s witnessed in that time: “You get sworn at, you get derogatory comments, you can get threats like, ‘I know where you live and I’m going to get my dad to come and sort you out,’, that kind of stuff.

“I’ve been called an extremely offensive four-letter word regularly.”

Pupil support assistant ‘Anna’, again not her real name, told Eòrpa that she has been physically struck by pupils on several occasions.

Much of her work involves giving support to pupils with additional support needs (ASN): “We are expected to work with ASN pupils without the training or pay grades and we feel undervalued when we consider the amount of physical and mental abuse we receive but we don’t want to let the kids down.”

For ‘Anna’, more help is needed for support staff like her: “More support and definitely more – even some – training in handling these situations.

“No-one knows what they can do to help the kids but also protect ourselves from both harm and possible discipline as we don’t know how to handle kids that are violent towards us.”

Since the 2004 Education Act, there has been a presumption that pupils with ASN should be educated in mainstream schools. Reporter and presenter Eileen Macdonald asked Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, if she believes inclusion is working in the context of a 700% increase in pupils with ASN since the 2004 legislation was introduced.

Ms Gilruth said: “We have inclusive schools in Scotland, and we want to have that broadness of approach. However, that has had the impact of increasing the number of children with an identified additional support need.

“But the other factor I think we need to bear in mind here is that there are far more children now who are having their additional support need identified than 20 years ago when I was in school. That’s a good thing.”

Reflecting on the stories that were shared with her for Eòrpa, Eileen Macdonald commented: “Some of the testimonies we’ve heard have been genuinely shocking, especially when we’re told some teaching staff are subject to verbal abuse and violence daily.

“Unions are questioning the efficacy of the Scottish Government’s National Action Plan on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools.

“Among the questions facing the Education Secretary are how to encourage greater reporting of incidents, and ensure genuine consequences are acted upon.”

Eòrpa is BBC ALBA’s flagship current affairs programme, covering a variety of domestic and European stories.

Eòrpa: Fòirneart ann an Sgoiltean na h-Alba | Violence in Scotland’s Schools premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 10pm Monday 26 May.

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006mvwb/eorpa

Edinburgh children supported by Amazon Dunfermline

The team at Amazon in Dunfermline has donated £3,000 worth of ride-along push cars to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports children facing potentially life-changing visits to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP). The charity provides reassurance, distraction and fun for children during their hospital visits.

One way the charity provides distraction is through the ride along push cars for children’s travel around the hospital, including to operations and appointments. To support the initiative, Amazon in Dunfermline has donated 50 push cars worth £3,000.

Kate Dixon, from Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are grateful to welcome the donation of push cars from our friends at Amazon in Dunfermline.

“We know that the environment around us can have a profound effect on wellbeing and mood and that’s why we create a welcoming space with fun activities for families and children visiting the hospital.”

“Donations like this allow our team to reimagine the hospital environment, making it fit for even the most active imaginations. Thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for bringing such positivity to what can be a stressful and scary experience.”

The donation of push cars is part of Amazon’s ongoing support for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. Since 2023, Amazon has provided support to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity by taking part in the charity’s ‘Kick Off’ football fundraising event, and with employees volunteering their time at the hospital. Last year, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline also donated kits which included toys and crafts.

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline added: “We have a longstanding relationship with the team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and we’re pleased to once again support the team and bring joy to patients with the donation of push cars.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support to families in need.

The Multibank network has now donated more than 3 million surplus goods to over 400,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, and London.

Amazon has supported more than 700,000 students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.

Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Next stop: May half-term – train travel delivers over a £430m boost to local economies

This May half-term, families travelling by rail are set to contribute an estimated £191 million to the local area they depart from and over £240 million at their destination, boosting local microeconomies.

Those heading for seaside towns and villages could drive local spending of over £20 million across the entire May half-term.

Food and drink are the top spend in and around the departure station, with leisure passengers supporting local high streets and the hospitality industry when they travel.

Numbers of leisure travellers expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and leap by 1/3 in seaside towns during half-term week with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local economies.

This May half-term, when leisure travellers, families and friends opt to travel by rail, they will also be providing a significant economic boost to local communities across Great Britain. New data from Rail Delivery Group shows that rail travellers this May half-term will contribute an estimated £191 million to the local areas from which they depart and over £240 million at their destination.

When comparing the half-term week in May with surrounding weeks outside, numbers of leisure travellers are expected to jump by 9% in city destinations and increase by 1/3 in seaside towns with rail passengers, giving a real boost to local businesses.

Whether families are spending more time exploring new places, enjoying leisurely meals, or visiting seaside attractions during their holidays, every journey made during this half-term will contribute to local economies.

