Month: February 2026

Nat Cen British Social Attitudes Survey: 81% Scots back Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults

In the weeks before the final vote in the Scottish Parliament on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, new findings from the British Social Attitudes Survey show that an overwhelming majority of Scots (81%) support assisted dying for terminally ill people.

The report notes that the public has long been in support of a change in the law, and that this support remains unchanged despite the intensive debate regarding the issue over the last year.

Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “These findings are a powerful reminder that the Scottish public has long supported giving dying people the choice and control they desperately need, and that this support has not wavered despite intense scrutiny and debate.

“Without a change in the law terminally ill Scots facing a bad death are forced to contemplate a series of desperate decisions, from trying to go to Switzerland, stopping eating and drinking, taking matters into their own hands in lonely and often brutal ways, or suffering against their will. The most dangerous thing the Parliament can do here is nothing and allow this situation to persist.

“When MSPs voted in favour of Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying Bill at Stage 1 last year, they gave dying Scots and those who had watched a loved one suffer real hope that such suffering will be consigned to the past.

“It’s clear that the public expect the Scottish Parliament to deliver on this issue and pass the Bill next month.”

Emma Cooper, Convenor, Friends at the End (FATE) said: ““It is very clear that there is sustained, overwhelming public support from Scottish people for assisted dying to be introduced in Scotland.

“No one should have to endure a bad death because the law has failed to provide a compassionate choice.

“Too many people have suffered and seen loved ones suffer unnecessarily.

“MSPs should listen to the will of the people and pass this deeply considered and highly safeguarded legislation, rather than listening to misleading information perpetuated by a few loud and misrepresentative voices.”

The British Social Attitudes Survey 2025 is available from: https://natcen.ac.uk/

BSA_First_Look[1] (2)Download

Strengthening the third sector

A partnership to boost outcomes and better support communities

The Scottish Government will develop an agreement with the third sector to strengthen its voice and improve lives, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has said.  

The Third Sector Partnership will be co-designed with the sector, guided by some of the key principles in the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation’s 2026 manifesto, to set out how both can work together to enhance services.  

This includes: 

  • protecting the sector’s future and independence with fairer funding
  • a focus on shared goals to improve outcomes for people and communities
  • providing greater opportunity to contribute to policy and service design 

Ms Somerville said: “Scotland’s third sector is essential to the wellbeing of our communities. From local charities supporting vulnerable families to national organisations tackling poverty and inequality, they reach people and places that government cannot reach alone. 

“This partnership will put our relationship with the third sector on a clear, principled footing, strengthening their voice and improving lives. It builds on our commitment to fairer funding and signals that we value the sector as an essential delivery partner and as an independent, strong voice that provides support for people across the country every single day.” 

The Scottish Government intends to work with partner organisations and the wider third sector to develop and refine the agreement in the next Scottish Parliament, subject to the outcome of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. 

This is in addition to delivering a Fairer Funding pilot that provides multi-year funding worth more than £130 million over 2025-2027, prioritising organisations that deliver frontline services and tackle child poverty.

Welcoming the Scottish Government’s commitment to a “Third Sector Partnership”, Anna Fowlie, SCVO Chief Executive, said: “Voluntary organisations are at the heart of Scotland’s response to the biggest challenges we face. They make our communities better places to live. Too often, however, public bodies overlook the voluntary sector in planning, decision-making and delivery. That must change.   

“To ensure that our sector is properly recognised as an essential partner, we need the right infrastructure in place – to support genuine partnership working between the voluntary and public sectors. Our manifesto sets out why a formalised relationship, set in law, would help achieve this. We welcome all commitments that move Scotland closer to achieving that goal and will engage constructively with their development. 

“It is essential that any future scheme is properly resourced, and co-designed with the voluntary sector, so that it reflects, from the start, the experience, evidence and needs of Scotland’s essential sector.” 

SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto, Scotland’s Essential Sector, is available here: https://scvo.scot/about/manifesto-2026

The draft Scottish Budget 2026-2027 commits a dedicated £20 million fund for third sector partners to deliver support that people need in their communities. 

The Gathering is organised by SCVO and runs on 10 and 11 February 2026.  

A Fairer Funding pilot to deliver on the Scottish Government’s top priority of eradicating child poverty. The Pilot commenced in April 2025 and consists of 51 separate grants, totalling over £130m over 2025-26 and 2026-27 to organisations across Scotland. 

