Miller Homes Community Fund open for second round of 2025 applications Funding pot of £10,000 available to support community projects across Scotland
Miller Homes, Scotland’s leading homebuilder, is inviting local groups and causes near its West Craigs Manor and Edgelaw View developments in Edinburgh to apply for the second round of its Community Fund in 2025, offering those in need within its development areas a share of £10,000.
Applications are open and will close on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Since launching in 2022, the Community Fund has made a meaningful difference to local communities across Scotland, awarding £344,000 in grants to 538 organisations. The initiative has helped a wide range of projects, from supporting foodbanks, sports teams, music groups and creative spaces.
So far in 2025 Community Fund has supported eight groups across Scotland with a share of £10,000, with groups including Linlithgow Community First Responders, Clackmannan Community FC 2017’s, Bonnyrigg Rose Community Foodball Club, and more.
David McGrath, Executive Managing Director for Miller Homes Scotland and North said: “At Miller Homes, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities where we build.
“Through Community Fund, we’ve been able to support many groups across Scotland, whether that’s by helping them launch new initiatives or by ensuring they can continue their valuable work in the local community.
“We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful ways local organisations plan to use this round of funding.”
Applicants will be asked to outline how they plan to use the funding to benefit their local community. Grants will range from a minimum of £250 to a maximum of £2,000. Applications will be reviewed in November, with funding awarded in December 2025.
For more information on the Community Fund or how to apply, visit:
Helping families through loss: supporting bereaved parents with compassion and care
Back in 2005, families who had lost a baby were often sent home from the hospital without anything to acknowledge or honour their baby’s life. Determined to change this, a group of caring midwives and bereaved parents began gifting a small amount of hand-packed Memory Boxes at Simpsons Maternity Hospital in Edinburgh.
What began as a small, heartfelt initiative has since grown into a national registered charity and vital support network, helping thousands of families across Scotland navigate the heartbreak of baby loss.
Honouring every baby, supporting every family
At the heart of Simba’s work is the Memory Box, a handcrafted collection of keepsakes carefully packed by volunteers and each designed for a specific gestational loss.
Each box is unique and includes items such as soft knitted blankets, matching teddies, inkless handprint kits and keepsake charms – many of which are lovingly made by Simba’s virtual craft group of nearly 8,000 volunteers.
The Memory Box is more than just a box; it is an essential tool to help parents to gather as many memories as they can of the precious time that they spend with their baby.
“Every family’s experience is different, and every box we send is unique,” says Vanessa Rhazali, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Simba Charity. “We pour so much care into each one, and take great pride in creating something truly personal. For many families, these boxes become treasured reminders of their baby’s existence and the brief but meaningful moments they shared.
“Helping parents make the most of that precious time – no matter how short – is at the core of everything we do.”
Simba have also supported families by refurbishing and maintaining bereavement rooms in hospitals so parents can spend private and peaceful time with their baby before they must say goodbye. The charity also offers families special places of remembrance at sites across Scotland. These services are complemented by online private support groups, helping families feel supported, connected and less alone in their grief, regardless of how much time has passed since their loss.
Making a real impact
Over the years, Simba’s Memory Boxes have reached thousands of families. But the charity’s impact goes far beyond numbers. At its core, Simba is about helping families honour their babies.
This is Jenny’s story. She received a Simba Memory Box at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital:
“Our baby boy William passed away before he was born, when I was 23 weeks pregnant. Going into hospital to deliver our baby, knowing that he was already gone, was the most difficult thing we’ve ever had to do and I was so worried about what to expect.
“It was made bearable by the compassion of the staff and also by receiving our Simba Memory Box. The memory box gave us something to focus on during those first couple of days – everything in it is so well thought out.
“There is a heartfelt letter from another parent that I read often. The midwives were able to take photographs and add them to our box in the most beautiful little envelope. My most treasured item is the knitted teddy-after William was born we placed one in his cot overnight and I slept with one.
“We swapped them in the morning and one went with William so that we always have a part of each other. I hope the volunteers that knit these teddies know how cherished they are. William was real and he was loved, and our memory box helps me cope with his loss every day.”
A local delivery partner that understands
In 2025, Simba partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC Network to improve how their Memory Boxes are delivered to bereaved parents across Scotland.
The partnership came about as the charity sought a trusted logistics provider that could offer a more local, reliable and personalised service – one that truly aligned with their mission and values.
Since then, Simba has seen significant improvements in its delivery process, with more streamlined operations and a flexible, hands-on approach that reflects the care and sensitivity each of these deliveries requires.
“The customer service we receive is amazing,” says Jo Dunlop, Office Manager at Simba Charity. “The team at APC Edinburgh is always responsive, thoughtful and willing to help, which gives us real confidence that we’re in safe hands.
“They take the time to understand our mission and get every detail right, because they know these aren’t ordinary parcels. They’re a lifeline for families, and that level of care truly makes all the difference.”
Looking ahead
Simba remains deeply committed to its founding mission: to ensure that every baby is recognised and every family feels supported, no matter when or how their loss occurred. With the continued support from APC Edinburgh and The APC Network, the charity is well-equipped to keep that promise and extend its care to more families for years to come.
Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh, commented: “We’re proud to play a small but meaningful role in the incredible work Simba does.
“These aren’t just deliveries; they’re moments of connection, memory and healing for families going through unimaginable heartbreak.
“It’s an honour to support that, and we are committed to standing alongside Simba as they continue to reach more families and provide comfort when it’s needed most.”
While nothing can take away the pain of losing a baby, being able to create memories, no matter how small, can help families hold onto love and begin to heal. It’s never too late to honour your baby, it’s never too late to ask for a Memory Box.
If you have experienced the loss of a baby, however long ago, you are welcome to request a Memory Box. Please reach out to us at memories@simbacharity.org.uk
THE city council is looking for your views on their plans to improve provision for walking, wheeling and cycling along Dundee Street and in the wider Fountainbridge area.
The proposed improvements include changes to footways, pedestrian crossings and public spaces along with upgrading the infrastructure along the existing cycle lanes.
The project will also provide an improved connection between the Telfer Subway and the Union Canal via Gibson Terrace, improving the connectivity of the surrounding network.
The consultation commenced on Monday 6 October 2025 and will run until Monday 12 January 2026.
You can give your views on the consultation website or come down to one of the drop-in events at Fountainbridge Library on 12 November and 19 November, from 1pm to 6:30pm.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “This is an important stage in our plans to make Fountainbridge a safer, more accessible, and pleasant place for everyone to move around and spend time in.
“Providing safer conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling alongside improving connectivity are key principles of our City Mobility Plan. Keeping Edinburgh moving means looking effectively at our whole transport network and how we can improve it for the benefit of all.
“I’d encourage everyone to give their views and help shape these ambitious proposals.”
Nine emergency service workers and five members of the public have been presented with Brave@Heart awards by First Minister John Swinney.
Among those commended for acts of courage and bravery was an off duty firefighter who rescued two sailors on a boat which had crashed into rocks near St Andrews. Two police officers were recognised for calmly and decisively taking action against a man with a suspected firearm in West Lothian.
Another winner included a woman who saved two people from burning cars following a collision in the Scottish Borders, saving both their lives. Two children aged 11 and 9 in Aberdeen saved the life of their mother after she suffered a cardiac arrest – they called 999 and put their mum into the recovery position while following the advice of the emergency services call handler and seeking help from their neighbours.
During a ceremony at the First Minister’s official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh last night, John Swinney also presented five Brave@Heart award winners with St Andrew’s Awards in recognition of their exceptional bravery including Police Constable Aaron McCall & Police Sergeant Paul Griffiths, Nathan Foster, Damon Creevey and Ian Skinner.
Since 2010, the Brave@Heart Awards have recognised acts of bravery by staff of the blue-light services, voluntary sector rescue organisations and members of the public. The recipients each year are chosen by an independent validation panel.
First Minister John Swinney said: “One of my greatest privileges as First Minister is celebrating the remarkable people who make their communities and our society better. The Brave@Heart awards do just that as we honour extraordinary individuals who have changed lives, saved lives, and left a lasting impact on others.
“Everyone who has received an award has, in a moment that truly mattered, stepped forward with bravery and conviction. That is clear from the powerful stories shared by the validation panel, and even more so from hearing these experiences firsthand.
“With these awards, we shine a light on their courage, so that their stories can continue to inspire others. They remind us that bravery can come from anywhere, in any circumstance and that bravery can make all the difference.”
Brave@Heart Validation Panel Chair David Garbutt said: “As Chair of the First Minister’s Awards Validation Panel, I’ve been deeply honoured to hear the nominations from our emergency services about so many inspiring acts of courage and selflessness undertaken by citizens in Scotland, with ordinary people going far beyond the norm to help others.
“It’s been a truly humbling experience and a great privilege to be part of this process.”
SCOTTISH AMBULANCE SERVICE HAILS BRAVE@HEART AWARDEES
Two brave siblings who saved their mum’s life and three Scottish Ambulance Service staff have been recognised at this year’s Brave@Heart awards.
The awards celebrate acts of bravery in exceptional circumstances by blue-light services, voluntary rescue organisations and members of the public.
Youngsters Oliver Liddle and Arianna Liddle, along with SAS staff Ian Skinner, Colene Buchan and Jill Summers, all collected certificates on Tuesday (October 7) at a ceremony at Bute House, attended by the First Minister.
Oliver, 12, and Arianna, 11, of Aberdeen, provided immediate care to their mum after she had a cardiac arrest last year.
Arianna called 999 after finding Donna, who suffered a cardiac arrest, unresponsive on the floor while Oliver put her into the recovery position. After speaking to the call handler, several ambulance staff were dispatched with help arriving within six minutes.
Their award nomination said: “Without the prompt and brave action of Oliver and Arianna, Donna may not have been alive today. It was a stressful time, but Donna has made an amazing recovery.”
Iain Skinner, Advanced Paramedic based at Killin Ambulance Station, attended to a challenging incident involving a patient last year.
He was nominated by a fellow member of staff who said: “Through his quick thinking, physical intervention and bravery, Iain ensured the safety of all present and successfully managed the situation.”
Paramedics Jill Summers and Colene Buchan, both based at Fraserburgh, attended to a challenging situation involving a multi-agency response where they bravely descended an extremely high and unstable cliff to attend to a patient.
Their award nomination said: “They are a credit to the Scottish Ambulance Service and most importantly were brave, skilled and effective under extreme pressure.”
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The actions of all the Brave@Heart recipients are truly commendable, and they have each showed extraordinary bravery.
“They are all wonderful ambassadors for the Scottish Ambulance Service. I’d like also to commend the actions of Oliver and Arianna. Their quick-thinking saved their mum’s life.”
• Three community centres in Scotland have been listed with a “protest price” of £500 million each to highlight their true value, and call for urgent investment to stop closures
• Over a third rely on shared community spaces for their mental health and wellbeing
• Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10th October), a new campaign from Crown Paints and Mind spotlights the role of shared spaces on the nation’s wellbeing
In the lead up to World Mental Health Day (10th October), Crown Paints has listed three community centres with a £500 million price tag on these overlooked mental health lifelines.
These properties, complete with online estate agent listings, include shared spaces for the community in Granton:hub, located in North Edinburgh, Boomerang Community Centre in Dundee and Craigrothie Village Hall in Fife.
It comes as a nationwide survey revealed that over a third (37%) of Scots say these spaces help them escape loneliness, while 34% say having access to community spaces has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
The campaign spotlights buildings in regions among the hardest hit by local authority cuts, drawing attention to the real value of the Scotland’s shared spaces. The warning is clear. Unless the UK unlocks the funding needed for shared spaces at pace, libraries, youth clubs and community halls will disappear, and with them, the beating heart of our communities.
