Street disorder and youth drinking are to be tackled in a summer campaign across Scotland.
What began as a pilot designed by the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership a decade ago in North Lanarkshire, “It’ll Cost You” is now a nation-wide campaign fronted by Police Scotland.
The clear message of the campaign is that buying alcohol for minors could land you with a fine, a jail sentence or both.
Police Scotland is working with retailers and alcohol companies to drive home the stark message that buying alcohol for children, proxy purchase, is a criminal offence.
Evaluations of the previous campaigns have shown a steady increase in awareness about the implications of supplying alcohol to minors, but it remains a serious issue with detections being made by police across Scotland during the course of last year’s campaign.
The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign is a collaboration between Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership and Community Alcohol Partnerships.
This year’s campaign will run from 30 June in communities across Scotland.
Superintendent Joanne McEwan, Police Scotland, said: “This campaign showcases the benefits of key partners working together to inform the public of dangers associated with underage drinking, as well as the criminal consequences for supplying those under 18 with alcohol.”
Luke McGarty, Chair of the SAIP Campaigns Group and Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Scottish Grocers Federation, said: “Retailers are the first line of defence in reducing underage drinking and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.
“Our members are robust in ensuring that under 18’s can’t buy alcohol from their stores, so it’s vital that customers support those efforts and are aware of the dangers of proxy purchasing’.
“The “It’ll Cost You!” campaign fits perfectly with SGF’s position of promoting responsible community retailing. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the campaign again this year.”
Grahame Clarke, Community Alcohol Partnership Coordinator, said: “The campaign gives us an opportunity to spread the “It’ll Cost You!” message in local communities, highlighting the dangers of buying alcohol for young people.
“We look forward to working with Police Scotland and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers to make sure that this messaging is carried through all our engagement activity this summer.”
Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown,said: “To have run this campaign for ten years is a strong example of partnership working to help reduce crime and make our communities safer.
“‘It’ll Cost You’ reinforces the message that buying alcohol for someone under the age of 18, regardless of your relationship to them, is illegal.
“It can put them at risk of becoming vulnerable or involved in antisocial behaviour and if you buy drink for them, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both.
“This campaign highlights the dangers of underage drinking and sends a strong message that this is not acceptable.”
New details on the Government’s welfare reforms will be published today ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on Tuesday.
Terms of reference for the first comprehensive review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment in a decade to be published today.
Comes alongside draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee – enshrining protections in law for disabled people and people with health conditions who want to try work.
Reforms to deliver greater certainty, independence, and dignity for disabled people, while ensuring the system is fair, sustainable, and fit for the future as part of the Plan for Change.
New details on the government’s welfare reforms will be published today (Monday 30 June 2025) ahead of Second Reading of the Universal Credit (UC) and PIP Bill on Tuesday.
The terms of reference for the first ever comprehensive review of the PIP assessment in over a decade will be published today. The review – led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms – will ensure the system is fair, supportive and reflects the realities of modern life.
It will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and MPs with the core objective of delivering better experiences and better outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions.
The review aims to respond to the changing picture of population health over the last decade including the rising prevalence of long-term health conditions and disability in the working-age population.
Monthly PIP awards have more than doubled since the pandemic, rising from 13,000 to 34,000 – a rate of around 1,000 new claims per day, or the population of Leicester every year. Much of this increase is driven by mental health conditions with awards for anxiety and depression having tripled from 2,500 per month in 2019 to 8,200 in 2023.
To better help those with mental ill health, the government has recruited more than 6,700 extra mental health workers since July while rolling out more access to occupational health services and developing digital resources, so employers better support their staff’s mental wellbeing.
Many people have also reported poor experiences with the assessment process. The current system often fails to reflect the real-world impact of disability on daily life and is no longer fit for purpose – making reform urgent and essential.
