Month: January 2026

Aldi Scotland Sports Fund awards £2,500 to support homegrown talent

Gogar Park Young Curlers says funding boost will make a ‘huge difference’

Aldi Scotland has awarded £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers through its Scottish Sport Fund as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award launched to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gogar Park Young Curlers will use the funding from Aldi Scotland to invest in essential equipment, including sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids and team uniforms. This support will help the club provide more inclusive and accessible entry-level opportunities, ensuring that every child has the chance to take part in the sport, regardless of their access to equipment.

Mihoko Pooley, member of Gogar Park Young Curlers, said: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions.

“Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start”

Founded in 1979, Gogar Park Young Curlers is a junior curling club based in Edinburgh with around 70 members under the age of 21, mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The club operates weekly Sunday morning sessions at Curl Edinburgh between September and March, supported by volunteer coaches and parent helpers.

Young curlers from the club compete in a wide range of internal and national competitions, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues, travelling across Scotland from Stranraer to Inverness.

The club has a strong track record of developing elite talent, with former members Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat going on to win Olympic gold and silver medals at Beijing 2022 and set to represent Team GB again at Milano Cortina 2026.

Pooley continued: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.”

The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award was introduced as a celebratory extension of Aldi Scotland’s long-running sports funding initiative, recognising a single club that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing young sporting talent. The award aims to harness the national pride sparked by Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and invest it back into grassroots sport.

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund.

“The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment. We are proud to support the next generation of sporting champions across Scotland.”

Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. Over the past decade, the retailer has supported more than 650 clubs across Scotland, donating over £500,000 to improve access to sport at a grassroots level.

St Columba’s: Waterfront Art Walks

Have you experienced loss in the past two years? Join us for gentle, creative walks, designed especially for those navigating grief.

Together, we’ll explore the local landscape through art-making, reflection and connection. ​

Facilitated by Caledonia Funeral Aid’s Emma Ritchie and St Columba’s Hospice’s community artist Isla Macleod, you will be warmly welcomed to share space with others who understand and find comfort in nature and community.

Charity issues urgent call for friendly locals to provide support & friendship

PSPA, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting families living with rare neurological conditions, is calling out for new volunteers to join its Befriending Service. 

As rare conditions, being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) or Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) can feel extremely isolating. To help increase support and reduce isolation in families affected by the conditions, PSPA is looking for Befriending Volunteers to donate just two to three hours a week or fortnight to change a life.

The service pairs Befriending Volunteers with local residents, who feel socially isolated or need support coming to terms with their PSP & CBD diagnosis. Whether it’s a weekly cup of tea or a simple phone call, these interactions provide a vital lifeline to the outside world.

“Living with a diagnosis of PSP or CBD is life changing and at times an individual or a family may need support to help them through a time of crisis, when struggling with a new diagnosis or if isolated or alone,” says Lavonne McCormmack, PSPA’s Volunteer Coordinator. “A diagnosis can put a strain on relationships and people’s mental health and having someone to talk to about their worries really can make a difference.”

“To ensure we can help more people across the UK, we’re looking for more volunteers to join our Befriending Service to help ensure no one faces these rare, incurable conditions alone. If you have a spare couple of hours, per week or per fortnight and you’d like to help, we’d love to hear from you.”

PSPA are currently looking to recruit Befriending Volunteers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Leicestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. 

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers are asked to commit to supporting an individual or family at least once a fortnight for a minimum of 12 weeks, and up to a year. Full training and ongoing support are provided.

“We cannot underestimate the relief the carer and person living with PSP or CBD can feel after speaking with someone who has been “on a similar journey.” David, PSPA Befriending Volunteer.Interested individuals can apply at www.pspassociation.org.uk/volunteering/or call Lavonne on 01327 356137.

Tackling gender-based violence on campus

New requirements for colleges and universities proposed

MSPs voted yesterday on Scottish Government proposals to strengthen how colleges and universities prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).

The measures would require all post-16 education bodies to act to address GBV and provide support for students experiencing abuse, as a condition of the funding they receive from the Scottish Funding Council.

