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.”
Work on safety measures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) will be monitored by a new group made up of key infection control experts, whistleblowers and patients.
The move was announced by Health Secretary Neil Gray following evidence heard during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which was set up after a number of deaths and high levels of infection at the hospital prompted concerns about patient safety.
The Group will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – the Sir James Mackenzie Professor of General Practice at the University of Aberdeen – and Professor Jann Gardner, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
During his statement, the Health Secretary made clear that the work of this Group will not interfere with Lord Brodie’s independent inquiry and will make use of external independent scrutiny from Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Assure. Lord Brodie is expected to deliver his report later this year.
Mr Gray has also confirmed that all material relevant to the Inquiry was provided.
Mr Gray said: “I want to again recognise the profound distress experienced by patients, by grieving families, and by staff who have been impacted by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
“For many, the recent Inquiry hearings looking into the evidence relating to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, have reopened longstanding and deeply painful wounds. My thoughts remain with all those affected.
“Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered within the QEUH and RHC today.
“NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will, from today, establish a high‑level Safety and Public Confidence Oversight Group which will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – who has a very strong reputation in providing external leadership and scrutiny across the NHS – and the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Professor Jann Gardener.
“The Group will also stand ready to implement the findings from the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Enhanced reporting will be established with the Scottish Government who will provide scrutiny, challenge and support to the delivery of NHS GGC’s programme of work.
“All material relevant to the Inquiry has been preserved and submitted as evidence. Scottish Government officials are now examining how the documents referred to by the motion voted on by Parliament can be released safely and lawfully.
“This will see NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde taking significant, immediate steps to strengthen public confidence in the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children.”
Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.
Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.
Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.
“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.
“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”
The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.
Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.
Eligibility
Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Entrants must be aged 18 or over
Stories must be original and written in English
Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name
One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)
Entry Process
Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.
“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”
All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.
Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory
Tracy Gilbert MP has spoken out about the impact of knife crime in Edinburgh North and Leith, warning that violence must never become accepted as part of daily life and that stronger preventative action is urgently needed.
Ms Gilbert was speaking following Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s commitment to strengthen knife safety measures across Scotland, including tougher regulation around the sale of knives.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Knife crime cannot be normalised. The impact it has on families and communities is devastating, and the loss of John McNab is something that continues to be felt deeply across our community. No family should ever have to endure that pain.”
Ms Gilbert paid tribute to John’s mum, Lisa Petrie, whose campaigning has led to bleed kits being installed in public spaces across the constituency and beyond.
“Lisa’s strength and determination in the face of unimaginable loss is extraordinary. Her work to bring bleed kits into our community is genuinely lifesaving, and it has already made a real difference. It shows what community action can achieve when people come together.”
However, Ms Gilbert stressed that while bleed kits are vital, they are not a substitute for prevention.
“Bleed kits save lives, but they exist because violence has already occurred. Families should not be left to lead campaigns after tragedy strikes. We must do more to prevent knives from being used as weapons in the first place.”
Ms Gilbert welcomed Anas Sarwar’s commitment to enhanced knife safety measures and action to support young people.
“It is reassuring that Anas Sarwar has committed to taking knife safety seriously. Strengthening controls on knife sales, alongside action on youth violence and mental health, is an important step towards breaking this cycle.”
“Everyone in Edinburgh North and Leith deserves to feel safe in their own community.”
Scottish Cheese Academy aims to give Scottish Cheese the global status of Scotch Whisky
Tanny Gill, one of Scotland’s World Cheese Awards judges, has announced the launch of The Scottish Cheese Academy.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the Scottish Cheese Academy has been created to fill a gap in professional education, help cheese lovers learn more about Scottish cheese, and help give Scottish cheese the cultural status and global reverence of Scottish Whisky.
The Scottish Cheese Academy is the first of its kind in Scotland, and will deliver certified cheese education, bespoke hospitality training, and cultural tourism experiences, acting as the official voice for Scottish cheese expertise. Whether looking to boost a career or simply refine a palate, The Scottish Cheese Academy brings sommelier level expertise.
Recognising the need for a definitive educational body, The Scottish Cheese Academy is the only Academy of Cheese partner to cover Scottish cheese history, provenance, and product evolution alongside globally recognised certification content.
The Scottish Cheese Academy will deliver a number of services designed for luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, retailers, international visitors and cheese lovers. With delivery of the globally recognised Academy of Cheese certified programs, beginning with Level 1, The Scottish Cheese Academy will help hospitality businesses ensure staff are qualified to industry standards.
