Month: July 2025

Water Safety Scotland to host free fourth World Drowning Prevention Day event at Loch Lomond Shores

  • Free water safety event returns to Loch Lomond Shores on Friday July 25, 2025
  • Event supported by Scottish Water, RoSPA, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Darcey Sunshine Foundation, Police Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables

Water Safety Scotland has announced the return of its annual World Drowning Prevention Day event, taking place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch.

The free, fun-filled, family friendly day is open to all and aims to raise awareness of water safety and drowning prevention across Scotland with a broad range of interactive and educational activities.

Now in its fourth year, the event comes as new figures show there were 33 accidental drownings in Scotland in 2024, Water Safety Scotland is warning that continued vigilance is essential.

The event is supported by Scottish Water, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, the Darcey Sunshine Foundation, West Dunbartonshire Council, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and SSE Renewables.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn life-saving tips through the Water Safety Code
  • Watch live rescue demonstrations by SFRS and the Scottish Newfoundland Club rescue dogs
  • Try out paddleboarding and canoeing taster sessions with Paddle Scotland and CAG Adventures
  • Visit a range of interactive safety and information stands

Carlene McAvoy, Founder of Water Safety Scotland, said: “Every life lost to drowning is one too many. Events like World Drowning Prevention Day are vital in spreading awareness and equipping people with the knowledge they need to stay safe around water.

“Our focus remains on promoting the Water Safety Code in a fun, engaging, and educational way.”

The event will run from 11am to 4pm and is open to all ages with families, school kids and community groups especially encouraged to attend.

Community Safety Minister, Siobhian Brown, said: “With the warmer summer weather I understand the appeal of our seas, lochs and rivers which is why water safety is vital and events like Water Safety Scotland’s Water Safety Open Day are an important way of raising awareness of the dangers of our waterways, how to enjoy them safely and what to do in an emergency.

“Our Water Safety Action Plan includes a range of key steps agreed with partners, to further mitigate risks including better signage, lesson plans for pupils and improved training. I encourage everyone to know and follow the Water Safety Code: Stop and Think, Spot the Dangers, Stay Together, Stay Close and call 999 in an emergency.

“My thoughts are also with the families and friends of those affected by the recent water-related tragedies.”

Peter Farrer, Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Water, said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of water safety all year round, but it’s particularly relevant during the summer months when people are often more likely to be around water.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this event again this year, it provides a valuable opportunity for us to have water-safety conversations with people to build the vital knowledge and skills to help people stay safer in, on and around water.

“With Scotland’s abundance of coastlines, lochs, rivers and reservoirs, it’s absolutely vital that everyone has the opportunity to learn basic water safety skills.”

Gordon Watson, Chief Executive at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said: “Alongside our partner agencies, we welcome the reduction in water-related deaths in 2024, but we cannot overstate the importance of continued vigilance, especially as the weather improves over the summer months.

“Even on the warmest days, rivers and lochs in the National Park remain cold enough to trigger Cold Water Shock, and hidden hazards and unexpected depths can catch out even strong swimmers.

“That’s why planning ahead is so important and why we’re so pleased to welcome World Drowning Prevention Day event back to the National Park this summer, reflecting our year-round partnership with Water Safety Scotland to deliver a consistent, collaborative approach to policy and public engagement.

“We look forward to speaking with members of the public on the day about the importance of following the Loch Lomond Byelaws and Water Safety Code – offering advice and support on how these measures are there to help prevent accidents before they happen. 

“We want everyone to respect the water and enjoy the National Park this summer, but do it safely: respect the byelaws, follow the simple, life‑saving advice (Float to live), and look out for one another.”

For more information, visit: www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk

Visual Arts Scotland: Dalkeith Palace Artist & Maker Market

More than 180 artists featured in Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market 

Scotland’s biggest contemporary art and craft market is set to debut this August at Dalkeith Palace and Country Park.

With 110 stalls and over 180 artists and makers, spanning both the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park and interior of Dalkeith Palace, Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) will showcase a wide range of exciting pieces across from across Scotland.