In a bid to get policymakers to recognise the value of shared spaces, the campaign, launched in partnership with mental health charity, Mind, saw listings of the five community centres across the UK hijack property websites, feature in classified ads and even popping up in an estate agent’s window for sale.
The study also found that nine in ten Scots (91%) say vibrant community spaces are important, with 35% expressing concerns for future generations if these places disappear altogether.
Amanda Bolton, a spokesperson for the campaign at Crown Paints said: “When we talk about mental health, we often overlook the walls that quietly hold us up.
“These are the spaces where real life happens. The toddler groups, the art classes, and those evening drama clubs.
“Places that offer comfort, connection and community. By listing them as Britain’s Most Valuable Buildings, we’re shining a light on the everyday spaces that hold our communities – and wellbeing – together.”
Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, added: “Community spaces are important for our mental wellbeing. They provide accessible, welcoming places to connect with others and help reduce loneliness, which can have a negative impact on mental health.
“Crown’s research shows the public feel their loss deeply, with many worried about the impact on future generations. Protecting these spaces must be part of the national conversation on mental health.”
As part of the campaign, Crown Paints has launched an online hub with fundraising tips for community centres. This forms part of Crown’s wider Project Possible commitment to supporting communities through the power of paint, with the ambition of donating 50,000 litres of paint or more to support community projects nationwide.
Amanda continued: “From creating more joyful paces through the power of colour, to supporting community regeneration with uplifting murals and paint projects, we’re helping communities to grow and thrive.
“This campaign builds on our Project Possible commitments, showing how we can play a meaningful part in the places that matter most.”
CASE STUDY LISTINGS – SCOTLAND’S MOST VALUABLE BUILDINGS
Boomerang Community Centre, Dundee listed for £500m at https://fliq.co.uk/offers/boomerang-community centre-dundee
This 8,305 sq ft hub has been the beating heart of Stobswell since 1987. Its true value lies in the hot meals shared around its tables, the youth clubs that give young people a safe place to grow, and the support groups that carry people through grief and loneliness.
From toddlers learning to bake to a 98-year-old still teaching tea dances, Boomerang shows how belonging is built – through food, friendship and generations coming together under one roof.
Granton:hub, Edinburgh listed for £500m at https://www.gumtree.com/p/property-for-sale/grantonhub edinburgh/1504285170
Housed in historic Madelvic House, this volunteer-run hub is where culture, memory and community converge. From affordable artist studios to yoga classes and local history archives, it offers opportunities for learning, creativity and connection.
Its true value lies not in its rooms, but in the spirit it preserves and the belonging it creates.
Craigrothie Village Hall, Fife listed for £500m at https://www.gumtree.com/p/property-for-sale/craigrothie village-hall-fife/1504284690
A modest four-room hall, but priceless to the people it serves. For half a century, Craigrothie has been the stage for weddings, ceilidhs, clubs and community suppers. Its walls hold the history of a village, its kitchen fuels friendship over food, and its true value lies in the role it plays as the heartbeat of rural life.
NHS Lothian’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) has been formally recognised for its efforts to make services more inclusive and affirming for LGBTQ+ young people.
The service has been awarded the LGBT Charter, at Foundation Level, for its ongoing commitment to making LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, supported and included.
The Charter is a national initiative designed by LGBT Youth Scotland to support organisations and help empower staff to proactively include LGBTQ+ individuals in every aspect of their work.
Over the last year, CAMHS staff have been dedicated to undertaking training, enhancing policies and improving practice to ensure they are as inclusive as possible.
This work also reflects NHS Lothian’s broader commitment to equality and delivering high-quality, inclusive care rooted in its core values of compassion, dignity and respect.
“Our teams work hard to make everyone feel safe and welcome. This award reflects their dedication to respecting everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation”
Research from LGBT Youth Scotland highlights LGBTQ+ young people face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, with trans youth particularly vulnerable to anxiety, depression and suicide.
