Edinburgh’s Conservative Group has put forward a Council budget proposing a 2.5% increase in Council Tax — the lowest of any political party on the City of Edinburgh Council and likely to be among the lowest increases anywhere in Scotland this year.
With UK inflation currently running at 3%, the Conservative proposal represents a real-terms reduction in Council Tax — effectively putting money back into the pockets of Edinburgh’s 250,000-plus households at a time when families are already feeling the squeeze from tax rises under Labour in Westminster and the SNP at Holyrood.
While Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats on the Council all back a 5% increase — significantly above the rate of inflation — and the Greens go even further with a 6% rise, the Conservatives have set out a credible alternative that lives within its means without sacrificing the services residents rely on.
The Conservative budget protects key frontline services and includes increased investment in areas residents care most about, including a dedicated fund for graffiti removal at heritage sites including the Union Canal, increased spending on road and pavement repairs, and a new Pest and Vermin Taskforce.
Councillor Iain Whyte, Conservative Group Leader, said: “Edinburgh families are already under enormous financial pressure. The last thing they need is their Council adding to that burden with above-inflation tax rises. Our budget shows you can protect services, invest in the things that matter, and still give residents a real-terms break on their bills.
“Every other party on this Council wants to charge residents more than inflation. We think that’s wrong. With over a quarter of a million households in Edinburgh, a below-inflation increase makes a real difference to real people.
“The SNP’s own First Minister said above-inflation Council Tax rises would not be reasonable. It’s a shame his colleagues on Edinburgh Council didn’t get that memo.”
The Conservative budget also rejects proposed increases to Council Tax premiums on second and empty homes, arguing that Council Tax should remain in part a charge for services used rather than solely a property tax.
The Conservative Group’s 2.5% proposal compares with most Scottish councils expected to implement increases of up to 10% or above for 2026/27.
There are approximately 250,000 households in the City of Edinburgh Council area.
Full details of the Conservative Group budget, along with the budget motions submitted by all other political groups on the Council, are available on the City of Edinburgh Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.
We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.
However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.
People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourette’s – lives with every single day.
The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through.
This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition.
People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis.
The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.
We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has released the following statement:
“COSLA is concerned to see increasing levels of toxic online behaviour and abuse directed towards Scotland’s elected members, particularly in the wake of Councils setting their budgets and council tax levels for the year.
“Councillors across Scotland are dedicated public servants carrying out their democratic duties on behalf of their communities. They deserve to do so free from intimidation, harassment, or personal attack.
“Budget decisions are taken locally, transparently, and with great care by councillors who have their communities’ best interests at heart and who work tirelessly to protect essential local services under financial constraint.
“Public debate and scrutiny are vital components of our democracy but abuse, intimidation, and targeted harassment have no place in that discussion.
“COSLA urges all individuals and organisations to engage respectfully, and to recognise that councillors are making incredibly difficult decisions as they work to safeguard essential local services within a national funding landscape that remains extremely challenging.
“In a world that feels increasingly fractured, building trust in our democracy is rooted in how we treat each other and to that end we welcome robust and open debate and discussion while remaining respectful.”
Edinburgh’s Budget Meeting will take place on Thursday (26 February).
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year, pupils across Scotland are forming friendships with Ukrainian classmates through the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme.
Pupils at Elgin Academy in Moray and Papa Westray primary school in Orkney are among 130 schools from across the UK and Ukraine taking part in the British Council initiative, funded by the UK Government, which connects schools through shared reading, creative projects and regular online exchanges designed to build empathy, resilience and global awareness.
At Elgin Academy, the S2 class of 29 pupils, aged 13–14, is now collaborating with a school in the Poltava region. The partnership has special significance at Elgin, located near RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland’s largest RAF base where many pupils come from military families.
The classes have exchanged letters, researched Remembrance Day traditions in both countries, created giant sunflowers with messages, and in January, introduced their Ukrainian friends to Robert Burns.
The class voted to share the novel “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds, only later realising the main character loves sunflower seeds, Ukraine’s national symbol. The partnership has been particularly meaningful for two Ukrainian pupils in the class, who have enjoyed speaking their own language with the Ukrainian students during video calls.
