February 2026 – Page 12 – The NEN

Fair Work Convention: Renewed Vision

Fair Work Convention unveils Renewed Vision for a fairer, more inclusive Scotland

The Fair Work Convention has shared its renewed vision for building a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.

This refreshed direction champions workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with fairness and respect at the heart of Scotland’s economy.

Discover what this means for workers, employers, and Scotland’s future:

The Fair Work Convention has today announced a renewed vision for Scotland’s workplaces, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every worker in Scotland benefits from the five dimensions of fair work; opportunity, security, respect, fulfilment, and effective voice.

Scotland stands at a defining moment in its fair work journey. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made, like reducing gender economic inactivity gaps, reducing workplace injuries and tackling low pay. Yet the work is far from complete. More needs to be done to enhance fair work across Scotland’s economy.

Building on its longstanding role as an independent advisory body, the Fair Work Convention aims to position Scotland as a global leader in fair work, with a particular focus on driving measurable improvements for workers, employers, and wider society.

Fair Work Dimensions — Five Pillars of Fair Work

The renewed vision sets out five pillars of Fair Work:

Security: Ensuring stable employment with predictable hours and clear opportunities for career progression.
Respect: Promoting safe, healthy, and supportive working environments that foster wellbeing and ensure flexibility that works for everyone.
Fulfilment: Encouraging investment in skills for both the present and the future, and supporting work that offers autonomy, purpose, and opportunities to shape decisions.
Opportunity: Championing inclusive employment practices that ensure all of Scotland’s people can access fair work.
Effective Voice: Securing genuine channels for workers to be heard at every level, with a particular emphasis on strong collective bargaining structures and workplace access for trade unions.

As part of this renewed direction, the Convention will strengthen its role in providing independent scrutiny, guidance, and monitoring, supporting partners across Scotland to translate fair work principles into tangible, real‑world progress.

Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Professor Patricia Findlay said: “We know that Scotland faces ongoing economic challenges that demand resilience, adaptability and innovation. Fair work is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity.

“We want Scotland to be recognised internationally as a nation where fair work is at the heart of our economic success,”

Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Chris Westcott added: “This renewed vision reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all workers, regardless of sector, background or job role experience fair and meaningful work.

“Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to fair work and its crucial role in delivering the type of Scotland we want and need.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to fair work and has awarded £6 billion in public sector grants to organisations which follow Fair Work First criteria.

“It’s paying off. Scotland is the best performing of all four UK countries with the highest proportion of employees aged 18 or over – 88.7% – being paid the real Living Wage or more.

“This renewed direction from the Fair Work Convention helps strengthen our shared ambition to ensure workplaces across Scotland deliver security, opportunity, respect and a meaningful voice for every worker. This is central to building a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient economy for the future.”

The Fair Work Convention will continue to engage closely with workers, employers, trade unions, and policymakers as it delivers on the vision and supports Scotland’s journey towards becoming a world-leading Fair Work Nation.

Edinburgh’s cycling boom continues

Bikes account for nearly 10% of journeys on Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link

New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed the continuing success of new protected cycle routes in Edinburgh.

Over a 48-hour period in September 2025, traffic surveys recorded 4,744 bikes on Leith Walk. This was out of a total of 48,832 travel methods recorded, meaning that 9.7% of people cycled their journey – the highest cycling modal share yet seen on the route.

On the western-most portion of the City Centre West East Link (CCWEL), at West Coates in Roseburn, 2,798 bikes were recorded over the same 48-hour survey period. This was out of a total of 30,175 travel methods recorded on the street, equating to 9.3% of journeys being made by bike – a new record cycling modal share for this section of the CCWEL.

At York Place, where the CCWEL’s protected cycle route connects to Leith Walk via Picardy Place, 1,921 cycle journeys were recorded over the two-day period. This is the largest number of bikes yet recorded at this location by a Cycling Scotland traffic survey and evidence of the growth in cycling being supported as routes join together.

At Great Junction Street, 2,023 cycle journeys were recorded, with a cycling modal share of 4% – both new records for this location, where new safe, protected cycle lanes are currently being installed as part of the Leith Connections project.