Part of VAS’s expansion into large-scale art fairs and market events, this landmark event marks the first time VAS has ventured beyond its renowned programme of exhibitions, residencies and awards since launching over 100 years ago.

In addition to maker stalls, the event includes Inches Carr Craft Award interim show, 30×30 affordable art show, VAS graduate showcase and micro exhibitions.

Highlights include:

  • 110 contemporary maker stalls across two floors and the grounds of Dalkeith Palace.
  • Craft graduate exhibition featuring current work by Rosina Payan Pecorelli (ECA), Isabel Honey Coles (ECA), Duoduo Lin (GCA), Tina Avery (GSA), Morven Aird (DJCAD), Ella Hamilton (DJCAD) and Katie Buchanan (DJCAD).
  • Inches Carr Craft Award Finalists exhibition featuring Felicity Bristow, Scott Smith, Erin McQuarrie, Richard Goldsworthy, Jennifer Alford, Charles Young, Lynne Hocking, Hannah Keddie and Carol Sinclair.
  • 30x30cm affordable artwork exhibition (under £250) from 100 Visual Arts Scotland members including Jack Conkie, Laura Gressani, Yasmeen Kahn, Judith Shaylor and Genevieve Draper.
  • Micro exhibitions from John Black/Garvald Edinburgh, Nina Price, Olivia Turner and Demelza Kingston.
  • Work from across the visual art and contemporary craft spectrum including jewellery, silverware, ceramics, contemporary art, painting, printmaking, cards, sculpture, furniture, photography, homewares, stained glass and textiles.

Tavienne Bridgwater, VAS President said: “We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s biggest artist and maker market to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park next month.

“Having championed craftspeople, makers, designers and contemporary arts practitioners for more than 100 years, this event comes at an exciting time in VAS’s evolution, enabling us to showcase even more innovative work from across Scotland.”

If you are looking to escape the Edinburgh Festivals for a day, why not head to Dalkeith Palace and Country Park where you can explore and buy art, meet makers and enjoy curated exhibitions just seven miles from Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Unicorns Named in Gaelic Tradition After Being Reunited With Their Horns

Two prominent Edinburgh sculptures have been given new names after being lovingly restored to their former glory as part of a wider conservation project at one of the city’s most iconic visitor attractions.

Perched above the historic Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Royal Mile, the pair of unicorns, long stripped of their horns by time and weather, have now been fully reinstated through a major heritage-led restoration of the building.

A naming competition, launched in partnership with Forever Edinburgh, attracted hundreds of creative suggestions from locals and visitors alike.

The winning names, Deoch and Doras, were chosen by the public in a witty and affectionate nod to the Gaelic phrase deoch an dorais, meaning “a farewell drink” or “one for the road”, literally “drink of the door.”

One of the winners, Archie Hamilton, noted the Harry Lauder song, A Wee Deoch An Doris, which captures the spirit of the tradition, as he explained the inspiration behind the names: “Deoch an dorus’ just seemed natural for the Unicorns, our national animal.

“With Gaelic being our national language, plus the whisky link through the old Harry Lauder song, what better option!”

Julie Trevisan Hunter, Marketing Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “We were genuinely moved by the imagination and thought that people put into naming the unicorns.

“Many of the more than 1,500 suggestions reflected deep affection for Scotland’s culture, language and folklore, which is exactly the kind of connection we hope to inspire as we bring the world of Scotch whisky to life. ‘Deoch and Doras’ captured something uniquely Scottish while being warm, fun and rooted in tradition.”

Among the many entries were names drawn from Scottish landscapes and whisky regions and history, and some playful puns such as Whisker & Snifter. Others favoured names from popular children’s stories, reflecting the unicorns’ imaginative appeal across generations, and there were many Gaelic references.

Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the main public body for promoting and developing Gaelic language and culture in Scotland, praised the decision to use Gaelic, saying: “I was delighted to hear from the Scotch Whisky Experience that Gaelic featured so prominently in their highly successful search for strong Scottish names for their unicorns.

