BBC ALBA shares iconic Celtic rock band Skerryvore’s 20th anniversary celebrations in a special broadcast of their Floors Castle concert, a week after the live event
Recorded at the stunning Floors Castle in Kelso, Scottish Borders, BBC ALBA’s Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors captures the energy and emotion of a night that brought together over 6,000 fans from across the world, with a stellar line-up of trad music stars.
Special guests included Trail West and Nathan Carter, who helped set the stage for a rousing headline performance from Skerryvore, marking two decades of unforgettable tracks. The band were also joined by guest performances from Valtos and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums.
The exclusive broadcast airs on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer this Saturday (7 June), with presenter Megan MacLellan sharing backstage interviews and music highlights with some of the band’s best-loved songs including Scottish anthem, Take My Hand.
Formed on Tiree, Skerryvore’s original line-up has grown from island roots into an internationally acclaimed act, with a unique blend of traditional folk, rock and pop. With seven studio albums and a global touring reputation, this anniversary concert represents a milestone in their remarkable journey.
Skerryvore front man, Alec Dalglish, commented: “Celebrating our 20th anniversary in front of fans from all over the world was quite honestly up there as the best night of our lives.
“There’s no feeling in the world like hearing more than 6,000 people singing every lyric back to you – the night will stay with me for a long, long time. Floors Castle made for such a stunning background for this celebration, there was a real sense of occasion that felt fitting to mark two decades together.
“It’s fantastic to have the story of this milestone captured and shared on BBC ALBA – we would encourage anyone who wants to relive it all or those that weren’t able to join us to tune in and experience a slice of the magic of Skerryvore XX.”
Calum McConnell, Commissioning Executive at BBC ALBA, said: “Skerryvore are one of Scotland’s biggest trad music success stories.
“Over two decades, they have played a string of sell out shows across the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, reimagining traditional folk music to break into the mainstream, garnering fans around the world.
“Although we’ve featured Skerryvore on BBC ALBA programming at Belladrum and Hoolie in the Hydro, we’ve not had the chance to film one of their headline performances, so it is incredibly special to be showcasing their anniversary concert to viewers.
“Fans that missed out on a ticket, or those who simply want to relive the magic all over again, can tune into BBC ALBA or BBC iPlayer this Saturday, with added behind the scenes stories.”
Catch all the highlights from Skerryvore aig Caisteal Floors on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7 June at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Edinburgh the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, is sure to add excitement to the weekly shopping trip. As well as fundraising, Edinburgh locals have the chance to take home their favourite items from Aldi’s store in Leith.
Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe.
Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.
Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Edinburgh residents can apply for the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Our annual Supermarket Sweeps hold a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016.
“We’re very much looking forward to its return for another year and giving one lucky Edinburgh resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.
“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, which provides a truly invaluable lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable.
“This year, Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep will be travelling all over Scotland, giving Aldi customers nationally a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for CHAS while shining a light on the incredible work the charity does.”
HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Care Home, in Leith’s Albert Street, is delighted to announce its ‘Good’ rating after a recent inspection from the Care Inspectorate (CI), Scotland’s independent regulator of social care.
This outstanding achievement underscores the home’s unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care to its residents. Following a comprehensive inspection, Victoria Manor received a ‘Good’ rating across all key areas, with exceptional scores of 5 (Very Good) in Leadership and Management, Staffing, and specific aspects of resident well-being and involvement.
The CI praised the home’s positive leadership from Home Manager Julie McNaughton and Deputy Manager Natasha Thomas, who have helped foster a supportive environment for both staff and residents. This has led to excellent care outcomes at the home which provides nursing and nursing dementia care services.
The report highlighted the team’s transparent complaint reviews, embedded skilled-level dementia training, and a holistic approach to end-of-life care, which families described as “very positive”. Inspectors commended the kind and dedicated staff, with comments reflecting their pride in working at Victoria Manor and their collaborative spirit, described by social workers as a “dream to work with”.
The home’s beautifully landscaped gardens, accessible facilities, and vibrant activity programmes were also recognised as key strengths to create a warm and engaging environment.
Julie McNaughton, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Home Manager, said: “We’reincredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the hard work and passion of our team at Victoria Manor. I would like to thank the whole team for their commitment, and I want to congratulate them on a positive report.
“Our focus remains on creating a nurturing environment where every resident feels valued and supported. This rating is a testament to our mission.”
