We are delighted this week to launch our centenary programme, celebrating 100 years since the Reids left Lauriston Castle to the nation.
We have over 120 events for you to explore and book, and for you to enter our magic. This year we have a strong nod to the 1920s to celebrate 100 years with lectures, talks, tours, creative workshops, family events and festivals, film screenings, theatre, Murder Mysteries, accessible days, community days and costumed events.
Amendments to Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) Bill
Plans have been unveiled to strengthen the legal rights for eligible kinship carers and make it simpler and clearer to access support for them and children they care for.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes introduced proposed Scottish Government amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill as stage two considerationof the legislation got underway.
The proposals would introduce a legal right for eligible kinship carers to be offered, and to request, a comprehensive needs-based assessment from their local authority, so families know what help they can ask for, how it will be considered, and can expect greater consistency across Scotland.
The move, if passed by MSPs, would make it easier for families to access financial, practical and advocacy support, by ensuring needs are considered in the round and linked to existing support routes.
The Bill already includes measures to enhance care and support for children in the care system, or who have left it. It forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s work to implement the recommendations of the Independent Care Review, known as The Promise.
Ms Don-Innes said: “Kinship carers provide vital stability for children within their family network, and comprehensive needs assessments will enhance families’ access to financial, practical and advocacy support, while improving local partners’ ability to tailor supports to meet their needs.
“These amendments are about ensuring that children growing up in kinship care are properly supported in line with The Promise. They aim to improve consistency and transparency while retaining local flexibility, so families have clearer routes to support regardless of where they live.
“Progress continues to be made across Scotland on keeping The Promise and this Bill is an important aspect of our work to ensure all children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey. I look forward to engaging further with Members across the Chamber as the Bill progresses.”
Eligible kinship carers can already access a range of support, delivered through councils and national services. The needs-based assessment would consider the specific circumstances of the child and family, with a view to maximising access to appropriate existing supports.
POLICE are appealing for assistance in tracing 24-year-old James Humble, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.
James was last seen in the Dalkeith Road area around 7.35pm on Wednesday, 4 February, 2026.
He is described as white, around 5ft 10ins and of slim build with blond hair. He was wearing a dark-green jacket.
Sergeant Joe Perkins said: “We are extremely concerned for James’ wellbeing and officers are carrying out enquiries and searches to trace him as soon as possible, to ensure that he is safe and well.
“If you have seen James, or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2963 of Wednesday, 4 February.”
