Community Councils, have you signed up for our next free webinar yet?
On 25th February at 6pm we welcome Scottish Government Local Governance Review team who will be providing an update on Democracy Matters policy development.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions on the process and next steps.
Community Councils can register for this free event using the link below:
WEDNESDAY 18th FEBRUARY from 2 – 3.15pm
We will be hosting a pop-up craft redesigning book covers on Wednesday 18th February from 2:00 – 3:15.
Please join us—no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day.
MONDAY 23rd FEBRUARY at 6pm
The CCC AGM will take place on Monday 23rd February at 6pm in the Centre. Non-members are very welcome to attend, if you would like to hear the reports and know more about the organisation, but you can’t vote.
If you live in Corstorphine you might like to become a member and be involved in how the organisation is governed. The Hub is owned by the community, through CCC members, so being a member really makes a difference.
Details of how to join and an application form can be found on the CCC website, and paper copies of the form can be found at the reception desk at the Hub.
Scotland has the foundations for a multilingual success story, but a new British Council report published today (Thursday 5 February) warns that growing barriers in secondary schools could threaten future progress.
The new Language Trends Scotland report highlights strong language teaching in primary schools and rising numbers of senior pupils sitting language exams. But it reveals that structural barriers from minimum class sizes to timetabling constraints are increasing at secondary level.
Conducted by Queen’s University Belfast, the report surveyed 169 local authority primary schools, 114 local authority secondary schools and 12 independent schools across 29 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
At primary level, 99 per cent of responding schools are teaching languages, with one in five embedding language learning into daily classroom routines. This could reflect the impact of Scottish Government’s 1+2 language policy, which aims to give all children the opportunity to learn two languages in addition to their mother tongue, starting from Primary 1. Teachers say the two biggest challenges for primary languages remain teacher confidence and finding time in the curriculum.
The vast majority of responding primary schools (89 per cent) have learners for whom English is an Additional Language. Primary schools report that home and heritage languages are actively included and celebrated through cultural events, language ambassador programmes, and multilingual books in classrooms and libraries.
In the early years of secondary, the proportion of S1 learners studying more than one language has increased from 52 per cent in 2024 to 63 per cent this year. French is taught to all learners in 81 per cent of responding schools at S1, and Spanish to all learners in 49 per cent of schools.
There are also positive signs at S4, when pupils start to make choices about subjects and typically sit National 5 qualifications, with fewer schools reporting a declining uptake: 22 per cent compared to 35 per cent last year.
Entries for French and Spanish have increased at National level, with Spanish retaining its position as Scotland’s most popular language for qualification. However, German entries have declined by nine per cent since last year. For Highers, exam entries in French, German and Spanish all increased, with combined entries up four per cent since 2024 (from 5,885 to 6,110).
However, this growth is from a low base. Higher entries in modern languages remain 16 per cent below pre-pandemic levels (7,255 in 2019 compared to 6,110 in 2025). Advanced Higher entries are down 25 per cent over the same period (1,200 in 2019 compared to 895 in 2025).
Despite rising entries, structural barriers are increasing, the report finds that classes do not run in 59 per cent of responding local authority secondary schools if there are not enough learners, up from 52 per cent last year. Over a third (35 per cent) of schools now require a minimum of 10 pupils for a class to go ahead, up from a quarter (25 per cent) last year.
Teachers described timetabling constraints and finding time within a crowded curriculum as key challenges to providing high-quality language learning. In 54 per cent of responding secondary schools, timetabling prevents some learners from taking a language. Over a third (36 per cent) of responding secondary schools report that recruitment of qualified language teachers is an issue, though this has improved from 41 per cent last year.
These barriers are not evenly distributed. Over 70 per cent of schools in the most deprived areas report classes not running due to low numbers, compared to 50 per cent of schools in the most affluent areas. Schools in more affluent areas are also more likely to offer German at qualification level, of the 35 schools offering National 5 German, 24 are in the two most affluent quintiles.
Where schools struggle to maintain languages at senior phase, some are turning to further education partnerships. Learners in 38 per cent of local authority secondary schools with Higher and/or Advanced Higher provision are taking Edinburgh College classes online to access language qualifications their own school cannot offer.
Provision for heritage language qualifications has increased at secondary level, with 36 per cent of local authority secondary schools now facilitating exams in home or community languages, up from 29 per cent last year.