Natasha Thomas, HC-One Scotland’s Victoria Manor Deputy Manager, added: “We’re dedicated to achieving our aim of being the care provider of choice for those looking for the very best care.
“The culture is changing at Victoria Manor for the better as our colleagues feel valued and supported.”
Disability rights campaigners held a protest outside Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray’s constituency office in 31 Minto Street on Saturday. The event was organised to protest against proposed cuts to disability benefits.
Speakers attended from local community groups such as Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty, ‘Crips Against Cuts’ Edinburgh, and local disability rights groups and charities.
Ian Murray was criticised for cutting benefits while receiving an income at taxpayer expense. One attendee broke down in tears describing the effect the proposed cuts to disability benefits would have on their life.
Speakers were followed by live music and an open discussion about how to stop the cuts.
One protester was dressed as the Grim Reaper to emphasise the life-threatening impact of proposed cuts.
The protest was organised by the Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty and the Austerity Resistance Forum.
A member of the forum commented: ”The Austerity Resistance Forum is a political group based in the local community, and on regular assemblies.
“We are sick of years of failed and disastrous austerity policies which are tearing up working class communities. A crumbling NHS, a sky-high cost of living, and social desperation are the direct result of endless government cuts”.
Speeches and statements
John McArdleCo-founder of the Scotland-based grassroots Black Triangle spoke at the demonstration: “The message we need to send to Labour MP’s is that if you vote for this bill we will see you off. You will lose your seat. We’ve done the research. We know that in most constituencies there are more disabled people than the parliamentary majority of those MP’s.
“They are treading on very, very thin political ice, and the only thing they understand is hard political power. Brothers and Sisters, we have that power!
“The message we send to Ian Murray today, and to every Scottish Labour MP who was elected in the new intake is that if you attack us, if you starve us, if you try and kill us – we will shut you down!”
Following the protest, he added: “We have read the ‘Riot Act’ to the PLP [Parliamentary Labour Party] now. We have done our homework and the whole community is on our side: if you vote for these cuts, if you continue your betrayal of us; if you remove our support and try to starve us, make us homeless and ultimately kill us, we and our allies will ensure that your constituency majorities will be wiped out and that the Labour Party ceases to be a political force here in Scotland, Wales or the United Kingdom generally.
“We will take you down with our ship. You know it.”
A speaker from a local disability charity also made a speech at the event:“I’ve worked with disabled people now for eighteen years, and this is the worst attack that we’ve seen ..even worse than the cuts under the coalition government … we’re going to see absolute destitution occurring.
“It’s already happening. In Scotland seventy five percent of food bank users are disabled people or their families. [Audience members shout “shame on scotland”] It is an absolute shame, but it’s also a shame on society, wider society, in the UK… I consider myself a disabled person now… I have stage four cancer.
But, I’m above the age where I’ll lose benefits. It really does mean a lot to disabled people that we have allies in the movement that are prepared to take action…You can tell the amount of support that the public has for this issue by the amount of cars that are honking their horns as they pass… We will win eventually. I’m absolutely certain of that. Thank you very much. [Cheering and clapping].”
A local resident with Parkinson’s disease also spoke, while physically shaking: “There are a lot of elements of Parkinson’s disease which are not included in the measurements for assessing disability.
“Like me, without medication I sleep about four hours a night and day after day, week after week, that’s really hard. They way they cut it, it’s just so arbitrary. If you can tell from my voice, I’m American. I’ve been here twenty years, my life is here.
“But I’ve been getting some close reports with what’s been going on with the Trump Administration, which is in power partly because the democrats did not support the people enough and gave rise to populism. [Applause and drums] I think that is going to happen here. I just want to thank every single one of you for showing up today [tears], for making this issue viable.
“Please continue to do so. Thank you.” [Applause and drums].
Upmo, the Edinburgh and Lothians-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism, is proud to unveil its brand-new electric van—thanks to generous funding from CrossCountry Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF).
The van was revealed on Thursday morning outside Waverley Station in Edinburgh. Wrapped in eye-catching Upmo branding and featuring the CrossCountry logo, the van reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and sustainability.
The fully electric van is already in operation across Edinburgh, Prestonpans and Gorebridge. It supports Upmo’s network of community cafés, gardens, and student-led retail projects, which provide our students with meaningful work experience, practical life skills and increased independence.
Upmo Eat: a network of community cafés where students gain hospitality and catering experience.
