Views are being sought on how to improve legal rights intended to help community groups take ownership of local land and assets.
Discussions with those who have engaged with the Rights to Buy have been taking place since last year to develop the proposals published for consultation today (Monday).
Since 2003, 268 applications for Rights to Buy have been received from community groups seeking to acquire their own assets, with two-thirds of these (175) approved by Scottish Ministers.
Rural Affairs and Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “The first Community Right to Buy was introduced more than 20 years ago in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
“Those rights have since been extended to cover rural, urban and crofting communities, pre-emptive and compulsory rights, neglected land and assets, and land to support the sustainable development of communities.
“Our discussions with stakeholders have shown that the Rights to Buy process can be complicated and demanding. These insights have helped us set out proposed improvements that we are now seeking views on.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest to take part in this consultation over the next 12 weeks to help Scotland remain a world leader in driving community ownership and investment in our land and assets.”
Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Michael Russell, said: “Community Rights to Buy give people a real chance to take an active role in the future of their local places.
“This consultation is an important step to ensure these rights remain clear, practical and effective in helping communities take ownership of land and buildings that matter to them.
“We are pleased to be chairing a reference group to support the Scottish Government’s review, and we encourage everyone with an interest to share their views through this consultation.”
Most common missed health checks include eye appointments, dental exams and GP visits.
Most cite work commitments, difficulties getting an appointment and simply forgetting to book a check-up reasons why.
An expert is urging Scots not to put health on the back burner: “Not all conditions have obvious symptoms.”
Cameron Optometry St Vincent Street.
More than a quarter (27%) Scots are often too busy to stay on top of their health and almost half (46%) have missed or delayed a health appointment, according to new research.
Dental exams (17%), eye checks (16%) and GP visits (19%) were the most missed or delayed appointments, with ‘work commitments’ as the most cited reason why (38%). Others referenced difficulty getting an appointment (37%) or simply forgetting to book one (24%).
Now an expert is urging the public not to put health on the back burner.
Giles Edmonds, Clinical Services Director at Specsavers, commented: “When life gets hectic, it’s all too easy to push check-ups to the bottom of your list, but your health should never be ignored, including your eyesight.
“Not all conditions have obvious symptoms, so seeing the optician or dentist only when you’re experiencing changes won’t enable these to be identified and treated early.
“Glaucoma, for example, can develop slowly over time without any obvious symptoms, meaning many people don’t realise there’s a problem until irreversible damage to their vision has already been done.
“That’s why regular eye checks are so important – they’re not just about checking your vision; they’re a vital part of catching conditions like glaucoma early.”
Despite glaucoma being one of the most common eye conditions, people know little about the condition. More than half (51%) vaguely knew the signs and symptoms, while over a quarter (27%) knew almost nothing about the condition at all.
The research, commissioned by Specsavers, also revealed that almost two-thirds have a health problem they’ve not yet checked out – including mobility or joint pain (19%), weight or fitness levels (19%) and dental health (16%).
Despite this, more than one in ten (13%) haven’t had a dental exam and or eye check (11%) in over five years, while 7% of those surveyed have never had one.
The research also uncovered other areas adults skip over because they’ve been short of time, which included drinking enough water (33%) and getting a full night’s sleep (32%).
Of those who don’t prioritise their own health, over a third (39%) admit putting their work or job commitments first, while a third (33%) say put their family’s health needs first.
Nearly half (42%) say easier booking systems would help them make their health more of a priority, while a further 32% are simply wishing for ‘more hours in the day’.
Giles Edmonds added: “It’s easy to let health checks slide when you’re juggling a busy schedule, but looking after your eyesight is something you simply can’t afford to ignore.
“A quick and simple eye check every couple of years – or more often if you’re at higher risk – could protect you from serious long-term consequences such as avoidable vision loss.
“Your vision is one of your most precious senses, and it deserves your attention.”
Scotland has a proud nuclear heritage. When Chapelcross opened in 1959, it powered generations of local jobs and helped keep the lights on across the country.
Since then, Scotland has benefited from decades of clean, reliable nuclear energy – from Hunterston nuclear power station in the west to Torness in the east. But while the rest of Britain is embracing the next generation of nuclear energy, the Scottish Government continues to block any new development.
That’s why pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade is stepping up its campaign with another town hall meeting on ending Scotland’s ban on new nuclear power stations. The latest meeting will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday 16th July from 6:00pm in the Library Room at Riddle’s Court.
The event will bring together the public, trade unions and industry experts to make the case for nuclear power in Scotland’s energy future. It follows a similar meeting in Torness held earlier in the year.
Torness, Scotland’s last operating nuclear plant, is due to close in 2030. Yet the Scottish Government has refused to say if it will be allowed to continue to generate power into the 2030s, or what will come after it such as Small Modular Reactors.
These mini nuclear reactors are smaller, cheaper and quicker to build than traditional nuclear reactors. And because of their size they can be built in a wider range of sites, such as those once occupied by coal-fired power stations and other industrial sites.
Recent polling carried out by respected pollsters Opinium on behalf of Britain Remade found that the Scottish Government is not only out of step with the rest of the UK but also with its own supporters.
The poll found that over half (52%) of those who voted for the SNP in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland’s energy mix to meet the Scottish Government’s 2045 net zero target. While 56% of all Scottish adults thought the same.
Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, said:“For more than 60 years Scotland has led the way in clean nuclear power. But the SNP’s refusal to support new nuclear development risks throwing all that away – and with it, thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and Scotland’s energy security.
“Scotland has the engineering expertise, the proud track record, and the industrial sites ready to go. But unless the Scottish Government lifts its ban the investment and jobs will go to countries like Sweden and Finland who have embraced clean, reliable nuclear energy.
“As part of our campaign, we are keen for as many people in and around Edinburgh to show their support for a modern nuclear future.
“It’s critical that local people make their voices heard. That’s why we’re urging everyone who believes in the clean energy, jobs, and secure future that new nuclear energy brings to come along to our town hall on the 16th July.”
The Charity Commission has published its annual public and trustee research, revealing a stark long-term rise in people seeking charitable support amid continued high levels of public trust in charities.
The Commission’s annual survey of public attitudes to charities reveals that in the last year 9% of people in England and Wales received food, medical or financial support from charitable organisations, compared to just 3% five years ago.
While demand for such services has risen dramatically, the Commission’s research shows that charities themselves are feeling increased financial pressure.
Over the same five-year period, the proportion of people who said they’d donated to, or raised funds for charity in the past year, fell from 62% to 48% as households have felt the pinch.
Nearly half of charity trustees said their charity had been forced to make changes as a result of cost-of-living pressures in the past year (46%). This included stopping some services (11%) and using more of their reserves than expected (17%).
Against the backdrop of these challenges, public trust in charities remains high, with almost 60% of people reporting high trust in charities – placing them second only to doctors among trusted institutions.
The research indicated that public confidence in charitable spending has improved, with over 6 in 10 people believing donations are reaching the intended cause. This confidence has risen by 7 percentage points in 12 months.
In other findings, the research suggested that charities’ campaigning activities are unlikely to diminish public support in their work – and for nearly half, may increase it. Fewer than 1 in 20 said they would be less likely to support a charity that campaigned, suggesting continued public support for charities that advocate for their beneficiaries.
In the Commission’s annual survey of trustees, also released today, there are signs of slight improvement in banking services, after the regulator and its partners highlighted persistent issues for many charities.
The research found that 38% of trustees reported problems with their charity’s bank, which is down from 42% in 2024, but remains an issue for many.
Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said: “These findings highlight the central role of the charitable sector at a time of significant pressures in wider society.
“Charities are providing a vital lifeline to ever more people, while simultaneously navigating their own financial challenges as donors feel the pinch.
“It’s encouraging to see improved public confidence in charitable spending, though there is no room for complacency. Charities must continue to keep their charitable purposes central to everything they do because this remains a key driver in maintaining public trust.
“The data paints both a challenging picture and a hopeful one – showing a sector that continues to be a bedrock of support and community for people across the country as well as overseas, despite navigating unprecedented demand in an increasingly unstable global landscape.”
New rules will help unmask anyone evading tax due on their crypto profits
UK crypto holders must provide personal details to crypto service providers from January 2026 or face penalties of up to £300
Aligns with government’s Plan for Change to ensure everyone pays their fair share of tax to fund vital public services
Public coffers are set for a boost as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) goes after crypto owners that aren’t paying their fair share of tax.
From January 2026, people who own crypto – like Bitcoin, Ethereum or Dogecoin – must give personal details to every crypto service provider they use to make sure they are paying the right tax.
Those who don’t comply risk a £300 fine from HMRC.
Once data is received from service providers, HMRC will be able to identify those who haven’t been correctly paying tax on their crypto profits – bringing in money that will help pay for frontline nurses, police, and teachers.
This is estimated to raise up to £315 million by April 2030 in tax revenue – the same amount needed to fund more than 10,000 newly-qualified nurses for a year.
It’s part of a major drive by HMRC to tackle non-compliance including the small minority who are deliberately evading tax due on their profits from crypto.
Service providers will begin collecting data on users’ activities from January 2026. Any service provider that fails to report this information, or submits inaccurate or incomplete reports, could also be charged a penalty of up to £300 per user by HMRC.
The new rules mean crypto service providers must collect and report:
Your name, address, and date of birth
Your tax residence
Your National Insurance number or tax reference
A summary of your crypto transactions
James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, said:“We’re going further and faster to crack down on tax dodgers as we close the tax gap and deliver on our Plan for Change.
“By ensuring everyone pays their fair share, the new crypto reporting rules will make sure tax dodgers have nowhere to hide, helping raise the revenue needed to fund our nurses, police and other vital public services.”
Jonathan Athow, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Strategy and Tax Design, said:“Importantly, this isn’t a new tax – if you make a profit when you sell, swap or transfer your crypto, tax may already be due.
“These new reporting requirements will give us the information to help people get their tax affairs right.
“I urge all cryptoasset users to check the details you will need to give your provider. Taking action now and having this information to hand will help you avoid penalties in the future.”
The new rules – known as the Cryptoasset Reporting Framework – will help HMRC identify those who need to pay tax on their crypto transactions.
They will also bring the UK into line with the international standard developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), enabling tax authorities to share information across participating countries.
Crypto users should already include any crypto gains or income in their Self Assessment tax returns. HMRC has introduced new dedicated sections to the capital gain pages to be completed from the 2024 to 2025 tax year.
Capital Gains Tax may be due when selling or exchanging crypto, while Income Tax and National Insurance could apply to crypto received from employment, mining, staking or lending activities.
Anyone unsure about their tax obligations can check if they need to pay tax when they receive or sell crypto on gov.uk.
Running from July to October 2025, this inspiring campaign champions self-catering holidays as a flexible, affordable, and sustainable way to celebrate life’s meaningful moments – from birthdays and anniversaries to wellness milestones and multigenerational family holidays.
With sustainability, connection, and wellbeing at its core, the campaign invites visitors to discover a more meaningful way to holiday – one that celebrates life, supports communities, and treads lightly.
What Is a Celebreak?
A Celebreak is more than a holiday, it’s a celebration of life, made possible by the freedom and authenticity that self-catering offers. Whether it’s a special occasion, a personal milestone, or simply time to reconnect with loved ones, self-catering properties provide the space, comfort, and privacy to mark these moments your way – with room to laugh, rest, reflect, and truly belong.
Leading the Way in Sustainable, Community-Driven Tourism
This initiative aligns with VisitScotland’s growing “Celebreaktions” trend and the rise in wellness-led, purpose-driven travel. By encouraging longer stays and direct bookings with local self-catering operators, “Celebreaks” support small businesses, strengthen rural and local economies, and reduce the environmental impact of travel – all while helping visitors connect more deeply with the communities they visit.
“At the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), we believe travel should nourish both the soul and the planet,” saidFiona Campbell MBE, CEO of ASSC.
“Self-catering stays offer people the chance to connect, restore, and celebrate life’s important moments – all while supporting Scotland’s communities and environment. ‘Stay. Celebrate. Belong.’ isn’t just a slogan – it’s an invitation to experience Scotland more meaningfully, affordably, and sustainably.”
Why Self-Catering? Why Now?
Self-catering accommodation offers something traditional hotels can’t: freedom. Guests enjoy the flexibility to cook together, stay longer, live like locals, and choose from a variety of settings, whether an eco-lodge in the Scottish Borders, a Highland coastal cottage, or a luxury city apartment.
Key Benefits:
Affordable: Often lower cost per night, especially for families and groups.
Flexible: Tailored stays for any occasion or lifestyle.
Sustainable: Encourages longer visits, reduces environmental impact, and supports local economies.
Plan Your Celebreak
Whether you’re planning a 2026 celebration or looking for an autumn retreat this year, now is the perfect time to start. Booking early ensures the best choice of properties, dates, and offers, especially when booking direct.
A brand-new musical outing starring everyone’s favourite CBeebies characters is arriving at cinemas this summer.
Featuring a star-studded cast – including Justin Fletcher, Maddie Moate, and Andy Day – CBeebies Musical: The Great Ice Cream Hunt promises to add a sprinkling of joy to the holidays.
Showing in 300 cinemas nationwide, the film is arriving from July 11. The musical is an original piece that includes song performances that are exclusive to the cinema and the big screen. The hour-long special won’t be appearing on the small screens until later this year.
The musical tale follows Lolly the cow and Pinecone the hedgehog as they investigate the disappearance of ice cream across the land.
During their adventure, the pair befriend Storyland Rangers at Coconut Cove, learn magical moves at Mermaid Falls and help a stressed-out caterpillar find his voice at the Summer Fruits Festival. But when they finally catch up with their prime suspect – the rain-loving Professor Raindrop – things aren’t quite what they seem…
Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumiere, said: “After bringing two bumper collections of Bluey to cinemas up and down the country, we can’t wait to showcase this original musical treat from CBeebies to young fans.
“It’s a great continuation of our work with the BBC and their Children & Family content on the big screen.”
This week, the globally acclaimed venue, The Famous Spiegeltent makes her grand return to St Andrew Square after almost a decade away from her spiritual home.
An iconic fixture at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for 20 years since 1996, The Famous Spiegeltent has been instrumental in promoting the international careers of variety, cabaret, independent music and new circus arts.
This summer the grand dame of travelling venues opens her doors for 8 weeks of spellbinding performances, hosting the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival before delivering her own mesmerising programme of live performances, magic, enchanting melodies, and maybe a few surprise faces!
Opening its Edinburgh festival season, The Famous Spiegeltent will be hosting the renowned Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival for almost 30 concerts from 11 – 20 July.
Beginning with raconteur and brilliant jazz violinist, George Washingmachine, over 9 days, The Famous Spiegeltent will welcome performances from renowned musicians including leading force on the UK jazz scene, Joe Webb, and one of Scotland’s foremost trumpeters, Colin Steele.
Full programme and ticket details for The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival can be found here.
La Clique
2025 marks both The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary as well as the 21st birthday of her notorious, multi-award-winning house show, La Clique!
Since its inception in 2004 in The Famous Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, La Clique has taken the world by storm.
The very essence of live entertainment, the international Oliver Award-winning sensation is a unique blend of daring acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts, scintillating burlesque and raucous comedy. Visceral, ethereal and in-your-face, each act a masterpiece of artistry and athleticism, La Clique showcases a riotous troupe of crème de la crème artistes from around the world.