A further 19 per cent enable pupils to sit these exams elsewhere. Schools collectively offer qualifications in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Polish, Russian and Urdu alongside the main European languages.
The findings come as the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed the Scottish Languages Bill in June 2025, giving Gaelic and Scots official status. Higher entries for Gaelic (Learners) increased this year from 50 to 70 entries.
For the first time, the report explores the use of AI and apps in language teaching. In secondary schools, 8 per cent of responding teachers use AI regularly for lesson preparation, assessment and class activities, with a further 58 per cent using it occasionally.
At primary level, adoption is lower, with 47 per cent of teachers reporting they do not yet use AI, being unsure of what it can do. Teachers describe AI use as exploratory, using it to create texts and comprehension questions.
According to the survey, 66 per cent of responding secondary schools plan international trips, and the proportion of schools with international partner schools has increased to 28 per cent, up from 23 per cent last year, while over a third of schools engage with cultural institutes including the Confucius Institute, Goethe-Institut and Institut français.
Claire de Braekeleer, Director of British Council Scotland, said: “At a time of global uncertainty, language skills are not a luxury, they are an essential. Learning a language opens doors, builds bridges, and fosters the kind of cultural understanding that our world urgently needs.
“This report shows we have strong foundations in Scotland to build on. At the British Council we are committed to working with education and public sector partners to address barriers, champion language learning, and equip the next generation with the skills to connect, collaborate, and compete globally.”
Dr Ian Collen, who co-led the research at Queen’s University Belfast, added: “As AI accelerates, human language becomes indispensable.
“Machines can automate, but they can’t create the cultural understanding or human connection that languages ignite. For Scotland’s young people, languages are gateways to opportunity and a voice in our fast-changing world.”
Language Trends Scotland forms part of the wider Language Trends series which covers all UK nations. The series began in 2002 with Language Trends England, with annual surveys in Wales since 2015, biennial surveys in Northern Ireland since 2019, and annually in Scotland since 2024.
The report is being launched at the Institut Français d’Écosse on 5 February as part of Languages Week Scotland, bringing together educators, policy makers and practitioners to discuss the findings and share examples of good practice from schools across Scotland.
Following reports that the Scottish Government’s proposed spending plans will cut funding to community organisations doing vital work across Edinburgh, Ian Murray, the MP for Edinburgh South, wrote to the Shona Robinson, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, at the end of January to urge her to reverse the decision.
A reply from Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, confirmed that the Scottish Government have now agreed to transitional funding of up to a year for affected groups (as reported by NEN last week– Ed.).
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, said: “While this transitional funding is welcome, it’s not enough – all it really does is delay the financial cliff edge facing local organisations who are supporting some of our most vulnerable communities.
“The financial pressures Kate Forbes mentions in her reply are completely of the SNP’s own making – a result of their mismanagement of the public finances over the last 19 years.
“The UK Labour government has provided the Scottish Government with an additional £10.3 billion in resources since coming to power. Where has the money gone?
“I am in touch with those affected by this locally and will continue to do all I can to support them.”
Views are being sought on measures to speed up the delivery of new homes as part of the Scottish Government’s response to the housing emergency.
The measures would help accelerate building on sites allocated for development or which have planning permission. They include fiscal incentives to discourage delays and initiatives to fine tune the system to work better for SME housebuilders.
The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes record funding of £926 million for the affordable housing supply programme and a national housing agency, More Homes Scotland, is being set up to help meet the housing need.
Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes, including 101,000 for social rent.
“But we know that Scotland urgently needs more homes and planning permission is already in place for a significant amount of housing land. We need to encourage construction to start or re-commence on those sites.
“This consultation seeks views on how incentives, clearer expectations and – where appropriate – stronger interventions could help local authorities, developers, landowners and communities undertake and complete more housing developments, more quickly. It builds on existing work to tackle stalled housing sites, support public sector led development, and strengthen planning capacity across Scotland.”
The Accelerating Home Building in Scotland consultation is open for responses until 30 April.
The Eric Liddell Community’s manifesto sets out five crucial priorities to support the estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland
Edinburgh based care and specialist dementia charity, The Eric Liddell Community, has launched its 2026 Manifesto, ‘Priorities and evidence-based recommendations for the next Scottish Parliament’, setting out five urgent priorities to better support people living with dementia, unpaid carers, volunteers, and the communities that rely on them.
