Only 1 week left to nominate for the #YLSAwards 2026!
Know someone making a real impact? This is your chance to celebrate them!
Nominate an individual or group who inspires change and deserves recognition 
Deadline: Friday 30th Jan 2026
We’re calling on Scotland’s political parties to prioritise financial security. Our Scottish election manifesto sets out actions to:
– Ensure room to repay council tax
– Tackle the energy debt crisis
– Rebuild financial resilience
– Address economic abuse
– Deal with problem debt
Read more:
https://stepchange.org/policy-and-research/parliament/scotland-policy-asks.aspx
A new £2.5 million package to nurture more young entrepreneurs is part of record £45 million investment to drive innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship across Scotland in 2026-27.
The draft Scottish Budget supports investment in people and businesses at every stage of their journey, from continued investment to encourage those from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds to start and grow businesses, to tailored support for companies scaling up.
There will be further funding for the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme, which has over 1,900 members across more than 1,400 startup and scaleup businesses.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Galashiels to meet business founders who have been helped South of Scotland Enterprise’s Pathways Pre-Start programme.
The pilot programme is now in a second phase following a successful pilot in 2024-25 and has so far delivered specialist coaching to over 700 existing or prospective business founders, leading to over 220 new businesses being created.
The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Budget 2026-27 continues our support for the innovation and entrepreneurial talent that is the backbone of any prosperous, growing economy. We have been working systematically to develop the pipeline of support required to help businesses develop, grow and prosper.
“Scotland is one of Europe’s most dynamic start-up economies, outpacing the UK, and we are making clear progress in establishing the right conditions to help business founders succeed. I expect this progress to accelerate as we invest record funding in helping start and scale Scottish business talent.”
Chief Entrepreneur Ana Stewart said:“Scotland is making progress toward becoming an entrepreneurial nation, establishing strong foundations for those starting their businesses.
“This year’s budget strengthens that momentum by further investing in proven programmes, including Pathways Pre‑Start and Scottish EDGE, which increase access into entrepreneurship and widen participation.
“One of my top priorities is to listen to and support our entrepreneurs from startup through to scaleup. The Scottish budget allows us to build on this work as we ensure our entrepreneurs have the necessary support to start, scale and stay in Scotland.”
Scotland’s Self-Catering Sector Hit Hardest By Punitive Business Rates Rise
New official statistics show that the Scottish self-catering sector will be the hardest hit by the 2026 non-domestic rates revaluation.
Figures released by the Scottish Government highlight that self-catering properties will see an overall increase in rateable value of 88%, a much higher percentage rise than other property types like pubs, cafes, hotels, and shops.
The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has repeatedly criticised the flawed rental-led methodology for the revaluation process, which sees self-catering as an outlier compared with other commercial property classes, urging reform before it is too late.
Across the country, some self-catering operators have reported eye-watering increases to their non-domestic rates bills of around 400%. Former Scottish Government Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing MSP labelled the proposed revaluations as “just garbage, utter garbage”.
This comes after the 15% rates relief package promised by the Scottish Government’s Budget “will barely touch the sides” and does not go far enough to even mitigate business concerns.
The ASSC’s 2026 Manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, released earlier this week, calls for the adoption of profitability-based valuation method for self-catering sector to replace rental comparables. The trade body, as well as a number of cross-party MSPs, implored the Scottish Government to use its powers to halt the revaluation.
Alongside the troubling NDR revaluation, operators are also being clobbered by short-term let licensing fees. For example, Shetland Island Council has just hiked fees for local businesses by up to a staggering 113%.
The ASSC has characterised the regulatory and fiscal situation facing businesses as “overwhelming” and hopes Scotland’s main political parties will adopt the recommendations set out in their manifesto to help bolster the fortunes of Scottish tourism.
Fiona Campbell MBE, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “Self-caterers are being hit left, right and centre by all manner of costs and red tape. The cumulative impact on businesses is overwhelming.
“Unfortunately, the NDR relief package announced in the recent Budget will barely touch the sides. We need an immediate pause to the 2026 revaluation and reform of the process before many businesses decide to close for good, hitting local communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Our election manifesto signposts a positive and practical route forward on this issue and others impacting our industry. If taken on board, it will help build the foundations for the future sustainable growth of Scotland’s vital tourism sector.”
