Month: June 2025

Support for Scotland’s small food and drink businesses

Funding to promote local and regional products

Food and drink festivals, farmers markets and culinary masterclasses are just some of the projects from across Scotland set to benefit from grants of up to £5,000.

The latest round of the Regional Food Fund will support 15 local and collaborative projects helping small food businesses to thrive while promoting local produce. 

Scotland Food & Drink manages the fund aimed at elevating the food and drink industry, enhancing food tourism and showcasing the best the country has to offer. 

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:  “Scotland’s food and drink industry is worth £15 billion to the economy; it is one of the country’s largest employers and is already well-recognised and established across the world.   

“Engaging with regional markets is vital in achieving our industry strategy and growth ambitions for the next ten years. That’s why, through initiatives like the Regional Food Fund, we are providing much-needed support to small projects to showcase the best products that their regions have to offer.  

“A wonderful range of projects will be supported through this round, including foraging experiences and masterclasses at Isle of Bute food and drink festival, learning about the turnip being a climate-friendly crop in Fife, or improving their culinary skills at Huntly Hairst’s celebration of local food and drink. I look forward to hearing how each of these exciting projects develops.” 

Scotland Food & Drink Head of Regional Food Fiona Richmond said: “We are pleased to be able to support 15 more collaborative food and drink projects around the country with the latest round of the Regional Food Fund.

“Our judging panel were impressed with the level of commitment and creativity shown by the successful applicants, who represent the true passion that makes our vibrant food and drink industry so special.

“We know that local food and drink initiatives play a vital role in the continued growth of Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors. Congratulations to this year’s recipients – we can’t wait to see the projects we have supported come to life.”

Regional Food Fund | Scotland Food & Drink (foodanddrink.scot) 

Since 2021, the Scottish Government has provided over £500,000 to the Fund, which has supported 104 collaborative projects, varying from creative artwork to increase customer numbers, new equipment and regional marketing campaigns. 

The successful applicants in this round are: 

Huntly Hairst, Aberdeenshire. Celebration of local food and drink  £2,975   

Established 2012, this year will be a collaboration’ theme, producers will prepare meal plans and menus to guide visitors around the stalls, gathering fresh ingredients, listening to masterclasses and demonstrations. Funding will support production of campaign materials and promotion.  

Angus Farmers Market, Angus. Appetite for Angus                                £3,000  

The project aims to rescue and revitalise the farmers’ markets in Forfar, Carnoustie and Montrose which are due to close in their current form. Markets provide a vital source of income in the area. Funds will contribute to market rebrand. 

Argyll and the Isles. Virtual Farmers’ Market                                           £5,000  

Creation of innovative digital farmers’ market to help local producers increase their sales and show their contribution to the local economy, both to visitors and locals. This project will off support to rural businesses struggling with rising costs with funds going towards the creation of assets and campaign delivery. 

Alloa, Clackmannanshire. First Sound Bites Festival 2026                     £5,000  

Collaborative, community festival to promote sales of local produce. Funding will help expand food and drink offer following successful trial last year and will contribute to marketing material and stall hire. 

Dumfries and Galloway. Nurture from Nature – Local Food Outlet £5,000  

Project aims to create a permanent retail outlet for local producers on this working farm. Funding will contribute to development of marketing and promotional costs. 

Fife. Food from Fife – Retail Display Project                                            £5,000 

Following the successful trial in November 2024 by regional food group, Food From Fife, roll out of more branded units and point of sale material to a wider range of Fife food and drink businesses, providing dedicated in-store marketing and sales space. 

North Fife and Tayside. From Tree to Glass                                             £4,500 

Delivered by Bioregioning Tayside, creation of producer group to promote and grow the area’s craft cider and perry production, preserving its apple, pear and plum heritage.  Funds will support delivery of business to business, consumer and education events and materials. 

Fife. Turning the Tide for Turnip Revolution                                           £5,000 

led by East of Scotland Growers will deliver a series of partnerships with chefs, retailers and communities to raise awareness and sales of turnip as a modern, delicious, climate-friendly crop. Funding will contribute to branding, marketing and chef costs. 

Forth Valley. Forth Valley Five                                                                  £4,993  

Led by regional food group, Forth Valley Food & Drink, this collaborative project will encourage restaurants, cafes, retailers and locals to add feature five local products on menus; stock five new local products on shelves and add five local products to shopping baskets. Funds will support creation of marketing materials and delivery. 

Isle of Bute. Isle of Bute Food & Drink Festival                                       £3,240 

Three-day celebration of the island’s food and drink via producer stalls; masterclasses; foraging and other experiences, delivered by regional food group, Bute Kitchen, in collaboration with other organisations and businesses.  

