Over £1 billion invested to support and improve attainment
Headteachers say the attainment of pupils experiencing poverty has improved, thanks to over £1 billion of direct investment from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government’s flagship policy has provided headteachers with direct additional funding to help support children and young people.
Schools have used the extra funding in a variety of different ways. The latest report looking at the impact of Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) found that it has helped schools employ up to 3,000 additional staff to support children and young people’s attainment and wellbeing.
This has included extra staff employed to support families, such as income maximisation officers, as well as support for pupil wellbeing from the third sector. The report also highlights how the targeted investment has supported better attendance, attainment, and relationships between schools, families and pupils.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth visited St Ignatius Primary School in Wishaw to hear directly about how the school is using Pupil Equity Funding.
Ms Gilruth said: “Pupil Equity Funding has played a crucial role in our mission to ensure that children and young people impacted by poverty are given the opportunity to succeed.
“Since launching in 2017, we have invested over £1 billion in the programme, with targeted support now reaching a majority of schools across Scotland.
“Each school has its own unique challenges when it comes to closing the poverty-related attainment gap, which is why we have put our trust in headteachers to develop solutions which meet the needs of their own pupils.
“I have been very impressed by the creativity shown by teachers – from supporting imagination in writing, to outdoor educational trips to improve confidence, wellbeing and relationships.
“The latest survey report indicates the hugely positive impact that this direct investment is making – with Scotland recording its lowest poverty-related attainment gap on record for literacy in primary schools.
“Pupil Equity Funding is also ensuring that more children and young people impacted by poverty are entering work, training or further study after leaving school.
“We are also taking further steps to tackle child poverty through education, including through funding early learning and childcare, free school meals and the delivery of free breakfast clubs.”
All pupils must be given the opportunity to succeed in their education, regardless of background.
Closing the poverty-related attainment gap is a key ambition for @ScotGov, and the Pupil Equity Funding programme is vital to this.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with damage to properties in Edinburgh.
The incidents happened at properties in the Campion Road and Cumnor Crescent areas of the city during the evening of Saturday, 10 May, 2025.
He has also been charged in connection with a reset offence after a car was stolen from the Falkirk area on 29, April, 2025.
Officers executed a warrant at an address in the Gilmerton area on the morning of Wednesday, 14 May, 2025 where the man was arrested.
He has been charged and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 15 May, 2025.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “We continue to work at pace to identify and apprehend anyone we believe is involved in incidents of violent disorder, and arrests will continue as our investigation progresses.
“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
Independent funder Foundation Scotland has announced a £12 million fast-tracked ‘Response Fund’ to support organisations which serve the hardest hit communities across the country.
The accelerated funding programme comes in response to increased pressure on charities and community groups, many of whom are seeing a surge in demand for services while they themselves are facing reduced capacity and soaring overheads, such as utilities, staffing and National Insurance costs.
To provide support for organisations who need it now, and to help with longer-term capacity building, Foundation Scotland will implement funding programmes that aim to do both.
Support includes a cost-of-living adjustment to all organisations funded in the last year to help them cope with rising operational costs. This will be implemented alongside a payment to organisations who were awarded funding last autumn, but who were unable to reflect the sudden increase in employer National Insurance costs in their applications.
Funding for these two programmes will total around £650,000.
Foundation Scotland will also contribute half a million pounds to the Corra Foundation’s ongoing Boost programme, a small grants fund for local community organisations supporting children and families hardest hit by poverty.
The Boost programme provides grants of £500-£3,000 and is delivered by Corra, in partnership with STV Children’s Appeal and Comic Relief.
Carolyn Sawers, Chief Executive of Corra Foundation said: “Community-led action is critical to tackling poverty and its impacts.
“Small grants, designed to work for local groups, make a big difference. With Foundation Scotland’s contribution, Boost will be able to reach many more children and families across Scotland.”
Funding support that will help both immediately and in the longer term is also being given to all of Scotland’s Citizens Advice Bureaux, to assist with staffing and operational costs.
During the cost of living crisis, CABs have been overwhelmed with people desperate for help or support to navigate energy bills, benefits, debt, housing concerns and other urgent issues. CABs themselves are charities and many are struggling with the disproportionate balance of need to resource as well as the ever increasing strain of covering their own costs.
All 59 CABs, as well as their umbrella body Citizens Advice Scotland, will receive individual awards of £50,000 this year and £50,000 in the next financial year, totalling £6million of funding over 2 years.
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “Our network is seeing record levels of demand from people across all corners of Scotland.
“The advice we provide is fundamentally about bringing stability to volatility, but the people behind the network, the ones working tirelessly to help communities are facing increasing pressures.
