Day: June 27, 2025

£4.1 million to help restore secure care capacity

Funding of over £4 million to establish new secure care houses has been announced by the Scottish Government.

The funding will allow for restored capacity and enable a different approach to be developed to ensure children with the greatest need are able to access intensive support. Additionally, this investment will support the creation of three four-bed secure houses, as well as a further four-bed contingency resource.

There are currently 82 contracted secure places provided by four independent charitable organisations in Scotland – Rossie, Good Shepherd Centre, Kibble and St. Mary’s Kenmure.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “It is imperative that we continuously improve how we care for those children who have the greatest need of support. 

“We also need to address the challenges currently facing the secure care system, and this funding will ensure that both these aims can be met.

“Scotland is rightly proud of our unique, welfare based and focused approach to care and justice for children and young people. We want to build on that tradition and the current strengths of the system, while embracing a future vision for change as set out in the ‘Reimagining Secure Care’ report. And with that change, it is important that we maintain a resolute focus in ensuring that children and young people’s needs and rights remain at the heart of this process.”

Reimagining-Secure-Care-Final-ReportDownload

This follows the publication of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice’s (CYCJ) report on ‘Reimagining Secure Care’ which outlines a transformative vision for the future of secure care, and broader children’s care, in Scotland. The Scottish Government has responded to this report.

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of Beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

During the session, 12 pupils from Niddrie Mill Primary and Castleview Primary learned about the world of bees – including how they are essential to the local environment, how hives function, and what it takes to care for bees first-hand.

The visit was delivered in partnership with Colin Mackie of Fine Scottish Honey Ltd – a local beekeeper who has maintained the centre’s two on-site hives since they were installed in May 2024.

The experience follows a series of in-school sessions delivered by Colin in partnership with Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, which aims to encourage children to read and learn outside of the classroom.

More than 230 pupils at Niddrie Mill Primary, Castleview Primary and Brunstane Primary took part in the sessions, which included honey tasting, candle rolling, creative craft activities and an interactive storytelling session. As part of the project, pupils also decorated bird boxes which are due to be installed at Fort Kinnaird.

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re proud to work closely with local schools and community partners to offer educational experiences that are fun, hands-on and genuinely inspiring.

“Opportunities like this give children the chance to learn in a different way – not just by reading about nature, but by seeing it and asking questions in real time.

“It’s been brilliant to see our beehives come to life and thrive over the year to support both the centre and local community biodiversity – this is all part of our sustainability plan which includes zero waste and 98% renewable energy use.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

High School pupils honoured at inaugural Ken Muir Awards

Young achievers from the capital are recognised for personal development beyond academic success

Ten pupils from across Edinburgh have been recognised for their exceptional personal growth, resilience, and workplace readiness as recipients of the first-ever Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement—an award which celebrates the skills and attributes that go beyond exam results.

Meshaym Nadeem, Matthew Caballero, Saif Mohammad, Milo Potter, Michael Godley, Leoni Morrison, Elena Munoz, Anna Thomson, Amber Denholm and Hazel Szeto, all S5 and S6 pupils from Balerno High School, Craigroyston Community High School, Drummond Community High School, Liberton High School, Portobello High School and St Augustines RC High School in the city, were among 86 recipients from across Scotland of the inaugural Ken Muir Award. 

All recipients of the coveted Ken Muir Award had successfully completed the Powering Futures Challenge Programme – a nationally-delivered course equivalent to a Higher, which supports senior-level pupils in becoming workplace ready.

While over 1,000 pupils nationally earned a formal SCQF Level-6 qualification through the process, the Edinburgh award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme – with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers. 

Clare Thomson, a teacher at Portobello High School, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for receiving the Ken Muir Award.

“What’s been most rewarding isn’t just seeing them earn a qualification, but witnessing the confidence, maturity and resilience they’ve developed along the way.

“They’ve learned to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively under pressure, and reflect meaningfully on their own growth.

“These are life skills that will stay with them far beyond school and into the world of work. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Professor Ken Muir – after whom the awards are named – has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education.

As a key contributor to the 2023 report It’s Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland’s system of education to better prepare learners for the world of work. 

Professor Muir said: “We need a culture shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, grades are important – but so is working hard, reflecting on progress, and growing as a person.

“These Awards are symbolic of this shift. They celebrate personal development, resilience, communication, and teamwork. These are all critical attributes that help young people thrive in life and in work.”

The Powering Futures Schools Programme, now in its fourth year, sees pupils tackle real-life business and industry challenges in teams, developing vital meta-skills while building links with employers. 

Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “These Awards highlight the often-overlooked achievements that sit beyond academic results, but which can inspire confidence and purpose in young people as they go into the world of work.

“We are proud to play our part in helping young people see their potential, and congratulate every recipient, including those from Edinburgh, for their well-earned achievement.”

Operation Portaledge: Two further arrests brings total up to 50

A 50th arrest has been made in connection with Operation Portaledge, the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with wilful fire-raisings which occurred at three properties on Pitcairn Grove, Prestonfield Crescent and Niddrie Marischal Crescent in Edinburgh on Thursday, 17 April.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 27 June, 2025.

Earlier today police announced that a further arrest was made in connection with the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country, bringing the total to 49.

A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh during the early hours of Monday, 9 June, 2025, in Niddrie Marischal Crescent and Campion Road.

The 17-year-old was arrested on Tuesday (24 June, 2025). He was released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Exploratory plans lodged to turn Edinburgh’s iconic Wonderland Models shop into restaurants

Exploratory plans have been lodged with the city council to transform the beloved Edinburgh hobby shop Wonderland Models into new restaurants.

Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years.

As part of the shop’s future planning, the team behind the store are investigating the option of converting the properties in their current location into restaurants, with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere.

Wonderland Models has operated out of 97-103 Lothian Road for decades, serving generations of capital residents with a selection of niche toys, crafts, and models. Documents have been submitted to Edinburgh Council for a potential change of use, transforming the shop into two separate restaurants with new signage, replacing the classic Wonderland storefront.

The interior, currently outfitted with shop rooms, would be refitted to include kitchens, dining rooms, food preparation areas, and restrooms.

Wonderland Models has been one of Scotland’s leading model shops for 53 years. The shop has a global reputation as a model-making emporium for enthusiasts and is a signature part of the Edinburgh retail landscape.

Managing Director Iain Reid said: “For over 50 years, our bespoke range of paints to modelling kits have captured the minds of families. Not a day goes by when we do not see parents bringing their children in for the first time, just as their mums and dads did with them.

“Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years, and as part of our future planning, we are investigating the option of turning the properties in our current location into restaurants with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere. We are currently exploring several options as part of this process.

“Lothian Road has changed beyond recognition since we started here back in the 1980s with many retail shops closing to be replaced by food and beverage outlets and the number of office workers (many now working just 3 days per week in the office) in the area similarly declining since the Covid pandemic. This has resulted in a substantial decline in foot traffic.

“It is critical to note to our loyal customers this is an exploratory move. It’s business as usual for us and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. If a change does come, you can rest assured we will still be a fixture in the capital.

“Wonderland Models remains utterly committed to our customers. We’re a unique shop in the Edinburgh retail landscape, and we are enormously grateful to our customers who have given us their business, love, and loyalty for over half a century.”

Team GB athlete Jennifer Dodds visits Trinity Primary School to deliver Positive Energy workshop

Team GB athlete Jennifer Dodds made a special appearance at Trinity Primary School last week to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.

The visit formed part of British Gas’ Get Set for Positive Energy Roadshow which aims to educate pupils across the UK on energy saving behaviours and habits.

Through an engaging session led by Jennifer and British Gas representatives, 77 pupils at Trinity Primary School participated in a range of activities including designing posters to encourage energy saving at home and school, spotting ways to prevent energy misuse, and suggesting improvements to make their school a greener place.