Love Loch Lomond – A Taste of Loch Lomond Marketing Campaign    £4,500  

Marketing campaign to promote a new publication, ‘A Taste of Loch Lomond: Stories & Flavours from the Bonnie Banks’, that showcases stories, products and recipes from the area’s local producers and hospitality businesses. Funding will support campaign material production and promotion. 

Orkney. Orkney Food and Drink Festival                                                 £5,000  

Delivered by regional food group, Orkney Food and Drink, this two-day festival will bring together the island’s businesses to sell their products to visitors and locals. Funding will support venue and promotional costs. 

Outer Hebrides. Hebridean Fine Food & Drink Festival                          £3,000 

Regional food group, Eat Drink Hebrides, will deliver branding and marketing assets for two food fairs and two networking events including a Food and Drink Awards, increasing sales, promoting local businesses and supporting local supply chains. 

Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland – Promoting Scottish Artisanal Cheese £5,000  

Project from this collaborative artisan cheese network to improve digital presence and tell a more compelling and cohesive story to increase sales and promotion. Funding will support professional content rebrand including video/photos/Instagram and website. 

The Scottish Cider Festival                                                                      £5,000  

New annual event to promote Scotland’s emerging cider industry, delivered by Fife-based cider pioneers, Aeble. Hosted in Edinburgh, it will provide a platform for the country’s producers to sell their craft products, partnering with other local food and drink producers. Funding will support venue, branding and marketing costs. 

TOTAL          15 Applicants         TOTAL GRANT CLAIM FUNDING     £66,208   

Stall places left at LifeCare’s Summer BBQ

Everyone is welcome to come along to LifeCare’s free family Summer BBQ on Friday 20th June, 12 – 4pm, Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.  

We have two market stall places left for those wanting to sell their crafts or promote their local business – first come, first served!  

Donations welcome.  

Email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Spending Review: Charities urge Chancellor to abolish two-child limit

In advance of the Spending Review, Child Poverty Action Group have joined with other organisations to urge the chancellor to make a firm commitment that the two-child limit and the benefit cap will be abolished as part of the Autumn Budget.

Read our letter to the Chancellor:

Scotland’s political leaders join Cerebra’s Relay Your Way to champion inclusive sport

The nationwide Relay Your Way campaign reached the heart of Scotland today with a powerful show of unity, inclusion, and support as leaders of all the main Scottish political parties – including First Minister John Swinney – took part in a special relay stage in Edinburgh.

Hosted in the Scottish Parliament grounds, the event marked a milestone in Relay Your Way, a 2,500km relay celebrating accessibility and inclusion in sport for children with disabilities.

The First Minister was joined by cross-party representatives and children from Oaklands School and Pilrig Park School, alongside representatives from Scottish Disability Sport. Together, they took part in a mini relay event designed to highlight the importance of removing barriers to participation in physical activity.

Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO of Cerebra, the charity behind the relay, said: “Cerebra is incredibly proud to be celebrating the power of sport to bring people of all abilities together with Relay Your Way and lead this nationwide movement for inclusion and change.

“Participation in sport should be equally available to everyone, and this relay is a powerful statement that no child should ever feel left out.

“It was also tremendously encouraging to see the enthusiasm and support from Scotland’s political leaders at the launch. Their commitment to championing inclusive sport is vital in helping to create real, lasting change.

“Whether you take part, cheer from the sidelines, or donate, you’ll be helping to create a world where all young people are fully included, supported, and celebrated. We wish the best of luck to everyone taking part.”

With over 10,000 participants expected to take part, the relay shines a spotlight on the three in four disabled children in the UK are not able to fully participate in PE and school sport*. Which is why Cerebra created Relay Your Way, so that no child has to ask: “can I take part?”

The Relay Your Way baton, designed by the Cerebra Innovation Centre to be easily carried by wheelchair users, adapted surfers, and frame runners, will be passed between participants over 301 stages to the finish line at Parallel, Windsor, on July 6.

For more information and to follow the journey live, visit: www.relayyourway.org 

SEPA: Relief in the west, but water scarcity risk remains in the east

Despite recent heavy rain, long-term water scarcity pressures remain after one of the driest starts to the year for decades.

The latest water scarcity report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows widespread improvement across the west of the country. In contrast, some catchments in the north and North East are continuing to deteriorate, while others have not seen enough rain to recover. 

This week, Wick and Helmsdale river catchments have been raised to moderate water scarcity. If locally dry conditions continue, areas including the Avon catchment (Spey), the lower Dee and the Water of Feugh, and Helmsdale may reach Significant Scarcity next week – meaning restrictions on businesses taking water from the environment will be needed.