“CABs own livelihoods are often marked with uncertainty and at the mercy of short-term funding cycles. Funding like this is a game-changer. It will allow CABs to take a breath and plan the next two years with more of a safety net around costs.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Foundation Scotland for the support, and to everyone at CAS and the network that continue to work each day to better the lives of people across Scotland.”
Lastly, Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) will receive funding to help support local development trusts across the country.
Development trusts are community led organisations, set up to proactively address and tackle local needs and issues through community-led activity and partnership working. Many of them are vital to community support systems and infrastructure, but are facing critical operational challenges.
Funding will help them stabilize and rebuild their capacity, to better support the communities they represent. DTAS is the member-led organisation that promotes and supports development trusts across Scotland, and they will hold and distribute the funds.
This award will total £5million, allocated over two years, and represents the biggest single award Foundation Scotland has made in its history.
Pauline Smith, Chief Executive at DTAS said:“This funding couldn’t have come at a more crucial time and is strong recognition of the incredible work Development Trusts are doing across Scotland.
“We’re operating in a challenging environment, and this £5 million investment will be directed straight to our members through a Recovery and Resilience Fund – supporting long-term strength and sustainability in communities.
“With over 400 existing and aspiring Development Trusts in our network, we see every day the vital role they play, responding to growing local needs, strengthening community-led governance, and creating places people are proud to call home.
“These trusts are the backbone of community infrastructure, and without them, much of the social, economic, cultural, and environmental activity in our communities simply wouldn’t exist.
“This support will help strengthen the infrastructure that so many people rely on. We’re hugely grateful to Foundation Scotland – this funding will make a real and lasting difference across the country.”
Giles Ruck, CEO of Foundation Scotland said:“As Scotland’s Community Foundation, we are acutely aware that people across the country are continuing to face ongoing financial hardship, struggling to keep their heads above water or pay their bills.
“We want to support communities and individuals where we can. As a first step, we are fast tracking this Response Fund to help address multiple and pressing challenges. We want to go at least some way to help those affected by financial crisis, as well as help organisations and charities to stabilise and rebuild.
“Although we are providing over £12 million in funding, we know that we are scratching at the surface. However, we are committed to using this fund as a stepping stone from which we can better support communities, listening to what people say that they need, and working with others to create a stronger, more resilient Scotland.
“Foundation Scotland would like to thank the many donors who trust us with stewardship of their funds, pooling them with our own to ensure the greatest impact on our communities.”
For more information about Foundation Scotland visit:
Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer made a statement to the House of Commons on Gaza Yesterday
Mr Speaker,
Yesterday, alongside partners, the UK convened a meeting of the UN Security Council in response to the intolerable civilian suffering and humanitarian need in Gaza.
As I told this House yesterday, Israel’s denial of aid is appalling.
Tonnes of food are currently sitting rotting at the Gaza/Israel border, blocked from reaching people who are starving.
Israeli Ministers have said Israel’s decision to block this aid is a “pressure lever”.
This is cruel and it is indefensible.
Overnight yet more Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes.
This must end.
The message yesterday was clear.
The world wants Israel to stop and change course immediately.
With our allies we are telling the Government of Israel: lift the block on aid entering Gaza now. Enable the UN and all humanitarians to save lives, now. We need an immediate ceasefire, now.
Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool or military tactic. And the UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk.
“The only thing children are seeing coming into Gaza are bombs and missiles.” – UNICEF Spokesperson @1james_elder
The International Court of Justice case on genocide is ongoing.Mr Speaker, We support the ICJ. We support its independence.
The ICJ issued a set of provisional measures in this case and we support those measures.
Israel has an obligation to implement them.
It is the UK government’s long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies.
The UK is fully committed to upholding our responsibilities under domestic and international law.
And we have at all times acted in a manner consistent with our legal obligations, including under the Genocide Convention.
The devastation from this conflict must end.
Our complete focus is on lifting Israeli restrictions on aid, On freeing the hostages held by Hamas, On protecting civilians, And on restoring the ceasefire.
We will work urgently with our allies and partners on further pressure to make Israel change course.
New Weigh room at Musselburgh 13th April 2025
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Musselburgh Racecourse has invested £240,000 to upgrade its jockey’s weighing room into one of the most modern in UK racing.
A weighing room is regarded as one of the most important areas on a racecourse and is best known as the place where jockeys prepare for competition and relax between races but also acts as the hub of operations for raceday officials, valets, racecourse teams and medical staff.
The sports governing body, the British Horseracing Authority, is supporting a £40 million-plus project to modernise all 60 UK racecourses and Musselburgh is the latest to comply with measures to enhance the raceday experience of elite jockeys.
The upgrade provides the jockeys who compete at Musselburgh each year with first-class changing and shower facilities, a larger warm-up room and physio facilities alongside an improved canteen area.
New Weigh room at Musselburgh 13th April 2025
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
Musselburgh Racecourse director, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We are grateful for the support of Chester Race Company who have made this significant investment to transform our weighing room into one of the most modern in the country.
