This summer, The Centre, Livingston is inviting families to take part in a free ‘Around the World’ travel trail and learn fun facts about 30 countries, through a variety of different puzzles and games at six stations located around the shopping centre, for five weeks from Monday, 7th July until Sunday, 10th August from 11-4pm.
Visitors can pick up a free ‘Around the World’ passport at the ‘check-in’ desk, situated next to New Look, and get it stamped at every station, which will change every week, with Kenya, Brazil and Australia included in the first week.
Passports which have been stamped can be entered into competitions to be in with a chance of winning a variety of prizes from retailers, which includes a family travel voucher worth £4,000 from TUI, £3,000 from Hays Travel and £1,500 from Barrhead Travel. Other prizes include a £100 Voucher from Aerial Adventures, a suitcase from Ryman and four, £25 Gift Vouchers from Primark.
Beach themed activities and games and storytelling sessions will also take place at the ‘check-in’ desk every day and a variety of different travel and holiday-themed arts and crafts, which includes making animal wind chimes and an Egyptian wooden bookmark.
Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “We are really looking forward to hosting our globe-trotting, ‘Around the World’ travel trail free activities at The Centre, Livingston this summer.
“The five-week event will provide a great opportunity for families to take some time out over the holidays and learn some fun facts about 30 countries by participating in lots of puzzles and games in the trail, located around the shopping centre, and also join in the daily travel-themed arts and crafts activities.”
For more information check out The Centre, Livingston social channels, @shopthecentre, and the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com, for competition Terms & Conditions.
The search is on for the UK’s messiest room, and the winner will receive a visit from a viral crime scene cleaner to give the space a proper tidy.
The competition has been organised by self-storage operator, Space Station, which has partnered with crime scene cleaner Stacey Foyster, owner of Cleansed, to help tackle the nation’s most cluttered room.
The competition is open until 11th July 2025, so to be in with a chance of winning the professional deep clean, simply submit a photo and short description of your messy space through this link: https://space-station.co.uk/the-search-for-the-uks-messiest-room
While the search is ongoing, Stacey Foyster has shared her top tips for cleaning your home:
1) Be methodical
“Working your way from left to right, top to bottom is a good tip in any home when things have become overwhelming and you want to get back on top. Having a specific zone for items to donate or be recycled is also key to keeping your space clear. But whilst that kind of disciplined technique comes from the job, it truly works wonders in any home.”
2) Use washing up liquid
“There are many products designed for the removal of specific stains or odour control – there isn’t a one size fits all technique.
“Washing up liquid is heaven-sent when it comes to cleaning, however, and a little bottle packs an absolute punch when cleaning a neglected area.”
3) Identify hazards
“Before you begin, identify any hazards that may lie ahead and what precautions you need to take. This can be anything from an obvious hazard, such as slipping on a wet surface, to hidden hazards such as biohazard.”
Vlatka Lake, storage expert at Space Station, adds; “Clutter can quickly take over if items don’t have a dedicated home.
“A well-organised space isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about peace of mind. Effective storage gives people breathing room, both physically and mentally, and can make all the difference.”
Should causing severe environmental damage be treated as a serious and distinct criminal offence? Are current penalties imposed by courts on individuals and organisations adequate? Could creating this offence impact on legitimate activities?
These are the types of questions Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee is putting to members of the public and organisations with an interest in environmental issues, as they launch their call for views into the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill.
If approved by Parliament, this Bill would introduce the crime of ecocide into Scots law for the first time.
The Bill was introduced by Monica Lennon MSP on 29 May 2025. Ms Lennon believes that creating a distinct criminal offence and increasing the penalties for perpetrators, would reduce the likelihood of future incidents and help protect Scotland’s population, wildlife and ecosystems.
Proposals in the Bill allow for both people and organisations to be convicted of ecocide with custodial sentences of up to 20 years and unlimited fines.
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Launching the call for views, Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Commitee, Edward Mountain MSP, said; “We all agree on the need to address the biodiversity crisis and protect and restore fragile ecosystems. That includes making sure there are fitting penalties for serious environmental damage.
“Introducing ecocide into Scots criminal law could send a strong message to individuals and organisations about the gravity of serious environmental damage and act as a deterrent, changing corporate behaviour and individual decision-making for the better.
“While protecting the environment is vital, it’s also important to ensure that any new measures strike the right balance – avoiding disproportionate costs for public bodies, individuals and businesses, or inhibiting development or infrastructure in places where it is needed and wanted.
“And before making new laws, its right to reflect on how well current measures to combat environmental damage work and whether they’re backed up with sufficient resources.
“Please share your views with us, to help us further understand the strengths and weaknesses of the proposals before us.”
The Committee expects to take evidence on the Bill after summer recess and report its recommendations to Parliament.