At all survey locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that people are predominantly travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

The data also shows that where safe, protected cycle lanes are provided, the vast majority of people cycling choose to use them rather than cycling on-road. 97% of cycle journeys along West Coates were recorded as being on the cycle lane, rather than the road, and 96% of cycle journeys on Leith Walk.

Cycling Scotland organises traffic surveys across Scotland to monitor changes in travel behaviour, working in partnership with all 32 local authorities at over 100 locations, with funding from Transport Scotland. Conducted biannually in May and September each year, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes such as this are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Additional analysis of data from the fixed cycle counter network in the capital, further reveals the long-term impact of investment in safer cycling infrastructure.

In the south of Edinburgh where Quiet Route 61 meets on-street cycle lanes on Gilmerton Road, 4,676 cycle journeys were recorded through September 2025, compared with 1,561 journeys in September 2021 – a 200% increase. This follows improvements for people walking and cycling at the crossing, including and physical protection for the cycle lanes.

38,611 cycle journeys were recorded by a fixed cycle counter on North Meadow Walk through September 2025 – a 20% increase on September 2021. On nearby Bruntsfield Place, a 20% increase in cycle journeys was also recorded over the same period.

Michael Owen, an 89-year-old Edinburgh resident who uses his bike most days to stay fit, said: “I’m very supportive of improvements for cycling in the city. I’m approaching 90, and I use my bike to get local shopping most days. If it’s a decent day I might add a mile or two onto my journey.

“I’ve always used my bike to keep fit, particularly to build fitness for skiing trips and sports – now it’s my main way of looking after myself. It keeps me more mobile than otherwise.

“Convenience, practical reasons… it’s my best form of transport. If I have any appointments, medical check-ups in the city centre for example, I’ll get there by bike. I realise just how much easier it is to get around and to deal with everyday things by using my bike. The physical fitness is a big thing for me, it keeps me more mobile than otherwise.”

City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The data here speaks for itself. We’ve consistently seen that where we commit to creating and improving cycling infrastructure, new users will follow.

“From supporting more liveable local neighbourhoods, to getting physical exercise and choosing to get around more sustainably, I’d encourage anyone thinking of getting on a bike this year to give it a try.

“Under our City Mobility Plan, we’re committed to making Edinburgh as easy for people to move around as possible, and cycling is one of the key sustainable transport modes that supports this.”

Nick Montgomery, Monitoring and Development Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see from the data is that where local authorities are investing in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, there are big increases in people travelling by bike.

“Future improvements would support even more people to benefit from cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way of getting around and help Edinburgh continue to grow and thrive as a city.”

Forever Edinburgh launches ‘Stay Like a Local’ campaign with Invisible Cities partnership

Local voices and leading Edinburgh ambassadors invite visitors to experience the city beyond the guidebook

Forever Edinburgh has launched Stay Like a Local, a new campaign designed to encourage visitors to experience the city through the eyes of the people who know it best.

Centred on a partnership with social enterprise Invisible Cities, the campaign showcases Edinburgh’s hidden gems, neighbourhood culture and the wide variety of stays available across the city beyond the expected.

At the heart of Stay Like a Local is a new Invisible Cities guided walking tour of the same name, created by local guides with lived experience of Edinburgh. Hear about the city from people who really know their history and the magic hidden behind the main streets and familiar tourist locations.

The tour highlights off-the-beaten-path locations, lesser-known stories and everyday places loved by locals, offering visitors a deeper and more meaningful connection with the city.

Guides share stories such as Whitefoord House on the Canongate, an 18th-century mansion that later became a print foundry before evolving into the city’s first residence for veterans, alongside hidden spaces like Dunbar’s Close Garden, a secluded pocket garden inspired by 17th-century design and Patrick Geddes’ vision for green spaces in the Old Town.

The itinerary will be available as a dedicated Stay Like a Local tour, delivered by the Invisible Cities guides, sharing their key secrets of the city with tourists.