From 23 Jul – 31 Aug leave your troubles at the doors of The Famous Spiegeltent, be a part of history and come raise a glass to the 21st Birthday of this trailblazing icon of entertainment! This iteration of La Clique celebrates over two decades of cult status as the true pioneering classic within the cabaret/circus canon, bringing heritage artistes and the next generation of performers together for a spectacular six-week season of subversive revelry.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, La Clique’s birthday show promises an unforgettable night of pure wonder, joy and delight. Sexy, funny, and dangerous, the handpicked cast includes: the iconic Ursula Martinez, Captain Frodo, Tara Boom, LJ Marles, David Periera, Daredevil Chickens, Aurora Kurth, Masha Terentieva, Mikael Bres, Byron Hutton, Heather Holliday, Miranda Menzies and more
Over your head, under your skin, and below the belt! Hang on to your hat and strap yourself in, as we present … La Clique!
Bold Performances
Watch closely … are you paying attention? Introducing The Unfair Advantage (1 – 25 Aug)an intimate,unique and unprecedented hour-long theatrical event. Take a seat at the card table, sign a legal contract of secrecy and Australia’s leading sleight-of-hand magician Harry Milas will reveal the secrets behind the skill that saw him become a security weapon for the world’s top casinos.
Edinburgh’s own Captivate Theatre enter The Famous Spiegeltent to deliver two stellar musical theatre shows. Performed entirely by talented students, Les Misérables (School Edition), running from 1 – 10 Aug,has been seen by an estimated 22,000 people, with sell-out crowds, standing ovations and multiple five-star reviews.
Les Mis is the story of love, compassion and redemption, featuring hit songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home and many more – don’t be put off by School Edition! From 12 – 24 Aug, prepare to be drawn into a dark and ghoulish world as the streets of Victorian London come to life in their thrilling production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd.
Mesmerising Music
The Paris icon and the Glasgow girl, Christine Bovill established her reputation as one of Europe’s finest interpreters of French song with her smash-hit Piaf. With a fresh take on this self-penned work, she now returns with Christine Bovill: Piaf Revisited on the 5, 12 & 19 Aug, to the venue of her original triumphs, looking back on her remarkable journey.
Performing for two nights only, on 11 and 18 Aug, see multi-award-winning vocalist Niki King take to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent for Time. A deeply connecting musical experience, Time explores universal truths of loss, fear and the power of love and connection, while reflecting the concept of time itself.
What are synths? Where did they come from? And why are they synonymous with cats in space? Laurie’s got answers. Part live gig, part TedTalk, Laurie Black: Deadly Synths (12 & 19 Aug) tells the history of the sound of the future through seven decades of synth tunes.
Sounds of Scotland
Presented in association with Scary Biscuits Promotions, The Famous Spiegeltent is delighted to announce Sounds of Scotland. From African dancebeats, Americana, Folk, Roots, Funk, Blues, Rock and Indie, this strand of the 2025 programme, running outwith the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, showcases some of the best music being created in Scotland, welcoming artists and audiences to The Famous Spiegeltent for a series of intimate, one-off performances.
Enjoy an evening of exuberant Afrobeat, Mbalax, Ska, Reggae dance grooves with double-bill Samba Sene & Diwan + Makossa (28 Jul). Samba Sene & Diwan is an eclectic mix of musicians, led by charismatic Dakar-born singer Samba Sene.
The music is a thrilling fusion of funky mbalax/Afrobeat grooves, with undercurrents of ska, rock and Senegalese soul. Makossa is a long-standing Edinburgh institution, a feelgood band, led by Peter Akyeampong, with influences from African to Latin, Funk, Reggae and Classic Rock.
BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award nominee, and daughter of Proclaimer Craig Reid,Roseanne Reid, takes to the stage of The Famous Spiegeltent on 29 Jul supported by The Rezillos’ Fay Fife, with her alt country Countess of Fife band member, guitarist Brian McFie.
In a night that promises to be musical medicine for the soul, acclaimed Edinburgh singer-songwriter and one of the brightest stars of the UK roots music scene Adam Holmes performs with some very special guests on 30 Jul.