The call for views will be open until Tuesday 9 September 2025.
Work to restore control of Britain’s borders has seen the first of sweeping reforms to the immigration system introduced by the Home Secretary today
New rules to be laid in Parliament see skills and salary thresholds rise, overseas recruitment for care workers end and more than 100 occupations no longer granted access to the immigration system.
These changes, the first to be rolled out from the Immigration White Paper, represent a fundamental shift in the UK’s approach to immigration and restore order to the points-based system, focusing on higher skills, lower numbers and tighter controls. They are an important step in ending the UK’s reliance on overseas, lower skilled recruitment.
The introduction of an interim, time-limited and conditional temporary shortage list will make sure the immigration system works better for the UK, with international recruitment only providing support where occupations are key to the industrial strategy or building crucial infrastructure.
Each sector must have a workforce strategy in place to train UK workers, or it will lose access to the immigration system.
We are making radical reforms to Britain's immigration system.
In recent years, lower skilled migration has soared while the proportion of UK residents in work has plummeted.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We are delivering a complete reset of our immigration system to restore proper control and order, after the previous government allowed net migration to quadruple in four years.
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.
“As part of the Plan for Change, we can build an immigration system that serves the needs of the British economy and people – one that values skills, tackles exploitation, and ensures those who come to the UK make a genuine contribution.”
The package of measures includes:
raising the skills threshold for Skilled Worker visas, removing 111 eligible occupations
closing the social care worker visa route to overseas recruitment in response to widespread abuse and exploitation
only allowing time-limited access below degree level through a targeted immigration salary list and temporary shortage list, for critical roles only, with strict requirements for sectors to grow domestic skills
commissioning the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of the temporary shortage list including occupations, salaries and benefits
Workers in occupations on the temporary shortage list will no longer be able to bring dependants and will not be permitted salary and visa fee discounts. The occupations included on the List are time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain beyond that date if the independent Migration Advisory Committee recommend it.
In the interim, the government will not hesitate to restrict immigration access further, should there be clear signs of abuse and exploitation in sectors. In time, we will also abolish the previous government’s immigration salary list.
Subject to parliamentary approval, the changes will come into effect from 22 July, and transitional arrangements have also today been set out for overseas care workers already in the UK.
Next steps
Further changes to be implemented by the end of this year also include:
raising the immigration skills charge
uplifting language requirements across the immigration system
unveiling a new family policy framework to Parliament
The Immigration White Paper forms part of a broader programme of immigration and border security reforms, with further measures on asylum and border security to be announced later this year.
Replacing vague phrases with clearer language is essential to informally resolving workplace conflicts, according to new research.
The research, carried out by The Social Agency for Acas, found that some language used in workplaces was misleading.
Phrases like “nipping it in the bud” were vague and confusing, while phrases like “open and honest conversation’” and “facilitated discussion” avoided the language of conflict and described resolution neutrally.
Using clear language helped to create a trusting environment, enable constructive dialogue by helping people express their feelings, and avoided unnecessary escalation of issues.
Acas Director of Dispute Resolution Kevin Rowan said: “Language matters when it comes to informal and early resolution. Some words like “dispute” and “grievance” provoke defensiveness and make people think the conversation is about conflict and sanction rather than support or problem-solving.
“Conversations for informal resolution should be different from formal processes. Whereas formal investigations are about ascertaining facts, informal conversations should be about identifying concerns and differing points of view.”
The research aimed to define informal resolution, examine the processes that underpin it, explore the views of those involved, and identify how Acas can support people effectively to use informal resolution.
The study highlighted the value of using informal resolution where appropriate as a potentially less stressful, more efficient way of managing conflict, preserving relationships and maintaining a positive working environment.
It showed that:
Lack of skill and confidence among managers remains a barrier to informal resolution. Employers can help by giving managers time, support, and access to practical training and resources.
Informal resolution is more likely to succeed in organisations that visibly support it. For example, by encouraging early dialogue and referencing informal routes in disciplinary and grievance policies.
Outcomes are shaped by how the process is approached, whether there’s early intervention, mutual trust, recognition of power dynamics, and willingness to stop if informal resolution isn’t working.
Clear, direct language helps set expectations and supports constructive communication. Vague phrases like “nipping it in the bud” can downplay the seriousness of an issue or create confusion. While descriptions like “an open and honest conversation” were felt to be more constructive.
Kevin Rowan continued: “When the annual cost of workplace conflict to UK employers is estimated to stand at £28.5 billion, there is a strong argument for managing workplace disagreements better.
“When workplace issues escalate and become formal disciplinary or grievance processes, costs escalate significantly.
“Early resolution may not always work, but where it does, there are huge financial savings as well as emotional gains to be made.”