As Scotland kicks off a landmark year of sport, charitable organisations across Edinburgh are invited to apply for a share of a £63,000 fund from Barratt and David Wilson Homes. The newly launched 2026 Community Fund will support groups which promote healthy and active lifestyles, with funding of £1,500 provided to each organisation.
Part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland has launched its 2026 Community Fund, with a yearly focus on supporting healthy, active communities and delivering lasting, positive impact in the areas where they build new homes.
Through targeted financial support, the £63,000 fund will back organisations that aim to strengthen communities by improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for local residents. By funding these initiatives, the Community Fund seeks to make a tangible difference to the lives of local people.
Grants will be available exclusively to registered charities operating in the areas in which Barratt and David Wilson Homes build across the North, East and West of Scotland.
Supported projects can include sports, physical activity and youth programmes, inclusive fitness initiatives, youth sports and coaching projects, improvements to local playgrounds and recreational facilities, walking or cycling trails and health and wellbeing activities that encourage people of all ages to lead more active lives.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “At Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, we’re committed to building more than just homes – we want to create thriving, sustainable communities.
“With Scotland preparing to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the national team heading to the FIFA World Cup, this fund is about supporting organisations that inspire healthier, more active lifestyles and make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone.
“Our 2026 Community Fund will help support the fantastic work already taking place across the country, enabling local groups to deliver projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The launch of the 2026 Community Fund builds on Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement and reflects the excitement around Scotland’s upcoming sporting calendar.
The housebuilders are creating a range of new communities across Edinburgh, including Cammo Meadows, West Craigs and West Craigs Quarter.
The Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund is funded by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charitable arm of Barratt Redrow. Its mission is to help communities across the UK to thrive.
Applications for 2026 funding will close on 30 October 2026 with successful applicants selected throughout the year.
For more information about the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund including eligibility and how to apply, visit:
www.barrattredrowfoundation.org.uk/faqs
For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit
www.barratthomes.co.uk/ and https://www.dwh.co.uk/
*Terms and Conditions apply
Questions have been raised around whether the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, as drafted, is the best way forward, says Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee.
In its Stage 1 Report of the Member’s Bill, the Committee say that they consider ecocide should be treated as a ‘grave criminal wrongdoing’. However, owing to the lack of time remaining to address significant issues raised in evidence, a majority (see note 1 in Background) agree that the Bill as it stands should not proceed further during this parliamentary session.
The Bill, introduced by Monica Lennon MSP (above) in May 2025, aims to create a distinct criminal offence of ecocide; to reduce the likelihood of future incidents; and help protect Scotland’s population, wildlife and ecosystems.
Its proposals allow for both people and organisations to be convicted, with custodial sentences of up to 20 years and unlimited fines.
The report highlights questions over the definitions of key terms in the offence as set out in the Bill and an alternative approach of amending Section 40 of the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.
It says also that there are issues around the enforcement of environmental law and concerns that existing legal sanctions are rarely used.
Convener of the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee, Edward Mountain MSP, said: “The Committee commends Member in Charge, Monica Lennon MSP for her work on this Bill, which has launched an important discussion about how we deal with ecocide.
“We agree with the principle of having stronger criminal penalties for severe environmental damage. However, the concerns raised during our scrutiny must be fully explored and this would require detailed consultation with prosecutors, regulators and expert stakeholders.
“Realistically, we do not believe there is any prospect of the issues being addressed comprehensively within the time we have remaining during this Parliamentary session. As a result, it would not be responsible for us to recommend that the Bill proceeds further at this stage.”
A key question raised during scrutiny was whether, instead of creating a standalone offence, existing environmental legislation (Section 40 of the 2014 Act) could be amended to create an ‘apex’ tier for ecocide-level harm, with increased penalties.
Related to this, the report says the Committee was struck by the lack of prosecutions under the existing Section 40. To gain a better understanding of why this is the case, and irrespective of any future route taken with this legislation, the Committee recommends that the Scottish Government undertake a short, targeted review of Section 40, early in next parliamentary session.
The report says that concerns about the legal clarity and workability of the Bill were raised. Uncertainty around the definition of key terms such as ‘severe environmental harm’ along with the Bill’s treatment of harm caused over a period of time, omissions and courses of conduct, left doubt as to whether prosecutors would be able to achieve the criminal standard of proof.