Alongside the review, draft regulations for the new Right to Try Guarantee will be laid in Parliament. This will, for the first time, enshrine in law the right for people receiving health and disability benefits to try work without fear of reassessment. This includes disabled people and people with health conditions – such as those recovering from illness – who want to return to work now their health has improved.
This responds directly to concerns raised by disabled people and people with health conditions – 37% of whom say they want to work but are held back by fear of losing their benefits according to a DWP survey.
Fixing the broken welfare system this government inherited is central to breaking down barriers to opportunity and driving up living standards – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
The government says reforms will ensure disabled people have the support they need to live independently, with dignity, and will unlock opportunities to get into work without facing the prospect of losing the help they need.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can. Too often, disabled people feel trapped – worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on.
“That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers, support disabled people to live with dignity and independence, and open routes into employment for those who want to pursue it.
“This is about delivering a fairer, more compassionate system as part of our Plan for Change which supports people to thrive, whatever their circumstances.”
The Government will also set out details today of the changes they intend to make to the Bill as part of the government’s welfare reforms.
The Government says it has has listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the social security system.
That’s why ministers have confirmed that as part of the Bill:
All existing PIP recipients will remain on the current system and the proposed changes to eligibility as part of the bill will only apply to new claims from November 2026.
200,000 individuals in the Severe Conditions Criteria group – individuals with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unlikely to recover – will not be called for a UC reassessment.
All existing recipients of the UC health element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will see their standard allowance combined with their Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.
Nearly 4 million households will receive an income boost with the main rate of UC set to increase above inflation every year for the next four years – estimated to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household aged 25 or over. This is around £250 higher than an inflation only increases.
The Bill will also rebalance UC rates by reducing the health element for new UC claims to the equivalent of £50 per week from April 2026, fixing a system which incentivises people to define themselves as incapable of work by paying health element recipients more than double the standard amount.
These reforms will be also underpinned by a significant investment in employment support. Funding will be brought forward to accelerate tailored employment, health and skills support to help disabled people and those with health conditions get into work as part of our Pathways to Work guarantee.
£300 million will be brought forward over the next three years, increasing total employment support by £2.2 billion over four years – upholding our commitment to spend £1 billion per year by the end of the decade.
This investment will accelerate the pace of new planned investment in employment support programmes, building on and learning from successes such as the Connect to Work programme, which already provides disabled people and people with health conditions with one-to-one support at the point when they feel ready to work.
And for people whose health challenges make it difficult to find or stay in work, our initiative in partnership with the NHS, WorkWell, will offer personalised support to help individuals manage their health while preparing for or returning to employment. This will build on progress already made to get 384,000 people into work since this government entered office and will come alongside fundamental reforms to patient support as part of the landmark 10 Year Health Plan.
Health professionals will be on hand to connect people with services like physiotherapy, mental health support, and more. They will also be supported by a dedicated employment adviser who understands their specific health needs and guide them every step of the way.
For too long, meaningful reform to our welfare system has been ducked and delayed – stunting productivity, slowing down growth and ultimately holding British people and our country back. The government is taking decisive action and the difficult decisions needed to restore trust and faith in the system, providing opportunities for those who can work, and security for those who cannot.
Further information
The UC and PIP Bill is scheduled for Second Reading in the House of Commons Parliament on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
The UC and PIP Bill legislates for:
A new additional eligibility requirement for the daily living component of PIP so that from November 2026 new claimants must score a minimum of 4 points must be scored on at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component.
Rebalancing of UC health and standard elementsincluding reducing the health top-up for new claims to £50 per week from April 2026.
Ensure that all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – will receive the higher UC health payment after April 2026.
Increasing the UC standard allowance above inflation for the next four years – worth an estimated £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or over.
Exemptions from reassessment for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions.
The Government has also confirmed that it will amend the Bill at Commons Committee stage to:
Provide protection for existing PIP claimants—ensuring they remain on the current system and are unaffected by new eligibility rules.
For all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the Severe Conditions Criteria and/or that has their claims considered under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) – the LCWRA rate for this group will now be uprated each year this Parliament to ensure their combined rate of the Universal Credit standard allowance and LCWRA is protected in real terms.