School librarian Shelagh Toonen applied for the programme following a conversation at the Edinburgh Book Festival, when a Ukrainian pupil spoke about family losses during the war.
She said: “From that experience, I thought we could probably do an awful lot more. When I saw the opportunity through the British Council, I thought it would be a great way to develop a working relationship with Ukraine and share our love of reading.”
Shelagh travelled to Poland last September to meet partner teacher Katia.
She explained: “When I met Katia, I realised they don’t have a library the way that we do.She was nearly in tears when she saw that I was gifting her some books, they have to rely on sponsors to buy books for them at the moment.”
Image: (Pupils from Elgin Academy S2 class working with their chosen book ‘Ghost’ for their Ukraine school partnership)
The video sessions have been tempered with difficulties including air raid sirens and power cuts, moments that have brought the reality of war into the Elgin classroom. Shelagh explained that their partner school is on the front line, operating under a “three bells warning” system – when sirens sound, pupils must move to shelter for online learning.
“Our pupils have definitely developed a lot of empathy throughout the project,” Shelagh said. “They’ve had a kind of gradual awakening and have come to realise what a privilege coming into school every day is.”
Neil Johnson, Head Teacher at Elgin Academy added: “In Scotland, young people’s exposure to current affairs now is very limited, and the conflict has been going on for so long that for many of them, it’s just background noise.
“This partnership makes it real and gives it a focus for our pupils.”
On Papa Westray, one of Orkney’s most remote islands and Scotland’s smallest school in the programme, Head Teacher Tim Ross leads weekly Friday morning video calls between his six pupils, aged 6–8, and eight children at Voinivskyi Lyceum in Ukraine.
The programme comes at a meaningful time for the Papay school, which after welcoming another family late last year, currently has two Ukrainian families within the school community. For them, learning about the partnership was a welcome surprise.
Tim said: “It’s been lovely to tell them about the close link we now have with the Ukrainian school. You could see their faces light up when I mentioned the project, and it demonstrates our support and interest in their experience and background.
“The children in the school have already developed a strong, supportive kindness toward Ukraine because of their friends at the school.” He said, “Even at this young age, they recognise that we’ve got friends here who’ve had to leave their home because of the war.”
Tim Ross (R), Head teacher at Papa Westray Primary School, meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Svitlana from their Ukrainian partner school during their meeting in Poland, in 2025
As part of the partnership, Tim has invited one of the Ukrainian parents to teach the whole class some basic Ukrainian phrases, using an approach that links to their daily phonics learning. He said: “It’s a great exercise for the children in experiencing another culture, listening, and sharing language, it’s also been a great way to connect the programme to our wider community.”
“The calls work best when we’re sharing fun visual learning and finding out about our shared experiences and interests,” Tim said.
“We’re proud of our friendship with Ukraine. This whole programme is about being supportive, none of these children are at fault for what’s happening, and we want to give them something positive to look forward to each week.”
Power cuts on Papa Westray can knock out electricity for six hours at a time, giving the island community an unexpected understanding of the disruptions faced by their Ukrainian partners.
Tim said: “We’ve had to miss some planned activities because of the difficulties they’re facing in Ukraine with power cuts, and the air raids. It really brings home the challenges they’re dealing with.
“But what’s been amazing is how energised both classes are about the Friday sessions. I think this regular connection has become as important for the class in Ukraine as it has for ours.”
The school has matching sets of picture books from Scotland’s Read Write Count with the First Minister scheme, which Tim gifted to the Ukrainian school during his training trip to Poland. Each week, both classes pick a book, read it in their own classrooms, and share creative activities on their video call.
Since January 2025, the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme has involved 130 schools across the UK and Ukraine, supporting approximately 23,400 young people. It is now expanding to reach a further 300 schools, with an estimated 54,000 pupils expected to benefit.
Speaking about the programme, Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland said: “With the conflict in Ukraine now entering its fifth year, this programme has helped build something very important, lasting connections between young people in Scotland and Ukraine, grounded in shared stories and friendship.
“These partnerships are a wonderful example of what the programme is all about, and the children are discovering that despite the distance and the challenges, they have far more in common than they might have imagined.