John Horne marks 30 Years of business with landmark gesture
Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
In a powerful gesture of generosity, one of Scotland’s most passionate and prolific sports memorabilia collectors, is preparing to part with almost all of his decades-in-the-making collection in support of two charities close to his heart.
John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold (Part of the JR Group), a leading construction and scaffolding firm celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, began collecting in 1995, the same year he launched his business.
What started as a few signed football shirts bought at charity auctions has evolved into one of the most extensive private collections of its kind in Scotland, featuring legendary names from across the globe.
To mark the company’s milestone year, John is auctioning more than 130 treasured items to raise vital funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland, causes with deeply personal meaning.
Among the highlights going under the hammer are signed shirts from Graeme Souness, Ronaldo, Jimmy Johnstone, Brian Laudrup, and Lionel Messi; iconic framed photos autographed by Diego Maradona, Peter Shilton, and George Best; and an array of rare boxing and golf memorabilia, including items signed by Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and Masters champions.
The auction, organised by event specialists Blue Parrot Events Group through their Event PAL fundraising platform, will be hosted online and live for two weeks from Monday 30th June, giving fans and collectors the opportunity to own pieces of sporting history while supporting meaningful causes.
Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold, said: “This journey started with Old Firm memorabilia and a desire to support good causes. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to acquire pieces from some of the biggest names in sport.
“Every item holds a story, a moment, a memory, and while it’s emotional to part with them, this feels like the right time. Giving back has always been part of our company’s DNA, and this is my way of doing something personal to honour that as we hit 30 years.
“The auction will raise funds for the Emmie Smillie Foundation, a tribute to a wonderful young girl taken far too soon. Her dad, Andy Smillie, helped us start our company and our families remain close friends.
“We’re also supporting MND Scotland, in memory of Aaron Souttar, another young life lost too early. His parents, Jack and Heather, are dear friends also.”
Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com
With something for every sports enthusiast, John hopes the collection will find passionate new owners and raise a significant sum for two very special charities.
The JR Group was founded in Govan in 1995 as a scaffolding business and has grown to become one of Scotland’s largest building and construction firms – employing around 200 staff.
The JR Group has a proven track record of delivering outstanding projects for leading UK housebuilders, registered social landlords and private clients across Scotland and the North of England.
The Bill, introduced by Ash Regan MSP, targets those who buy sexual services by creating a new criminal offence of paying for a sexual act.
The Bill would also repeal the existing offence, under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, of loitering, soliciting or importuning in a public place for the purposes of prostitution. People who have been convicted of this offence in the past would have their convictions quashed by the new Bill.
The Member’s Bill would also give rights to ensure a person who is, or has been, in prostitution is provided with help and support. This could include accommodation, financial assistance, healthcare or legal advice and representation, depending on what is required.
As the call for views launched, Criminal Justice Committee Convener Audrey Nicoll MSP said: “This Bill raises important questions on prostitution in Scotland and how it is considered by our laws.
“It proposes changes on criminalisation, the quashing of previous convictions and the support given to those who work in this environment and we want to hear from a range of voices on whether they welcome these provisions.
“We are particularly keen to hear the views of people with lived experience, on whether they support the proposals or not, and whether the changes this Bill proposes will help achieve its ambitions.”
Edinburgh Leisure launches new campaign to keep the capital moving this summer
As Edinburgh bursts into life with festivals, fun, and sunshine, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting locals and visitors alike to make this their healthiest summer yet with the launch of its new Summer Pass.
Available from Tuesday, 1 July 2025 – 31st August, the four-week pass offers unlimited access to over 50 venues across the city for just £49 for adults and £35 for young adults (16–24 years). Everyone who purchases a Summer Pass will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a one-year free Full Fitness membership
Whether you’re a festivalgoer looking to stay energised, a student home for the holidays, or a worker wanting to stay active during the summer months, the Summer Pass gives you access to:
17 state-of-the-art gyms
12 swimming pools
750+ fitness classes and 250+ gym-based classes weekly
Evolve at Meadowbank – their cutting-edge hybrid gym
Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena at Ratho
www.chriswatt.com
Why choose Edinburgh Leisure this summer?
Here are five standout reasons to grab your Summer Pass:
Climb High at Ratho Experience the thrill of Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, with a 28m high main wall, the latest state of the art bouldering facilities, auto-belays, and expert coaching for all levels.
Swim in Style Dive into history with five beautifully restored Victorian pools at Glenogle, Portobello, Dalry, Leith Victoria, and Warrender – where natural light meets timeless charm.
Get Social with Sport From Pickleball to Walking Netball, their Adult Social Sport sessions are perfect for making friends and staying active, no matter your skill level.
Train Like a Pro at Evolve Meadowbank Access their Hybrid Gym and official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club with specialised equipment and classes – all included in your pass.