The Bill currently includes a 13-week transitional period for the PIP changes, but this will be superseded by long-term protections for existing claimants.
The Terms of reference for the PIP review, draft regulations for the Right to Try Guarantee, the draft amendment to the Bill which will enact the change to PIP, and analysis of poverty impacts will be published later today.
Latest data published last week shows almost one-in-four adults in England have common mental health conditions – and that adults with problem debt and those out of work are far more likely to experience mental health conditions.
To better help those with mental ill health, the government is boosting access to support, with more than 6,700 extra mental health workers since July, marking a significant milestone towards its goal of 8,500 by the end of this Parliament.
It has also started rolling out more access to occupational health services and developing digital resources so employers can better support their staff’s mental wellbeing as part of its drive to get people back to health and back to work.
More than 100 charities unite to say Scottish MPs must stand against social security cuts
More than 100 charities and civil society organisations have urged Scottish MPs to stand against social security cuts, uniting to tell Scottish MPs that it’s not too late to change course on controversial cuts.
They have written a joint letter to Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and copied it to all of Scotland’s MPs at Westminster.
They warned that will mean destitution and misery for many sick and disabled people, as well as others in their households – including children and unpaid carers
Peter Kelly, chief executive of The Poverty Alliance said: “People are desperate for the UK Government to deliver a just and compassionate society – but these proposals will deliver the opposite.
“If enacted, these cuts will mean more disabled people living in poverty, relying on foodbanks, and pushed into destitution. That’s not the change people voted for at the last general election.”
In the letter they say: “This is a question of about the kind of society we want to be. Scotland is a country that believes in justice and compassion and people want our governments to make decisions which align with those values.
“We urge Ministers to drop these proposals. We urge Scottish MPs to vote against these cuts, sending a strong, positive message to disabled people and carers in Scotland that this Government will build a country free from poverty, not one that forces people into deeper poverty and destitution.”
MPs are expected to get their first chance to vote on the cuts in the Commons on 1 July. The Government is facing defeat after dozens of Labour MPs signalled their opposition.
Fiona Collie of Carers Scotland said: “We need a government that will reduce the poverty that unpaid carers face. If these cuts go ahead, even more of them will be pushed into crisis – leaving people struggling to afford food, heating, and other essentials.
“We estimate that around 150,000 unpaid carers across the UK stands to lose carers’ benefits as a direct result of these changes. That’s completely wrong – and any MP who votes to inflict that kind of deliberate harm on people in their constituency will have to justify themselves to electors.”
Tressa Burke of the Glasgow Disability Alliance said: “It is shameful to try to balance the nation’s books on the backs of disabled people. We have around 6,000 members who have already suffered the worst impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, and more than a decade of austerity and social security cuts.
“These plans will cause untold harm to many disabled people and push them into destitution. It will undermine their human rights and leave them facing even greater inequality and discrimination. If MPs in Scotland support these heartless cuts, it will be a bleak day indeed. They will absolutely not get people into work, and will act as a reason to fall out of work too, where PIP has been topping up low-paid work.’
In a survey last year, 71% of Glasgow Disability Alliance members said they didn’t have enough money to manage the cost of their needs, 68% couldn’t afford utilities, and 58% couldn’t manage the costs of food and essential groceries.
A substantial number of Labour backbenchers remain resolute and refuse to back the watered-down Bill.
RACHAEL Maskell MP said: “I have spent my life standing up for sick and disabled people, professionally and personally, and while progress is welcome, to introduce a system which leaves sick and disabled people in the future in poverty, those with fluctuating conditions, in uncertainty, including those with MS or a cancer relapse, no security, is unacceptable.
“Taking someone’s independence, does not make them better, more able to work or keep people in work. It creates poverty, dependency and places more pressure on social care and the NHS.
“Most chilling, according to Refuge, 29% of domestic violence survivors are disabled people and are far less likely to flee their home if they lose this crucial support.
