Day: June 7, 2025

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines returns to Rosyth for summer sailings

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today (7th June) returned to the Port of Rosyth, marking the start of a summer season of sailings aboard its 1,325-guest ship, Balmoral.

A total of eight cruises will depart from Rosyth between June and August 2025, offering guests the chance to enjoy scenic and cultural discoveries closer to home and further afield.

Highlights include scenic cruising past Fingal’s Cave and the remote Scottish isles, exploring Arctic Norway under the glow of the Midnight Sun, uncovering the heritage of the Baltic with visits to Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen, and whale watching in Icelandic waters. Guests can also enjoy the chance to sail the beautiful River Seine through the heart of Normandy.

Later today, Balmoral will depart Rosyth on a 10-night Scotland, Scilly Isles & the West Country cruise. The itinerary features a host of scenic cruising moments including sailing past the Duncansby Sea Stacks, the Needle, Old Man of Hoy, the Small Isles, Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave. Calls into Lerwick, St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Dartmouth and Portsmouth offer opportunities to step ashore and explore.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our summer 2025 sailings from Rosyth offer a hand-crafted mix of scenic cruising and enriching destinations.

“Guests can marvel at Norway’s majestic fjords, witness Iceland’s striking volcanic landscapes, and uncover the rich histories of the Baltic capitals.

“Balmoral’s smaller size also allows us to sail the serene River Seine – a rare opportunity to experience river cruising aboard an ocean-going ship. Each itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of the world around us, while offering the warm, personal service we’re known for.”

Rosyth is one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s 2025 departure ports, alongside Liverpool, Portsmouth, Southampton, Newcastle, Dover and Southampton.

Upcoming highlights on Balmoral sailing from Rosyth include:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.

  • Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
  • Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
  • Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’

Balmoral‘s 13-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth, Edinburgh on 27th June 2025.Prices start from £1,799 per person.

  • Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
  • Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song & Dance Festival
  • Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region

Itinerary:Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde (for tours to Schwerin Castle), Germany – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia – Saaremaa, Estonia – Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK

For more information: VisitL2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’

Balmoral’s 10-night L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’, departing from Rosyth on 10thJuly 2025. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

  • Discover Iceland’s extraordinary glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
  • Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wellness culture of hot spring bathing
  • Experience whale watching on a tour from Balmoral

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Sea Stacks, Scotland – Cruising Pentland Firth, Scotland – Cruising by the Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’

Balmoral’s 13-night ‘French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux’ cruise, departing Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £2,099pp.

  • Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
  • Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
  • Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo 

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Bordeaux, France (overnight) – Cruising Girdonde and Garonne Rivers – Getxo, Spain (for Bilbao) – St Malo, France (anchor port) – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight port) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’


For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Rosyth, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-scotland
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

Raising funds to fix cladding issues

Building Safety Levy Bill published

Additional funding could be unlocked to fix building safety issues through new legislation published in the Scottish Parliament. 

If passed, the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill will see a tax charged on the construction of certain new residential properties, in line with equivalent legislation in England. 

The Bill seeks to raise around £30 million per year to help fund work to fix residential buildings with unsafe cladding which have no linked developer.

Latest estimates indicate that the Scottish Government’s Cladding Remediation Programme could cost £1.7 billion over a 15-year period. 

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “The Scottish Government is committed to doing what is right and necessary to address the challenge of fixing buildings affected by unsafe cladding.

“That includes putting the appropriate funding arrangements in place to ensure that the associated costs of cladding remediation do not fall directly onto affected homeowners.

“I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and this levy will ensure they make a fair contribution to these costs, just as they will be doing in England.

“I also welcome the continued cooperation of developers who have accepted responsibility for the assessments and any required mitigation and remediation of their buildings.”

Latest version of Ready Steady Baby! available now

The latest version of Ready, Steady, Baby! is now available.

Everyone who is pregnant and lives in Scotland will receive a free printed copy from their midwife (also available in other formats and languages). It’s also available on NHS inform.

https://nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby

Support secured for LGBT Veterans

Action to ensure Council Tax support retained

Legislation has been amended to ensure veterans who receive a payment from the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme do not lose out on council tax support.  

More than 1,200 people in Scotland who served under and suffered from the ban on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) personnel serving in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 have applied to the UK Government for compensation so far.

Changes approved by the Scottish Parliament to ensure such payments do not affect any entitlement to Council Tax Reduction have come into effect this week.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “As we mark 25 years since the lifting of the ban on LGBT people serving in the Armed Forces, it is important to recognise the hardship that so many faced with widespread homophobic bullying and harassment.

“Nothing will make up for the difficulties that LGBT veterans faced, however our action will ensure those in Scotland receive every penny that they are entitled to.

“I would also like to recognise the individuals and organisations – including Fighting with Pride – who campaigned for the rights of those who were dismissed or discharged, or faced other discrimination.”

Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting with Pride, said: “Fighting with Pride has campaigned for justice for LGBTQ+ veterans for many years, helping to secure reparations and financial recognition of their horrendous treatment prior to 2000.

“As we slowly see the UK Government deal with those financial payments, protected from benefit and taxation impact, it is wonderful to see the Scottish Government taking action to ensure other benefits such as Council Tax Benefit is also protected too.

“We continue to seek out veterans who were discharged or dismissed from the military to support them, and this news is one more step towards helping those in Scotland.”

The Council Tax Reduction (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2025

Veterans of the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme – GOV.UK

The UK-wide financial recognition scheme opened in December 2024, with payments due to commence in June 2025. 

Edinburgh 900 exhibition reveals the hidden lives of the first ‘Edinburghers’

Visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral will come face-to-face with those of the first ‘Edinburghers’ in a new exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations.

Opening to the public on Friday 6 June, Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the Lives and Hidden Faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval Citizens, delves into the fascinating work carried out by experts from the Francis Crick Institute (London), University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Marking the joint 900th anniversaries of both Edinburgh and St Giles’ Cathedral, this extraordinary exhibition presents the results of new scientific research into the medieval citizens buried within the grounds of the Cathedral.

Originally excavated in 1981, these remains have undergone new detailed analysis using advanced methods including ancient DNA sequencing, isotopic analysis, radiocarbon dating, and forensic facial reconstruction.

This collaborative project offers a compelling look at the lives, diets, health, origins, and identities of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.

The exhibition will feature:

  • Facial reconstructions of five individuals by Maria Maclennan, projected throughout the Cathedral using immersive lighting designs by artist Mettje Hunneman.
  • A specially commissioned short documentary by Cinetopia, featuring interviews with the research team and members of the Cathedral community.
  • A focus on three key burial groups – individuals from the birth of the burgh and foundation of the Cathedral in the 12th century, two 15th-century male pilgrims and eight women buried inside the Chapel of Our Lady between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “This exhibition invites visitors to travel back through nine centuries of Edinburgh’s history, to meet the earliest people who called this city home. Thanks to scientific research and creative collaboration, we are able to share new insights into their lives, origins, health, and identities and, to actually see their faces once again.

“Edinburgh 900 is a year-long celebration of our city’s rich history, culture, and bright future. This exhibition brings the faces of our very first residents to life for our audiences of today. My thanks to our partners, scientists, artists, and all those whose contributions have brought this exhibition to life.”

City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson added: “This has been a fascinating project that brings together new archaeological science and the creative arts to tell the story of Edinburgh’s first residents in an imaginative and exciting way.

“Visitors to the exhibition will come face-to-face with the first inhabitants of the city, ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary chapters of history. While we are accustomed to the tales of the famous and powerful, this project shifts the spotlight to the everyday citizens, telling their stories in the very place they once walked, worshipped, and were laid to rest.

“To honour their lives in such a meaningful location has been a rare and powerful opportunity. It’s been an immensely rewarding partnership to be part of, and I’m grateful to the church, talented specialists and the artists whose hard work and dedication have have helped to tell these stories.”

Sarah Phemister, Head of Heritage and Culture, St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “This exhibition is a celebration of the remarkable talent, collaboration, and creativity of the scientists and artists who have breathed life into the faces of the past.

“Their work connects us across centuries, reminding us that St Giles’ has always been a place where history, innovation, and human stories have met at the very heart of Edinburgh.”

Free and open to the public from 6 June to 30 November 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the Cathedral’s medieval past in a new way—bringing faces and stories from Edinburgh’s early history to life.

Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer School of Design, Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) The University of Edinburgh, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to contribute to such a fascinating and interdisciplinary project, which adopted a truly interdisciplinary approach requiring collaboration on the part of many.

“Each craniofacial approximation involved the marriage of archaeological evidence together with myriad scientific analyses undertaken by the research team, to help inform final facial appearance: forensic anthropology, radiocarbon dating, isotopic signature, DNA profiling, and forensic-artistic techniques.

“Craniofacial Approximation is a hybrid sci-art practice dedicated to restoring the face of an unknown individual from their skeletal remains. In archaeological contexts, as is seen here in St. Giles’ Cathedral, the practice is often an important means of restoring visibility, identity, and humanity to those long lost or forgotten, and/or in promoting education and encouraging public engagement with historical figures of interest from the past.

“For each reconstruction, I produced both a more ‘neutral’ face (depicting how the individual may present in contemporary day Edinburgh), in addition to a ‘historical’ face, depicting the individual dressed in clothing/artefacts typical of the time in which they lived.”