Upmo Grow: a gardening initiative focused on wellbeing, food growing, and sustainability.
Upmo Retail: where students design, make, and sell handcrafted products at markets and pop-ups. Products are also available through our online shop.
“We are thrilled to have this electric van active in our community,” said Mark Smith, CEO at Upmo. “Thanks to CrossCountry, we can now deliver our social enterprise services with greater efficiency and do our bit for the environment.”
Helping to reduce carbon emissions by replacing journeys previously made in petrol and diesel vehicles, the new vehicle will be used to:
Deliver Upmo Retail products to markets and partners
Transport produce from Upmo Grow to Upmo Eat cafés and partners
Transport equipment to student events, including musical performances and art exhibitions
Offer student work experience in areas like distribution and customer service
The launch builds on an existing partnership between Upmo and major UK rail operator CrossCountry. In 2023 Upmo Eat cafés received CCIF grant funding, with senior executives from CrossCountry visiting Upmo’s Drumbrae café in March 2024. In April 2024 and again in May this year, Upmo students were invited to take part in a work experience day with the catering team aboard a CrossCountry train from Edinburgh to Newcastle.
“Our relationship with CrossCountry shows what’s possible when partnerships go beyond funding,” added Mark. “Together, we’re delivering real impact—for our students and our community.”
Alex Bray, Stakeholder Liaison Manager at CrossCountry said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Upmo and sponsor this new electric van.
“It’s fantastic to see how this vehicle will help deliver opportunities for people who are often excluded from traditional employment routes, while also aligning with our commitment to reducing carbon emissions.”
The van is helping Upmo deliver services more efficiently and supports the ongoing growth and sustainability of Upmo’s income-generating social enterprises—helping the organisation support more than 160 young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism across the region.
Look out for the new Upmo van as it makes its rounds in Edinburgh and the Lothians!
NHS Lothian Spiritual Care Services has been awarded the prestigious Bereavement Charter for Scotland (Workforces).
Bereavement can have a profound and long-term effect on people’s health and wellbeing. Within health settings, Spiritual Care Teams support bereavement services and are key in providing specialist spiritual support as part of end-of-life care to both the patient and their family. They support staff and service users to explore a person’s values, beliefs and preferences in relation to end of life care and following a bereavement.
This accreditation is a testament to the services dedication to providing high-quality, human rights-based spiritual and bereavement care. It highlights the team’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and understanding community for those navigating the challenging journey of grief.
Over the past few months, the Spiritual Care team attended several training events to support their learning and journey as a service to support people in bereavement.
The award of the Charter mark recognises the unique skills and insights Registered Chaplains can offer to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they are committed to offering support and care particularly for staff who may have experienced a bereavement in their personal life or at work.
Mark Evans, Head of Spiritual Care said: “This is a real testament to the amazing work my colleagues all do to support those who have experienced a bereavement. As a team they bring unique skills and insights to support people who are bereaved and who are coming to terms with the grief they carry.
“This work also supports the organisations objectives of delivering excellent person-centred care and ensuring our workforce feel valued and supported.”
Edinburgh Leisure has expanded its commitment to inclusive fitness by launching a comprehensive new programme of gym sessions and exercise classes specifically designed for adults with additional support needs.
The new “Fit and Active” initiative offers a diverse range of weekly activities across two venues, with all sessions free to attend for cardholders. Classes include seated strength training, danceability sessions, gymability workouts, inclusive circuits, retro dance, and seated cardio options.
“We’re delighted to introduce these new classes that provide accessible fitness opportunities for adults with additional support needs,” said Sara Kemp, Community Development Officer (Equalities) at Edinburgh Leisure.
“Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has the chance to stay active and healthy in a supportive, welcoming environment.”
The programme runs throughout the week at both Meadowbank Sport Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre, with sessions carefully scheduled to provide regular opportunities for participants. Activities range from traditional gym-based workouts to creative movement classes like danceability and retro dance.
Weekly Schedule:
Monday: 1:1 gym sessions at both venues
Tuesday: Four different classes at Meadowbank including seated strength, danceability, gymability, and inclusive circuits
Wednesday: Danceability class at Leith Victoria
Thursday: Gymability sessions at Leith Victoria
Friday: Retro dance and seated cardio classes at Meadowbank
All sessions are included free of charge with a Fit and Active card.
Interested participants can apply for their card by emailing:
The programme represents Edinburgh Leisure’s ongoing commitment to providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all members of the Edinburgh community, ensuring that fitness and wellbeing services are accessible to people of all abilities.
For more information about the Fit and Active programme or to apply for a membership card, contact Edinburgh Leisure at:
On 29th May 2025, the Gandhian Peace Society, under the leadership of General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, convened a landmark event at the Fleming Room of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
In an inspiring convergence of values and voices, the Fleming Room at the Scottish Parliament became a sanctuary of peace, non-violence, and unity as the Gandhian Peace Society, led by General Secretary Dhruva Kumar, hosted a landmark event celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy.
The occasion marked a reflection on Gandhian values but also a celebration of a historic milestone: the first-ever motion passed in Scotland against Hinduphobia, community cohesion, unity, and philanthropy works.
A significant highlight of the event was the unanimous appreciation of the Gandhian Peace Society’s role in building intercultural bridges and promoting peace.
It was attended by cross-party parliamentarians, diplomats, and community leaders, the event underscored the resonance of Gandhian ethics in Scotland’s pursuit of social justice and self-determination. Scottish Parliamentarians, speaking from across party lines, endorsed the relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s turbulent global climate.
“In these divisive times, the teachings of Gandhi offer a path not just to peace, but to purpose,”
The Fleming Room, a space typically reserved for parliamentary committee discussions, transformed into a forum for intercultural solidarity.
The Gandhian Society’s event drew MSPs from the Alba Party, SNP, Labour, and Unionist factions, alongside representatives from the Indian Consulate, the French Consulate, the African Consulate, and members of the House of Lords, as well as very high-profile dignitaries across the UK.
This diverse assembly reflected the universal applicability of Gandhi’s teachings, particularly in a nation navigating the complexities of independence aspirations and multicultural cohesion.
General Secretary Dhruva Kumar delivered a rousing address outlining the Society’s initiatives in promoting social unity, mutual respect, and constructive non-violence.
“Gandhiji’s values are not relics of the past but blueprints for a just and inclusive society. In the Scottish aspiration for independence, there lies a parallel quest for dignity and self-determination that echoes Gandhi’s dream for India,” Kumar said.
Dhruva Kumar, a scholar, educationist-turned-activist, political figure and former Alba Party parliamentary candidate, framed the motion as a testament to Gandhi’s relevance in modern governance.
“Non-violence is not passive acceptance but active resistance to injustice,” he asserted, drawing parallels between India’s independence struggle and Scotland’s constitutional ambitions.
His address highlighted how Gandhian principles, decentralised governance, economic equity, and social harmony align with Scotland’s vision of an inclusive, self-determined future.
The Gandhian Society’s advocacy extends beyond legislative change.
“I was honoured to be invited and say a few words at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament organised by the Gandhian Society to honour the work done, said Christian Albuisson, Conseiller des Français de l’Etranger.
“I was glad to have the opportunity of meeting people of goodwill from so many different backgrounds and to discover the work done by the society. Let’s work together for a better world!”
The 29th May event transcended ceremonial significance, crystallising a broader movement for equity.
As Scotland contends with independence debates and societal fractures, the Society’s fusion of Gandhian philosophy and pragmatic policy offers a cohesive framework. The true measure of progress, as Kumar noted, lies in “translating parliamentary applause into palpable change”, a task requiring sustained collaboration across political, cultural, and economic spheres.
In the spirit of Gandhi’s satyagraha (truth force), Scotland’s journey toward inclusivity and self-determination continues, guided by the conviction that justice, much like independence, is not bestowed but built.”
New munitions factories and long-range weapons to back nearly 2000 jobs under Strategic Defence Review
Procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons and £1.5 billion to build at least six munitions and energetics factories.
Work to create more than 1,000 new jobs and support around 800 more across the UK, driving defence as an engine for economic growth and supporting the Plan for Change.
Delivers the Strategic Defence Review’s focus on warfighting readiness to deter and follows historic uplift in defence spending.
The UK will build at least six new munitions and energetics factories and thousands more long-range weapons to strengthen Britain’s Armed Forces and create new jobs across the country.
Through the Strategic Defence Review – published in the coming days – the UK’s defence and deterrence is being bolstered with thousands of long-range weapons and a new £1.5 billion government investment in munitions and energetics factories.
Together the investment will back around 1,800 highly-skilled jobs across the UK, putting money in the pockets of working people, and supporting the government’s Plan for Change by driving growth in every region and nation.