Founded in Edinburgh, Invisible Cities is a social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides in their own city. Through storytelling, guiding and meaningful employment, Invisible Cities creates opportunities for guides while offering visitors an honest and personal perspective on place.

As a social enterprise, Invisible Cities prioritises offering ethical and sustainable tours. The partnership aligns with Forever Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting responsible tourism and community-led experiences.

The campaign is further brought to life through recommendations from a collective of Edinburgh ambassadors spanning hospitality, culture, food and drink and visitor experiences. Each ambassador shares their personal take on the perfect Edinburgh break, demonstrating how the city can be enjoyed in many different ways, from literary escapes and culinary journeys to art-led adventures and maritime explorations.

Ambassadors include founders and team members of Golden Hare Books, The Balmoral, Jupiter Artland, Mercat Tours, The Royal Yacht Britannia and Maid of the Forth. Michelin Guide chef Roberta Hall-McCarron, founder of The Little Chartroom, Ardfern and Eleanore has also shared her recommendations, alongside players from Edinburgh Rugby’s men’s and women’s teams.

Together, their recommendations illustrate the diversity of holidays available in Edinburgh, whether visitors are seeking a luxury city break, a culture-rich long weekend, a food-focused escape or an experience-led stay shaped by local knowledge.

Zakia Moulaoui Guery, founder of Invisible Cities, said: “This partnership is about showing Edinburgh as it really is, through the places and stories that matter to the people who live here. Our guides bring a perspective you won’t find in a guidebook, shaped by lived experience and a deep connection to the city.

“Being part of the Stay Like a Local campaign allows us to champion more responsible tourism, create meaningful work and invite visitors to explore Edinburgh in a way that benefits local communities.”

Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Edinburgh is a city of neighbourhoods, stories and communities, and Stay Like a Local encourages visitors to experience this in a way that is both authentic and responsible.

“Working with Invisible Cities and their ambassadors helps visitors to discover parts of the city that they might otherwise miss – from independent bookshops and galleries to historic closes and local dining – ensuring that tourism benefits our residents and businesses, as well as our visitors.”

Stay Like a Local is part of Stay Different a three-year behaviour change campaign led by Forever Edinburgh and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Find out more about Stay Like a Local, sign up to the tour and read the ambassador’s recommendations here: https://edinburgh.org/stay-like-a-local/

Scottish Gas Heats Up Murrayfield with their new Hot Seats

Scottish Gas has officially unveiled their brand-new “Hot Seats” activation at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, giving lucky customers a truly unique way to experience the Guinness Six Nations.

The Hot Seats, which debuted during Saturday’s highly anticipated Calcutta Cup, offers lucky customers the chance to enjoy the biggest fixtures in Scottish rugby from the cosiest seats in the stadium.

With temperatures during last week’s monumental victory against England dropping to around 3 °C the Hot Seats were an instant success with fans.

They are designed to resemble the living room of Scottish Gas’ brand characters, The Things, with blue, fluffy chairs and themed visuals on the surrounding walls, creating a playful, cosy space that feels like stepping straight into the home of ‘The Things’. The Hot Seats experience includes complimentary tickets, food and drinks throughout the game, and Scottish Gas hot water bottles to help keep them warm during the match.

Located in both the North and South stands inside the stadium, the Hot Seats place fans right at the centre of the action, delivering a new and unmatched matchday experience while reinforcing Scottish Gas’ commitment to supporting fans on and off the pitch.

James Corcoran, Partnerships Director at Scottish Gas, said: “The Guinness Six Nations is one of the biggest sporting moments in Scotland, and we’re always looking at how we can create memorable experiences for fans at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“The Hot Seats bring the comfort and warmth of home into the heart of the stadium, allowing our customers to enjoy the electric atmosphere of matchday while we take care of the things that matter most.”

Rex Hugill, Head of Partnership at Scottish Rugby, added: “The Guinness Men’s Six Nations is always a special occasion at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, and it’s fantastic to see partners like Scottish Gas enhancing the matchday experience in such a creative and fan-focused way.

“The Hot Seats add something unique to the stadium while staying true to what makes rugby here so special, the atmosphere, passion and community.”