The Scottish Government has tabled amendments to its Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) Bill to introduce the new legal duty. The Scottish Government worked with the organisation EmilyTest and Pam Gosal MSP to develop the amendments.

Institutions will be required to report annually to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) on compliance with these new requirements around gender-based violence, under the terms of the amendments brought forward by Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson.

Ben Macpherson said: “Our colleges and universities are remarkable institutions to learn in and thrive at for the vast majority of students.

However, we can always make them better and there is a clear need for more action on some campuses when it comes to tackling and preventing GBV.

“Our colleges and universities should always be places where all students can live, study and socialise safe from harm or harassment. Furthermore, all staff have the right to go to work in an environment free from the risk of abuse and violence.

“I know there is a lot of good work going on already across higher and further education institutions to address GBV issues on campuses and the changes we are proposing in this new law will strengthen that work.

“I would like to pay tribute to Fiona Drouet and her organisation, EmilyTest, for her important and inspiring work to shape these proposals during the Bill process and for her long-standing commitment to addressing GBV in our colleges and universities.

“Institutions must take every action within their power to reduce the risk of GBV happening. Also, we need to be consistent and cohesive in our approach, and the additional measures in this legislation will help us all move forward in delivering that collective endeavour.

“If passed by MSPs, these amendments and this Bill will make a meaningful and important impact.”

COSLA: “Quite simply, this Budget is not just disappointing for social care, it is damaging”

The Scottish Budget represents a cut to social care funding in Scotland, a concerning and disappointing reality for the people who access and work in social care.

In both COSLA’s manifesto and pre-budget lobbying, the voice of Scottish local government, made a clear and urgent ask for significant additional investment of £750m to protect and strengthen social care. The Scottish Budget as it currently stands, fails to deliver on this. There is no dedicated, additional funding for social care, and the £160m allocated for paying the Real Living Wage to adult social care workers falls short of the estimated £175m cost of this policy commitment.

This is not additional investment – it is underfunding of an existing promise.

The consequences of this budget are real. Without significant new resources, people will continue to face unacceptable delays for social work assessments and care packages. Services already under immense strain will be pushed even closer to breaking point, and councils will be forced into impossible choices.

This will directly impact individuals – those who access care and support and those in hospital waiting for care – at a time when our shared ambition should be to shift the balance of care and improve population health. It is for these reasons that COSLA sees this as very poor settlement for local government which fails to address the dire financial situation.

COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Cllr Paul Kelly commented: “Social care is fundamental to the wellbeing of our communities.

“The Scottish Budget – which COSLA Leaders agree is very poor – undermines the foundations of a fair and sustainable care system and risks reversing progress toward a model that truly meets people’s needs.

“Quite simply, this Budget is not just disappointing for social care, it is damaging.

“COSLA remains committed to improving the design and delivery of social care and we would welcome the opportunity on offer to take forward focused joint working to support our shared ambition of ensuring those with complex needs are supported in the right setting. But without proper investment, that ambition cannot be realised.”

UK Government initiative to accelerate investment in Scotland

Cities and regions initiative to ‘enhance capability, attract investment, and accelerate growth for the benefit of all of Scotland’

Business leaders joined representatives from the UK Government and Scottish local authorities yesterday [Tuesday 20 January] at the launch of a new initiative to boost investment in Scotland’s eight cities and its regions. 

As part of Scottish Cities Week 2026, Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill launched the Scotland Investment Acceleration Programme at an event bringing together Scottish city leaders, investors, finance sector stakeholders, and officials from the Scotland Office, Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment.

A collaborative initiative between the UK Government, TheCityUK and the Scottish Cities Alliance (SCA), the Scotland Investment Acceleration Programme will provide structured support, technical guidance and market intelligence to enable local authorities and cities attract inward investment from around the globe.

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Scotland’s cities and regions hold immense potential for inward investment: We have the talent, the ingenuity, and the resources.

“This is about building a competitive advantage for Scotland, ensuring our regions and communities are ready to secure the vital capital that drives growth and creates jobs. Together, we will enhance capability, attract investment, and accelerate growth for the benefit of all of Scotland.”

