Two charities in Fife were welcomed to Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline to gain fresh ideas and practical support to help develop their logistics and operations.
The event, organised by Pilotlight, brought together Fife Gingerbread and Big House Multibank with the team at Amazon in Dunfermline. Pilotlight is an organisation that connects business experts with charities to help deliver greater social impact.
More than 30 Amazon employees from Dunfermline took part in a day of collaborative problem-solving sessions. The charities shared some of the challenges they’re currently facing and Amazon employees worked in teams to come up with practical, strategic solutions, drawing on their professional skills and experience.
Kirsten Harrower, an Amazon employee who took part in the event, said: “It was an amazing experience to apply our skills in support of two incredible charities that do so much for our community.
“It felt great to be part of something that can make a real difference.”
Jamie Strain, General Manager from Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “We’re proud to support Fife Gingerbread and Big House Multibank and events like this are a great way to use the skills of our team to give back.
“We’re committed to playing a positive role in the communities where we live and work.”
Linsey Proctor, from Fife Gingerbread, said: “We’re grateful to the Amazon team for giving their time and energy and for continuing to strengthen their relationship with us.
“The ideas shared will help us shape our future plans and move forward with confidence.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 8 million surplus goods to over 600,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.
Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.
They may be the smallest piglets ever born at Kew Little Pigs Farm, but these seven tiny new arrivals are already making a big impression.
Proud mum Bambi gave birth to the adorable litter earlier this week at the award-winning farm in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
The piglets’ pint-sized dad is Pluto, a 38cm tall Juliana boar who’s believed to be the smallest proven adult boar in the world.
Pluto’s official Guinness World Record application is currently under review, but in the meantime, his growing family is giving the Kew Little Pigs team even more reason to celebrate.
“This is a really special moment for us,” said farm owner Olivia Mikhail. “We’ve never had a litter this small in size before, they’re absolutely adorable, and all doing well. Bambi is being a wonderful first-time mum, and Pluto is clearly passing on his best qualities!”
Nicknamed the “tiny but mighty” boar, Pluto was born on 23 February 2024 and is already a star at the ethical micro pig breeding farm. As well as being known for his cuddly, sociable nature, he’s dabbled in the limelight too, having starred in a London vodka brand’s ad campaign.
Pluto is now a dad twice over, with another of his love interests, Venus, also believed to be pregnant.
“He’s had quite the summer,” Olivia joked. “He might be small enough to sit comfortably on your lap, but Pluto’s definitely leaving a big legacy. If his piglets inherit his charm and character, they’ll be absolute treasures.”
Kew Little Pigs, which ranks in the top 10% of animal attractions globally on TripAdvisor, is the UK’s leading ethical breeder of micro pigs, offering hands-on experiences and educational visits.
The farm has welcomed thousands of families over the years and is now gearing up for its Alice in Wonderland-themed Fun Days this summer, promising piggy cuddles, music, face painting, and games for all ages.
To celebrate the new arrivals, the farm is offering 10% off tickets for all visitors using the code familyfun10 when booking at www.kewlittlepigs.com
“These piglets really are a milestone for us,” Olivia added. “We’re passionate about raising awareness of what responsible pig ownership looks like, and we’re proud that our babies will go on to become well-loved pets in forever homes. It’s a joy to watch them grow, and we think Pluto would agree!”
Edinburgh International Festival has become the first charity and the first arts organisation in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, highlighting its commitment to genuine emissions reductions
Operational progress includes a 56% reduction in electricity and 26% in gas emissions at The Hub,42% reduction in general waste through sustainable concessions and 58% reduction in printed paper since 2023, with a switch to freesheets and leaner print runs.
Progress in artistic programme includes the development of an artist residency model for touring orchestras, putting climate-themed works on stage and a sustainable approach to building locally for large-scale productions.
Edinburgh International Festival is the first charity, and the first arts organisation, in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, as part of its commitment to sustainable practice.
This achievement underpins the International Festival’s commitment to Net Zero by 2045, in all its activity, from delivering year-round work with workshops, community engagement projects, and support for emerging artists, to an August festival programme that features world-class performers from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.
Aligning with BSI’s Net Zero Pathway’s ISO 14064-1 (for greenhouse gas reporting) and IWA 42:2022 (for strategic planning), the Festival has set a clear roadmap to reach Net Zero emissions. A three phased plan involves reaching Net Zero for gas, electricity and staff hired vehicles by 2030, waste, water, coach travel, printed materials and commuting by 2035 and freight, hotels and staff travel by 2045.
Unlike other approaches that rely on offsetting, the BSI Net Zero Pathway prioritises actual emissions reductions, ensuring that organisations are making genuine progress towards Net Zero. Its robust science-based approach is based on international standards, evaluating an organisation’s carbon footprint and reduction targets to ensure credibility.
The BSI certification builds upon several initiatives from the International Festival to embrace new models of working with artists, audiences and employees to reduce carbon impact.
This includes reducing gas and electricity usage at The Hub, the Festival’s HQ on the Royal Mile, by 26% and 56% respectively, as well as appointing a full-time Environmental Sustainability Manager.
In 2023, the International Festival was proud to achieve the Green Tourism Silver Award, providing third-party verification that the Festival upholds globally recognised sustainability standards.
In 2024, the number of printed programmes was reduced, and coupled with a switch to freesheets across most events, printed paper amounts reduced by 14% compared to 2023’s output. This year, fewer printed brochures and a new highlights leaflet will see a 38% reduction in printed pages from 2024, a 58% reduction since 2023.
Terry Roberts, Edinburgh International Festival Sustainability Manager, said: “Our journey to net zero is an ongoing process, and we are actively seeking new ways and partners to reduce our environmental impact.
“The BSI certification provides a structure to achieving our ambitions, allowing us to understand where we are and what we need to do progress.
“We know this will be difficult and we can’t achieve anything alone, but by working together with our artists, suppliers, partners, audiences and the wider community, we are confident we can play our part in creating meaningful change. ”
Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services EMEA, said: “Achieving meaningful emissions reduction is a key priority for many in the cultural sector, but turning that ambition into action is a real achievement. The Edinburgh International Festival should be congratulated for this demonstration of leadership and action.
“BSI’s Net Zero Pathway is an independent process designed to build credibility around an organization’s journey and ultimately build societal confidence in the progress being made.
“Edinburgh International Festival’s commitment to science-based targets and meaningful emissions reductions sets a powerful example for how cultural institutions can help shape a more sustainable future, benefiting people and planet.”
Across artist travel, the International Festival have used an artist residency model since 2023, offering a more sustainable model for presenting large-scale orchestras.
Inviting world-leading orchestras for an extended stay in Edinburgh, featuring multiple performances and moments of community engagement, reduces the environmental impact through scaled-back travel and increases the performers’ engagement with Edinburgh – its audiences in the concert halls, as well as its communities.
This year’s resident orchestras include NYO2, a youth orchestra from the United States making its European debut, the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra; and NFM Leopoldinum, leading the Focus On Poland programme.
The Festival also takes a sustainable approach to large-scale productions, as seen in this year’s European premiere of Orpheus and Eurydice, which brings together Australian and Scottish talent. By building the set locally and collaborating with Scottish ensembles like the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the production strengthens local and international artistic ties while significantly reducing emissions.
Each year on stage, the International Festival seeks to challenge and inspire debate amongst audiences through platforming artists who explore climate change and justice in their artistic work.
This year’s programme features several works that delve into our human connection to the natural world, including Nederlands Dans Theater’s Figures in Extinction,Works and Days by Belgian theatre collective FC Bergman and William Kentridge and Handspring Puppet Company’s Faustus in Africa!.
Other green initiatives the Festival is undertaking this year include an optimisation of web servers working with Supercool to a cloud-based set up that has resulted in an energy reduction of 2,866kWh, equating to 595.4kgCO2e, and the use of algae ink, a biodegradable and carbon-neutral product, in Festival-branded flags created by GH Digital.
Beyond being the first arts organisation in the UK to be certified by BSI standards, the International Festival also plays a key role in leading the sector, collaborating with many organisations to share knowledge and experiences, and learn from colleagues.
The Festival are members of a number of sustainability groups and panels, including the Edinburgh Festival City Sustainability Working Group, Green Arts Initiative, Edinburgh Climate Compact and the European Sponsorship Association Sustainability Group.
The Festival also hosted a Sustainability in Practice event in 2025, welcoming an audience from across the worlds of culture and sustainability that included Creative Scotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Festivals Edinburgh and Scottish Ballet.
Looking ahead, the Festival is actively seeking partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to sustainability, with the aim of collaboratively achieving meaningful environmental goals.
Tickets to world-class performances across a handpicked programme of music, theatre, opera and dance at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 are available at www.eif.co.uk.
Successful bid would see the biggest global athletics event return to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Government also supports bid for the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships to be staged in the UK
Championships would boost economy and strengthen UK standing as world-class sporting hosts
The UK Government has today confirmed its support for bids to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships; setting out their ambition to see the sport’s pinnacle events return to the UK for the first time since the summer of 2017.
A bid would aim to boost the UK economy, further strengthen the country’s outstanding reputation for hosting the biggest and best events, and encourage more people to get involved in track and field.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.
“Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions.
“The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together. I’m delighted to support the bid.”
The London Stadium, etched into the public’s memory for hosting the iconic 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as the hugely successful 2017 World Championships, is the proposed venue for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Meanwhile, the Government is committed to taking the World Paras beyond the capital, with a host city to be confirmed in due course.
Subject to funding from partners being confirmed, the Government has agreed to provide significant funding for both bids, reflecting the UK’s ambition to once again bring the world’s greatest athletes to UK shores.
This major commitment comes with London today set to host a sold-out Diamond League event, the world’s biggest one-day athletics meet.
The UK Government will work hand-in-hand with the bidder Athletic Ventures, UK Sport, and host cities – including the Greater London Authority for the World Athletics Championship – to unlock a wide range of social, economic and sporting benefits, from boosting tourism and local economies to fostering healthier, more active communities through elite sport.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “Major sporting events deliver unforgettable moments and have the power to bring our country together like little else.
“That’s why we’re excited to be backing a bid to bring the World Athletics and World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK in 2029. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to build on our world class reputation as hosts, delivering not just economic benefits for the country but engaging communities, inspiring the next generation and showcasing the best of Britain to the world.”
Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, said: “Live sport matters. It brings people together in ways few other things can, creating happiness, pride and lasting memories.
“Hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships gives us the chance to once again unite the nation around these genuinely global events.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to extend our pipeline of hosted events, as we move forward with this bold and collaborative bid.”
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, said: “We’d like to thank the Government for supporting these bids. Staging these events in the UK will not only inspire today’s elite athletes, but those of tomorrow, and will engage millions in our sport.
“After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the World, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia.
“This support will drive the sport on to new heights.”
Sanjay Bhandari, Chair at Athletic Ventures, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Government has recognised the enormous value that the World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships can deliver for Britain — from jobs and investment to inspiring young people to get active.
“Central government support is a catalytic first step enabling us to build further dialogue with potential host cities and build compelling bids for both championships.
“We will seek to create spectacular events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities. We’re excited to work with partners across sport, government and our potential host cities to make that vision a reality.”
Josh Kerr, 1500m world champion and double Olympic medallist, said: “London 2017 was my first senior World Championships, and it lit a fire in me. Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible — it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals.
“Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive. It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil.”
If successful, the Championships would mark another milestone in the UK’s exceptional record of hosting world-class events and its enduring commitment to investing in sport as a force for good.
The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Departs 2027, and EURO 2028.
Katarina Johnson Thompson, two-time heptathlon world champion, said: “I’m so pleased to see the Government backing this bid — hosting a home World Championships would be incredible for our sport and for the country.
“I still remember the buzz of competing in front of a home crowd in London in 2012 and 2017 — nothing compares to that feeling. It gave me a huge lift, and I’d love the next generation of athletes to experience that same atmosphere on the world stage.
“Bringing the Championships back to London would inspire so many people and show what British athletics is all about.”
Zak Skinner, two-time European T13 Gold medallist, said: “It’s great that the Government is backing the bid to bring the World Para Athletics Championships back to the UK. Competing at London 2017 was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.
“That home crowd, that energy — it was electric, and it showed just how powerful para athletics can be when it’s centre stage.
“I’ve grown so much as an athlete since then, but that experience gave me belief and drive at a crucial time. Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships here again would be a huge statement — not just for our athletes, but for the next generation watching in the stands or at home. I’d love to see it come back to the UK.”
Motorists across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant as “crash-for-cash” scams continue to rise – with fraudsters deliberately causing rear-end collisions to cash in on bogus insurance claims.
According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), over 170,000 claims linked to suspected crash-for-cash incidents have been made in recent years – costing the UK industry hundreds of millions and pushing up premiums for honest drivers.
Legal expert Adam Jones from HD Claims warns that these staged accidents are often designed to make innocent drivers look responsible, particularly by slamming on brakes in congested traffic or at roundabouts.
“Many of these scams are carefully choreographed to leave you thinking you were at fault,” says Jones. “You may feel you were too close or distracted, but in reality, the collision was intentional. It’s financial exploitation – and in some cases, extremely dangerous.”
Telltale signs you’re being set up for a rear-end scam:
The other car’s brake lights are faulty or deliberately disabled
The driver is erratic, braking sharply or hesitating at junctions
The car is full of passengers – who all later claim whiplash
The other driver tries to talk you out of calling the police
They provide pre-written insurance details or urge you to use their “preferred” repair garage.
Other roadside scams to watch out for in 2025:
False damage claims: Fraudsters may claim you scraped their car in a car park, showing fake dents or photos from a previous incident.
Staged pedestrian accidents: A person may jump in front of your slow-moving car to fake injury.
Vehicle obstruction thefts: Drivers are blocked in by a second car while someone tries to steal valuables from the passenger side.
Fake breakdown helpers: In remote areas, con artists may offer help then demand cash or card payment on the spot.
What to do if you suspect a scam:
Stay calm and don’t admit fault at the scene
Photograph everything – car positions, damage, number plates, road signs, passengers
Call the police if anything feels suspicious
Never accept cash offers or sign anything without checking it first
Report it to your insurer and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) Cheatline
“Crash-for-cash fraud doesn’t just cost drivers money – it can cause injury, anxiety, and serious legal consequences,” Adam Jones adds.
“If something feels off, document everything and get legal advice immediately.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners in Scotland to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth.
The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK, including the Lake District, Greater Manchester and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.
The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.
It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams said:“Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously ill and can even be fatal.
“We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk.
“With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.”
Top tips for pet owners
Look out for any warning signs near water bodies.
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Operation Portaledge, bringing the total number of arrests to 55.
Yesterday – Friday, 18 July, 2025 – officers arrested and charged the man in connection with wilful fire-raising and firearms offences. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 21 July.
A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with damage at a property on Walter Scott Avenue in Edinburgh on Thursday, 12 June, and a wilful fire-raising at a property on Jackson Way in Tranent on Friday, 13 June. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Another 26-year-old man was also charged in connection with two vehicle fires in Port Seton, which occurred on Sunday, 18 May.
£2.5m. fund allocated to third sector organisations
Nine organisations working with autistic adults are to benefit from a £2.5 million multi-year fund.
The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential – supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.
Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.
“All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive – the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.
“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”
Chris Paul, Chief Executive of The Anchor said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels.
“As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.
“The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.
“In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.”
On Thursday 7 August, visit us at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh or Kelvin Hall, Glasgow to get your own copy of a special edition centenary comic created by Beano, especially for this occasion!
First-come, first-served: 500 copies at each location
Meet Dennis the Menace (under staff supervision!)
Sign our birthday card to be stored in our archives in perpetuity
First-come, first-served: 500 copies at each location