Just over half (58%) of all leisure travellers spend money in and around the departure station and the most common location to spend money is on the local high street (40% of leisure travellers) followed by inside the station (16%).

The data also found that passengers heading to seaside towns and villages are the most likely to spend money in and around their departure station (65%), followed by people travelling to non-coastal towns and villages (60%) and cities (58%) and with travellers to rural areas the least likely (49%).

Those families heading to the seaside are expected to make an even larger impact with an average spend of £34 in and around their departure station and £44 at their destination. This means that those travellers visiting seaside towns and villages could be contributing over £20 million throughout the entire half-term to their local high streets, independent businesses and beyond. Whether grabbing an ice cream, buying a book or enjoying a fresh batch of fish & chips, every journey will benefit the local economies.

Beyond the economic boost, choosing rail this May half-term has a real environmental impact. On average, a single train journey emits nearly five times less carbon emissions than the same trip by car—equivalent to saving as much carbon as boiling a kettle 455 times.

And compared with flying, domestic rail travel in Britain is up to 13 times greener. By choosing the train, half-term travellers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while also supporting local communities across the country.

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair & Chief Executive Officer at Rail Delivery Group said: “May half-term is a great time for families to explore many wonderful towns and attractions across Britain.

“Our data shows that by choosing sustainable rail journeys, passengers not only reduce their carbon footprint but also play a vital role in supporting local communities.

“Whether it’s a seaside escape, exploring somewhere new, or visiting family, this half-term every trip is more than a journey; it’s a chance to support local high streets, independent businesses and further drive economic growth across the country.”

Hi-tech housing solutions help ease pressures on health and social care

Increased investment for adaptations in homes

The budget for a programme that uses technology in housing to help older people remain independent for longer will more than double this year from £8.2 million to £20.9 million.

This means more housing association tenants will benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, a preventative model that also reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.

On her visit to Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw a variety of adaptations that are making a difference to the lives of older people and saving public money.

Ms Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.

“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.

“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”

Chief Executive of Bield Debbie Collins said: “Investing in the right housing and technology supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays.

“We believe housing must be seen as part of the health and care infrastructure and that continued investment in digital solutions and accessible homes not only improve people’s lives but delivers public value by saving money in the long-term.”

Landmark office development completes in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town 

Work is now complete on The Auction Rooms, a distinctive, design-led office development in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The project has transformed the former Bonhams Auction House, 22 Queen Street, into one of the city’s most sought-after commercial spaces. 

Situated within a Grade A Listed Georgian townhouse, originally designed by the renowned architect Robert Adam in 1784, The Auction Rooms delivers a seamless blend of historic architecture and modern functionality. 

Led by Edinburgh-based Atom Group, with design by award-winning Studio LBA and interiors by Nicola McMurray Design Studio, the restoration blends original features, such as grand staircases, ornate cornicing, and arched doorways, with contemporary design tailored to modern business needs. 

The redevelopment is already at full occupancy, as businesses continue to restructure regional office estates, with a shift towards flexible, serviced workspaces, demonstrating strong, sustained demand for high-quality, character-rich office space in Edinburgh city centre. 

Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, said: “It’s been a privilege to work on such an architecturally distinct building, originally crafted by a pioneering figure in architectural history. Our strategy focused on preserving its stunning Georgian features while optimising the space as a modern, functional office environment. 

“Thoughtful design was central to our approach, curating spaces that pay homage to the building’s historic character, while integrating contemporary adaptations to create a beautiful and highly usable space. The Auction Rooms is a triumph of adaptive reuse and conservation, and a bold addition to Edinburgh’s office market at a time when demand for premium, central workspace is stronger than ever.” 

Communal areas take cues from boutique hotels, featuring soft lighting, plush furnishings and relaxed breakout zones that encourage both collaboration and quiet focus. Meeting rooms and private offices are finished with bespoke joinery, statement lighting and custom furniture, delivering a cohesive, high-quality tenant experience.  

Wellness and sustainability are central to the building’s design, with optimised lighting for productivity and smart systems, including LoRaWAN controls, helping it achieve an EPC rating of B.  

The reimagined space supports a wide range of flexible working options, including private offices, dedicated desks, open-plan layouts, and virtual office packages. 

These virtual offerings provide businesses with a professional address and access to The Auction Rooms’ extensive business services and meeting facilities, ideal for remote or hybrid teams. On-site amenities include shower facilities, secure bike storage, and thoughtfully designed communal areas. 

The Auction Rooms also features five beautifully designed external meeting rooms available for hire, accommodating between four and twelve people.  

Mark McMeekin, Director at The Atom Group, said: “Working with the brilliant team at Studio LBA, we’ve created a space that blends heritage with modern functionality – a workspace that’s both inspiring and practical. The response has been exceptional. 