Cllr Raymond Bremner, Chair, Scottish Cities Alliance and Leader, Highland Council said: “Scottish Cities Alliance is proud to support the Scotland Investment Acceleration Programme. Building capability and fostering collaboration between governments, investors, and our Scottish city partners is essential to unlocking transformative investment. 

“Through initiatives like Scottish Cities Week London, we champion inclusive, sustainable growth and showcase Scotland’s strengths to ensure our cities thrive in a competitive global economy.”

Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said: “Scotland’s world-class financial and professional services are key drivers of growth and innovation and a core element of the wider British industry.

“We are excited to team up with our public sector partners to boost investment and enhance collaboration between industry and government. This partnership will unlock new opportunities, create high-value jobs, and ensure Scotland remains at the forefront of the UK’s international competitiveness.”

The Programme will run throughout 2026, starting with the inaugural Scottish Cities Week Round Table in London, and continuing through events in Scotland.

It will include teach-ins, workshops and webinars to build local authority leaders’ knowledge and capacity, technical sessions on investor expectations and project assessment criteria, guidance to help strengthen investment propositions, networking and peer learning forums to foster collaboration and share best practices, and support for showcasing opportunities and major investment events.

At the Whitehall launch event today, Minister McNeill highlighted The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy – a 10-year plan geared towards making it quicker and easier for businesses to invest in growth-driving sectors. 

Recent UK Government initiatives and funding streams that benefit Scotland were also highlighted to attendees, such as the £140 million Local Growth Fund and £280 million Pride in Place Programme to support improvements in Scotland’s most deprived areas.

Participants heard expert insights on Scotland’s appeal to institutional capital, explored innovative financing approaches for local development, and engaged in open discussions to address current challenges and share practical experiences.

Scottish Cities Week is the Scottish Cities Alliance’s annual flagship event targeting London-based investors, developers, and partners to showcase growth opportunities in Scotland’s cities.

Events lay the foundation for collaboration between Scottish cities and the UK and Scottish governments to boost investor confidence.

The roundtable was attended by stakeholders from Barclays, The CityUK, Scottish Cities Alliance, City of London Corporation, Phoenix Group, Scottish Cities Alliance, Aviva, Blackrock.

Miller Homes Scotland East launches new national charity partnership with Groundwork

Volunteers from Miller Homes’ Scotland East team have kicked off a new national charity partnership with Groundwork, getting straight into action and reinforcing the housebuilder’s long-term commitment to supporting communities, nature and outdoor learning.

The partnership was launched in the region with a volunteering day on Thursday 15 January, where a team of Miller Homes Scotland East employees worked alongside Groundwork to help create a new outdoor classroom at Craigmillar Castle Park in Edinburgh.

The outdoor classroom will enable more children and families to benefit from Groundwork’s Wellies in the Woodsprogramme; a national initiative that helps under-fives build confidence, language and literacy skills through outdoor play.

Designed to reconnect families with nature on their doorsteps, the programme brings stories and books to life through low to no-cost outdoor activities in local green spaces, working closely with early years settings while supporting health and wellbeing.

As part of the volunteering activity, the Miller Homes Scotland East team supported the creation of the outdoor learning space through practical works including path edging, woodchip laying, crown lifting and stump installation.

The volunteering day marks the first activity of Miller Homes’ regional charity partnership with Groundwork for 2026. Throughout the year, the partnership will include a financial contribution, volunteering support from regional teams across the UK, and fundraising activities to help Groundwork expand the Wellies in the Woods programme.

Speaking about the partnership, Regional Managing Director for Miller Homes Scotland East, Gary Heaney said: “We’re proud to be launching our charity partnership with Groundwork and to be doing so in such a hands-on way.

“Creating this outdoor classroom at Craigmillar Castle Park will make a real impact, helping more children and families benefit from outdoor learning through the Wellies in the Woods programme.

“Groundwork closely aligns with our purpose of creating places where people and planet prosper. As a responsible developer, we’re committed to supporting nature and enhancing the communities where we build, and this partnership is a great example of how we can make a positive difference together.”