Ann Marriott, Youth Work Manager (East) for LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “There is an urgent need for LGBTQ+ young people to be able to access inclusive, affirming mental health support equipped to meet their needs.
“By undertaking the LGBT Charter, NHS Lothian CAMHS is helping lead the way, embedding inclusion across policies, training and service delivery and showing what meaningful change looks like.”
CAMHS was commended for creating safer, more informed spaces shaped by direct consultation with young people. Feedback revealed LGBTQ+ youth want to feel supported, validated and heard and to have their preferred names and pronouns respected.
In response, CAMHS staff signed a pledge to use individuals names and pronouns, adopting an age-appropriate approach to ask how people wish to be addressed in ways that affirm their identity.
Following the Charter process, staff have reported being more confident speaking to LGBTQ+ young people about the issues affecting them, which is helping build stronger therapeutic relationships.
CAMHS is now expanding its LGBTQ+ champions network to continue improving services, increase visibility of inclusive materials and resources and deepen engagement with patients and staff.
Screen Education Edinburgh is now accepting applications for Through the Lens, our free, hands-on filmmaking course for adults (18+, no upper age limit) living in North Edinburgh.
Open to beginners, the course offers practical training in screenwriting, directing, producing, camera and sound operation, production design, and editing.
Participants will work as a crew to create a short film, which will premiere at the North Edinburgh Film Festival in March 2026.
The programme also includes guest sessions with film and TV professionals, cinema outings, and tailored support for those exploring creative careers. Sessions take place here at Screen Education Edinburgh (30 Ferry Rd Ave, EH4 4BA) every Tuesday, 6–8pm, from 28th October 2025 to 25th February 2026.
It’s FREE to attend, with travel bursaries available for those who require financial assistance.
FM: Scots should make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests
Independence would give the people of Scotland new opportunities to improve their standards of living, according to a new paper published by First Minister John Swinney.
‘A Fresh Start with Independence’ examines how an independent Scotland would be able to improve the economy and the NHS, and tackle issues such as household finances, pensions, social security, migration, energy and defence.
The paper states that the Scottish Government has worked hard to improve the lives of people living in Scotland using devolved powers but it would only be able to fully capitalise on the nation’s potential with independence.
The First Minister said: “I firmly believe that the people who live in Scotland are best placed to make decisions about Scotland. That is the fundamental democratic and practical argument underpinning the case that we make.
“Too many people in Scotland today do not have a decent standard of living and are finding it difficult to make ends meet. That is because standards of living in the UK have improved little in over 10 years, due to a failing economic system and Westminster decisions such as austerity and the disastrous decision to leave the European Union. Scotland did not support austerity and it did not support Brexit. The reality is Westminster is not working for Scotland.
“The Scottish Government works tirelessly to use the powers of devolution to deliver the very best for Scotland. Much good has been achieved through the expansion of early learning and childcare, the introduction of free university tuition, the expansion of the rail network, the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol, the creation of the Scottish Child Payment and many other measures.
“But Scotland needs to be able to improve the opportunities available to our people, our communities and our businesses. Scotland needs to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for all. Those possibilities would only be available to Scotland with the fresh start of independence.
“We have shown that when we have the power to decide for ourselves, we find solutions and make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests. I believe Scotland can and will become a successful independent country, with a more dynamic economy and a fairer society.”
The Scottish Conservatives don’t agree, oddly enough:
Wildflower Planting in East Pilton Park this Saturday 10.30-1 (11th October) with Granton Community Gardeners. Free, family friendly activity.
Join us to add wildflower seeds and spring bulbs to the long grass patches of East Pilton Park (around the new tree plantings).
As well as looking beautiful, we hope to improve the area for pollinators and also increase the number of invertebrates (insects and other wee bugs) for our local birds to eat.
We are particularly hoping to help increase the food supply for our nearby swift colony and this project goes hand in hand with plans we have to give the swifts more good local nesting sites by adding swift boxes to buildings.
Amazingly, the council’s ecologists have found that long grass areas can have as much as 90 times more life than short grass. Let’s add flowers to make them even better!