“Applications for the next round of the programme are now open, and I’d encourage schools across Scotland to get involved; it’s a meaningful opportunity to build international connections that will stay with young people for the rest of their lives.”
Schools and teachers interested in joining the programme can apply before the deadline on 2 March. To find out more, please visit:
New package of military, humanitarian and reconstruction support announced as UK steps up support for Ukraine.
Prime Minister will lead Coalition of the Willing call today as the Foreign Secretary attends official commemoration in Kyiv and Defence Secretary joins Ukrainians in London.
The UK’s security starts in Ukraine, and the continued support will make Britain and Europe stronger and more secure.
The UK is boosting support for Ukraine four years after Putin’s full-scale invasion with new military and humanitarian support. As the brutal war – which Putin thought he would win in a week – enters its fifth year, the UK Government is clear that Ukraine’s defence is Britain’s security.
Today, the Government is announcing additional support for Ukraine as the Prime Minister today convenes a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron, following their landmark declaration in January with President Zelenskyy of the UK’s intent to deploy British troops to Ukraine once peace is secured. As part of this Multinational Force for Ukraine, a 70 person HQ is up and running and preparations for UK forces are backed by £200 million funding from this government.
In Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary is expected to call out despicable ‘Russification’ tactics being deployed against innocent civilians in the Temporarily Occupied Territories in the east of Ukraine where they are forced to adopt Russian passports, Ukrainian language is prohibited, people are isolated from Ukrainian media and are arrested on arbitrary charges for any demonstration of pro-Ukrainian sentiment.
Defence Secretary John Healey will visit the Ukrainian Cathedral in London to meet those who the UK has opened up its doors to following the invasion. With Bishop Nowakowski and the Ukrainian Ambassador, he will light a candle in memory of all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “On this grim anniversary, our message to the Ukrainian people is simple: Britain is with you, stronger than ever. That is why we are announcing new support today and we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
“For all the noise in world affairs today, this war remains the most critical issue of our age. It asks the question of whether Ukrainian and European freedom will endure. Our answer, together, is unequivocal. Russia is not winning this war. They will not win this war. Ukraine’s courage continues to hold the line for our shared values, in the face of Putin’s aggression.
“We will stand by their side, until a just and lasting peace – and beyond.
“Slava Ukraini.”
The package of support announced today includes:
£20 million of new funding for emergency energy support to protect and repair the energy grid and provide additional generation capacity – fixing the damage caused by Russia’s brutal attacks over this winter and future proofing Ukraine’s energy systems for next Winter. This brings the UK’s total support for Ukrainian energy since the start of the war to over £490 million.
£5.7 million to provide humanitarian assistance to frontline communities, those who need evacuation or have been impacted by airstrikes or internal displacement. The UN and its partners are targeting 4.1 million people in Ukraine, prioritizing those experiencing the most severe conditions. The UK was the largest donor to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund in 2025
Medical mentoring – Highly skilled teams of British military surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists are mentoring Ukrainian clinicians in Ukraine. They shadow Ukrainian teams treating complex battlefield surgery, drawing on UK expertise in trauma surgery and wartime injury to help Ukrainian service personnel return to military duties or rebuild their lives as civilians.
Helicopter training – Ukrainian pilots are now training at a UK air base to become helicopter flying instructors, the first time Britain has offered rotary-wing instructor training to Ukraine. Graduates will train the next generation of Ukrainian military aviators, helping Ukraine to defend and deter.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Today I am shining a light on Russia’s disgraceful attempts to erase the Ukrainian identity, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
“From pumping the education system full of disinformation, deporting and indoctrinating children, to illegally detaining innocent civilians for acts as simple as displaying Ukrainian colours, Russia has proven its ruthless disregard for international law and human rights.
“Four years on, Russia can and must end this war. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
The Foreign Secretary will also announce £30 million of UK funding to support Ukrainian societal resilience, and drive justice and accountability efforts for victims and survivors of alleged Russian war crimes.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Four years after Putin launched his war to wipe Ukraine as a sovereign nation off the map, the UK is more determined than ever to stand strong with Ukraine. Together with allies, we’re stepping up military aid to Ukraine, and we will step up pressure on Putin.