“Work by the Women’s Budget Group demonstrates that this policy is highly gendered, impacting women significantly.
“Disabled people have not battled all their lives to then pull the ladder up behind them.
“I cannot support the ableist perception of sick and disabled people, where they have been given no agency in these proposals.
“Instead I draw on the substantial evidence, the voices of those impacted and my conscience which determines that I cannot cross by on the other side and have no choice but to vote against the UC & PIP Bill.”
More than 75,000 people have signed Richard Burgon MPs petition on Change:
MSPs on Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee are seeking views on the positive and negative aspects of growing social security spend in Scotland.
The Committee has launched a call for views to help inform its scrutiny of next year’s Scottish Budget. The devolution of social security payments started in 2016 and since then the Scottish Government has introduced policies that are specific to Scotland, like the Scottish Child Payment and greater funding for Adult Disability Payment and carer benefits.
A key theme in the Committee’s inquiry will be the interplay between different policy decisions taken by the UK and Scottish Governments.
The choices that the Scottish Government has made have meant that this year the Scottish Government is spending £1.2 billion more on social security policies than it gets in funding for social security from the UK Government.
Any changes to disability payments by the UK Government could change the funding the Scottish Government receives. In this context, the Committee is asking how much the Scottish Government’s ability to manage the devolved social security budget is affected by UK Government policy choices.
The Committee also wants to hear people’s views on the most cost-effective ways to reduce child poverty and the advantages and disadvantages of universal benefits compared to those targeted at low-income households.
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has invested in social security with the aim of tackling specific challenges in our society. As we look towards the next Scottish Budget, we would like to hear your views on the effectiveness of this approach.
“We’re keen to hear from people who receive social security benefits, and organisations who provide advice or support, government agencies and public bodies and anyone with expertise or interest in social security spending and public finances.
“Our call for views is open for responses until 17 August 2025. We then plan to take evidence on the issues raised over the autumn.”
The Fraser of Allander Institute and the Poverty Alliance, as part of Serving the Future, published a policy briefing earlier this week which says policy changes are needed to support the hospitality industry and to improve pay and conditions for workers.
The briefing says that struggling hospitality workers would benefit from increased fair work practices in the industry. But many employers are hindered by “factors beyond their control” in the implementation of fair work.
These include gaps in transport and childcare provision, which create barriers to work for their staff, along with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the more recent cost of living crisis.
Hospitality workers face higher than average risks of experiencing in-work poverty. A third of workers spoken to by researchers were on zero-hour contracts, or had no contract at all, while the workers’ median hourly pay rate was under the low pay threshold of £11.58.
The policy briefing, produced by Serving the Future, makes a series of recommendations for Government action, including:
Promoting greater collaboration between government and the hospitality and tourism industry
investing in sustainable and community-led tourism
better and more consistent information for employers on best practice, training and development opportunities, legislation and policy changes
greater support for training and development.
The Research forms part of Serving the Future, a project which has been working directly with employers and people with experience of low-paid work in the hospitality sector to identify changes that could be made by employers and policy and systems-wide changes to address in-work poverty in Scotland.
Fair work is defined by the Scottish Government as “secure employment with fair pay and conditions, where workers are heard and represented, treated with respect and have opportunities to progress.”
Hospitality is a significant part of Scotland’s economy, comprising around 3% of Scotland’s GDP and, before the pandemic, accounted for 8% of its jobs.
Chirsty McFadyen, a Knowledge Exchange Associate with the Fraser of Allander Institute, said:“Our research shows that hospitality employers often want to do the right thing by their employees, but they don’t always feel supported by policy to do so.
“If we are to meet the 2030 child poverty targets, the Scottish Government has a role to play in ensuring that housing, childcare and transport policy support the industry and its workers.”
Dr Laura Robertson, research manager with the Poverty Alliance, said:“Low pay and job insecurity have a big impact on households in Scotland.