PYCP: Community Chat & Chill Cafe

STARTS THIS THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY: 12 – 2PM

To all our local neighbours:

For the next 7 weeks we are trialling a warm safe space for our Chat & Chill Cafe. Our first one is this Thursday 12 February midday to 2pm.

Whether you have children attending PYCP or not, EVERYONE in our community is welcome to join us.

Pop in, chill out and enjoy a warm space filled with good vibes and good company.

We will be serving up free homemade soup, tasty sandwiches and some extra treats to brighten your day.

Each session comes with giveaway goodies and a lively round of prize bingo (no cost to you).

We will also have our Pop up shop of affordable clothing if you want to browse and pick up some bargains (cash and card payments taken for this). Any money raised goes staight back in to the running of the clubs and groups.

If you think you can make it for our first Chat & Chill then it would be great if you can give us a quick message or send an email to info@pycp.co.uk

Thanks

PY Team

PS> If you can’t make this week, then plenty of other dates in the flyer!

Specsavers Home Visits partners mark total of 35 years of customer care

TWO directors who lead the Specsavers Home Visits team across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders both celebrate major career milestones this year, marking a cumulative 35 years with Specsavers caring for the eyesight of local communities across Scotland.

Home Visits partner Lynne Seebaluck began her optical career as an optical assistant for Specsavers in East Kilbride, qualifying as a dispensing optician before moving to the Specsavers store in Bellshill as a retail manager.

At the store, Lynne completed an ILM management course, as well as her Hearing Aid Audiology diploma, moving onto an audiology role as well as store manager.

Lynne became a partner at the Edinburgh Home Visits team in 2022 and brought her experiences, particularly in audiology, to the team – mentoring several team members through their own audiology qualifications.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, Lynne says: ‘I have had such a varied career with Specsavers and there are so many people to thank for making my career such a rewarding one.

“From the directors I’ve worked for over the years, to the great teams I have worked with, even my husband David, who also works for Specsavers.

‘Since I joined as the partner for the Home Visits team, it’s been incredible being able to pay a visit to so many amazing customers. They are so grateful for the service, and they always have super stories to share.

“I’d also like to thank our incredible team of opticians, optical assistants, dispensing opticians, schedulers and audiologists. All of them are amazing and help us to provide the best care to the communities we work in.’ 

Fellow partner Laura Owens also marks a milestone of 15 years, starting her Specsavers career in a frontline customer service role before progressing through roles such as optical assistant and into a variety of leadership and managements positions.

She joined the Home Visits team back in 2022 and now serves as customer service director for the business, with a strong focus on team wellbeing and patient care at the heart of her day-to-day.

Laura says: ‘My journey with Specsavers has been both rewarding and transformative. I love that we’re not just delivering eye care and audiology services, we’re making a real difference in people’s lives and delivering total care, especially in the home visits space where many of our patients are vulnerable or isolated.

‘Hitting this milestone, I’m also very excited about continuing to shape the future of our Home Visits team. My focus is on driving awareness and making eye and ear care more accessible to those who need it, while ensuring our teams feel supported and empowered.

She adds: ‘I’d like to thank my incredible team both past and present for their dedication, resilience, and heart. Every success we’ve had is a reflection of their hard work and compassion. It’s truly a privilege to be part of a business that truly puts people first.’


For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/request-a-free-home-visit or call 0808 239 4492 to book a home visit.

Pirates of Caribbean and Game of Thrones stars join star-studded guest line-up for Capital Sci-Fi Con 2026

Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally and Game of Thrones actor Murray McArthur are the latest stars to join the guest list for this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con which will take place later this month in Edinburgh in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

The unmissable event, which attracts thousands of fans each year, is on at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on February 21 and 22.

Organisers are promising an action-packed weekend of celebrity guests, cosplay, and immersive experiences, all in aid of CHAS.

Although most famous for starring in Pirates of the Caribbean, Kevin McNally has also appeared in many other films and TV shows including Doctor Who. 

Murray McArthur, who plays the Wildling chieftain, Dim Dalba in Game of Thrones has also starred in Doctor Who as well as films such as How to Train Your Dragon and Wonka.

Other famous faces attending this year’s event include Deadpool and Wolverine canine star Dogpool, whose real name is Peggy, Emmett J Scanlan (Guardians of the Galaxy), Dee Tails (Star Wars movies) and Samantha Alleyne, best known for being the first female Stormtrooper in Star Wars.

Popular voice actors Rich Keeble and Maxence Cazorla from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Nola Klopp from Murder Drones who is also a singer and songwriter, will be in attendance to greet fans too.

