Month: May 2025

Scottish Child Payment is making a ‘massive difference’

Michelle, a mother of three from Edinburgh has shared the impact Scottish Child Payment is having in her daughter’s life

“One of my daughters has autism and ADHD, and Scottish Child Payment allows me to do activities that calm her down and make her happy and that makes a massive difference.”

Figures released yesterday reveal that Michelle’s daughter is just one of 326,255 children who are actively benefiting from Scottish Child Payment.

Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £27.15, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age. 

Michelle said: “Scottish Child Payment is something that helps you and helps your children when you’re in a difficult financial situation.

“I think there’s sometimes a stigma around applying for it, especially as a single mother, but I highly recommend that those who have yet to apply for it do so.”

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:  “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.   

“Today’s figure show that the Scottish Government is supporting 233,040 individual clients and 326,255 children throughout Scotland, with over 7.5 million paid out in Scottish Child Payment.

“These payments are actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.

“In the coming year it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it.”

We would urge those who are thinking of applying for financial support, to check their eligibility and start their application today.”

Social Security Scotland – Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2025

Scottish Child Payment is one of the five family payments parents and carers may be eligible for along with Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.     

All of the following need to apply:     

  • the person lives in Scotland  
  • the person or their partner are getting certain benefits or payments  
  • the person or their partner are the main person looking after a child who’s under 16 years old  

A parent or carer can apply whether they are in work or not, if they or their partner are getting one or more of the following benefits:    

  • Universal Credit   
  • Child Tax Credit   
  • Working Tax Credit   
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).   

Social Security Scotland also accept claims if the person alone is named on one of these benefits:   

  • Pension Credit   
  • Income Support   
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)   

Study shows hearing intervention may reduce risk of falls among older adults

New paper led by ENU’s Dr Adele Goman is the first randomised control trial of this kind

Hearing interventions such as hearing aids and regular audiology appointments have been linked to a reduction in the number of falls among older adults, according to a new paper led by Dr Adele Goman of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care.

This research, published today in the Lancet Public Health journal, showed that participants with hearing loss who were randomly assigned best practice hearing care reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older people and have rising mortality rates, while hearing loss is highly prevalent among those aged 70 and above. However, existing evidence on the effect of hearing aids on falls is mixed, and limited by the methodology of previous studies.

Goman and her colleagues analysed data from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, a three-year, unmasked, randomised controlled trial of adults aged 70–84 years in the USA designed to study the effect of intervention on cognitive abilities and other health outcomes, such as falls.

The ACHIEVE study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.  It was conducted by a consortium of eight universities in the United States and led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

The 977 ACHIEVE study participants, all of whom had hearing loss, were randomly assigned to either receive a hearing intervention or to a health education control intervention. Those randomly assigned to the hearing intervention were offered regular one-to-one audiologist appointments, bilateral hearing aids, the option of additional hearing assistive devices, device use support and educational materials. The health education control intervention group received the same number of appointments with a health educator and more broad educational content on healthy aging.

For this paper, participants were asked to report the number of falls they had experienced over a period of three years. Data indicate that participants who received the hearing intervention reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.

Dr Goman’s is the first known large-scale randomised control trial that has examined the effect of hearing intervention on falls.

The researchers believe the reduced number of falls among the hearing intervention group could be down to improved auditory input enhancing spatial awareness, or from having to devote less attention to processing auditory input allowing for more attention to be placed on maintaining postural control.

They are now working on a follow-up study with participants to examine the longer-term effects of hearing intervention on brain health, falls, and other health outcomes.

Dr Adele Goman said: “Hearing loss has previously been associated with a greater risk of falling among older adults, but few studies have directly investigated the connection.

“It is possible that the benefit of improved hearing may have enhanced the spatial environmental awareness of these participants, or that the lower demand on cognitive resources for hearing allowed them to focus more on their movement.

“As this is the first study of its kind, more research is needed to establish our conclusion that hearing intervention may reduce the overall average rate of falls. Our ongoing follow-up will also aim to tell us more about the effect over a longer period of time.

“We hope that these findings have the potential to inform researchers and health professionals, and address a leading cause of injury among older people.”

Young local talent take to the stage in Tinderbox Collective and Granton Youth’s new all-day festival, NxNW 

Tinderbox Collective and Granton Youth new launch youth-powered festival, showcasing the city’s most exciting emerging artists at The Pitt Granton on World Music Day.

The Tinderbox Collective and Granton Youth come together to ignite Granton with the NxNW All-Dayer at The Pitt – a festival-style celebration of Edinburgh’s thriving youth music scene.

Taking place on World Music Day, 21st June 2025, this packed one-day event will showcase nine exceptional young acts, all aged between 15-21, across indie rock, folk, alt-pop and more, all united by their development through Tinderbox and Granton Youth’s transformative Mixtape programme.  