“As we moved from development to operations stages, we brought in consultants with experience scaling serviced offices across global cities, drawing inspiration from design-led brands like FORA and Industrious, to provide the highest level of service from the outset. With the building now fully let and a growing waiting list, demand for high-quality workspaces across major cities is clear. 

“To meet that, we’re opening a sister building in the capital and launching MOTA, our new operating brand for serviced offices. We’re also exploring expansion into other major European cities. This is just the beginning.” 

The project was led by ATOM Group, with Studio LBA serving as architect and Nicola McMurray Design Studio responsible for interior design.

Thomson Gray acted as quantity surveyor and principal designer, Christie Gillespie provided structural engineering, David Brown Lighting delivered the lighting design, and WGM served as M&E consultant.

Animal welfare rules in British zoos set for major overhaul

New Zoo Standards will enhance welfare and protections for animals in UK’s zoos and aquariums

Major update in rules for keeping animals in zoos as government introduces new standards which will ensure the UK’s famous zoos remain global leaders in the zoo industry.

Larger habitat enclosures for elephants, better training for staff to handle exotic animals, and improved public safety measures will be required as part of the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain, published today (Saturday 24th May)  

For the first time in over a decade, the rules protecting Great Britain’s most loved zoo animals such as the majestic snowy owl and golden eagle, iconic elephants, and wonders of the sea like sting rays and octopus will be modernised to reflect the very latest in zoo best practice:

  • Larger habitats will be introduced for elephants to better replicate the large territories elephants naturally inhabit.
  • The practice of tethering birds of prey as a method of long term accommodation will be phased out, with a shift to large aviary enclosures.
  • Aquariums will no longer be allowed to let visitors touch fish and cephalopods – creatures such as ray and octopus are highly intelligent animals and handling causes them stress.   

Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman said:  “We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 

“Today’s long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums —and the animals they protect.  This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation.

“We’re making sure all sectors have the tools they need thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change.”

Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary and star of CBBC’s One Zoo Three, said:  “For too long, zoos have been misunderstood as places of entertainment, but these new standards make it unmistakably clear: modern, good zoos put wildlife first.

“They are hubs for conservation, education, and world-leading animal care. I’m proud to be part of the UK’s zoo, sanctuary and aquarium community, setting the global benchmark for the welfare of endangered species.

“This is a huge step forward and also a call to action for other countries to now raise their standards, so animals everywhere benefit from the same level of care, and we can align globally for wildlife.”

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said: “The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain’s position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums.

BIAZA members already lead the way in animal care and conservation and we have been working closely with Defra officials to realise these updated standards.

“We are delighted to see them published today, demonstrating government’s and the sector’s commitment to the highest levels of animal care, and helping empower zoos and aquariums to keep leading the fight for nature.”

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Zoos Minister, Baroness Hayman, to Chester Zoo for the official launch of the updated Secretary of State’s standards of modern zoo practice.

“These new standards set a clear vision for the future of zoos in the UK and we’re pleased to have worked closely with Defra to help shape them and ensure that they represent world class animal care.

Kathryn England, Chief Operating Officer for ZSL, the international conservation charity behind London and Whipsnade Zoos said: These standards will help bring the whole sector up to a level the public rightly expects – and that animals everywhere deserve.

“London and Whipsnade Zoos are conservation powerhouses, delivering world-leading animal care and driving global efforts to protect wildlife.

“We welcome these new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the clarity they bring – every animal in every UK zoo deserves the same high standard of care, and every zoo should be contributing meaningfully to conservation.”

Other measures in the Standards include:  

  • Improved conservation – Clear steps to help enforce conservation standards with new requirements for record keeping – helping drive up standards across the whole sector. This could include breeding programs for endangered species, research into animal behaviour and reproduction, and education to raise awareness about conservation issues. There will also be a curb on the sourcing of animals from the wild.  
  • Protecting the public – All zoos will need to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place if they want to keep dangerous animals, including double-gated entry systems, lone worker procedures, and the appropriate availability of firearms.
  • Updated business plans – To ensure zoos are prepared to protect animals in the event of financial hardship, they will now be required to develop clear business continuity plans  

There is a 2 year timeline on zoos and aquariums to adapt to the changes, with further phased timelines for some species-specific changes. This gives enough time to implement the changes efficiently, while support and guidance will be available -keeping welfare at the heart of zoo operations.  

These changes, part of the wider Plan for Change, will modernise the way animals are cared for in zoos and aquariums and reaffirm the UK’s position as a global leader in ethical and responsible wildlife management. The new published standards are available from today on gov.uk.