Agreeing Visitor Levy spend ‘is just the beginning’

Council Leader Jane Meagher sets out the many benefits the visitor levy will bring to Edinburgh, its residents and visitors:

We’re rightly proud that so many people want to visit and enjoy our historic and beautiful city – and of the significant benefit that tourism brings to our economy.

But with that popularity comes a cost: the pressure it places on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round.

We’ve long been aware of our responsibility to manage this pressure but, as the lowest funded local authority in Scotland, we had to find other ways of funding this.

I was delighted then that, having secured the powers to introduce a visitor levy for Edinburgh, we’ve now agreed the first round of spending programmes. This investment of nearly £100 million over the next three years will allow us to sustain and enhance our reputation as one of the most popular and enjoyable destinations in the world.

As the first local authority in the UK to push ahead with a city-wide scheme, I know that other councils across the UK – together with the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments – are watching closely as they seek to develop similar schemes of their own. They should be encouraged by what they’re seeing.

Thanks to the funds generated from the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, as we now know it, we can transform our city into a cleaner, greener and more welcoming environment. We can invest more in our award-winning parks and greenspaces, doubling the number of park rangers and funding extra planting across the city.

We can help to put more police on our streets while new public toilets, upgraded bins and extra patrols will help to maintain Edinburgh’s streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to the high standard our residents and visitors expect.

We can also renew and restore attractions across Edinburgh, including bringing much-loved cultural venues like the Royal High School and Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in decades.

We’ve listened to and taken account of the views of residents, the tourism industry and other stakeholders at every stage of the process – and I’m grateful to the many Council officers, Visitor Levy Advisory Forum members, businesses and residents for their valuable contributions and support.

This is just the beginning. As the scheme develops, we’ll continue to involve communities in spending decisions in their local areas – and the Forum will continue to help ensure the views of the city are taken into account over the next three years and beyond.

I’m sure, like me, they’re looking forward to seeing the many benefits the levy will bring to our city, our residents and our visitors.

Jane Meagher’s article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

Community Energy Hustings

THURSDAY 5th MARCH at 7pm

GRASSMARKET COMMUNITY PROJECT

With the Scottish Parliament election just around the corner, the critical questions of who owns what and who benefits in the era-defining shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy are more pressing than ever.

Join us in person or online for a community energy hustings, hosted by the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (Community Energy Scotland, Community Land Scotland & Development Trusts Association Scotland) where candidates from across the political spectrum will face your questions on local power.

This is our chance to demand clear commitments on support for community-owned renewable energy, on ensuring local wealth stays local, and on making sure the energy transition benefits every household, village and town across Scotland.

Thursday 5th March

Doors open for refreshments at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm

Grassmarket Community Project, Edinburgh EH1 2QA (or join online!)

Find out more and secure your ticket here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/shape-scotlands-energy…

Clarifying the law on Religious Observance at school

Strengthening young people’s rights

Schools will now need to inform pupils when a request is made by a parent or carer to withdraw them from religious observance and to consider any objection the young person may have, under legislation backed by MSPs.

The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill was passed in a final Stage 3 vote in the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament to clarify the legal position around the withdrawal of pupils from religious observance in schools.

The changes will align legislation with existing guidance on religious observance to strengthen alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in its international form.

Once brought into effect, the legislation will strengthen pupil’s rights in relation to religious observance and religious and moral education.

Legislation which will clarify the law on religious observance in school has been passed by @ScotParl

The changes will strengthen alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

➡️https://t.co/WvX0Uzi2Gh pic.twitter.com/GTaMgephNU
— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) February 18, 2026

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This Bill strengthens the protection and promotion of children’s rights in education, as well as those of their parents and carers. It builds on the wider progress we have made around the human rights of children and young people, while also ensuring parents continue to have a say on the religious elements of their child’s education.

“I recognise the wide range of views heard as the Bill has proceeded through the Parliamentary process. We will continue to adopt a collegiate and inclusive approach as these changes are implemented, including in the development of the new statutory guidance to accompany the legislation.“

Communities to benefit from renewable energy

New proposals for onshore renewable energy developments

Communities across Scotland could see more money invested in their area as a result of onshore renewable energy developments – under new proposals published yesterday.