Rain over the past week has led to recovery in areas of the West Coast, Highlands and Islands. But the east has remained largely dry, due in part to the rain shadow effect where moist air loses much of its rain as it moves over mountains, leaving drier conditions on the other side.

This spring has been the second driest in 100 years in eastern Scotland and some areas have had below average rainfall for more than 12 months. While rain is forecast in the coming week, SEPA hydrologists say well above-average rainfall will be needed to reverse the effects of the long dry spell.

This week’s update

  • Wick and Helmsdale river catchments have been raised to Moderate Scarcity.
  • The Tay and Esk (Dumfriesshire) have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert.
  • The Conon, Beauly, Ness, Forth, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Clyde, Irvine and Ayr catchments have all recovered from Alert to Early warning.
  • Firth of Clyde, Northwest Highlands and Kintyre have recovered from Alert to Early warning
  • Leven (Dunbartonshire), Argyll Coast, Loch Linnhe, Loch Alsh and the Inner Hebrides all recovering from Early warning to Normal.

Measured data

SEPA’s Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) uses measured river flow data from gauging stations across the country, to monitor current environmental conditions. This data is combined with information from rainfall gauges, Met Office forecasts, soil moisture data, and fieldwork by SEPA staff to produce the national water scarcity picture.

If river flows at a DRAT station fall below a critical level (called Q95) for 30 days or more, the associated area is classed as at significant water scarcity. The tool is available to view online on SEPA’s website.

Claire Tunaley, Senior Hydrologist – Water Resources Unit, SEPA said: “By monitoring current river flows at key points across the country, and using rainfall data, soil moisture data, groundwater levels and what we see in the field, we can assess where recovery is happening and where risk remains.

“Our Drought Risk Assessment Tool, known as DRAT, uses data from river gauging stations to monitor flows closely. If flows at these stations fall below the Q95 threshold for 30 consecutive days, it indicates significant water scarcity and a high risk of ecological impact. Q95 means the flow is lower than it would be on 95% of days in a typical year – in other words, extremely low.

“When rivers reach critical lows, it affects the whole ecosystem – including fish, plants and the wider natural balance. Protecting these ecosystems now helps maintain the long-term health of our rivers.”

Regulatory restrictions

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA’s Senior Manager in Water Industry and Rural Economy, said: “SEPA has a clear duty to protect Scotland’s rivers and water environment, not just today but for the future. When conditions reach the point where any further reduction in flow would risk damage to the environment, we must act.

“We know that water is vital for people, farms and businesses, which is why we’ve been working so closely with abstractors and membership bodies to provide information about how the water scarcity situation has been developing in recent weeks. But when river levels fall too low for too long, we must act to prevent long-term harm to the environment and future supplies.

Any regulatory action we take is based on robust evidence-based assessments, using up-to-date scientific data and hydrological analysis. That includes measured river levels, rainfall records, soil moisture and weather forecasts – as well as insights from our field staff.

“If restrictions are necessary, they will be targeted, time-limited and lifted as soon as the conditions allow. We want to support Scotland’s water resilience, and we make our decisions based on science and hard facts. That’s what powers Scotland’s National Water Scarcity Plan and our weekly assessments. This is a coordinated, evidence-driven response to serious environmental pressure.”

Labour wins Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election

The Labour Party has won the Hmailton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, taking the seat from the SNP.

Local candidate Davy Russell took the seat with a 602 majority over SNP’s Katie Louden, with Reform UK coming third.

The by-election took place following the death of former SNP minister Christina McKelvie, who had held the seat since 2011.

The by-election turnout was 44.1%.

FULL RESULT

DAVY RUSSELL (SCOTTISH LABOUR) 8599

Katy Louden (SNP) 7957

Ross Lambie (Reform UK) 7088

Richard Nelson (Scottish Conservatives) 1621

Ann McGuinness (Scottish Greens) 695

Aisha Mir (Liberal Democrats) 533

Collette Bradley (Scottish Socialist Party) 278

Andy Brady (Scottish Family Party) 219

Marc Wilkinson (Independent) 109

Janice MacKay (Ukip) 50.

Majority of parents in Scotland believe they had a safer, easier and better childhood than their children

  • 61% of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under polled think they had safer childhoods compared to their own children, while 52% felt theirs was easier and 51% believed they had better experiences 
  • This comes at the same time as new data demonstrates that 54% of parents in Scotland want their children to play more in person. 
  • However, top barriers identified to in person play include concerns for children’s safety, the accessibility of going online, the weather, and the cost-of-living crisis.
  • The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day on the 6th of June.  