“This highlights the understanding and appreciation of Gaelic when we celebrate the old and the new in Scottish culture, underlining its importance as a national cultural and economic asset. I’m sure the newly restored Deoch and Doras will provide a warm Gaelic welcome to everyone that visits.”

The unicorn restoration is part of a major project to preserve the integrity of The Scotch Whisky Experience’s historic site while enhancing its visitor experience. Susan Morrison, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience explained that:

“The building’s recent conservation programme has been guided by a deep respect for our setting next to Edinburgh Castle and a commitment to our role as gateway for the appreciation of Scotland’s national drink and rich cultural heritage. 

“Deoch and Doras now feel not only restored but brought back to life by the public, with names that will interest and spark curiosity in visitors at the threshold for years to come.”

Westminster’s new immigration rules will be ‘devastating for care sector in Scotland and across the UK’

Kaukab Stewart, Scotland’s Minister for Migration, has commented as changes to immigration rules advanced by Westminster came into force yesterday.

Ms Stewart said: “The UK Government’s approach to immigration simply isn’t working for Scotland. As these new rules come into force, they will hinder the prosperity of Scotland. We have repeatedly called on them to take a more pragmatic approach to migration—one that recognises our distinct demographic and economic needs.

“Ending the international recruitment of care workers, without sufficient notice or any substantial consultation on its impact, will be devastating for the care sector in Scotland and across the UK.

“These changes will prevent, rather than promote, economic growth. By increasing the salary threshold for skilled worker visas, it will become harder for people to choose to work in Scotland, hurting businesses in turn.

“The UK Government should listen to the large majority of businesses who support a Scottish visa to allow migrants to make a positive contribution to Scotland’s economy, public services and communities.

“The UK Government must engage seriously with the Scottish Government on our proposals for tailored migration routes, including a Rural Visa Pilot and a Scottish Graduate Visa, or risk further damage to Scotland’s economy and public services.”

Walk The Walk – Change Lives With Every Step

Edinburgh Leisure is calling on the public to lace up their walking shoes, don their tartan and join them for a cause that truly matters – helping older adults in Edinburgh stay active, connected, and happy.

On Saturday, 14th September 2025, a team from Edinburgh Leisure will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, walking to raise vital funds to support older adults across the city – and they want you to join them.

Every step taken and every pound raised will go directly towards improving the lives of older people – not just funding a project but making a real difference to real people.

The money raised will support participants of Ageing Well, one of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programmes, which offers a lifeline of physical activity and social connection to older adults across the city.

Last year, almost 80 participants joined the Edinburgh Leisure Kiltwalk Team and raised £17,500, enabling the delivery of the 2024-25 project. This year they’re aiming for £15,000 to keep this life-changing work going.  Every penny (plus gift aid) goes directly to Ageing Well.

All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.

Rachael McCrae, Head of Funding for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Many people don’t realise we’re a charity. Ageing Well supports older adults in Edinburgh to stay active and stay connected.

“It’s led by a fantastic team which includes many older adult volunteers and offers walking, cycling, gardening, buddy swimming and more. Like many charities with reduced funding, we’re feeling the pinch!  Every pound raised will help keep this going – and with your Kiltwalk steps, you’ll get active too!”

The Kiltwalk has three walk lengths, which can be signed up, with the 50% reduced registration for: 

  • The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £13.00 £6.50 for adults, £7.00 £3.50 for children 

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 14,700 people annually who face the greatest barriers to getting active– people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.

Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event. 

To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount,click here.

To find out more about the Kiltwalk, click here.

UK sanctions people-smuggling gangs and enablers in global crackdown

Gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment have today been hit with the first ever sanctions targeting irregular migration by the UK

  • UK sanctions 25 targets at the heart of people-smuggling networks that drive irregular migration to the UK. 
  • Sanctions come on day 1 of the UK’s world-first dedicated sanctions regime targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime. 
  • Action marks latest step in government’s campaign to secure Britain’s borders and reduce irregular migration, delivering on the Plan for Change.  

Gang ring leaders, key intermediaries and suppliers of people-smuggling equipment have today [July 23] been hit with the first ever sanctions targeting irregular migration by the UK. 
 
Today’s sanctions target individuals and entities involved in people-smuggling and driving irregular migration to the UK, from a small boat supplier in Asia, to informal Hawala money movers in the Middle East, to gang leaders based in the Balkans and North Africa. 

They cover a range of different activities from supplying small boats explicitly for smuggling, to sourcing fake passports, middlemen facilitating illicit payments through Hawala, people-smuggling via lorries and small boats, and the gangland leaders themselves. 

Sanctions can disrupt the flow of money and materials – including freezing property, bank accounts and other assets – which allow organised criminal gangs to operate this vile trade.  
 
The plans are ‘a key example of the FCDO using innovative foreign policy approaches to deliver on the government’s Plan for Change’.

The regime will be the world’s first dedicated to targeting people-smuggling and organised immigration crime, with the exploitation of vulnerable people by criminals and their associated networks being one of the key drivers of irregular migration to the UK. 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  “This is a landmark moment in the government’s work to tackle organised immigration crime, reduce irregular migration to the UK and deliver on the Plan for Change. 

“From Europe to Asia we are taking the fight to the people-smugglers who enable irregular migration, targeting them wherever they are in the world and making them pay for their actions.  

“My message to the gangs who callously risk vulnerable lives for profit is this: we know who you are, and we will work with our partners around the world to hold you to account.”

Among those sanctioned today is Bledar Lala, an Albanian who is in control of the ‘Belgium operations’ of an organised criminal group which smuggles migrants from Belgium across the English Channel to the United Kingdom.

Sanctions have also been brought against a company in China which has advertised their small boats on an online marketplace explicitly for the purpose of people-smuggling. The boats advertised are of the type used by criminal gangs in which migrants are packed, before being sent across the Channel at huge risk.

The UK is also sanctioning Alen Basil, a former police translator who went on to lead a large smuggling network in Serbia, terrorising refugees, with the aid of corrupt policemen. Basil was subsequently found to be living in a house in Serbia worth more than one million euros, bought with money extorted from countless desperate migrants. 

Also sanctioned is Mohammed Tetwani, the self-styled “King of Horgos”, who brutally oversaw a migrant camp in Horgos, Serbia and led the Tetwani people-smuggling gang. Tetwani and his followers are known for their violent treatment of refugees who decline their services or cannot pay for them. 

Today’s package also includes individuals like Muhammed Khadir Pirot, a hawala banker involved in informal money transfer networks, which people-smugglers use as a way of taking payment from migrants.

All of those sanctioned today are publicly named and barred from engaging with the UK financial system, helping to further undermine their operations. 

NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said: “The NCA is determined to use every tool at our disposal to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks involved in people-smuggling, preventing harm to those they exploit for profit and protecting the UK’s border security.  

“These new sanctions powers will complement that NCA activity. We have worked with the FCDO and partners to progress the designation of these sanctioned persons.   

“They will give the UK a new way of pursuing, undermining and frustrating the operational capability of a wide range of organised immigration crime networks, including those who facilitate or enable offending.”

Today’s designations are the first made under the UK’s new Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime. The regime is a world first and empowers the FCDO to impose sanctions not only on individuals and entities involved in people-smuggling to the UK, but also any financiers and companies found to be enabling their activities.

The FCDO has worked closely with the National Crime Agency and other partners to develop its cases and ensure they complement law enforcement activity. 

Today’s announcement is part of the FCDO’s three-pronged ‘disrupt, deter, return’ strategy to tackle irregular migration globally.

In addition to disrupting organised immigration crime networks through sanctions, the FCDO works with source and transit countries to deter would-be migrants from making a dangerous journey in the first place and works with the Home Office to negotiate the return of people who have no right to be here to their countries of origin, including criminals and failed asylum seekers.

Since the election, over 35,000 people have been returned, up 13% on the same period in the year before. 

The individuals and entities sanctioned today can be seen below:

Iraqi-linked people-smuggling 

  • Goran Assad Jalal, formed part of an organised crime group which stowed migrants in refrigerated lorries which crossed the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom on at least ten occasions between January and March 2019. 
  • Hemin Ali Salih, helped smuggle migrants into the UK in the backs of lorries. 
  • Dedawan Dazey, a people-smuggler who runs safe houses for migrants in Northern France before they are smuggled to the United Kingdom. 
  • Roman Ranyaye, an Iraqi people-smuggler responsible for the smuggling of migrants from Asia to Europe.   
  • Azad Khoshnaw, for supplying inflatable boats, onboard motors and other maritime equipment for use in people-smuggling of migrants from France to the UK.  
  • Nuzad Khoshnaw, for equipping gangs in Northern France with outboard motors, inflatable boats, and other maritime equipment for use in people-smuggling to the UK.  
  • Nihad Mohsin Xoshnaw, for providing inflatable boats, outboard motors and other maritime equipment used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France. 

Hawala Network 

  • Muhammed Khadir Pirot, a hawala banker who controls payments from people being smuggled from the Kurdistan region of Iraq to Europe via Turkey. 
  • Mariwan Jamal, controls money movements through a Hawala banker, which handles payments to people smugglers from migrants in Iraq. 
  • Rafiq Shaqlaway, involved in hawala banking as an advisor to migrants looking to pay smugglers operating routes into Europe via Turkey. 

North African gangs operating in the Balkans 

  • Kazawi Gang, a people-smuggling network which controls people-smuggling routes from North Africa into the EU known to deal out harsh punishments to migrants who are unable to pay.   
  • Tetwani Gang, known as one of the Balkan’s most violent people-smuggling gangs, members are reported to hold migrants for ransom and sexually abuse women unable to pay their fees. 

Gangland bosses 

  • Bledar Lala, leads a smuggling ring moving people from Belgium across the English Channel to the UK.  
  • Alen Basil, a former police translator who through violence and intimidation became boss of a large people-smuggling network. 
  • Mohammed Tetwani, the head of the ‘Tetwani’ gang and self-styled “King” of Horgos in Serbia. 
  • Yassine Al Maghribi Al-Kasaoui, the boss of the “Kazawi” gang. 

Balkan gangs supplying fake passports 

  • Kavač Gang, a Balkan organised crime organisation known to use fake passports to smuggle its gang members between the Balkans and Turkey. 
  • Škaljari Gang, an organised crime organisation in Montenegro that smuggles criminals between the Balkans and Turkey. 
  • Dalibor Ćurlik, procures fake passports and forged documents for use in the Kavač gang’s people-smuggling. 
  • Almir Jahović, member of the Kavač gang, which is involved in supplying fake passports for smuggling gang members across borders 
  • Marko Petrović, a member of the Kavač gang which sources false identification and passports for use in people-smuggling.  
  • Nikola Vein helps the Škaljari Gang secure fake passports and travel documents for use in people smuggling. 
  • Ratko Živković, a Škaljari Gang associate, which gathers fake passports for the purpose of smuggling gang members across borders. 
  • Dejan Pavlović, a member or close associate of the Škaljari Gang, which supports the manufacture of false identities and passports.  

The following company based in China has been designated over the manufacture of inflatable boats being advertised for people smuggling.  

  • Weihai Yamar Outdoors Product Co 

Background to the Global Irregular Migration sanctions regime 

  • Using the powers conferred by the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (the Sanctions Act) the Government has laid secondary legislation before Parliament that introduces a new Global Irregular Migration sanctions regime. The Regulations will be debated by both Houses of Parliament when they return from the summer recess in line with the made affirmative procedure.   
  • The UK Sanctions List FCDO – UK Sanctions List Search – GOV.UK 

Asset freeze 

  • An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person.

Travel ban 

  • A travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971.

Scotland’s Water: Calls for apology following ‘inaccurate comments’

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT WANTS WESTMINSTER RETRACTION

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has written to Steve Reed calling for a retraction of comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The text of Ms Martin’s letter in full:

To: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP

From: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin

Dear Steve,

Independent Water Commission

I am writing following the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, and to request that you retract inaccurate and misleading comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The Commission’s report notes that 66% of Scotland’s water bodies are of good ecological status as compared with 16.1% in England and 29.9% in Wales. Whilst we of course need to be careful how these figures are used, as they are not calculated on the same basis, it is clear that Scotland has a higher performance.

The report correctly points out that this is, in part, due to population density. However, it is also worth reflecting that much of the improvement is due to significant investment in the water industry to reduce pollution driven by Scottish Water and SEPA and efforts made by SEPA to address pollution from other sources such as agriculture.

I was therefore extremely disappointed to hear you make inaccurate and misleading comments regarding performance in Scotland and to dismiss out of hand the value of public ownership of a key asset like water.

During a Channel 4 News interview last night, when asked about public ownership, you stated:

“In any case, it is not guaranteed to work…and we know that from looking north of the border where, in Scotland, they have a nationalised water company but pollution levels in Scotland are worse than they are in England.”

Leaving aside my slight confusion at a Minister in the United Kingdom government referring to Scotland as ‘they’, I cannot understand how you could make such an inaccurate comment when the very report that you were on the programme to discuss clearly states the opposite.

Your comments sought also to undermine the idea of public ownership in the minds of voters, yet this is clearly what the people of Scotland continue to want. Indeed, it is the very fact of that public ownership and control which has allowed us to keep water bills lower for people, compared to what people with privatised water supplies in England have to pay.

While there is clearly more to do, 87% of Scotland’s entire water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a ‘high’ or ‘good’ classification for water quality – up from 82% in 2014. That is also, in part, due to water being a publicly owned asset, allowing for investment without shareholder returns or the pressure to make profits.

I am therefore asking that you acknowledge that your comments were inaccurate, that you apologise publicly for making them and seek to correct them.

The Commission’s report makes a number of recommendations which may have cross-UK impacts or opportunities which I would welcome further engagement across the four Nations.

I hope this can be done in an attitude of mutual understanding about the collective challenges we face – but also with a clear understanding of what delivers the best outcomes for the public.

Gillian Martin

Shoreline Session at The Pitt

Buzzin’ for the next version of Shoreline Sessions down @thepittmarket on Friday 1st August! Now, since so many of you have asked, for a formal open mic session in the first 45 minutes! Get down early and sign up!

Featuring @hush.edinburgh , @jameslowsings , @roisin_music27 , and @robert_21graham – this ones not to be missed!

GY x

#grantonyouth

#thepittmarket

#shorelinesessions

#grantonyouth2025

#grantonyouthsummerprogramme2025

#grantonyouthmixtapeclub

The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer

It’s no secret that here in Scotland we grow the best, juiciest and most delicious berries, and with summer school holidays in full flow, thoughts are on filling the long summer days.

So, for those looking for something a bit different we’ve picked out some of the top spots in Scotland to pick your own berries near you.

Scotland’s berries are among the best in the world and to recognise their quality and the joy they bring to Scottish consumers, this year Scotland Food & Drink is celebrating them and their growers through its Berries of Scotland campaign. 

Grab a punnet, because these berries are ripe for the picking. Scottish strawberries are at their best between June-August and provide a great day out for families, and anyone looking for that picture perfect Instagram shot this summer.

Craigies Farm, Queensferry

Just 25-minutes from Edinburgh, Craigies Farm has something for everyone. Pick Your Own sessions are available all the way through to October and are wallet friendly from just £2.50 per person. For the days Scottish summer is less kind, little ones can enjoy a ‘Pick and Play’ session which combine indoor and outdoor play.