With an estimated 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, The Eric Liddell Community says the gap between the vision and commitments made in policy are very different from reality. There are rising costs, reduced statutory funding and an increase in demand for these services due to an ageing population, putting immense pressure on charities.
Founded over 45 years ago, The Eric Liddell Community has long supported people living with dementia and their carers, and is now calling on political parties, candidates and policymakers to recognise voluntary organisations as essential partners in addressing societal challenges and delivering services that communities rely on.
“We ask to be recognised, not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a lifeline for many.”
Irene Adams OBE, Chair of The Eric Liddell Community, comments: “Every day we see the difference that care, compassion, and community make to people living with dementia and also to the unpaid carers volunteering their time.
“This means we also see the consequences when we are underfunded and under supported. We urge all Scottish parties to listen to their communities and work with the third sector by turning policy into reality for people who most need the support.”
While Scotland is recognised for its progression with dementia policy, The Eric Liddell Community states that not enough people are able to access these dementia services and support. In addition, 37% of the Scottish adult population (1.7 million people) have provided unpaid care at some point in their lives. The value of this support totals £15.9 billion each year.
The manifesto is built upon 5 urgent priorities for the next Scottish Government, turn policy dementia into reality, take immediate action to address the third sector funding crisis, deliver unpaid carers a legal right to breaks in practice, ensure social care reform improves real experiences and value the importance of volunteers.
To read the full Eric Liddell Community Manifesto for 2026, please visit: Manifesto.
John MacMillan MBE, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “Our work shows the powerful impact that care and strong community support can make on the growing dementia challenge in Scotland.
“We see the real struggle caused by underfunding and lack of support and hope the Scottish parties will work with the third sector to deliver support where it is most needed.”
The Eric Liddell Community supports thousands of people each year with befriending services, carer’s programmes and a community filled with volunteer-led activities. Their mission is to bring people together in their local communities and have a positive impact on their lives.
To find out more about The Eric Liddell Community please visit: ericliddell.org
All our Youth Clubs are still running in February Break with the exception of The Pitt on Tuesday 17th BUT we made some extra plans so you (and us, honestly) can get rid of those Winter Blues!
Sign-up for these in any of our youth clubs between now and 12th February or by email to Ryan@grantonyouth.com if you can’t make it til then!
As always our trips are free, and transport to and from is provided! Confirmation of spaces will be sent on Friday 13th February!
Please be aware though newcomers are welcome, priority is given to those who do regularly attend our youth clubs!
GY x
Have Your Say on Friday 13 February 11am – 2pm at North Edinburgh Arts MacMillan Hub
Conifox Adventure Park is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a magical spring adventure as its much-loved Easter Festival returns for 2026, running on selected dates from 28–29 March and 3–5 April.
Packed with seasonal activities and unforgettable experiences, the Easter Festival promises fun for all ages and the perfect way for families to enjoy the Easter holidays together.
Visitors can step into the enchanting Hoppity Hollow to meet Bertie the Easter Bunny and capture a special Easter moment. The ever-popular Easter Egg Hunt will see children and grown-ups alike exploring the Maze in search of hidden eggs, which can be exchanged for a scrummy Easter treat, with dairy-free options available. Guests are also encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for the mischievous Big Bad Wolf, who may be lurking around the park ready to cause playful mayhem.
New for 2026, children can enjoy a creative activity by colouring their very own Easter mug to take home as a keepsake. The Easter-lympics will return with feel-good tunes from Conifox’s resident DJs, encouraging friendly competition and plenty of laughter. Entry to the Easter Festival also includes full access to Conifox Adventure Park, offering even more opportunities to climb, bounce, race, and explore.
Families can enhance their visit with optional Easter extras available on the day, including Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides, face painting, and a selection of food and drink to refuel between adventures.
Early Bird tickets go on sale at 10am on 6 February, with families encouraged to book early and save using the discount code EASTER15.
James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park, said: “Our Easter Festival has become a real highlight in the calendar for so many families, and 2026 is set to be our most magical Easter yet.
“From meeting Bertie the Easter Bunny to the excitement of the Egg Hunt and Easter-lympics, it’s all about creating joyful moments and lasting memories together, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this spring.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.conifox.co.uk/events/easter-festival/.