Props for this year include exciting replicas from fandoms such as Stranger Things, Ghostbusters, Alien and Judge Dredd. There will also be a dedicated gaming room with an which includes a Super Mario section. For younger guests there will be famous cartoon mascots such as Sonia and Stitch, Minions and Moana.  There will also be a Little Mermaid throne and dinosaur inflatables.

Every ticket purchased helps the charity provide essential care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families,

The event has raised an incredible £484,014.62 since 2016 when it was originally set up by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser and community superhero, Keith Armour.

CHAS now runs Capital Sci-Fi Con itself although Keith is still involved in an advisory capacity along with a committee of dedicated volunteers.

Con guests have the chance to sign up to the LEGO Walk Challenge on the Sunday which involves walking barefoot across LEGO in aid of CHAS.

There will also be a spectacular range of trader stalls and artist areas with a large show floor for the perfect shopping experience for everyone across all fandoms.

Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS said, “We are delighted to be bringing CHAS’s Sci-Fi Con back to Edinburgh for an 11th year and excited to welcome Kevin McNally, Murray McArthur and all our other wonderful guests.

“Our Con has grown into one of Scotland’s most loved fan events, welcoming thousands of visitors from every corner of the country and beyond. It’s the ultimate place to celebrate all things pop culture—and a fantastic day out for fans of every age.

“From meeting your heroes and getting treasured autographs or photo ops, to hearing guests speak live on stage about their latest projects and iconic roles, there’s something unforgettable around every corner. Don’t miss out—tickets are selling fast, so get yours now!”

To find out more about Capital Sci-Fi Con 2025 and buy tickets visit: 

https://www.capitalscificon.com/tickets.html.  

Further information is also available via the event’s Facebook page.

Children First urges families living in poverty in Edinburgh to contact them for help

This winter, Children First is urging families in Edinburgh struggling to make ends meet to call its national support line. 

The charity’s experienced team can give confidential assistance with money worries, and thanks to extra funding from the Scottish Government, can provide emergency support to families living in poverty.   

As well as immediate help, every family that contacts the charity’s support line will be offered expert debt management advice, support to access benefits, and guidance to help families build a more secure financial future. 

Thanks to partners British Gas Energy Trust, the charity is also able to offer eligible families new white goods ranging from fridges to washing machines – but only until the end of February. 

In 2025, the charity’s support line helped nearly 1,500 families with money worries. The team put £1.8 million back into household budgets and supported families to manage over £1 million pounds in debts.  

Simon McGowan, Assistant Director at Children First, said: “We know it can feel hard to talk about money worries, but getting help early can make an enormous difference. Our friendly team listens without judgement and helps parents and carers get the support they need to make life better for their children. 

“As well as immediate financial help to alleviate a crisis, we can offer practical, down-to-earth help with budgeting, benefits, debt and energy bills. And thanks to British Gas Energy Trust, until the end of February we can provide white goods like washing machines and fridges to families living without these essentials. 

“We want parents and carers to know they don’t need to face their money worries alone. If you’re struggling, please get in touch. We can help you straight away. 

“Call the support line team free on 08000 28 22 33 from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday or start a webchat with the team on our website at www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline.” 

When Amy* first called Children First’s support line, she was at breaking point. Trapped in a damp flat with two young children, suffering from postnatal depression and £190 short every month, she felt invisible and hopeless. 

Children First’s support line arranged immediate food and heating support so Amy’s children could stay warm and fed. They secured £1,500 from the Home Heating Fund and negotiated lower bills, cutting Amy’s broadband by £38 per month. The team also secured £180 per month in child maintenance and connected Amy to housing, mental health and local family support services. 

Amy’s financial situation improved by more than £4,500, lifting a weight off her shoulders and helping give her and her children a brighter, more secure future. 

Amy said: “I felt invisible before I called. Now I feel like someone is on my side. My kids are happy, and I can breathe again.” 

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the family. 

In January 2026, Children First was awarded £1.5m in funding from the Scottish Government to provide extra emergency support to families in crisis as part of the national mission to eradicate child poverty.

Find out more here: £10m emergency support for families – gov.scot 

Operation Kenova: MPs call on Government to formally name agent Stakeknife

A cross-party committee of MPs is calling on the Government to formally name Stakeknife – a British Army agent who worked within the IRA in the 1980s and was suspected of direct involvement in numerous murders.

Read the report [PDF]

In a report published today, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee concludes that revealing the identity of Stakeknife would be strongly in the public interest and help build trust and confidence in the agencies of the state among all communities.