On 4 Aug enjoy a stunning double bill with Liz Jones & Broken Windows and Steve Ray Ladson. Taking tones dynamically from blues, folk-rock and psychedelia for a classic stage buzzing live performance, Broken Windows will be led by force of nature singer Liz Jones. After blowing audiences and judges (including Simon Cowell) away on his recent performance on America’s Got Talent, singer Steve Ray Ladson brings his specialty Blackgrass Brothercana to the tent.
Award winning troubadour and proud Leither Dean Owens occupies the unlikely common ground between post-industrial Scotland, America’s desert states and the lush Italian hills. On Aug 6, he will be accompanied by his band The Sinners – expect a joyous, melancholy mix of songs and stories from Dean’s 12 album international career.
A darkly magnetic experience as blues meets alternative rock in a cinematic descent through Edinburgh’s shadowy underbelly The Filthy Tongues on13 Aug. Spawned from Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, expect pounding rhythms, brooding melodies, and razor-sharp storytelling.
On 20 Aug, Main Street Blues bring their popular show Kings of the Blues to The Famous Spiegeltent celebrating the music of blues legends BB King, Albert King, and Freddie King. Following their forthcoming sell-out show at The Famous Spiegeltent as part of The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 2025, Black Cat Bone bring their raucous, blues infused rock’n’roll to the tent again on 26 Aug.
Experience the primal force of their music: thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, prowling, fuzzing basslines and a haunting voice that carries the ecstasy and agony of a lifetime.
Award winning Kirsten Adamson (daughter of rock legend Stuart Adamson Big Country/Skids) is performing double duties on 26 Aug. She headlines with her band The Tanagers, who have just finished recording the highly anticipated follow up album to her widely acclaimed Landing Place album. She’ll also play a short opening set with her duo band, The Marriage.
Closing the Sounds of Scotland music programme in style, get ready for a night of fearless funk, creative jazzy fire, and groove-soaked energy from Edinburgh- based collective James Brown is Annie on 27 Aug.
Keep an eye out for more special events and some surprise faces yet to be revealed in The Famous Spiegeltent’s grand return to Edinburgh!
Creative producer and Spiegelmaestro David Batessaid: “Leave your troubles at the gates to St Andrew Square and step into our world to discover our specially curated spellbinding programme.
“After almost a decade away, we are delighted to return to Edinburgh, where it all began, to salute The Famous Spiegeltent’s 105th anniversary and the coming of age 21st birthday of the one and only La Clique.
“We are honoured to share this celebration with the people and the place that has forever changed all our lives. To our Edinburgh devotees and newcomers alike, we can’t wait for you to join us and raise a glass to this historic season!”
As part of the city-wide Edinburgh 900 celebrations, a new exhibition celebrating Edinburgh’s rich sporting legacy opens tomorrow (Wednesday) at St James Quarter.
Free and open to all, the exhibition invites visitors to explore Edinburgh Leisure’s proud history of leisure and sport through engaging displays and stories.
Located in a dedicated Edinburgh 900 pop-up on Leith Street, next to Mor Bakery, the exhibition showcases the “City of Leisure” theme and features highlights from three captivating Edinburgh Leisure displays.
Great Lengths & Your Health is for Life
Discover Edinburgh Leisure’s 27-year commitment to promoting active lifestyles and delve into the fascinating history of the city’s Victorian swimming pools, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Teeing Off Through Time
Celebrate Edinburgh’s prestigious golfing heritage designed to be displayed at the 125th Edinburgh Evening News Dispatch Trophy, held at Braid Hills Golf Course in May.
Learn about the city’s pivotal role in golf’s origins, explore Edinburgh Leisure’s six scenic golf courses, and uncover the stories behind historic tournaments like the Dispatch Trophy and Gibson Cup, which have shaped local golfing traditions for over 130 years.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, history buff, leisure enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Edinburgh’s sporting spirit – all under one roof.
Admission is free, and no booking is required. If you missed the exhibition at the Royal Commonwealth Pool last autumn, now’s your chance to catch it in the heart of the city.
You can learn about Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which support over 12,500 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to get active; membership options including their 4-week summer pass, available now; fundraising initiatives, and volunteering opportunities too.