Following multiple sold-out NxNW nights at Leith Depot and The Mash House, this All-Dayer version expands the format to meet overwhelming demand, offering both established followers and new audiences the chance to discover Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists in one electrifying location. 
 
The Lineup: A Showcase of Edinburgh’s Rising Stars

The lineup features an electrifying mix of emerging talent, each with their own unique story. Kicking off the day at 3:15 PM is Kieran Crosbie, a singer-songwriter whose journey into music began through Tinderbox’s hospital outreach programme. Later in the day, The Citrines take the stage, led by 16-year-old Abi, whose band are fast becoming a staple of Edinburgh’s grassroots scene.

The evening crescendos with two acts fresh from Hit The Road, Scotland’s national youth music tour: Ace & All The Other Animals and Low Tide, whose recent tour together has cemented their reputation as ones to watch. Edinburgh-born singer songwriter Lewis McLaughlin and psychedelic pop duo Logan’s Close also join the bill in support of the day.

The lineup for the day spans alt-rock to intimate folk, with the following performances:

3:15pm to 3:45pm - Kieran Crosbie

4pm to 4:30pm - Leon Highway

4:45pm to 5:15pm - Parma Violence

5:30pm to 6pm - Logans Close

6:15pm to 6:45pm - Silenced Blue

7pm to 7:30pm – The Citrines

7:45pm to 8:15pm - Ace & All The Other Animals

8:25pm to 9:10pm – Lewis McLaughlin 

9:15pm to 10pm – Low Tide  

For some, like Kieran, getting involved with Tinderbox has been hugely impactful, offering opportunities they would not have found elsewhere: “I started playing guitar at 12 years old and got involved with Tinderbox through my guitar teacher.

“From that I joined Tinderbox’s ‘Sparks’ project and played at Dynamic Earth performing a collaborative piece of music we had been working on.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the NxNW All Dayer because its such a nice venue and the atmosphere at NxNW is always amazing!”  

For others, like The Citrines, working with Tinderbox has provided the launchpad for their first major gigs and recordings. 
 
Reflecting on her experience with Tinderbox, Lead singer of The Citrines, Abi said: “The first gig we played that I was really properly proud of was the NxNW at the Mash House last year.

“I was buzzing when I got off that stage. It’s helped us branch out, meet other musicians, and build our confidence performing.

Discussing the Pitt All Dayer further, Abi added: “This line-up is amazing – rock music, folk music, rap – and so many talented people I know through Mixtape and Tinderbox. It’s going to be such a good day in such a cool venue.”  

The event builds on the growing success of Tinderbox’s NxNW (North by Northwest) series, a community-rooted platform for young artists that champions creativity, collaboration and the power of live performance.

The NxNW All Dayer is a rare chance to experience the future of Scottish music in its rawest, most exciting form. 
 
Tickets are available now via Ticketsource: 
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tinderbox-collective/nxnw-all-dayer-at-the-pitt-granton/e-qdamor 

Scotland’s Rural Regions Get Major Mobile Connectivity Boost

Thirteen upgraded masts to transform rural connectivity across the Scottish countryside

The UK Government has today [Wednesday 28 May] announced a significant boost to mobile connectivity across Scotland’s rural areas, with 13 mobile masts upgraded to provide coverage from all four mobile network operators.

Previously, these masts only connected EE customers and those making 999 calls. The upgrades will transform connectivity in remote areas of Scotland that have long suffered from poor signal.

The areas benefiting from the upgrades include Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire, and the South of Scotland – including parts of the Southern Upland Way.

This major connectivity improvement will cover an area equivalent to thousands of football pitches, providing reliable 4G service to residents and visitors in these remote communities.

The UK Government will upgrade over 50 existing mobile masts across England, Scotland and Wales including in UK’s most renowned natural parks, such as Snowdonia and Lake District.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This significant mobile connectivity boost, funded by the UK Government, will help people in some of Scotland’s most rural communities.

“It will support local businesses, and improve access and safety for residents and visitors alike. Improving digital connectivity – including in our most remote communities – is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change – it is vital to delivering jobs and economic growth. 

“And upgrading existing masts rather than building new ones, there will be minimal environmental impact in what are some of Scotland’s most scenic areas.”

The upgrades are part of the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network programme, a partnership with mobile network operators aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas throughout Britain. The programme has already delivered coverage to more than 95% of the UK’s landmass, with further improvements planned until early 2027.

The enhanced connectivity will bring numerous benefits to Scottish communities, from supporting local tourism and business opportunities to enabling more flexible working arrangements and improving access to essential online services.

Scotland areas are: 

  • Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
  • Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
  • Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
  • Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “The growth potential of our areas of outstanding natural beauty must not be stunted by patchy internet.   

“This milestone is a major step forward for better connectivity for all corners of the UK meaning everyone can reap the benefits of the digital age. From boosting tourism and business opportunities to providing safer outdoors experiences for visitors to our treasured countryside.”

For more information on the Shared Rural Network please visit https://srn.org.uk/

Tonight: Edinburgh Twirling Academy Spring Show

WEST PILTON NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE – Doors Open 6.30pm

EDINBURGH TWIRLING ACADEMY SPRING SHOW🖤🌟

Reminder that our spring show displaying our competition girls hard work this season is TONIGHT!

Doors open 18:30 for a 19:00 start⏰

West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre🏡

Tickets are £5 entry £3 concessions🎟️

Can’t wait to see you all there🤩

What’s at Stake – a new exhibition by Contemporary Art Practice students 

Edinburgh College’s HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) students invite you to their upcoming graduate exhibition What’s at Stake at Mote 102. 

Join the CAP year 2 students for their opening event on 29th May as they celebrate an exciting new exhibition, marking the end of their time at Edinburgh College. The launch will take place between 6pm – 8pm, and all are welcome to attend. 

The opening event at artist space and gallery Mote 102 (102 Ferry Road, EH6 4PG) will allow guests to see a preview of the work, as well as meet the next wave of contemporary artists over drinks and nibbles. 

The exhibition will then run from 30th May – 1st June, daily from 11am to 5pm, where viewers will get the opportunity to appreciate the work before it moves to the group’s second exhibition space at City Art Centre on the 11th June.

CAP lecturer Alan Holligan said: “What’s at Stake is a testament to the dedication and vision of our graduating artists.

“This exhibition not only showcases the depth of their creative exploration but marks a bold step into the wider art world. We’re immensely proud of their achievements and excited for what lies ahead.”

What’s at Stake will feature contemporary artwork on a variety of themes, including 2D, 3D, and installation/video, so come along and join the CAP graduates in celebrating the end of two incredible years. It’s going to be quite a party! 

CAP year 2 student Bronwen Winter Phoenix said: “I’m so excited to see everyone’s art on display at Mote 102 – we’ve all worked really hard, and we’ve got some great work we can’t wait to show you!” 

Mote 102 is a not-for-profit, curated, changing artist space in a former chemist shop in Leith. The gallery hosts local artists, makers and gardeners with an eye to the wider world.

Exhibitions, events, residencies and the pop-up shop Made by Hand are in occupation on a rolling programme throughout the year.

Accessibility Information:

Venue Access:

Single step access at the front of the venue will have a temporary ramp at the opening event and upon request during general opening times

Internally the rear of the venue is accessible via 2 steps which will have a temporary ramp for wheelchair users during the opening event and upon request during general opening times.

Toilet Facilities:

There are no public toilet facilities in the venue.

Parking: A mix of paid and free on street parking are availble in the surrounding area:

Public Transport:

7, 14, 21 busses stop on Ferry Road withing 20m of the venue

10 bus stops on Great Junction Street approx 200m from Venue

11 bus stop on Newhaven Road approx 200m from the venue

Helping Ukrainian communities to thrive in Scotland

Funding to support local councils and the third sector

A funding package to support Ukrainian communities and culture in Scotland to flourish has been announced by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart.

Funding of over £600,000 will support third sector organisations working to support displaced Ukrainians, including community and cultural activities, while a further £3.5m funding for local authorities and COSLA will support displaced Ukrainians, as well as refugees and people seeking asylum, to settle into communities. 

The funding was announced at an event hosted by COSLA, marking a visit to Scotland by a civic delegation of mayors from Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the event, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, as it has since Russia’s illegal invasion in 2022.

“More than 28,000 displaced Ukrainians with a Scottish-sponsored visa have arrived in the UK, and we are helping people rebuild their lives here.

“Many of those who left Ukraine shortly after the war outbreak have now been in Scotland for several years, forming thriving Ukrainian communities right across the country. We want those communities to flourish, and this funding will support cultural and social activities and events to strengthen. It will also support services to help people recover from the trauma of fleeing war.

“I’m very pleased to be announcing this funding at the same time as a visit from the Ukrainian rebirth delegation, and I look forward to exploring further opportunities for connection and partnership between Scotland and Ukraine.”

COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: “COSLA is so very pleased to welcome colleagues from Local Government in Ukraine to Verity House today.

“We are also delighted to be working with Scottish Government to host this event, coming together to show our commitment across government in Scotland.

“COSLA has expressed full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government, standing ready to support those affected and play a very active part in Ukrainian refugee resettlement.