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “It’s wonderful to kick off the new year in partnership with Miller Homes in support of our Wellies in the Woods programme.

“Ensuring children and their families can thrive in nature is core to Groundwork’s mission – it’s also something that we can’t do without the vital support of our partners.

“We’re excited to see the impact of this partnership in communities across the UK.”

Groundwork is working with Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust to support delivery of the Wellies in the Woods programme in Scotland.

To find out more about Wellies in the Woods, visit:

 https://www.groundwork.org.uk/wellies-national/.

Tomorrow: Community Walk & Chat

Join us for our next Community Walk & Chat, this Thursday 22 January at 10am.

Meet local politicians, take a walk around the area, and afterwards share your thoughts over a cuppa! Let’s discuss how to improve our local area together and make change happen.

Your voice matters – so come and join us! Everyone’s welcome. Meet us at North Edinburgh Arts.

For more information: Email: rehan@northedinburgharts.co.uk

Call / Text: 07493 876130

This event is part of the North Edinburgh Active Travel project

Improving the health of women and girls

Second phase of Women’s Health Plan backed by over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times

New plans to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 and transform gynaecology services – ending long waits – have been published as part of the second phase of the Women’s Health Plan.

This phase is backed by additional funding of over £2.4 million to tackle gynaecological waiting times, bringing additional investment in gynaecology services to almost £13 million this year.

Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan was published in 2021 and was the first of its kind in the UK. Informed by the experiences of women and girls nationwide, Phase Two sets out new action focusing on:

  • gynaecology transformation, eliminating cervical cancer and brain health priorities.
  • better research, data and information on women’s health
  • prevention and early intervention throughout women’s lives
  • improving menopause and menstrual health, including endometriosis
  • supporting sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing

In addition, a new £350,000 Women’s Health Research Fund, in partnership with Wellbeing of Women has also launched today. The fund will support research into menstrual and gynaecological health, menopause, pelvic floor health, healthy ageing and long-term conditions.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “This year, we have already allocated over £10.5 million for gynaecology, and I am very pleased to announce today a further commitment of £2.4 million to tackle the longest waits – bringing additional funding to nearly £13 million. Latest data shows that this investment is working, with longest waits for new outpatients having fallen by over 18%.

“Phase Two sets clear targets to transform women’s health in Scotland, ending long gynaecology waits, eliminating cervical cancer, and prioritising brain health to support women to live longer, healthier lives.

“We continue to improve menopause and menstrual health, support sexual and reproductive health, and have opened Scotland’s first Women’s Health Research Fund to tackle historic gaps in women’s health research.”

Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier OBE said: “Phase Two is ambitious, and rightly so.

“I want women to be able to get the gynaecology care they need without delay, and for women and girls to have the vaccination and screening necessary to prevent cervical cancer. Increasing our focus on prevention and early intervention is vital so women live not just longer, but healthier lives.

“We have a consensus on where we want to get to and importantly, I think we have the commitment and enthusiasm needed to get there.’’

Dr Alison Wright, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two and look forward to supporting the Scottish Government in implementing its ambitions on the ground.  

“We are particularly pleased to see the commitment to transform gynaecology services and to tackle long waiting lists, with over 66,000 women across Scotland currently waiting for gynaecology care. 

“We also welcome the shift towards prevention, early intervention and to improving women’s health across the life-course, including the focus on tackling inequalities, access to contraception, and the elimination of cervical cancer.  

“If implemented successfully, this plan will help women in Scotland to access appropriate gynaecological care more easily, when they need it.

“We now need the other governments across the UK to go further and faster on women’s health, including tackling the capacity challenges driving the gynaecology waiting list crisis.” 

Janet Lindsay, Chief Executive at Wellbeing of Women, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the Scottish Government as partners on the Scottish Women’s Health Research Fund.

“Despite progress, significant gaps remain in women’s health research. By directing funding towards areas that have long been overlooked – such as menstrual, gynaecological, and pelvic floor health – we can collectively drive improvements in health outcomes for women across Scotland and beyond.”

Women’s Health Plan – Phase Two   

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