During the summer, the Get Set for Positive Energy regional Roadshow will see British Gas and a group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes visit a selection of other schools across the UK, leading workshops and inspiring the minds of the future to get involved in energy saving from a young age.  

Aimi McIntosh, Deputy Headteacher at Trinity Primary School, said: “It was lovely to see the children enjoying themselves so much during the workshop hosted by Jennifer Dodds and British Gas – they particularly loved suggesting creative ways to make our school a greener environment and hearing all about Jennifer’s journey as a Team GB athlete. 

“It was a really inspiring and educational session and a fantastic opportunity for our school, so we’d like to thank all involved!”

Hannah Lawrance, Strategic Brand Partnerships Lead at British Gas, said: “We really enjoyed visiting Trinity Primary School last week alongside Jennifer Dodds for our Get Set for Positive Energy workshop. We met some brilliant pupils who threw their all into the energy saving activities we had planned which was great to see.  

“The programme aims to educate children on building a more sustainable future, which helps us to create a more sustainable community for all. We’re using our partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB to inspire schools to get more active and consider different ways to create a positive impact.”

The Get Set for Positive Energy Roadshow makes up part of British Gas’ wider Get Set for Positive Energy initiative, a free cross-curricular programme that aims to educate young people aged five to 11 on the importance of saving energy to drive change, getting active and building healthy everyday habits.

Through Get Set for Positive Energy, British Gas aims to reach up to 8,500 schools and 1.5 million young people and families across the UK by 2028, taking inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic values to motivate young people to be active in creating a greener future for themselves and their community.

The partnership between Team GB, ParalympicsGB and British Gas launched in 2023. The five-year collaboration will last up until the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.

For more information on the Get Set for Positive Energy programme, visit: Get Set | Get Set for Positive Energy

Spreading hope: Maggie’s launches cancer card collection at Scotmid

Scotmid has partnered with leading cancer support charity Maggie’s and greeting card brand Hallmark to become the only retail store selling a unique and heartfelt collection of cancer support cards, helping customers show they care while supporting a vital cause.

Developed by Hallmark in collaboration with Maggie’s, the six-card range was created to provide honest, compassionate messages for those living with cancer and their loved ones.

Each card features thoughtful, emotionally resonant wording such as “I’m here for you”, “Treatment completed”, and “I loved you before cancer and love you now”,  offering a powerful way to express support and solidarity during difficult times.

The collection is illustrated by Hallmark designer Lisa Ellson, who was inspired by her own cancer diagnosis and the loss of both parents. Her personal insight brings warmth and authenticity to each design, moving away from traditional ‘battle’ language and focusing instead on empathy and connection.

 As part of Scotmid’s 2024–2025 charity partnership with Maggie’s, 10p from every card sold in Scotmid stores will be donated to Maggie’s, helping to fund expert, free cancer support services through their network of welcoming centres across Scotland and the UK.

 Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “We’re proud to be the exclusive retail partner bringing this beautiful and meaningful card range to our customers.

“These designs help say the things that are often hardest to express, and every card sold helps Maggie’s continue their extraordinary work supporting people through cancer.”

Hannah Harding, Partnerships Lead at Maggie’s, added: “This partnership with Scotmid and Hallmark brings together compassion, creativity, and community.

“These cards offer a way to connect and comfort – and by purchasing them in Scotmid, customers are also helping Maggie’s be there for more people when they need us most.”

The cards are available now, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh, offering a way to support loved ones with sincerity, while raising vital funds for one of the UK’s most trusted cancer support charities

Helping crisis-hit communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund activated

Oxfam Scotland and Tearfund have welcomed Scottish Government funding to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where millions of people face hunger, insecurity and the devastating impacts of violence and forced displacement.

Since January, more than three million people in the DRC have been forced to flee their homes as fighting by armed groups intensifies and humanitarian needs increase exponentially, triggering one of the world’s most urgent and complex crises.