“A lack of affordable, accessible childcare and housing, alongside continued high costs of living, is also preventing families from being lifted out of in-work poverty.
“The Serving the Future project shows key challenges facing households working in the hospitality sector in Scotland and that both employers and policy makers have a key role in tackling poverty in Scotland.”
Photograph by Martin Shields
There was widespread concern among workers about a lack of effective regulation and oversight of the hospitality sector, leading to an absence of clear standards which allowed exploitation and unfair practices to persist.
Staff shortages were leading to many workers taking on extra hours and duties, creating burnout, stress, and deterioration in work-life balance. This was sometimes the result of a practice known as ‘clopens,’ or late closing and early opening.
One worker said: “Sometimes I could finish at twelve at night and be in at ten the next day. That’s very common, as well, like ‘clopens.’ I think they shouldn’t be legal.”
The researchers also identify opportunities in proposals in the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which include: a right to a contract with guaranteed hours; a requirement for employers to consult with employee representatives on tipping and gratuity policies, and the creation of a Fair Work Agency with powers to investigate and take action against businesses that do not comply with the law.
Proposals based on the Fair Work Convention’s Hospitality Inquiry were also highlighted in the policy brief.
The Serving the Future project is funded by The Robertson Trust.
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed for staff, patients, families and volunteers at the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People Edinburgh on Thursday
The International Festival’s NHS Festival Sessions, in partnership with NHSd Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, bring Festival artists into hospitals year-round, creating moments of musical connections that recognise the powerful impact music can have on wellbeing
As part of a wider vision to remove barriers to cultural discovery, the International Festival’s range of affordability initiatives include over 1,000 donated tickets for NHS staff, charity workers and low-income benefit recipients, and £10 Affordable tickets for every event in the programme
2025 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RUNS FROM 1–24 AUGUST 2025
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions, a heartfelt partnership between the International Festival and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts bringing transformative live performances directly to patients, families, staff and volunteers across healthcare settings.
Now in its second year, the NHS Festival Sessions take place regularly year-round, bringing an exciting array of International Festival artists into NHS Lothian spaces to create curated moments of musical and emotional connection.
Previous artists include the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bamberger Symphoniker and the Philharmonia Orchestra, visiting sites such as the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and St John’s Hospital, Livingston.
Ms Benedetti’s performance is part of her wider Festival vision: to ensure that the joy of life-altering live performance is accessible to the broadest possible audience.
This year, the International Festival continues to break down barriers to cultural participation with a range of affordability initiatives. These include:
£10 Affordable tickets for every event in the programme, available for anyone who needs them by quoting the promo code ‘INVITED’.
Over 1,000 donated tickets for NHS staff, charity workers, and low-income benefit recipients in partnership with Tickets for Good.
Over 2,500 free tickets for Scotland’s young musicians aged 8–18 through the Young Musician’s Pass.
Half-price tickets for under 18s and D/deaf, disabled & neurodivergent people for all Festival performances.
Festival Director Nicola Benedetti said: “I believe in removing barriers to cultural discovery. Everyone is invited to the International Festival – that’s why half of our tickets will be sold for £30 or less, and by extending our performances into community and healthcare settings, we’re reaching people where they are, and bringing a taste of the Festival to those who may be unable to attend.”
Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager at NHS Lothian Charity, said: “Our partnership with the Edinburgh International Festival through the NHS Festival Sessions is a fantastic way to bring the transformative power of music directly into our hospitals.
“These year-round performances are a hugely anticipated part of our participatory arts calendar, making live performances accessible for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.
“It is such a privilege to work together to bring world-class artists and musicians like Nicola Benedetti to perform directly to our patients, staff, and volunteers. Witnessing the joy and emotional connection these live sessions create, really demonstrates the importance and positive impact of the arts on wellbeing.”
This summer’s International Festival will also see flagship projects that bring groups into the heart of August’s performances, developing long-term connections with Edinburgh’s communities to find enrich local life and reflect the ideas, ambitions and creative interests of different groups within the International Festival’s year-round work.