“This was a war Putin thought he would win in a week but he underestimates the will of the Ukrainian people. With our support, they continue to fight with huge courage and defiance. Today we also mark the suffering of Ukrainians on the frontline, the families mourning loved ones and the millions displaced from home yearning for the opportunity to return with peace.
“I pay tribute to the people of Ukraine. I am proud of our UK unity and leadership on Ukraine. I am determined that we make 2026 the year this brutal war ends.”
The support announced today follows significant assistance announced by the Defence Secretary earlier this month, including a half a billion pounds of air defence support and 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), produced in Belfast, to defend Ukraine from Russia’s ongoing drone assaults.
We’re reaching out with a feel good community story we hope you’ll help us share:
At LIFT – Low Income Families Together, based at Muirhouse Millennium Centre, we are preparing for our Easter celebration taking place on Friday 3rd April, and we need the support of our amazing local businesses and community.
Every year, we support families across Edinburgh who are facing incredibly tough circumstances. For many of the children attending our Easter event, an Easter egg isn’t just chocolate, it’s a moment of joy, a sense of belonging, and a reminder that their community cares.
This year, we are inviting local businesses to be part of something truly special by donating:
Easter eggs Easter-themed gifts or treats Vouchers or small prizes for our event Baking or party food Monetary donations to help us purchase eggs and supplies
Our Easter event on 3rd April will bring families together for a day filled with fun, smiles, and celebration — and with the right support, we can ensure every child leaves with something special.
We would be so grateful if you could help us spread the word and encourage local businesses to step forward. We are also happy to acknowledge and publicly thank businesses who support the event.
Donations can be dropped off at:
LIFT – Low Income Families Together Muirhouse Millennium Centre 7 Muirhouse Medway Edinburgh EH4 4RW
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is later this week launching a new exhibition “Rag: A History of Blood.” The exhibition- which runs from Friday 27th February- uncovers the history of blood and explores the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, menstruation and menopause as well as the subject of scientific racism.
It will feature textile art created by artist Leigh Bowser and The Blood Bag Project, a craft project which raises awareness of Diamond Blackfan Anaemia and includes interviews with HIV/AIDS survivors and specialists who were working during the height of the global HIV epidemic including Edinburgh-based Dr Jacqui Mok. A first edition of rare text Antonie van Leeuwenhoek’s Arcana Naturae Detecta – the book which showed the first ever drawing of a blood cell- will be on display. The exhibition is divided into the themes of blood-based scientific discoveries, blood myths and stigma and the blood trade.
Blood has been studied and analysed for thousands of years and examined for its ability to give life, to spread disease and to sow division. Bringing together artefacts spanning scientific illustrations, textile art, interviews, early modern rare books and medicines, “Rag: A History of Blood” highlights the social, medical and cultural impact of blood.
Dr Daisy Cunynghame (curator of ‘Rag: A History of Blood’) said:“Blood is fascinating because it is so much more than a body fluid. We might need it to live, but we also need it as an idea, as a basis for our storytelling and our social taboos. We use it to mean so many things – the blue blooded, the blood brothers, each from our own bloodline.
“ We really wanted this exhibition to have a grounding of science, but to look at how the idea of blood touches all of our lives.
The idea that menstruation is a source of shame, and how that ancient idea is still with us now and still makes people ashamed to admit they are on their period, or they are going through the menopause.
“It was fascinating pouring through hundreds and hundreds of historic images of wombs in our collections and yet not being able to find any of non-pregnant women. And to read the euphemistic language used – ‘the flowers’, ‘the sickness’ and ‘the monthlies’ for menstruation, ‘the change’, ‘unthroned queen’ or ‘old maid’s anxiety’.”
We have a film for you tomorrow night at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre about rewilding. 6pm-8.45. Film starts at 6.30.
There are also two ecology and urban rewilding practitioners coming to speak to us about what we can do to restore nature in our local environments. Wouldn’t it be lovely to keep our birds singing and our local mammals living near us? The deer, badgers and foxes, whether you enjoy seeing them or not are part of our essential environment.
At the base of this food chain are the insects which the birds rely on to feed their chicks.
What can we do to preserve and even increase the natural habitats around us?
Come along and find out Tuesday night and meet some of your neighbours too!
Easter eggs