Furthermore, the report says that the Bill in its current form could create legal uncertainty within the planning system and potentially have a ‘chilling effect’ on decision-taking and major developments. It recommends that any future legislative approach, should provide a clear defence for licensed or authorised activities, which would protect operators acting within permits and public authorities exercising statutory functions lawfully and in good faith.
Weekend reading suggestion:
If you’ve got a few minutes this weekend, take a look at Pathways to Progress – a new project focused on improving fair work in Scotland’s social care sector.
The project, delivered by Living Wage Scotland at the Poverty Alliance and funded by the Robertson Trust, is exploring how better pay, more secure hours, and improved working conditions can make a real difference for people working in care. [pathwaysto…rogress.uk]
It’s a thoughtful, accessible site with insights into the challenges facing social care – and the practical pathways that could help build a fairer future.
Have a read this weekend:
On Thursday Hibernian Community Foundation, in partnership with Pilmeny Development Project and Edinburgh Community Sports Hub, held our annual Burns Supper Tea Dance at the Hibs Supporters Club in Sunnyside!
The Dance was attended by over 90 elderly people in our community: coming together to enjoy warm company, a traditional Burns’ supper, hours of dancing, and the official Hibs Bagpiper @Lou_piper (above).
The Burns Supper Tea Dance is one of four events we hold a year to bring together elderly people from our community as part of our work in the Leith Older People’s Project.
Slàinte mhath!
A group of Edinburgh College students had the right Royal honour of helping cater and host a ship-naming ceremony attended by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in the Port of Leith this week.
Princess Anne took part in the ceremony at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal, breaking a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull and formally naming the vessel POLE STAR.
The students worked alongside professional caterers in a variety of roles, with some cooking up a storm in the kitchens, others taking on front of house duties to make sure all the VIP guests were as comfortable as possible, and some preparing delicious baked goods and cakes to be enjoyed by all.
The event was put on by East Coast Catering Ltd, which is ran by Edinburgh College graduate Kieran Wight, with our students providing vital support. Their hard work was recognised by The Princess Royal herself, who stopped for a chat and learned from the group all about the skills they are being taught on their course.
Adam Robertson, a Level 1 Hospitality student, set out from his home in the Borders at 5am to make sure he was in Edinburgh in time to do his part in the kitchen. He said it was all worth the effort: “When we found out there was an opportunity to cook for such a prestigious guest, I was desperate to do it.
“I think if you want to go out and work in a professional kitchen, it’s so important to have this sort of experience behind you. The College has given us so many amazing opportunities in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s really helped build up my confidence.”
Jodie Dixon is studying HNC Events and she said it was an honour to take part: “I don’t think you can turn down an opportunity like this, to get involved in a literal royal event.
“There’s so much you can learn just by being here, and it’s really nice knowing you’re part of a group that’s all supporting each other too. The lecturers have been great, and have provided us with a lot of support, but they’re also great at letting us go and do our jobs, it makes you feel like you’re trusted.”
Stephanie Tanner, the Head of School for Cookery, Hospitality, Events, Travel and Tourism, said the experience will prove invaluable for the students: “It’s a proud day for everyone at the College, seeing them putting all of their training to use in the real world, and doing so incredibly well.
“Getting the chance to take part in events like this gives them such an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. Employers will be able to look at their CVs, and say ‘Wow, they’ve catered an event for a member of the Royal Family!”
Aisha Elshani, a Professional Cookery lecturer, said the students represented the College well: “They’ve all worked so hard, leading up to the event and on the day itself, and it’s really nice to see how well they are all doing.
“They’re all getting on with their jobs, and just conducting themselves really professionally. I think they all have bright futures ahead in the industry”.
The series finale of The Traitors averaged 9.4 million with a peak of 9.6 million and an audience share of 54.9%.
This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC said: “The dramatic conclusion to series four of The Traitors, expertly produced by the brilliant team at Studio Lambert Scotland, proved exactly why this grippingly unmissable game continues to surprise, entertain and delight with over 9 million faithful viewers watching the nail-biting finale so far.
“Only the BBC can bring audiences all across the UK together for edge of the seat entertainment like this that every generation can enjoy.”