This year’s activities focus on three key areas identified with staff and residents: Dementia Friendly activities, Skills and Training Development, and tackling Social Isolation. Throughout the year—and during August’s Festival— the range of creative, community-led projects includes a six-week artist-led course for New Scots that culminates in a co-designed August festival event featuring musicians from the Aga Khan music programme.
A multi-year Community Connections Hub partnership with Space @ Broomhouse Hub includes collaboration with citizens from across the neighbourhood connecting with Festival artists. The residents respond creatively to music by the London Symphony Orchestra, inspired by the 2025 Festival theme The Truth We Seek and their work will be shared with the community at Space @ Broomhouse Hub.
In partnership with the Wellbeing onto Work (WOW) project, an eight-week course has also been delivered for 10 young people. The course focuses on building confidence and communication skills within Festival environments, with graduates offered supported, paid work experience during the Festival.
For the first time, the International Festival will also present a Dementia Friendly Concert in collaboration with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra—a relaxed, welcoming performance designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
For more information on the range of tickets for performances across music, dance, theatre and opera at the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival, visit:
A pipeline of programmes to build entrepreneurial ambition, capability and networks for Scotland’s current and future entrepreneurs will be delivered with investment from the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund.
A total of 28 projects will deliver initiatives in 2025/26. They range from inspiring school pupils to helping businesses realise international growth.
They include:
Women’s Enterprise Scotland, offering a 10-week programme for women entrepreneurs to address women’s constrained access to finance.
Galashiels Soup, which will offer community micro-grant events in Scottish Borders
SGDA Games Accelerator, Scotland’s first games-specific accelerator to address the unique challenges faced by games companies in product development, financing and marketing.
A new, fully digital application process used by the Fund’s delivery partner, Inspirent, this year means that awards have been made just a few weeks after more than 300 applications were received, meaning programmes can be delivered sooner and for longer during the financial year.
Nearly £100,000 of additional funding has been awarded to projects in response to demand to the Fund.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Scotland has always been a nation of innovators and these projects will build the infrastructure, networks and support systems that our entrepreneurs need to thrive, creating lasting change that goes far beyond individual businesses.
“The Ecosystem Fund sits at the heart of the Scottish Government’s £30 million record investment in entrepreneurship – the biggest commitment we’ve ever made to establishing Scotland as one of Europe’s leading start-up economies.
“The exceptional response to this year’s Fund demonstrates the vibrant entrepreneurial energy that exists across Scotland. I am proud not just to be supporting projects, but investing in the entrepreneurial talent that is the backbone of our economy.”
Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see the quality and diversity of applications received. What’s particularly reassuring is to see the new digitised process working effectively, streamlining and achieving a shorter and simpler process for applicants ensuring funds reach them much earlier.This is the fastest turnaround the Scottish Government has achieved to date, reflecting a more responsive, agile approach.
“The successful projects will deliver targeted support that founders need in the earliest stages of their business. From accessible business training and mentorship programmes, to networks that connect entrepreneurs across Scotland’s regions and sectors.
“Moving forward, the commitment is to work more closely with partners across our entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure public sector support delivers maximum impact for Scottish founders.”
The Isle of Arran Candle Company Ltd – Arran – Arran Design Collective – £9,500.00
University of Strathclyde – Glasgow – From Sanctuary to Start up: supporting Refugees, Asylum Seekers and New Scots in navigating and thriving in Scotland’s startup ecosystem – £9,750.00
Scotpreneur Ltd – Online – The Entrepreneur’s A to Z: An Audio Guide for the Blind and Visually Impaired – £14,250.00
Tenants at Jameson Place in Leith are celebrating ‘Glastoldbury’ this weekend. The festival line-up includes Edinburgh Festival Fringe singer Sean Mearns and Leona Corio.