The SDR recommends creating an ‘always on’ munitions production capacity in the UK allowing production to be scaled up at speed if needed. It says the MOD should also lay the industrial foundations for an uplift in munitions stockpiles to meet the demand of high-tempo warfare.
Taking the lessons from Ukraine which shows that our military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind it, the measures will boost British jobs while improving the warfighting readiness of both British Armed Forces and industry.
The additional funding will see UK munitions spend hit £6 billion this Parliament. It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
Commitments include:
£1.5 billion in an “always on” pipeline for munitions and building at least 6 new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. Creating more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing jobs, the factories will produce munitions and energetics, which are key components of weapons, including propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
Up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons for the UK Armed Forces, supporting around 800 defence jobs.The lessons from Ukraine demonstrate the importance of long-range weaponry and boosting our military capabilities.
The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: The hard-fought lessons from Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.
“We are strengthening the UK’s industrial base to better deter our adversaries and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
“We will embrace the Strategic Defence Review; making defence an engine for economic growth and boosting skilled jobs in every nation and region as part of our Government’s Plan for Change.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “A strong economy needs a strong national defence, and investing in weaponry and munitions and backing nearly 2,000 jobs across Britain in doing so is proof the two go hand-in-hand.
“We are delivering both security for working people in an uncertain world and good jobs, putting more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”
The new investments will form an ‘always-on’ approach for priority munitions. They will provide a steady drumbeat of investment to industry sustaining a thriving defence industrial base that drives growth and jobs to deliver on the Plan for Change, while strengthening the UK’s commitment to NATO.
The funding will help transform the UK’s Armed Forces readiness and ability to endure in prolonged campaigns, providing the industrial foundations needed to support our Armed Forces in warfare, as demonstrated by the conflict in Ukraine.
UK to expand submarine programme in response to Strategic Defence Review
UK to build up to 12 attack submarines as part of AUKUS programme in response to the rapidly increasing threats
Builds on £15 billion investment set out for the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead programme, keeping the UK safe for generations to come and delivering on the Plan for Change
Nuclear investments will transform critical parts of the defence nuclear industry, directly supporting 30,000 highly skilled jobs up-and-down the country and the doubling of apprentice and graduate roles across the next ten years.
The Prime Minister will announce today that the UK’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet will be significantly expanded, with up to 12 new SSN-AUKUS boats to be built.
The increase in submarines will transform the UK’s submarine building industry and, following the £15 billion investment in the warhead programme outlined, will deliver on this government’s Plan for Change, supporting 30,000 highly skilled jobs up-and-down the country well into the 2030s, as well as helping work to deliver 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles across the next ten years.
The announcement comes as the government unveils its new Strategic Defence Review today. The externally-led review is expected to recommend that our Armed Forces move to warfighting readiness to deter the growing threats faced by the UK. The report makes 62 recommendations, which the government is expected to accept in full.
Responding to the report, the government will make significant commitments to its armed forces and deliver greater security for working people through the government’s Plan for Change.
That includes:
A landmark shift in our deterrence and defence: moving to warfighting readiness to deter threats and strengthen security in the Euro Atlantic area;
Increasing stockpiles of munitions and support equipment, ensuring that production capacities can rapidly scale up in response to crises or war;
The procurement of up to 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons for the UK Armed Forces, supporting around 800 defence jobs, and boosting our military capabilities
A new CyberEM Command to put the UK at the forefront of cyber operations, alongside £1bn investment in pioneering digital capability; and
Improving the lives of thousands of British military personnel and their families through more than £1.5 billion of additional funding to repair and renew armed forces housing.
The Prime Minister is expected to say: “From the supply lines to the front lines, this government is foursquare behind the men and women upholding our nation’s freedom and security.
“National security is the foundation of my Plan for Change, and this plan will ensure Britain is secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering a defence dividend of well-paid jobs up and down the country.
“This Strategic Defence Review will ensure the UK rises to the challenge and our Armed Forces have the equipment they need that keeps us safe at home while driving greater opportunity for our engineers, shipbuilders and technicians of the future.”
Alongside the commitment to expand the UK’s conventionally armed attack submarine fleet, the government is securing the future of the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Nuclear Deterrent, backed by a £15 billion investment into the sovereign warhead programme in this parliament and supporting more than 9,000 jobs.