The majority of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under believe their own childhood was safer (61%), easier (52%) and full of better experiences (51%) than their own children’s. 

A YouGov survey of 4,017 parents and carers – including 339 in Scotland – commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children’s playing habits also found that 54% of participants want their children to play more in person.  

Nearly a third of parents in Scotland (31%) believe the biggest barrier to their child playing more in person is concerns over their safety. Other barriers identified include: 

  • The accessibility of going online (26%) 
  • The cost-of-living crisis, such as preventing families from being able to afford clubs (20%)  
  • Online games being more engaging (23%)  
  • Lack of friends to play with (19%)  
  • Weather (26%) 

Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38% of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day. Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53% of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day.   

In person play also decreases as a child ages. While 40% of total participants agreed that their children played in person once a day or more, for parents of 12–16-year-olds this decreases to just 27%, and 16% for those with 17–18-year-olds.  

As the NSPCC prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6th) it has issued calls for families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.  

People can get involved by donating to the NSPCC, including in Lidl stores – either at cash donation tins or in small amounts via card payment at the till, thanks to digital micro-donation system Pennies. They can also volunteer at a Childhood Day collection point or take on the NSPCC’s Childhood Day Mile.   

All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk.  

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC said: “It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.  

“Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.   

“The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.” 

Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 8 years, raising over £10 million for the charity in this time.  

Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.  

To find out more on how to get involved in Childhood Day including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/   

RNIB spotlights assistive technology at event in Edinburgh

Blind and partially sighted residents in Edinburgh will be able to try out assistive technology at an upcoming local event with a leading sight loss charity. 

RNIB Scotland will be speaking to visitors and offering support at a ‘Low Vision Solutions Open Day’ on Wednesday 11 June, 10am – 2pm at RNIB’s Hillside office on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh.

The event will be an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people, and their friends and family, to meet with RNIB to receive advice and support. 

A range of trusted experts on-hand to talk through live demonstrations on a 1-1 basis and also a chance to meet local support services to find out information about technology products and services that are available.  

There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people living with sight loss that include cost, confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.  

Derek Rutherford, RNIB’s Product Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Low Vision Solutions event taking place this week.

“One of RNIB’s priorities is to equip blind and partially sighted people to thrive and live independently, and accessible technology plays a vital role in this.” 

New partnership formed to accelerate construction of affordable homes

A new public sector alliance has been created to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes for rent in the south east of Scotland.

The alliance will provide local authorities and housing associations with an online knowledge hub hosting freely-available home designs that utilise modern methods of construction.

The South East Regional Delivery Alliance (SE-RDA) has been established by bringing together six councils – The City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian – supported by public sector infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust.

To speed up delivery, the SE-RDA has built up a library of net-zero ready house and flat types that have been designed in collaboration with the house building industry and can be downloaded from the SE-RDA knowledge hub and shared with appointed contractors and design teams.

Property layouts range from a 1 bedroom flat up to a 4 bedroom house and can be customised in various configurations, with a number of designs incorporating wheelchair accessibility.

In addition, by bringing six local authorities together, a strong pipeline of proposed housing supply can be established, providing the construction sector with greater insight into expected future work. 

Speaking on behalf of the South-East Regional Delivery Alliance, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee Convener Jane Meagher said: “Scotland is facing a national housing emergency, with too many people struggling to access safe, warm, and affordable homes.

“The creation of the knowledge hub is a crucial step forward – giving partners a single space to share resources, modern designs, and building on what works.

“By working together and learning from each other, we can strengthen our response to the housing emergency and accelerate the delivery of the affordable homes that we so urgently need.

Ryan Cossar, who leads support from the Scottish Futures Trust on the South East-Regional Delivery Alliance, explained: “Collectively, we are providing local authorities and housing associations with the tools they need to get the construction of higher performing affordable homes underway quicker, with the SE-RDA front runner projects landing on site in around half the time compared to typical project delivery approaches.

“By using off-site manufacturing, construction quality can also be improved,  time to build during the construction phase can be much more efficient, and completed homes require less energy for heating and hot water, leading to lower energy bills for residents.  

“In addition, by bundling the six councils’ future housing projects, this has helped create improved efficiencies around procurement as well as a lower development costs.”

Community Wealth Building event

Thursday 26 June 10am at Capital Credit Union, Broughton House

Are you a community or third sector organisation based in Edinburgh?

Come and give your views on how we can use Community Wealth Building to support poverty prevention in the city.

Book a place for Thursday 26 June 10am at Capital Credit Union, Broughton House.