The proposed updates to existing community benefit guidance for onshore energy developments would recommend that local groups should receive yearly payments of £6,000 per Megawatt (MW) of onshore wind capacity – up from £5,000 per MW – for the lifetime of a project.

‘Community benefits’ are voluntary contributions provided by energy developers to local communities. Around £30 million in benefits was provided to groups across Scotland last year, supporting projects that matter most to local communities.

The proposals also include:

a new specific recommended range of £700-£1000 per MW per year for solar projects;
a new recommended level of at least £150 per MW per year for battery energy storage projects;
the pilot of a Community Benefit Peer Forum, run by Local Energy Scotland, so communities can work together, share learning and build expertise;
and improved guidance to support communities to maximise the long-term value of community benefit funds.

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “For more than 10 years, Scotland has led the way in establishing the provision of community benefits as a common and expected practice across our renewables sector.

“This has led to communities and energy developers working together to deliver tangible and long-lasting legacy benefits for local areas – along with the wider benefits of local jobs, supply chain businesses and growing local economies.

“The updated proposals outlined today seek to strike a balanced approach to future fund levels which continue to serve communities well while reflecting the market challenges for developers over recent years.

“We will continue to engage with communities and the energy sector to help refine these proposals ahead of developing our final updated Good Practice Principles later this year.”

Stephen McCarron, Chief Operating Officer at the 9 Community Councils Group, said: “The 9CC Group warmly welcome the significant updates to the Good Practice Principles and are delighted that it adopts our key asks for communities to be at the heart of the decision making regarding the funding and delivery support for local and strategic priorities.

“It’s an excellent document; comprehensive and clear on best practice while striking fair balance on the interests of developers and communities.

“A partnership approach is critical to creating a lasting legacy for our communities and whilst we will continue to promote a collaborative and wider approach in terms of communities working together, we are pleased that there is a clear distinction between those who make local decisions on funding and those who administer the fund, that avoids the risk of self interest undermining the greater good for the wider community.”

The Good Practice Principles are national guidance that sets clear expectations for developers and communities on how community benefits should be designed and delivered. Read the Working Paper on Refreshing the Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy.

Have your say on the proposals.

Third Sector Reference Group: New Members Needed

Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions. The Group is looking for new members to shape decisions and help make positive change:

Edinburgh’s Third Sector Reference group is looking for new members to shape decisions, amplify community voices and create positive change.

The Third Sector Reference Group is a place for sharing ideas and insights from our sector to help city leaders make better policy and investment decisions.

The group aims to harness the power, knowledge and impact of our sector and to take that directly to the heart of decision-making to help influence policy, strategy and service design that affects communities across the city.

TSRG Terms of Reference 2026 (pdf)

Can you help us do that?

As a Reference Group member, you will:

Share your experience and help shape better policy and services
Work collaboratively with peers, public sector partners and decision-makers
Influence decisions that impact communities and the third sector
Strengthen the collective voice of the third sector in the city’s decision-making

You will:

Act as an advocate for the third sector and the communities we serve
Contribute to meetings, workshops and consultations
Share insight, lived experience, challenge and constructively support advocacy and influencing activity that benefits the sector
Work collaboratively, in partnership and uphold high standards of integrity and accountability

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people who:

Are involved in the third sector and understand organisational sustainability
Bring lived or professional experience of working with communities
Are effective communicators and collaborative team players
Care deeply about equality, inclusion and social justice
Can commit time to attend meetings and contribute to written feedback on public policy, reports and design of future provision and support for the third sector

Time Commitment

Monthly Reference Group meetings, typically 60- 90 minutes.
Occasional events
Contribute to consultations/policies/reports

We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

How to Apply

Please submit a short expression of interest (no more than one side of A4) outlining:

Your background and connection to the third sector
What you feel you would bring to the Reference Group
Why you are interested in the role

Please email it to: tsrg@evoc.org.uk

Deadline: Mon 16 Mar 2026

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/ywkbd4kk