The Hospitality Partnership Programme offers staff training to help improve employee expertise and career development. Specialist Masterclasses will offer high value workshops focusing on cultural pairing, including advanced cheese and Scotch Whisky matching, Gin pairing, and seasonal wild food integration.
There are also sessions for cheese lovers and tourists with sessions designed to focus on storytelling, provenance, and the rich history of Scottish artisan food with high end sensory experiences.
Tanny Gill, Founder of The Scottish Cheese Academy, said: “The Scottish Cheese Academy was born from a desire to transform passionate industry individuals into experts, having worked from the production floor at Isle of Mull to the premium retail environment of La Fromagerie, I realised there was a missing link in how we educate our professionals.
“My goal is to raise the standard of service across the hospitality sector and champion our heritage with the same rigor applied to the world’s finest wines and whiskies.
“Hospitality teams need the confidence to sell and describe artisan cheese with the same fluency they use for wine.
“But equally, the Academy delivers the high-end sensory experiences food lovers need to truly understand the history and flavor profiles of our amazing cheeses.”
The launch is bolstered by a Strategic Advisory Board with experts from the global luxury and dairy sectors. Board members include international experts like Patricia Michelson of La Fromagerie, Andrew Baker the Chair of Highland Fine Cheeses, and Susan Sturman the Head of Makers & Mongers, establishing immediate credibility for The Scottish Cheese Academy.
Tanny Gill’s career encompasses hands-on production at Isle of Mull Cheese, specialised retail mastery at London’s iconic La Fromagerie, and over two decades in commercial leadership at Clarks Speciality Foods. One of Scotland’s only World Cheese Awards judges, Tanny Gill is also actively involved with the Royal Highland show Cheese and dairy awards, launching The Scottish Cheese Academy with international tasting credibility.
The courses at The Scottish Cheese Academy are designed to be interactive and transformative, creating confident ambassadors for Scottish cheese. The Scottish Cheese Academy is now open for inquiries regarding training partnerships, course bookings, and media collaborations.
Scotland benefits from unique package of winter heating help
Over 1.5 million winter heating payments, including more than a million payments to older people, have been made so far this winter.
The vast majority of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments – more than 1,009,000 – have now been paid. The payment has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is paid at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK.
The benefit, delivered by Social Security Scotland for the first time this winter, is designed to help people aged 66 and over with the cost of heating a home in the colder winter months.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is just one element of the unique package of winter support available in Scotland.
Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs. Over 44,000 payments have now been made.
Winter Heating Payment is a reliable, annual payment that is not triggered by weather. People can get the payment if they receive certain benefits, with over 454,500 payments made this winter so far.
Social Security Scotland’s winter payments are issued automatically in most cases.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “As the cost of heating homes continues to rise, I’m incredibly proud of the extra support which we’ve made available this winter, with over 1.5 million payments made in total.
“Our package of winter heating support, which is stronger than anywhere else in the UK, provides the helping hand that many families and individuals need to manage their bills in the winter – without waiting for temperatures to hit a certain level.”
Lynn Campbell, senior welfare rights lead at Glasgow’s Golden Generation, a charity supporting older adults in the city, said: “Pension Age Winter Heating Payment means a great deal to many older adults. It will help alleviate the stress and worry associated with rising heating costs.
“This additional financial assistance provides reassurance to them, their families, and their carers that they have not been forgotten and that their past contribution to society is recognised and valued.”
The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.
The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.
The latest survey was published yesterday.
Commenting on statistics released today in the Scottish Household Survey Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said:“Older people now make up 13% of all private renters across Scotland.
“Privately renting in later life can be difficult, especially when living on a low, fixed income. Almost one in three (32%) older private renters live in poverty. With a growing proportion of the private rented sector made up of older people, it’s vital the Scottish government ensures renters of all ages, including those who are older, can live securely.
“With the Holyrood election fast approaching, we’re calling on all parties standing for election to commit to policies to support older renters in their manifesto. Over 25,000 pensioners are on the waiting list for a social home in Scotland, with almost three quarters (74%) waiting over a year.
“The next Government must build more affordable social housing. They must also improve access to, and increase funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments. These can help make up the shortfall between Housing Benefit and rental costs.
“They are vital to avoid older people making dangerous cutbacks on essentials like food and heating to be able to afford their rent, but most older people who could potentially access them are unaware they exist.”