“It was not without its challenges in agreeing a design within a limited footprint, but the feedback from jockeys and officials has been overwhelming positive and we are pleased with the result.”
Professional Jockeys Association Racing Director, Dale Gibson, added: “On behalf of our members under both codes, we applaud the team at Musselburgh who have facilitated an impressive upgrade, providing equal facilities and services for both sexes.
“The venue upgrade includes an improved rest area, gender-neutral valet room, modernised changing rooms and dedicated warm up area.
“The updated facilities were very well received by our jumps members recently so a big thank you to Musselburgh and the team is very much in order.”
High street hub welcomes financial support experts to its free Community Room
Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at Leith’s Utilita Energy Hub, and her dedicated team are looking forward to welcoming financial support experts from Hope 4U to the hub’s Community Room on Saturday, 17 May.
The Utilita Energy Experts are joining forces with Hope 4U to help hub visitors check if they are on the best energy tariff, with hints and top tips on how to significantly lower energy bills.
Advice will also be available for those who are eligible for the Attendance Allowance – a disability benefit for people aged 65 or over, who have a long-term illness or disability and need frequent help with personal care or need regular supervision.
Looking forward to the weekend’s takeover day, Natasha said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Hope 4U team in support of the vital work they do to improve financial sustainability and to offer advice to those who may not be able to afford their bills, or who may be struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over their head.
“Depending on your situation, you may also qualify to apply for Warm Home Discount or be eligible to apply for grants from other organisations.
“We’re all too aware that the rising costs of living and reduced public funding have made food and fuel poverty worse. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with Hope 4U to provide the local community with the tools they need to help alleviate the hardship caused by rising costs.
“No matter what you need, our friendly team in Leith are on hand to help with your energy queries, whether you want to learn about smart meters, get energy efficiency advice, or just want a chat in a welcoming environment.
“Plus, you can top-up your energy in store with PayPoint and Payzone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Utilita customer or not – our top-ups include many other energy suppliers too.”
The hub’s Community Room provides local groups and charities with a free and safe space for them to hold meetings or community events, with complimentary WiFi and refreshments available.
The Utilita Leith Energy Hub is open from Monday to Saturday at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and anyone interested in using the hub’s dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing edinburgh@utilita.co.uk.
Enjoy recent blockbusters, family favourites and cult classic films in the heart of Edinburgh 13 – 15 June 2025
Edinburgh’s much-loved free outdoor movie weekend, Square Cinema, returns this June, bringing three days of big-screen entertainment to the heart of the city in one of the UK’s biggest free outdoor cinema events.
Set in the picturesque surroundings of St Andrew Square Garden, the three-day event is funded by Essential Edinburgh with LNER continuing their headline support. It all kicks off this year on Friday June 13th with a packed line-up!
Family audiences are in for a treat with daytime screenings including Wicked, a Paddington double bill with Paddington 2 and Paddington In Peru,Inside Out 2, The Wild Robot and Moana 2.
Later in the day, the programme shifts to Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics including The Lost Boys, Chicago, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Mrs Doubtfire, Twisters, and Gladiator 2, all shown in a relaxed, picnic-style setting.
Don’t live locally to Edinburgh? Don’t worry, if you enter the Square Cinema competition on-line you can be in with a chance of winning a fantastic luxury weekend-stay in Edinburgh for four!
Enjoy 1st class travel and entry to Square Cinema’s First Class Lounge provided by partners LNER, a two-night stay in the sumptuous George Hotel just seconds away from St Andrew Square Garden, A £300 gift card for Multrees Walk – Scotland’s luxury shopping destination – with a lunch and dinner being provided by Bar+Block Steakhouse Edinburgh and Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill, and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon to top it off.
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager Marketing & Communications for Essential Edinburgh, said: “Over fourteen years, our outdoor film screenings produced by Unique Events have evolved into one of the largest free outdoor cinema events in the UK – attracting locals and visitors alike to enjoy our wonderful city centre.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with LNER, working together to create happy memories for all, and this year to also offer audio-described screenings. It’s a fantastic, free event that truly has something for absolutely everyone – come rain or shine – from daytime family fun to movie-lovers at night.
“Square Cinema is always fabulous fun and offers a wonderful communal film experience. It brings people into the city centre and they can then enjoy all that is on offer, helping drive footfall and provide a welcome boost for local businesses.”
Jake Orros, Community Partnerships Manager at LNER, added: “We are delighted to continue our headline sponsorship of this special outdoor event that brings people into the heart of Edinburgh.
“In 2025, we’re proud to introduce a new community partnership element, further strengthening our commitment to inclusivity and connection.”