The recommendation follows last month’s evidence session on Operation Kenova where the Committee heard from the current and former lead officers of the investigation, which was set up to examine Stakeknife’s activities during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Operation Kenova was unable to confirm Stakeknife’s identity in last year’s final report after the Government refused its authorisation to do so, while successive governments have cited the long standing policy of ‘Neither Confirm Nor Deny’ (NCND). 

In December, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said that the Government was considering its position on naming Stakeknife following a Supreme Court judgment related to the disclosure of intelligence information in the case of the murder of Paul Thompson.

Today’s report from MPs says that the Committee has been reassured that formal identification would not put any active agents at risk, discourage existing agents from continuing their work, or deter the recruitment of new agents. 

Naming Stakeknife would also indicate to agents guilty of conduct beyond acceptable limits that they will not be protected or shielded from the consequences of their actions, the Committee concludes.

Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “As Operation Kenova’s final report makes clear, the ongoing refusal to confirm or deny Stakeknife’s identity is having a profound and lasting effect on victims and their families who have already been through so much. 

“Given the reassurances we’ve heard that active agents won’t be put in harm’s way and future recruitment won’t be compromised, formal identification in this specific instance is appropriate, proportionate and in the public interest. 

“By naming Stakeknife, the Government can send a strong signal that agents who cross a line will not receive the protection of anonymity and help to build trust and confidence across all communities in Northern Ireland.”

The Committee recommends that the Government should review, in consultation with MI5 and PSNI, the application of NCND in all legacy related cases, considering specifically the principles outlined in this Report.

The Committee also plans to monitor Government progress on the implementation of Operation Kenova’s other conclusions and recommendations.

Stakeknife has been widely identified as Freddie Scappaticci, who died in 2023.

Charity calls on policy makers to address the financial cost of having a child in inpatient or outpatient care

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity says the Young Patients Family Fund is failing the families who need it most

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) has launched its manifesto – Families on the brink – ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections calling for an overhaul of the Young Patients Family Fund. 

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC said: “The current system, while well intentioned, is failing the families who need it most. Parents already stretched to the limit are being pushed into a deeper financial crisis by reimbursement policies that ignore the realities of everyday life.”

The charity has outlined measures in its manifesto to change the system to a cash-first approach over reimbursement as well as expanding the criteria to cover families attending regular outpatient appointments, rather than just inpatient care. 

ECHC provides seriously ill children and their families with the extra support they need when facing a potentially life-changing hospital visit. It sees first hand the number of families who  simply can’t afford to pay upfront for travel, food, or accommodation – let alone wait weeks to be reimbursed. 

For some families, even when they have been reimbursed the money doesn’t reach them as it can be swallowed by overdrafts or used to repay public debts the moment it hits their account. The fund also doesn’t support families who don’t have a bank account or are unable to navigate the complex claims process. 

ECHC believes the eligibility criteria should be expanded beyond inpatient appointments as outpatient appointments can be just as costly for families. Children who need frequent outpatient care – like chemotherapy or treatments for chronic conditions such as Crohn’s – often attend more than five appointments a year.  That results in five days of missed work. Five days of travel costs. And, five days of disruption to school, siblings, and family life.

Roslyn Neely added: “Ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections we want policymakers to show families who have a young person regularly visiting or staying in hospital that they understand their reality. They understand that families who are already exhausted and stretched to their limits, feeling unsupported by the system, don’t have to be financially drained as well. 

“Simple changes to the Young Patients Family Fund would ease the pressure on families who are struggling, and make what could be a potentially life changing or life threatening experience, just a little bit more manageable.” 

The Scottish Government budget for 2026/27 has allocated £3.2 million to the fund, a reduction from £5 million from when it was introduced in 2021. 

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity – Scottish Election 2026 – ManifestoDownload

Corn Exchange assault: Do you know these men?

Police Scotland has released CCTV images of two people they believe may be able to assist in an ongoing investigation into an assault that occurred within the Corn Exchange, New Market Road, Edinburgh on Saturday, 21 June, 2025, at around 11pm.

The first person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, of medium build and with blond hair. They were wearing a white ‘Loewe’ t-shirt, blue jeans, and has tattoos on both arms.

The second person is described as being a white male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, with short black hair. They were wearing a white t-shirt, black jeans and trainers.

Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We would ask the people in the images, or anyone who recognises them, to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has information that may assist with this investigation is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0848 of Sunday, 23 June 2025.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.