Dr Tobias Houlton, Lecturer in Craniofacial Identification and Forensic Imaging at University of Dundee, said: “This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS) and the University of Dundee.

“While this particular project has been a year in the making, it builds on many years of collaboration and graduate involvement from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). It provides a unique opportunity for CAHID graduates to further develop their expertise in facial identification while contributing to meaningful research in partnership with CECAS.

“The exhibition showcases the powerful synergy between science and art in restoring the faces of Edinburgh’s earliest citizens and enriching our understanding of the city’s medieval past.”

This project has been made possible with support from Historic Environment Scotland, and all partner organisations.

Neil Lal receives Gandhian Peace Society’s Man of the Decade Award

At the Scottish Parliament on 29 May, Neil Lal received the Gandhian Peace Society’s Man of the Decade Award. Many dignitaries, diplomats, politicians and business and community leaders from all over the world were in attendance.

On behalf of the Gandhian organisation, The Former, Chief Minister of Jersey (Channel Islands) The Honourable John Le Fondre, Ceo of Together UK Foundation, Mr Andrew Grocock presented a Gold plate to Mr Neil Lal and the Counsul General of Hungary Dr Laszlo Kalman.

The Conseller Des Francais de I’Etranger Mr Christian Albussion, along with Foysal Choudhury MSP (Event sponsor), presented a medal to Neil Lal.

All five made speeches and congratulated the achievements of Mr Neil Lal who is also the Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and the United Kingdom, the leading organisation representing the Indian community in the country.

Ash Regan MSP spoke of Neil Lal’s achievements and in attendance was Vice Consul General of India Amit Chaudhary and many businesscommunity leaders. Former Rangers Legend Gordon Smith attended and praised Neil Lal’s public service.

The Gandhian peace society is under the leadership of Chairman Anuranjan Jha.

The Prestigious honour recognises individuals who have made significant contributions in promoting peace, harmony and social justice in Scotland and across the United Kingdom.

Gandhian peace society explained: “The award is not only bestowed by the Gandhian Peace Society but also endorsed by a diverse group of stakeholders including members of public, religious leaders, politicians and global advocates of Gandhian values.

“The finalist’s included many senior politicians such as former PMs Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak and the current PM Sir Keir Starmer. Neil Lal’s selection of the award is a testament to his outstanding achievements.

“His tireless efforts in fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting cultural understanding and advocating for human rights have inspired countless individuals. Neil Lal work with the Indian community in the UK coupled with his unwavering commitment to religious harmonisation and peace building has profoundly impacted our society.

“We are particularly impressed by Neil Lal integrity, fairness and exemplary leadership. His unbiased approach to all communities, faiths and cultures has been instrumental in nation building and bringing diverse groups together. His transparency and accountability have set a high standard for others to follow.

“During the pandemic, Mr Neil Lal generous donations and efforts to bring UK Trade Investment demonstrated commitment to the welfare of the nation. His ongoing work encouraging Trade & Investment in the UK has significantly contributed to economic growth and cross cultural partnerships.

“As part of the award a presentation of £100,000.00 has been awarded to Mr Neil Lal to which he has kindly declined, and he has asked the Gandhian organisations in India to distribute amongst the poor and needy In India.

“This action by Neil Lal speaks volumes. We are honoured to recognise Neil Lal’s exceptional contributions”

Accepting the Award, Neil Lal said: “I am humbled in receiving the Man of The Decade Award and I thank everyone coming today.

“It is not right for me to accept the £100,000.00 prize award as it would be best served to be given to the poor and needy therefore I have declined the prize money.

“I thank all those who have attended including event convenor Sukhi Bains and especially the dignitaries, John Le Fondre, Andrew Grocock, Dr Laszlo Kalman, Christian Albuisson, Foysal Choudhury MSP, Ash Regan MSP, Gordon Smith and many others.

“It has been a great team effort with support from the Indian community such as Baldev Sood, Pravesh Randev, Sunil Marwaha, Sanjay Sharma, Arun Thapar and their families. Let’s all work together for the betterment of humanity.”

Wardieburn Community Clean Up

Wardieburn Community Clean up

Monday 23rd June – Wednesday 25th June 2025

Skips will be at Wardieburn Road, Wardieburn Street West and Wardieburn Street East

Items you no longer need or excess items that cause your normal bin to overflow

This DOES NOT include bulky waste such as mattresses, sofas or white goods

#Community

#Wardieburn

#cleanup

#clearouttheclutter

#clearout

Tackling fuel poverty in privately rented homes

Proposals for minimum standards of energy efficiency

Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought forward under existing powers requiring privately rented properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.

In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy efficiency improvements.

The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.

Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said: “It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.

“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.

“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year. Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health, by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.

“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”

Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of the property.

Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

D-Day 81 anniversary

The UK Defence Secretary John Healey gave a speech at the International Commemoration at Utah Beach yesterday to mark 81 years since the D-Day Landings.

This year’s event focussed on the US contribution to the Normandy campaign, but paid tribute to all who died in the operation.

Mr Healey said: “Bonjour tout le monde. 81 years ago today, tyranny bowed when the courage of free men forced open the gates of liberation. 

Within hours, the people of Sainte-Mère-Église had control of their destiny again. 

Within three months, the Tricolor once again flew from the Eiffel Tower. 

Within a year the continent of Europe would once again know peace. 

It is a rare thing to have changed the course of history, but that is what the veterans of Normandy did. 

They fought for a future that they knew they may not live to see. 

And through their valour we inherited a free world. 

We are humbled to be in your company. We give eternal thanks for your sacrifice.

And I’m also grateful to the Comité du Débarquement, as the stewards of our shared history. With every year that passes, your work becomes more important. 

And 81 years on, we return to Normandy to ask:

What principle guided 150,000 souls across that body of water?

What belief compelled the paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st to thunder through the skies above us?

What force drove the ‘Ivy’ men to charge these dunes at Utah?

…all to liberate people they had never known in a land they had never seen.

 And that is the power of unity, the power of friendship, the faith in democracy and freedom. 

And through the sacrifices made on these shores we learn the true strength of alliances.

The strength of our war-fighters standing together as they continue to do on operations today – personnel from Manchester, from Marseilles, from Minnesota. 

The strength of our nations standing together in NATO to deter current conflicts and adversaries. 

The responsibility to safeguard D-Day’s legacy and freedom rests today with us.

So, let us give everlasting honour to our Normandy veterans… for whom the Longest Day never ended.

And let us find the strength to carry on in their names and to carry forward their cause.

Thank you.”

Illegal working enforcement soars in drive to strengthen border security

Over 6,000 arrests and 9,000 visits carried out across the UK since general election in Labour’s crackdown on illegal working

A major surge in immigration enforcement activity across the UK has led to a 51% rise in the number of arrests since Labour’s general election victory, as part of a Home Office drive to disable the illegal working trade in the UK.   

Immigration Enforcement teams have intensified activity in towns, cities and villages to tackle those abusing the UK immigration system and exploiting vulnerable people. It forms part of the government’s efforts to crack down on organised immigration crime at every level under the Plan for Change and end the false promise of jobs used to sell spaces on small boats.   

Since 5 July last year to 31 May, 9,000 visits have resulted in 6,410 arrests, marking a 48% and 51% rise respectively compared to the year before under the previous government (5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024).   

Particular focus has been on tackling employers facilitating illegal working, often subjecting migrants to squalid conditions and illegal working hours below minimum wage. Restaurants, nail bars and construction sites have been among the thousands of businesses targeted.    

The new measures come alongside a ramp-up of operational activity to restore control of the immigration system, including the return of nearly 30,000 people with no right to be in the UK.   

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally.

“This will no longer be tolerated on our watch. That’s why we are ramping up our enforcement activity and introducing tougher laws to finally get a grip of our immigration and asylum system.  

“Under our Plan for Change, we will continue to root out unscrupulous employers and disrupt illegal workers who undermine our border security.”

It is a legal requirement for employers to carry out Right to Work checks and those who fail to do so face hefty penalties including fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications and potential prison sentences of up to five years.   

Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement Eddy Montgomery said: “Our work to tackle illegal working is vital in not only bringing the guilty to account, but also in protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.  

“I’m incredibly proud of our enforcement teams across the country for their hard work, skill and co-operation on these often challenging but highly important operations.”

During one major co-ordinated operation in March, officers made 36 arrests at a construction site in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter. Offences ranged from breaching visa conditions to illegal entry in the UK with no permission to work.  

Elsewhere, 9 arrests were made at a caravan park in Surrey last month following intelligence individuals were working illegally as delivery drivers in the gig economy.  

Meanwhile, 9 people were also arrested in Bradford in March as officers intercepted a popular illegal working pick up point in Naples Street.  

Ramping up illegal working enforcement activity forms a key part of the Home Office’s drive to restore order to the immigration system under the Labour Government’s Plan for Change.  

In many cases, individuals travelling to the UK illegally are sold a lie by smuggling gangs that they will be able to live and work freely in the UK, when in reality they often end up facing squalid living conditions, minimal pay and inhumane working hours, with the threat of arrest and removal if they are caught working illegally.  

In the latest move to restore order to the asylum and immigration system, the government is also introducing tough new laws to clamp down on illegal working by extending Right to Work checks on those hiring gig economy and zero-hours workers in sectors like construction, food delivery, beauty salons and courier services.