Entry to Square Cinema remains free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concessions available within Square Cinema include drinks from Heineken 0%, food tasters from Dishoom, and sweet treats such as ice cream, popcorn, and confectionery from Alandas.
To be as inclusive as possible, all films will be shown with subtitles, and select films will be audio-described. For full entry terms and conditions, or to reserve a headset for audio-described screenings, please visit www.squarecinema.co.uk
5:45pm: Twisters (2024) – Cert 12 (Audio Described Available)
8:00pm Gladiator 2 (2024) – Cert 15
*Film titles and times may be subject to change
Competition Prize and Entry Details
Win a luxury weekend in Edinburgh for four people to attend Square Cinema with LNER from 13th to 15th June 2025.
For your chance to win 1st class tickets for four to travel to Edinburgh with LNER, a weekend stay in Edinburgh City Centre at Edinburgh The George, a £300 gift card to spend on Multrees Walk, lunch at Bar+Block Steakhouse Edinburgh, dinner at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill and entry to The Edinburgh Dungeon, simply complete the entry form on the Square Cinema website:
LNER 1st Class return tickets for four (4 adult or family of 4 ticket option) to travel to Edinburgh from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th June 2025.
Two King Premium rooms that are interconnecting provided by Edinburgh The George, for Friday 13th – Sunday 15th June 2025.
A £300 gift card to spend at a brand of choice* at Multrees Walk, Scotland’s Luxury Shopping Destination.
£150 credit to spend at Bar + Block Steakhouse on Princes Street, Edinburgh, during your stay.
Dinner at Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill – Churrasco Experience for four guests, bottle of Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec, Dry-Aged Tomahawk and Brazilian Sweet Treats to finish your experience – during your stay.
Entry for four to The Edinburgh Dungeon to enjoy the darker side of Edinburgh during your stay
Access to the Square Cinema with LNER’s 1st class Lounge across the event weekend.
WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, is issuing guidance to householders on safe hosepipe use, as dry weather continues.
Hosepipes can harbour harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, which has the potential to flow back into buildings and contaminate the drinking water supply.
WaterSafe advises everyone to make sure their tap has a double-check valve installed to help keep drinking water safe.
Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Hosepipes, if left submerged in dirty water or connected to an outside tap without adequate protection, can act as a channel for contamination.
“Homeowners should understand the risk of backflow and take the necessary steps to prevent it.”
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations are designed to protect drinking water quality and mandate that all outside taps are fitted with a working double-check valve. This essential component acts as a non-return mechanism, preventing any water from flowing back into the mains supply.
WaterSafe advises homeowners to undertake the following measures:
Fit a compliant double-check valve to outside taps, such as one approved by BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS to prevent contaminated water flowing back into the drinking water supply. The British Standard states these valves should be replaced every 10 years.
As a minimum, the double-check valve should be installed inside the building, close to the garden tap.
Gently run water out of your hosepipe before using it, without any form of spray attachment.
Always keep your hosepipe out of the sun and in a cool place and turn off outside taps.
Disconnect your hosepipe when you have finished using it.
Never leave your hosepipe submerged in water, such as in a paddling pool, hot tub or pond.
Seek expert advice: if you are unsure about the installation or condition of backflow prevention devices on outside taps, consult a WaterSafe-approved plumber.
With water resources under increasing strain, especially during hot weather, WaterSafe would always encourage householders to avoid using a hosepipe, if possible, as it can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour – equivalent to more than 12 baths!
“The humble watering can is a much more water efficient way to look after your plants, fill your paddling pool or wash your car,” adds Julie Spinks.
For more information on protecting drinking water quality and to find a WaterSafe-approved plumber, please visit www.watersafe.org.uk.
Big Kid Circus is at Fort Kinnaird this weekend (Thursday 15th May – Sunday 18th May).
Families can expect a spectacular show as the circus celebrates its 20th birthday, highlights include:
The 30ft King Kong: Watch in awe as this towering mechanical marvel comes to life, dominating the stage with jaw-dropping special effects.
The Globe of Death: Witness the heart-pounding spectacle of motorcyclists defying gravity inside a steel globe, performed by the first all-female team in Europe!
Daring Acrobatics and Aerial Acts: Prepare to be amazed by the strength, precision, and grace of Big Kid Circus’s world-class performers.
Family-Friendly Entertainment: With clowning, comedy, and interactive moments, the show is packed with fun for kids and adults alike.
Gardening is so much more than the nation’s favourite pastime.
‘Unearthed: The Power of Gardening’ celebrates gardening as a force for creativity, resilience and connection.
From the people who have fought for the right and space to garden to the stories of the plants we use for food and medicine, discover how gardening has shaped our lives, our communities, and our planet.
Alongside the@britishlibrary’s major exhibition at St. Pancras, the @lkn_libraries’ display at Edinburgh Central Library will explore the transformative power of gardening.