The family-run farm also has a cafe with fresh, delicious, seasonal produce ready to fuel you and your gang for a fruitful day of picking.

Advanced bookings are required. Open seven days a week, 9-5pm.

Borders Berries, The Borders

Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and tayberries -South Scotland’s largest pick your own berry farm is bursting with fruity goodness. With no entry fee, no parking charges and open seven days a week, this stunning spot is a blessing for anyone looking to entertain the kid’s mid-week during the summer holidays.

Still stuck for what to do next? Grab a bite to eat in the farm’s outdoor picnic area or check out the farm’s website for some recipes for jams, jellies, and even some cordials to make at home with your hand-picked haul (fruity cocktails for the adults, anyone?).

Open seven days a week 10 -7pm, £5 per kilo of fruit.

Wester Hardmuir, Highlands

Wester Hardmuir is an absolute must – located just outside Nairn, near Inverness and on the North Coast 500 route, it’s a perfect spot to stop off, stretch your legs, soak in the views and fill a punnet of colourful fruits including strawberries, raspberries, cherries and more.

Bring a blanket and feast on your finds on the farm grounds or grab a home-made berry ice-cream – it would be rude not to!

Open seven days a week 9-5pm. 

Castleton Farm – Grampian

Just off the A90 near Laurencekirk, Castleton Farm is a countryside favourite known for its award-winning produce and homemade treats. In summer, their Cherry Tours invite visitors to explore the orchards at the height of the season, learning how the farm’s famous cherries are grown, harvested and enjoyed. The welcoming café serves up jam-packed traybakes, fresh bakes and hearty dishes made with produce straight from the farm.

Priced at £25pp, open seven days a week 10-4pm.

Charleton Farm, Angus

Just off the A92 outside Montrose in Angus, Charleton Farm is a family-run gem that’s perfect for a summer day out. Their ‘Pick your Own’ experience lets you wander through fields brimming with strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries available at the peak of each season. For the little ones, kids can burn off extra energy in the free farm playground featuring go‑karts, trampolines, a zip line and sandpits.

Pay-by-weight style, with no booking required.

Open seven days a week 10-4pm.

Carnie Fruit Farm, Cupar

Just a short drive from Edinburgh, nestled in the heart of Fife near Cupar, Cairnie Fruit Farm offers a fantastic all‑in‑one outing for families and friends. Their renowned ‘Pick your Own’ experience lets you stroll through 45 acres of top‑quality fruit (cherries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, brambles and even sunflowers), available daily throughout the summer with no booking required. Just grab a punnet and pick your own by weight.

Open seven days a week 9-4:30pm. 

Amanda Brown, Programme Director at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Nothing says summer more in Scotland than picking (and of course, eating) your own berries.

“In Scotland we’re blessed with some of the juiciest and tastiest berries anywhere in the world. Picking your own berries is a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays while also building a connection about where their food comes from.

“That, combined with giving the kids delicious and healthy berries to eat makes picking your own berries the perfect family activity.”

For more information and to download our map, please visit: 

https://foodanddrink.scot/our-industry/naturally-scottish/berries-of-scotland/

Girlguiding unveils 72 new badges

Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, has launched 72 new badges offering even more amazing opportunities for girls aged 4-18 to grow in confidence, learn new skills, have fun and adventure, and to know they can do anything.

To help launch this exciting new project, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell has come on board as Girlguiding ambassador. An active voice in the youth sector, the ex-CBBC presenter is dedicated to inspiring the younger generation and helping girls tackle the many challenges they face, all while having fun and adventures along the way.

Among the new badges, Rainbows (age 4-7) can giggle their way towards completing the Laughter badge; Brownies (age 7-10) might share the love for the Kindness badge; Guides (age 10-14) can creepy crawl their way closer to the Entomology badge; and Rangers (age 14-18) will be waxing lyrical about their favourite things with the Fandoms badge.

The 72 new badges were co-designed by more than 20,000 people including over 15,000 girls. Over 4,000 badge design ideas were submitted by girls and volunteers, and 11,000 girls from 753 Girlguiding units across the UK helped to test out the badge activities.