The £250,000 provided through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) will be distributed to Oxfam Scotland and Tearfund, and through local partners, to support emergency relief efforts across eastern DRC – helping families pay for essentials such as food, fuel, shelter or hygiene items, as well as accessing urgent medical care, trauma services and safe transport.

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on a scale we can hardly imagine here in Scotland. Successive waves of violence are claiming the lives of civilians, including children, with millions forced to flee to temporary accommodation where conditions are deteriorating.

“The situation is being worsened by the scaling back of humanitarian assistance by other international donors.

“While our funding may only make a small impact in the face of such overwhelming need, we are determined to stand behind our values and Scotland’s long and proud history of responding to humanitarian crises around the world.”

Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam Scotland’s Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said: “Every day, our partners and colleagues are meeting mothers who’ve walked for miles with nothing but their children in their arms, desperately searching for safety.

“They’ve lost everything: their homes, their loved ones, their hope of a normal life. The scale of human suffering here is staggering.

“The recent cuts to humanitarian funding have been devastating. We’ve had to make impossible choices about who gets clean water, medicine, or even a place to sleep.

“That’s why support from the Scottish Government is so vital. With our local partner, it’s helping us reach people who would otherwise be left with nothing. But with millions still in desperate need, we urgently need other governments and donors to follow Scotland’s lead. Now is the time to step up, not step back.”

Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s Country Director for the DRC, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this vital funding, which arrives at a critical time for communities in North Kivu.

“The intensification of conflict has led to widespread displacement and immense suffering, with many returnees in Malehe finding their homes destroyed and livelihoods lost.

“This support will enable us to provide immediate, life-saving assistance where it’s needed most, directly addressing urgent needs for food and basic essentials for 925 conflict-affected households through multipurpose cash assistance, while also tackling the alarming rise in gender-based violence for 9,000 individuals through community awareness and support sessions.”

The Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) is an annual £1 million fund provided by the Scottish Government to respond to overseas humanitarian emergencies.

George Street and First New Town project passes crucial milestone

‘We’re on our way to delivering a bold new vision for George Street and our city centre’

A full design for the George Street and First New Town project, has been approved by the Transport and Environment Committee.

The report discusses the completion of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 4 Technical Design. The progression of this stage has led to a revised overall cost estimate of £35.07m, representing a saving of over £4.3m on previous estimates.

The wider project was included to proceed under the City Mobility Plan Prioritisation programme in May 2025, following a rigorous assessment of feasibility.

The full design will contain the following features:

  • Plans for natural stone material throughout (including yorkstone slabs on the footway, re-laid traditional setts in the parking areas, whinstone kerbs and setts on the carriageway). 
  • Dwell zones with incorporated raised planters and seating.
  • Eight trees (four at the Charlotte Square end, four at the St Andrew Square end) along with low-level planting within a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDs), linking to the existing drainage system.  
  • Full suite of Hostile Vehicle Measures (HVM) at all junctions and associated utility diversions.

Under the current timeline, construction is due to begin in Autumn 2027 and take approximately two years with a further one-year defect period.   

The appropriate road orders will now be implemented before moving on to final budget confirmation and ultimately to RIBA Stage 4B (Tender) and securing of statutory consents. Final approval will then be sought to proceed to RIBA Stage 5 (Construction).

The full report is available to view on the city council website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve taken the decision today to move forward with the George Street and First New Town project. The project is rooted in making the area safer, more sustainable and accessible for all.

“This is a unique opportunity to bring one of Edinburgh’s most important streets into the modern world whilst still maintaining its unique history and features.

“The wider potential improvements are vast, from benefits to local residents and businesses to enhancing Edinburgh as a visitor destination, and beyond – we’re on our way to delivering a bold new vision for George Street and our city centre.

“Whilst we’re committed to this important project, we’re also committed to making broader improvements across the city for the benefit of all our residents.”