Low-Intensity Classes Prefer a gentler pace? Choose from seated cardio, yoga, strength, and active dance classes at 11 venues across the city.
People across Scotland are being encouraged to sign up to a free UK-wide health research registry, which is aimed at helping to improve health and care and ultimately save lives.
NHS Research Scotland (NRS) believes that research participation is the single most important contribution we can make to help improve health and develop the best means to prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions — representing an essential cornerstone of an effective, modern health service.
It is therefore supporting the push to sign up to 1.5 million people to Be Part of Research — a UK-wide partnership between the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the UK’s devolved administrations including Scotland, and the NHS.
The UK-wide volunteer registry helps people find suitable health research studies based on their interests, where they live, as well as their age, sex, and ethnicity.
More than 90,000 people have already been matched to over 100 studies, including the UK’s first norovirus vaccine trial.
Those signing up online can choose the health conditions that are of interest to them. They are then sent clear information about suitable study opportunities, making it easier than ever to find and take part in vital health and care research.
A key aim is to help people make informed choices about taking part in health and care research and make sure everyone has the chance to get involved if they want to.
Scotland’s Chief Scientist (Health) Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak said: “We welcome this launch as part of a unified UK approach to heightening research participation.
“I encourage people across Scotland to get involved. Stepping forward and volunteering to take part in research helps develop and provide access to new treatments, helps to improve NHS Scotland, enhances patient outcomes, and saves lives.
“However, people can only take part in research if they know that it’s happening. Online services like Be Part of Research provide an opportunity to help members of the public discover what research is currently happening and make informed choices about taking part.”
She added: “The difference which patients and the public can make through their participation in research is immeasurable, and nothing can be achieved without a diverse group of volunteers.”
People in Scotland can also register with SHARE, Scotland’s Health Research Register and Biobank, to be informed of future opportunities to participate in research studies that they could be suitable for.
One participant who volunteered for an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) study at the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF) called it “such a positive experience”.
They added: “I took part because I think it is vital that more work is done in the treatment of an illness that is largely misunderstood and an illness that can strip away your very existence.
“I was nervous going into the trial, but I can’t speak more highly of all the medical staff that I have worked with. They have created an environment where you feel very safe and fully supported.
“I would encourage anyone to take part in a trial like this if they are considering it.”
A stroke study participant, Jennifer Hanlin, said: “I found taking part in a research programme very helpful in my rehabilitation and would encourage others to participate in research programmes if given the chance.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “Tomorrow’s treatments are today’s research.
“We are calling on the British public to sign up to Be Part of Research, our world-leading register, to find studies that they can take part in. Whether you are a healthy volunteer, or have a particular condition, you can be part of research that makes a difference.
“It is vital that health and care research represents society, reflecting the diversity within it to produce the best treatments. Research that includes people from all backgrounds and from across the country will produce findings that benefit and serve everybody.
“Being a part of research is a great way to get involved and give back in a way that can change lives, accelerate knowledge and benefit us all. Members of the public will be able to be matched to vital trials through the Be Part of Research service.”
People across Scotland can sign up to be contacted about opportunities to take part in studies that are right for them by creating a free Be Part of Research account at bepartofresearch.uk.
Edinburgh College has been awarded ‘Platinum Study Centre’ status by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in recognition of its consistent delivery of high-quality HR qualifications.
The accolade represents the highest level of recognition granted by CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. The Platinum status acknowledges the college’s excellence in assessment and marking standards, robust administrative operations, and consistently high levels of learner satisfaction.
Carole Paterson, Head of School and Programme Director for CIPD, CMI, ILM and CIM qualifications at Edinburgh College said: “We are honoured to receive the highest recognition from CIPD.
“This Platinum status is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teaching team, who have been delivering exceptional professional education for over two decades.
“Our CIPD programmes not only provide accredited qualifications but also equip our learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace.
“We are proud to support HR professionals at every stage of their career and look forward to continuing this work with the added distinction of Platinum status.”
Jenny Churchill, CIPD and CMI lecturer at Edinburgh College also commented: “Our college offers a flexible, fully online delivery model that includes weekly tutor-led sessions, and peer learning through a virtual platform.
“Learners engage and draw on relevant case studies, HRM literature, theories, and statistics, to inform their professional practice. Guest speakers, an alumni mentor scheme and a Mock Employment Tribunal are an integral part of our course programmes.
“For Level 7, we provide a face-to-face induction and two on-campus workshops, all of which are streamed for virtual participation, ensuring an accessible and inclusive learning experience.”
With over 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using its research, insights and learning – the CIPD gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership.
It’s a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone.
Edinburgh College also offers a range of business, leadership and management training courses to support those looking to progress their career.
For more information or to apply for a course starting this September, visit:
