People in Edinburgh are encouraged to swap their slippers for their trainers this February and take part in Jog 28, a month-long challenge designed to boost physical health, mental wellbeing, and support vital mental health work.
Jog 28 runs throughout February and invites participants to complete 28 miles over 28 days. The challenge is free to join and open to all ages and abilities. Entrants are encouraged to register soon with the start of challenge just days away.
Participants can jog, walk, or run their miles at their own pace, making it an easy way to stay active and connected.
Fiona Halton, Head of Fundraising at Mental Health Foundation, said:“Whether you want to keep up the momentum of a great start to 2026, or like many of us, are getting through the gruelling first weeks of January and are primed to get up and moving; the Mental Health Foundation has got you covered with Jog 28, a challenge fundraiser that supports not just your physical health and mental wellbeing, but the vital work of the charity.
“We are inviting the people of Edinburgh to join us on Jog 28. This challenge is about turning up for yourselves; by moving, taking in your surroundings and taking care of your physical health, which will in turn boost your mental wellbeing.
Fiona adds: “Things are always easier when shared, and we know connection is key for good mental health.
“Jog 28 is a perfect opportunity to step out with a friend and catch up whilst improving your wellbeing. Plus, we know that it’s harder to talk past jogging pace – so keep it steady, and you’ll be able to jog and have a natter!
“Everyone deserves good mental health and every step you on take this challenge will help us build a society where everyone can thrive.
“We are not far away from February and the start of the challenge, so make sure you register in time to take part!”
Fundraising Target: Whatever you can raise – every contribution matters
There’s no registration fee, and participants can sign up at any time. Register now and receive a free Mental Health Foundation T-shirt (while stocks last). Anyone who raises at least £30 will get a free beanie.
Why take part in Jog 28?
Movement matters: Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
Connecting with nature: Spending time outdoors, even in colder months, helps us feel grounded and more present.
Raise vital funds: Support good mental health for all and our work across the UK
Social connection: Walking with friends, family, or colleagues can strengthen relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
Kindness in action: Taking on a challenge to support others is a meaningful act of compassion, and kindness is proven to benefit our own mental health too.
Workplace expert, Acas, has today launched a consultation on updates to its Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities.
The Government introduced a new Employment Rights Bill in October 2024 as part of its Make Work Pay plan to reform UK employment law. The Bill became the Employment Rights Act on 18 December 2025.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces new statutory rights to time off for union equality reps that mirrors the existing rights for union learning reps and requires employers to provide ‘accommodation and other facilities’ to union reps for their time off duties.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “Effective relationships between trade union representatives and employers can help build trust, prevent disputes and contribute to healthy productive organisations.
“Our new draft Code of Practice has been updated to reflect new legal rights in the Employment Rights Act 2025 that cover time off for carrying out trade union duties.
“The Code provides good practice advice to help understand these new rights and we are keen to get views to ensure it is clear, practical and promotes good employment relations between employers and trade unions.”
The Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities was last updated in 2010.
The purpose of the new draft Code is to set out guidance on good practice that will aid and improve the effectiveness of relationships between employers and trade unions. This guidance will be taken into account by employment tribunals in relevant cases.
Employment Rights Minister, Kate Dearden, said: “Strong workplace relationships help to raise living standards and productivity as well as being vital to lasting business success.
“I encourage all employers, workers, and trade union representatives to take the opportunity to shape this guidance. An updated Code of Practice will provide clarity to make these new rights work in practice and support productive workplaces across the country.”
Trade union reps are currently entitled to paid time off for union duties and relevant training provided it is reasonable. Equality representatives do not currently have a statutory right to time off or training.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a new statutory right to time off for union equality reps that mirrors the existing rights for union learning reps.
There is currently no statutory requirement for employers to provide trade union representatives with facilities to carry out their duties except for certain circumstances such as collective redundancies.
The Act also introduces a new right that requires employers to provide ‘accommodation and other facilities’ to union representatives for their time off duties if it is requested and is reasonable.
TUC General Secretary, Paul Nowak, said “These new rights are a welcome step forward to modernising industrial relations in the UK. Equality reps, with paid facility time, will play a vital role in tackling workplace discrimination and making workplaces more inclusive and productive.
“Facility time saves employers money by helping to nip issues in the bud before they spiral into costly disputes.
“And it improves communication, supports wider staff wellbeing and helps resolve problems early and constructively. That’s good for workers, employers and the wider economy.”
The draft Code aims to help employers and unions ensure that they have agreed working arrangements that cover how the practicalities of reasonable time off for union activities and the provision of accommodation and other facilities will work.
The consultation on the draft Code closes on 17 March 2026.
Samaritans encouraged people across Scotland to check in on a friend yesterday for its annual Brew Monday campaign, which aims to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.
The second last Monday in January is often referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, but at Samaritans Scotland, we know there’s no such thing. Feeling low isn’t something that just happens on a random Monday in January.
So, we decided it’s out with the blue, and in with the Brew. This Brew Monday, 19th January, Samaritans reminded everyone that having a chat over a cuppa is an easy way to make a big difference to someone who might be struggling.
The suicide prevention charity is centred on the power of human connection, and its awareness campaign encourages people to come together and have a conversation with someone they are worried about – because it could save a life.
Volunteers held pop-up events at train stations across the country, reaching out directly to anyone who is worried about someone or may be struggling themselves.
Volunteers handed out tea bags and chatted to passengers about how a conversation can be lifesaving.
Matt Hosgood, Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said: “Samaritans are proud to bring Brew Monday back again this year, with a number of events being held across Scotland. Brew Monday is the perfect excuse to reach out and reconnect with friends and loved ones.
“With the long winter days soon behind us, it’s important to check in and share a moment of genuine human connection. Talking can really help bring us together and less alone, so this Monday pop on the kettle and let’s turn small talk into big talk to ensure fewer people die by suicide.
“This year, events at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central have been sponsored by Network Rail as part of Samaritans Rail Programme, whilst events in Dumfries, Lockerbie, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Perth and Aberdeen have all been supported by ScotRail.”
Samaritans’ partner, Three UK, sponsored Brew Monday this year as part of their mission to make connections matter.
The winter months, particularly in Scotland, can be tough for many people. We hope you will join us in sharing our message, as we work towards seeing fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland.
Let’s remind everyone how good a catch-up with a friend feels, as well as a nice hot drink on a cold wintery day.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
COSLA has written to Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, on behalf of Scottish Local Government after the Scottish Budget which took place on the 13th January 2026.
COSLA Leaders have since met to discuss the 2026/27 Scottish Budget and Local Government Settlement. Our Leaders agreed that this year’s settlement is a very poor settlement for local government which fails to address the dire financial situation of local government.
Further, it was noted that the settlement does not offer the urgent financial support required for social care and social work.
Heriot-Watt University has announced a new international programme to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa through their postgraduate studies over the next five years.
The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme will provide fully funded places for women whose education will deliver lasting impact in their communities and sectors.
The programme was made possible by The Orchard Foundation (Stichting De Boomgaard), co-founded and Chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch businesswoman and philanthropist who co‑founded Novamedia and launched the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK.
The programme aims to empower women to address pressing environmental challenges, build capacity in key sustainability sectors, and deliver lasting global impact through education.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “This is a truly transformative programme that will deliver real, tangible benefits to these women and sectors they will go on to work in.
“What makes this even more special is to be able to launch this on our annual Global Watt Day where we celebrate our alumni, heritage and the memory of our founder, James Watt.
“Investing in the education of women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and support long-term economic stability in these regions.
“In areas facing persistent joblessness, education plays a critical role in developing the skilled leaders and innovators needed for future growth.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Orchard Foundation and Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom for their generosity, which has made this programme possible and reflects a shared commitment to widening access to education and supporting long-term global impact.”
The Master’s programme will run for five cohorts, beginning with the first intake in September 2026 and continuing to accept applications until early 2030 for the final cohort.
The Orchard Foundation, a philanthropic organisation based in the Netherlands, has gifted Heriot-Watt University €1.5 million of funding over the next five years to support 30 scholarships.
Scholars will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees including the MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy, the MSc International Marine Science, and the MSc Sustainable Energy.
Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, co-founder and Chair of The Orchard Foundation said: “We are pleased that at this point in time and history we could establish the Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme.