The badge activities were developed with Girlguiding’s youth panel Amplify, which is made up of 30 girls aged 12-18, and seven expert partners: The Royal Horticultural Society (Rangers – Gardening); Children’s Book Project (Guides – Bookworm); University of Reading (Rainbows – Laughter and Courage; Guides – Journalling); Wildwood Trust (Guides – Biodiversity); Bletchley Park (Codebreaking – Guides); the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (Rangers – Guiding world); and Wellbeing of Women (Rangers – My health).

The development of new, and the evolution of existing badges was a response to girls’ requests to add even more choice to the Girlguiding programme given the popularity of the first wave of overhauled badges released in 2018, with a phenomenal 1,551,087 completed across all four Girlguiding sections since then(1).

Coming on board as Girlguiding Ambassador to support the launch of the new badges, broadcaster and presenter, Angellica Bell said: “It was a real blast trying out the new badges with Girlguiding members.

“I know firsthand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun! As someone who thrives on challenges and is passionate about ensuring girls’ voices are heard, I feel extremely excited be joining Girlguiding as an ambassador.

“Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls, and I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls’ confidence and wellbeing, whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.

“In a world where the voices of girls and young women are not always fairly heard, I am proud to stand alongside Girlguiding and will be using my voice to speak up for equality and to show that girls can do anything. Bring on the adventures!”

Fresh from her recent appearances presenting BBC One’s coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and as a Celebrity Big Brother housemate, Angellica will bring her adventurous, empowering, and inspiring spirit to the role of Girlguiding Ambassador.

As a trusted voice in broadcast, Angellica will help Girlguiding reach more girls by using her voice to amplify its work in making the world a more equal place for girls.

Girlguiding strives to be a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves and has an equal sense of belonging – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. She will also bring her infectious high energy into supporting girls to have adventures and to break barriers by following their dreams, as she herself has.

Amanda Azeez, Girlguiding Acting CEO said: “The launch of these new badges is a huge moment for Girlguiding. They’ve been designed by girls, for girls which is so important to make sure we are staying relevant to girls’ wants and needs.

“The response from girls and volunteers during the consultation process was incredible and really inspiring. My personal favourite is the Bee rescuer badge for Rainbows – I just love it!

“There’s something for everyone among the new badges and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these activities have on girls, building their confidence and helping them know they can do anything.”

Fatima, 18, from Girlguiding’s Amplify panel said: “I’m so excited for the launch because these badges reflect the real passions and interests’ girls have today and shows that Girlguiding is always evolving with us.

“Being part of the consultation showed that Girlguiding genuinely cares about what girls think and want. It’s empowering to know our voices help shape what guiding looks like for the future!”

Badges that have never been seen before in Girlguiding’s 115-year history include:

Interior designer:
This badge will see Guides planning designing, and decorating. They will discover the skills to transform spaces and let their creativity run wild

the interior designer badge for Guides

Courage:

Rainbows will learn to find their courage and know that trying new things doesn’t have to be scary.

the courage badge for Rainbows

Food critic:

Guides will embrace their inner critic to discover which flavours and foods make their heart sing, and which aren’t their thing.

the food critic badge for guides

Calm spaces:

Rangers will find some inner peace and unwind. They will discover what makes them relaxed and create their own calm space.

the calm spaces badge for rangers

This year, Girlguiding launched a new strategy to reach more girls where they are, building their confidence when they need it the most, so more girls will know they can do anything. Girlguiding’s programme provides girls and women with the opportunity to learn invaluable skills in the welcoming fun and supportive environment Girlguiding provides. Recent impact research found girls aged 11-18 in guiding to be on average, 28% more confident and 15% happier than UK girls.(2)

  1. As of 20 June 2025, 1,551,087 interest badges have been completed on the new programme
  2. Girlguiding Impact and experience survey 2024

Read the full list of badges and descriptions here