It is the first time the UK has outlined the full scale of its investment plans in its warhead programmes and is further evidence of the Government’s triple lock commitment to the nuclear deterrent: to maintain our continuous at-sea deterrent; to build the new fleet of Dreadnought submarines; and to deliver all future upgrades necessary.
This will see significant modernisation of infrastructure at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Aldermaston and supporting more than 9,000 jobs at the Berkshire site, and thousands more across the UK supply chain – from Scotland to Somerset.
The nuclear warhead programme includes some of the most advanced and sensitive science, engineering and manufacturing facilities in the UK.
Both the UK’s sovereign warhead programme and the UK’s conventionally-armed submarine fleet will make Britain and NATO safe for decades to come.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Our outstanding submariners patrol 24/7 to keep us and our allies safe, but we know that threats are increasing and we must act decisively to face down Russian aggression.
“With new state-of-the-art submarines patrolling international waters and our own nuclear warhead programme on British shores, we are making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, while delivering on our Plan for Change with 30,000 highly-skilled jobs across the country.”
Already supporting more than 400,000 skilled British jobs, UK defence is a crucial engine for economic growth, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change – supported by the Government’s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, and the ambition to hit 3% in the next parliament, when economic and fiscal conditionals allow.
Currently the UK is set to operate 7 Astute Class attack submarines, which will be replaced with an increased fleet of up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines from the late 2030s.
The boost to the SSN-AUKUS programme will see a major expansion of industrial capability at Barrow and Raynesway, Derby, with the build of a new submarine every 18 months in the future.
The increase in capacity at the two sites will allow the UK to increase its fleet to up to 12 attack boats, as part of the AUKUS partnership.
To ensure the demands of this expanded programme can be met, government is working closely with industry partners to rapidly expand training and development opportunities, aiming to double defence and civil nuclear apprentice and graduate intakes. This will result in 30,000 apprenticeships and 14,000 graduate roles over the next ten years.
The SDR calls for significant investment into the UK sovereign warhead programme this parliament, while maintaining the existing stockpile.
Scotland on track to meet interim peatland restoration target
More than 14,000 hectares of degraded peatlands have been restored across Scotland in the last year, helping to reduce carbon emissions and restore biodiversity.
Peatlands are areas of wet land that support habitats and species that are important for biodiversity, they also protect the wider ecosystem by improving water quality and reducing the severity of flooding.
Covering nearly two million hectares, Scotland is home to two-thirds of the UK’s peatlands. However, nearly three-quarters of Scotland’s peatlands is currently degraded.
The Scottish Government has pledged £250 million to support the restoration of 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030, with an interim target of 110,000 hectares by 2026. A total of 90,000 hectares have been restored since 1990 and 14,860 of those were completed throughout the 2024-25 financial year.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “As we celebrate World Peatlands Day, I am very pleased to report Scotland’s Peatland ACTION partnership has put 14,860 hectares of degraded peatlands on the road to recovery last year. This is a new record in one year.
“Restoring peatland benefits our environment by reducing emissions, reducing risks of flooding and wildfires and improving water quality, it also invests in people and skills, creating green jobs in rural communities.
“This means we have exceeded our 2024 Programme for Government commitment and represents a 42% increase over the 10,360 hectares restored during 2023-24. I thank all of our partners for their sustained efforts and tenacity in delivering another milestone figure.”
Nick Halfhide, NatureScot Interim Chief Executive, said: “As key partners in the Scottish Government’s Peatland ACTION Partnership, NatureScot has successfully facilitated 65% of the restoration work completed in 2024-25.
“This significant achievement contributes substantially towards the overall target of 250,000 hectares of degraded peatland being put on the road to recovery by 2030.
“Restoring Scotland’s degraded peatlands is essential to addressing both the climate and nature emergencies – it makes a vitally important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing broader benefits for biodiversity and water quality.”
A key delivery partner of the Peatland ACTION Partnership, Forestry and Land Scotland has delivered 1744ha of peatland restoration work across Scotland in the last year surpassing its yearly target of 1500ha. CEO Kevin Quinlan said:
“Forestry and Land Scotland is proud to be supporting the Scottish Government’s commitment to restoring 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030 as a key delivery partner in the Peatland ACTION Partnership.
“Every site we restore adds to the scale of the contribution we make in efforts to transform and restore one of Scotland’s largest degraded ecosystems to create a far healthier landscape.”
NatureScot is due to publish the Peatland ACTION Annual Review 2024-25 this week.