“This will contribute to stronger bonds between Europe and Africa. We are also looking forward to help expanding the Empower through Education campaign and therewith furthering education for more talented African young women.”
The programme will prioritise applications from women who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi.
This includes a strong alignment with Scotland’s international development focus on Zambia and Malawi. Applicants must also have completed their undergraduate studies at a member institution of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said: “As a global university, Heriot-Watt has a strong tradition of widening access to education and delivering research that addresses real-world challenges. This programme reflects that commitment.
“With the help of The Orchard Foundation, it will open access to world-class postgraduate education for 30 women from Sub-Saharan Africa. It will equip them with the skills needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
“Scholarships targeted at women are not only an investment in individuals. They drive wider social and economic change.
“This programme will directly address these benefits by supporting some of the brightest female minds from across Africa’s most promising regions.
“I would encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible, as we expect great interest in this programme.”
The programme will be delivered at the Lyell Centre, based at Heriot-Watt’s campus in Edinburgh, one of Europe’s leading hubs for Earth and marine science and technology.
The Centre strengthens Scotland’s research base and supports national and global priorities in sustainability, climate resilience and environmental protection, while also contributing to Scotland’s international development policy and initiatives.
It brings together world-leading academics, industry and international partners to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and marine conservation, offering students access to specialist facilities and applied learning with real-world impact.
The scholarship will also crucially help students with living costs, including accommodation, visas and health insurance, as well as access to mentorship, industry placements and leadership development.
Government launches consultation on children’s social media use and bans phones in schools to protect young people’s wellbeing and ensure safer online experiences
Restrictions on addictive features, a ban on social media access for children and better age checks among measures to be considered
Ofsted inspectors tasked with checking mobile phone bans are being properly enforced in schools as stronger and clearer guidance given to headteachers
Ministers to kickstart national conversation with parents on impact of technology on children’s wellbeing with nationwide events to hear views
A consultation will identify the next steps in the government’s plan to boost children’s wellbeing online, ensuring they have a healthy relationship with mobile phones and social media.
The proposals will build on the government’s broader action to ensure every child gets the best start in life, including a revised curriculum and better skills training.
Immediate action will include Ofsted checking school mobile phone policy on every inspection, with schools expected to be phone-free by default thanks to today’s announcement.
Amid concerns that young people’s lives are dominated by too much time in front of devices, the government will support families by producing evidence-based screen time guidance for parents of children aged 5 to 16. This is in addition to guidance for parents of under-fives that will be published in April.
Ministers will examine the most effective ways to go further to ensure children have healthy online experiences, building on the world-leading Online Safety Act.
A consultation on children’s use of technology – backed by a national conversation – will seek views from parents, young people and civil society – with the first events in a nationwide tour to be held in the days ahead. The government will respond to the consultation in the summer.
Evidence from around the world will be examined on a wide range of suggested proposals, including looking at whether a social media ban for children would be effective and if one was introduced how best to make it work. Ministers will visit Australia to learn first-hand from their approach.
The consultation will look at options including raising the digital age of consent, implementing phone curfews to avoid excessive use, and restricting potentially addictive design features such as ‘streaks’ and ‘infinite scrolling’.
Tougher guidance for schools on mobile phones will make it even clearer that schools need to be phone-free environments and that pupils should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch times, or between lessons.
Ofsted will examine both schools’ mobile phone policies and how effectively they are implemented when judging behaviour during inspections. Schools that are struggling will get one-to-one support from Attendance and Behaviour Hub schools that are already effectively implementing phone bans.
Nearly all schools already have mobile phone policies in place – 99.9% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools. However, 58%**of secondary school pupils reported mobile phones being used without permission in at least some lessons, rising to 65% for key stage 4 pupils.(note)
The guidance will be implemented through behaviour management in schools, and by setting out clear expectations for teachers and school staff – including that staff should not use their own mobile phones for personal reasons in front of pupils, setting an example that mobile phones are not necessary in the classroom.
The social media consultation will seek views on a range of measures, including:
determining the right minimum age for children to access social media, including exploring a ban for children under a certain age
exploring ways to improve the accuracy of age assurance for children to support the enforcement of minimum age limits so children have age-appropriate experiences and see age-appropriate content
assessing whether the current digital age of consent is too low
removing or limiting functionalities which drive addictive or compulsive use of social media, such as ‘infinite scrolling’
exploring further interventions to support parents in helping their children navigate the digital landscape, for example further guidance or simpler parental controls
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Through the Online Safety Act, this government has already taken clear, concrete steps to deliver a safer online world for our children and young people.
“These laws were never meant to be the end point, and we know parents still have serious concerns. That is why I am prepared to take further action.
“Technology has huge potential – to create jobs, transform public services, and improve lives. But we will only seize on that potential if people know they and their children are safe online.
“We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them – and to give every child the childhood they deserve.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools but now we’re going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts.
“Our Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools that are struggling to effectively implement phone bans so all our children can learn in phone-free environments.
“This comes alongside our world-leading curriculum reforms which will ensure children build the media and digital literacy skills needed to thrive at work and throughout life.”
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: “My message to headteachers is you now have all the backing – and the backing of my inspectors – to ban mobile phones in schools immediately.
“They chip away at children’s attention span, distract from learning and can be detrimental to children’s wellbeing.”
The government this week unveiled new world-leading safety standards at the first government-led Global AI in Education Summit. These will inform tech companies to ensure that AI tools in education cannot use addictive or exploitative patterns, or any features which harm children’s social development and learning. Shaped by the feedback from thousands of pupils across the country, these standards will aim to protect children’s learning and wellbeing from over-reliance on AI.
The consultation forms part of a broader government effort to support children and young people, including through the National Youth Strategy, which is looking at ways to enrich children’s lives in the real world.
The Online Safety Act has already given the UK some of the most robust online safety laws in the world, keeping children safer and illegal content off people’s screens. 8 million people now access adult sites with age checks every day, and the number of visitors to pornography sites has reduced by a third since the rules came into force in July 2025, meaning children are less likely to stumble across material they should never see.
Children encountering age checks online has risen from 30% to 47% since the new rules took effect, and 58% of parents believe the measures are already improving children’s safety online. Ofcom is holding platforms to account, with investigations opened into over 80 pornography websites in 2025 and fines issued to companies that fail to protect young people. (note)
The government has gone further still. Cyberflashing is now a priority offence, so people are better protected from receiving unsolicited nude images. Content encouraging serious self-harm must be actively removed before it can cause harm. And the government has announced plans to ban AI ‘nudification’ tools outright, while working to stop children being able to take, share or view nude images on their devices.
These new proposals would build on this progress, specifically addressing features that can lead to excessive use, regardless of what children are viewing.
Team LifeCare invites runners of all abilities to join Scotland’s biggest running festival
Local runners are being encouraged to kick off their New Year fitness goals – or keep their good habits going – by signing up to run for a cause at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026.
With standard entries for the Full and Half Marathon now sold out, the charity-exclusive entry period is officially underway. That means the only way to secure a place in these flagship events is by running for charity – and LifeCare Edinburgh is calling on the local community to join Team LifeCare!
Taking place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend 23/24th May 2026, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival offers nine distances, from 5Ks to the full 26.2 miles, all set against some of Edinburgh’s most stunning routes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, there’s a challenge to suit every ability.
Why run for Team LifeCare?
By running for LifeCare, every mile you cover helps support older people in our community to live healthier, more connected lives.
Guaranteed charity place in the Full or Half Marathon when you fundraise
A choice of nine distances, from 5K to Full Marathon
Unforgettable routes through and around Edinburgh
Be part of something meaningful while achieving a personal fitness goal
Final entry deadline: 1pm, Saturday 31 January 2026 (Full & Half Marathon charity places)
What your fundraising could support
Funds raised by Team LifeCare runners help deliver vital services for older people across Edinburgh, including:
Nutritious meals delivered directly to older people’s homes
Health and wellbeing activities that reduce loneliness and support unpaid carers
Social clubs, entertainment and companionship for older people
One-to-one care and support that helps people stay independent for longer
Ready to start your New Year challenge?
Places are limited, and demand is high. Runners are encouraged to sign up now to avoid disappointment.
A major £3 million Scottish Water project on a key arterial route linking west Edinburgh with the city centre is about to get underway.
Gorgie Road will be closed between Robb’s Loan and Hutchison Crossway for approximately SIX MONTHS from Sunday (25 January 2026).
The existing unscreened overflow is to be replaced by a new overflow chamber with a powered screen to filter out sewer related debris during heavy rain.
Part of Scottish Water’s £500million Improving Urban Waters programme, the project will protect the nearby Water of Leith in Saughton Park.
Senior Project Manager Ethan Gillies Denning said: “We are acutely aware Gorgie Road is one of the key transport routes linking west Edinburgh with the city centre.
“As well as being home to Tynecastle stadium and close to Murrayfield, it is also home to thousands of residents, and crucial for local businesses, schools, universities and emergency services.
“But the road also sits above critical Victorian-era waste water infrastructure that helps protect homes and businesses during heavy rain.
“This project will significantly reduce sewer related debris entering the Water of Leith, supporting cleaner rivers and a healthier local environment for people and wildlife including otters.”
The project is part of Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters programme, an additional £500million package of investment to improve the environment and make it more enjoyable for customers to explore their local area.
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewer related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
Ethan Gillies Denning added: “We have launched a comprehensive campaign of radio and social media adverts to make sure as many as people as possible are aware of the work starting.
“There will inevitably be disruption, but we have worked closely with a range of agencies including Edinburgh City Council and the emergency services to anticipate and mitigate any major issues.
“We would ask people to follow all diversion signs and to allow extra time for journeys particularly at peak times and please be patient.”
The project is being delivered by Scottish Water’s alliance partner, Caledonia Water Alliance and is expected to be completed by July 2026.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has launched its 2026 Manifesto for the upcoming Holyrood Elections, setting out a clear call to all political parties to champion fair regulation, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable growth across Scotland’s £1bn self-catering sector.
The manifesto, Championing Scotland’s Self-Catering: Fair Regulation, Strong Partnerships, Sustainable Growth, highlights the vital role self-catering plays within Scotland’s tourism economy, one which supports more than 29,000 jobs, driving local employment and spending in rural, island and urban areas alike.
The ASSC also calls for a reset in the relationship between government and tourism businesses, with a move away from piecemeal regulation towards proportionate, coherent and market aware policy that supports sustainable growth while addressing genuine community concern.
The six key priorities set out in the ASSC’s manifesto include:
· Fair, lawful and proportionate reform of short-term let regulation: secured through a clearer separation of planning and licensing, as well as protection for compliant operators from disproportionate enforcement.
· Ending the scapegoating of self-catering in housing policy: self-catering accounts for just 0.8% of Scotland’s housing stock while boosting the economy by £1bn, so it is time to change the narrative.
· A new partnership model between government and industry: the creation of a new statutory Tourism & Hospitality Partnership Forum with earlier, structured engagement on policy design.
· Future-fit regulation reflecting market conditions and cumulative regulatory impact: using impact assessments before introducing yet more regulation or taxation affecting tourism.
· A fair fiscal framework for tourism: with much-needed reform of Non-Domestic Rates and recognition of the sector as a key growth industry in Scotland’s economic strategy.
· A simple and deliverable visitor levy: use of a simple flat rate for those councils who wish to proceed, and shifting liability from operators to guests supported by QR-code or online payment systems.
The ASSC argues that tourism remains one of Scotland’s most resilient and dynamic industries, and that self-catering underpins its success, particularly in sustaining local economies and communities.
The manifesto therefore recommends the next Scottish Government to champion tourism through a dedicated Minister for Tourism.
Commenting on the launch,Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Scotland’s £1bn self-catering industry is at the heart of this country’s tourism success, supporting jobs, local communities and economies in every corner of the land.
“As we look ahead to this important election, our message is clear: fair regulation, strong partnership and evidence-led policy are essential if tourism is to continue delivering for Scotland.
“This manifesto sets out a positive, practical route forward, one which reflects the real-world experience of thousands of small businesses. The ASSC wants to usher in a new era of collaboration between government and industry, and we are calling on all parties to work with us to reset the relationship with business, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for sustainable growth which benefits us all.”