“COSLA welcomes Scottish Government’s announcement of the continuation of £3.4m resettlement funding for Local Authorities for 2025-26. This funding will play an important role in enabling councils’ ongoing work supporting the integration of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal war, as well as other people seeking protection in this country.

“We are also very grateful for confirmation of continued funding for COSLA to support the work that we do with our member councils and with Scottish Government in relation to the integration of people displaced from Ukraine, as well as others who are seeking sanctuary here and migrants who are at risk of destitution.”

Funding for Ukrainian communities is as follows:

Third sector funding
AUGB Edinburgh£ 46,786.58
AUGB Glasgow£ 50,820.07
AUGB Dundee£ 52,393.35		£150,000
Barnardo’s£ 50,000
EVOC£ 65,750
Positive Action in Housing£ 42,660
The Welcoming£ 76,500
Ukrainian Community Group South Ayrshire£ 25,000
Scottish Refugee Council£ 200,000
Total third sector funding:£ 609,910
Local authority support 
Funding to support local authority resettlement support£ 3,400,000
Funding for COSLA£ 175,400

This funding is part of a broader package of funding this financial year, which will support Ukrainians and displaced people from all backgrounds settle into life in Scotland.

Speed limit cuts to be introduced across Edinburgh next month

From Monday June 9, the city council will begin implementing a series of speed reduction measures, from 40mph to 30mph, in locations across the city.

The new speed limit signs will be installed through June and July, beginning with Biggar Road. Once the new 30mph speed limit signs are in place, the new speed limits will be enforceable.

Motorists are being urged to look out for the new signage and respect the speed limit.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Road safety is a key priority for us and I’m glad that we’re moving ahead with this important process. Whilst this has taken longer than we initially anticipated, I’m confident that these measures will make many of our roads across the city safer.

“The evidence is clear – lower speed limits make roads safer for everyone. A pedestrian or cyclist has twice the chance of surviving a collision at 30mph compared to 40mph. Any action that we can take to make sure all road users are safer is a positive step.”

You can view a map of the roads with new 30mph speed limits on our website.

The full list of streets and road where the city council is installing new signage and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph is below:

  • Biggar Road
  • Calder Road
  • Frogston Brae
  • Glasgow Road (East section)
  • Glasgow Road (West section and Old Liston Road)
  • Gogar Station Road
  • Hawes Brae and Bankhead Road
  • Hillhouse Road
  • Lang Loan (section at the junction with Lasswade Road)
  • Lasswade Road
  • Milton Road, Milton Road East and Milton Link
  • Queensferry Road
  • Riccarton Mains Road
  • Sir Harry Lauder Road
  • Seafield Road
  • South Gyle Broadway
  • Straiton Road
  • West Approach Road
  • Wester Hailes Road

Opportunity to pay last respects to Sir Tom Farmer at Easter Road today

Following the family funeral for Sir Tom Farmer this morning, the hearse will pass by Easter Road Stadium at 12:45pm to allow members of the public and Hibernian supporters to pay their respects to the Club’s former owner.

Love Actually In Concert: 16 date UK tour announced with Orchestra

This Christmas, Love Actually, perhaps one of the most quotable and adored Christmas films of all time, will be presented live in concert, with a full orchestra playing its score live-to-film.

The film will be brought to life on a 16-date UK wide tour, following a sell-out run last Christmas. Kicking off on 28th November in Poole and taking in all major cities across the UK, the tour will run right up until the 17th December. 

‘A stunning orchestra provides the perfect festive ambience.’ Yorkshire Live

‘The whole performance was simply spectacular, enhancing the magic of this classic Christmas movie tenfold’ Bournemouth Echo

The score for Love Actually was written by Golden Globe®, BAFTA and Emmy-winning Scottish composer Craig Armstrong OBE, known for his work on films such as Me Before You, Moulin Rouge, Far From The Madding Crowd and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

The score and music for Love Actually is considered some of the most recognisable across the modern romcom genre, featuring covers of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You and the Troggs’ Love Is all Around.

Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually follows 10 different, yet interweaving stories of love around the festive period, involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the plot progresses.

The film boasts an all-star cast, featuring Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Rowan Atkinson, Martin Freeman and many more.

Tour dates:

28th November           Poole Lighthouse
29th November           Portsmouth Guildhall
30th November           Brighton Centre

1st December              Liverpool Philharmonic Hall  
3rd December              Manchester Bridgewater Hall
4th December              Southend Cliffs Pavilion
5th December              Bath Forum
6th December              London Eventim Apollo *Matinee and evening performances
7th December              Sheffield City Hall
8th December              Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
10th December            Aberdeen P&J Live
12th December            Birmingham Symphony Hall
14th December           Edinburgh Usher Hall
15th December            Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
16th December            York Barbican
17th December            Bradford Live