The tenants’ outdoor space will be transformed with tents and festival decorations with around 40 festival-goers expected to attend Glastoldbury. There will be a BBQ lunch, mocktails, fun tattoos and a photobooth to enjoy between sets.
A slot has been carved out for games and chip butties before the party continues into the late afternoon.
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Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “Our tenants have a varied social calendar and, with so many music fans here, we decided to bring a little bespoke festival atmosphere to our doorstep in Leith.
“A big thank you to the singers who are performing at Glastoldbury and to all those involved in making this idea a reality. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a little sunshine on Leith this weekend!”
As the UK enjoys a weekend of soaring temperatures, Dog Friendly Retreats is urging dog owners to take precautions against one of the most serious seasonal risks facing pets: heatstroke.
Whether you’re away on holiday with your 4-legged friend, or are enjoying the sun at home, dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans.
As many as1 in 7 dogs affected by heatstroke die from the condition, according to research from the Royal Veterinary College. It’s also not just life-threatening, it’s costly with the average cost of a heatstroke insurance claim in 2023 hitting £945.25, with emergency care, fluids, and potential hospitalisation often required.
Unlike us, they cannot regulate their body temperature through sweating. Instead, they rely on panting and sweating through their paw pads, which becomes far less effective in hot, humid weather.
With temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C in some regions, the risk of heat-related illness is particularly high for flat-faced breeds, puppies, older dogs, and those with thick coats.
Josh Williams, founder of Dog Friendly Retreats, says:“Heatstroke can affect any dog in a matter of minutes, especially during exercise or prolonged sun exposure which can be more common if you’re on holiday with your dog.
“Many owners, especially on busy summer days are surprised at how quickly it can develop, and by the time symptoms are visible, it’s often already serious. Prevention is far safer and more effective than treatment.”
The symptoms of canine heatstroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, unsteadiness, and in severe cases, collapse or seizures. If a dog shows any of these signs, it is a medical emergency and veterinary attention is required immediately.
Excessive panting and drooling
Bright red or pale gums
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Disorientation or confusion
Staggering, shaking or collapse
Seizures in extreme cases
Any of these symptoms may indicate heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Immediate action is critical.
Owners should act fast by moving their dog into a shaded or cool area. Wet towels soaked in cool water (not ice-cold) should be placed over their body, particularly the neck, armpits and between the hind legs.
Paw pads and ears can also be gently cooled with water.
Fresh drinking water should be offered in small amounts, but it’s important not to let the dog gulp it down too quickly. Ice should be avoided, as it can cause shock in an overheated dog.
What To Do If You Suspect Heatstroke
Acting quickly can save a dog’s life. Here’s how:
Move your dog to a shaded, cool area immediately.
Soak towels in cool (not ice-cold) water and place them over your dog’s neck, underarms, and between the back legs.
Gently cool their paw pads and ears using water or damp cloths.
Offer small amounts of cool water to drink. Don’t let your dog gulp or drink rapidly.
Avoid using ice, which can trigger shock in overheated dogs.
Contact a vet urgently, even if your dog seems to recover, internal damage may still occur.
To reduce the risk, owners are strongly advised to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 11am and 4pm. Early morning or evening walks are safer and dogs should never be left in parked cars or enclosed spaces, even with windows cracked, as internal temperatures can rise to fatal levels within minutes.
Garden surfaces such as patios, decking, and artificial grass can also become dangerously hot and burn a dog’s paw pads. A useful test is to press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.
Dogs should have continuous access to clean, fresh water and shaded areas throughout the day. Cooling mats, damp towels, and fans can all help regulate their body temperature. For those joining their owners at outdoor gatherings such as barbecues or garden parties, care must be taken to prevent overexertion, sun exposure, or access to harmful foods and drinks.
Josh Williams adds:“Every year, heatstroke catches owners off guard, and sadly, the outcome isn’t always a happy one.
“This weekend, as we all enjoy the sunshine, we urge dog lovers to think ahead and take those simple steps that could protect their pet’s life.”
paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief
