Tomorrow is a special day for us here at FetLor, as some of our staff and young people will be taking part in a 10K fun run to raise funds for our Duke of Edinburgh Programme.
This is hosted by Fettes College who we will be running alongside 
The government must overcome ongoing challenges including a lack of available housing and poor data to ensure its programme to resettle thousands of Afghan citizens in the UK is successfully completed, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report.
Since 2010, the government has offered resettlement in the UK to certain groups of Afghan citizens, including people who worked with the UK government in some capacity during its military presence in Afghanistan. This work sometimes came with significant risk to those Afghan citizens and their families, who feared reprisals from the Taliban.
Although the schemes closed to new applicants in July 2025, thousands of Afghans are still being processed for resettlement.3 As at November 2025, 29,655 people were waiting to hear the results of their eligibility assessments.
Between April 2021 and December 2025, 37,950 people arrived in the UK under the schemes and, as at February 2025, the government estimated it would ultimately resettle around 9,000 more. Of those resettled, as at December 2025, 80% were living in settled accommodation.
The government anticipates that its work to resettle and integrate people will continue until 2032-33, costing a total of £5.7 billion. It spent £3.1 billion on the schemes between April 2021 and December 2025, meaning a significant proportion of the costs have not yet been incurred.
Several government departments worked at pace under complex and demanding circumstances when establishing the schemes, especially after the Taliban takeover resulted in a far greater number of people applying and becoming eligible for resettlement than had originally been envisaged.
The need to respond quickly, coupled with departments being responsible for different groups of people and resettlement stages, meant that the schemes became complex and inefficient. This is likely to have led to higher costs and worse outcomes for resettled people.
To address these challenges, in December 2024 the government merged the resettlement schemes into a combined Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), which aims to bring all eligible Afghan citizens to the UK by March 2029 and to have moved those citizens out of transitional accommodation by December 2029.
Although the creation of the ARP has led to some improvements, significant risks remain. These include poor data on the people to be resettled and their needs, and a lack of available housing, resulting in greater than anticipated levels of resettled people becoming homeless.
To ensure the successful completion of the ARP, the NAO recommends that the UK government:
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Government departments have worked together in challenging conditions to resettle thousands of Afghan citizens who were at risk of reprisals from the Taliban.
“Although progress has been made under the new Afghan Resettlement Programme, the government has more to do to successfully resettle the affected people in the UK.”
A new active travel route from the Foot of the Walk to Dock Street was officially opened this week by the Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson.
The route was supported by over £4.6 million investment from Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund for construction in 2024-25 and 2025-26. There was also over £360,000 Scottish Government funding for the design, through Walk Wheel Cycle Trust’s Places for Everyone programme.
This marks the completion of the most recent phase of the Leith Connections project, which aims to improve connectivity, safety and accessibility for everyone who lives in or spends time in the area.
Under this phase, we have now completed 850 metres of two-way segregated cycle track which connects to existing segregated infrastructure installed on Leith Walk, Portobello, the Water of Leith path and on to the North Edinburgh Path Network.
Other improvements include a new signalised junction with pedestrian crossings, new paving, seating and planting, alongside sustainable drainage. Full details are available on our website.
Alongside this progress, we’ve also seen encouraging new data on active travel not just in the north of Edinburgh but across the city.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust has recently published their Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index for 2025.
This showed that 69% of residents walk or wheel at least five days a week, alongside overall increases in walking and wheeling journeys, and improved safety perceptions when walking and cycling.
Over 40% of respondents also said they’d like to walk and cycle more, with a further 57% of supporting shifting investment from road-building schemes to fund walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.
Just last month Cycling Scotland released new data from their September 2025 surveys, showing an increase in cycling journeys at 11 different sites citywide.
West Coates on the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) recorded its highest cycling rate yet of 9.3%, with York Place seeing 1,921 bikes in the 48-hour survey period. Leith Walk also saw a new record rate of 9.71%, with 4,744 journeys. ‘Cycling rate’ here refers to the percentage of trips using a specific transport mode. Other examples include walking or using public transport.
We’re now looking ahead to the next phase of Leith Connections which will span from the Hawthornvale Path to Seafield.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Today is a key milestone in our plans to transform Leith and the north of the city into a better place for everyone.
“From making it easier to get around through to creating more pleasant places to spend time in, whilst ensuring safety and connectivity are at the heart of the scheme – I’m very excited for these benefits to start becoming a reality.
“I’m grateful for the patience and understanding of local residents and businesses as we complete this important work.
“On the wider picture of active travel in Edinburgh, the data speaks for itself. When we invest in good, sustainable infrastructure then people will use it.
“I look forward to seeing how the next phase progresses as we continue to work alongside our partners and the local community.”
Fiona MacLeod, Director for Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland at Walk, Wheel and Cycle Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see this phase of Leith Connections completed, a project that is creating real transport choice for local people. This new route makes it easier, safer and much more pleasant to travel between Leith Walk and the Shore – whether you’re walking, using a wheelchair, pushing a buggy, or hopping on the bike.
“As well as creating healthier and fairer options for getting around, the improvements have revitalised the surrounding public spaces into a welcoming and inclusive area that people want to spend time in with friends and family, and by visiting local businesses.
“With more projects like this being constructed across the city, the data shows that people in Edinburgh support this investment – recognising the benefits active travel brings to their health and wellbeing, their pockets, and to their communities.”
Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s clear from the data that new, well-connected, protected cycle lanes are helping more people to travel efficiently and affordably by bike, with notable morning rush hour peaks.
“The rapid success in Edinburgh, and increases in cycling where other routes are being built in Scotland, show just how strong the appetite is for safe, dedicated cycling infrastructure that takes people conveniently from A to B.
“Supporting more people to travel by bike benefits our health, reduces harmful pollution and our impact on the climate. Beyond this, it also gives people a meaningful way of saving money on everyday transport. We need more cycling routes just like these and safer roads for everyone, to bring these advantages to more people across the country.”
Wide-ranging measures have been unveiled to place Scotland at the forefront of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
Scotland’s AI Strategy sets out a five-year plan to ensure people, businesses and public services across the country benefit from AI.
Independent analysis estimates the AI sector could be worth £23 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035 and the Strategy details increased support for businesses to expand the use of AI to develop new products and services, grow market share and generate new jobs and investment.
Initiatives to be implemented in the first year include:
Launching the Strategy at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The unprecedented pace at which AI is increasing and evolving presents an enormous opportunity.
“It has the potential to be genuinely transformative – for every sector of our economy, and for people from all backgrounds and communities.
“This strategy sets out a clear plan to harness the economic and social benefits of AI responsibly with practical, tangible steps to be taken this year to help ensure we translate our innovation and expertise into more businesses, jobs and investment.
“In establishing AI Scotland we will use the expertise of our enterprise agencies, The Data Lab and other partners to lead an accelerated, co-ordinated approach to ensure Scotland’s economy and society reaps the rewards of this incredible technology.”
Did you know that 1 in 5 older adults has experienced an online scam—with billions of pounds lost every year?
To help tackle this growing issue, we’re hosting a free, practical, and easy-to-understand workshop designed especially for older adults and their families.
Learn how to recognise and respond to AI-driven misinformation, including:
• Deepfakes
• Online scams
• Misleading content on TV, messaging apps, and social media
This session is interactive, supportive, and completely non-technical—no prior knowledge needed.
Join us and gain the confidence to stay safe in today’s digital world.
Spaces are free—don’t miss out!
Mon 13th April 6.30 pm at Stockbridge Library
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here.
Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly.
“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear.
“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”
Vaccination against meningitis
The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.
There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.
Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.
Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.
Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations
More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland (ATLS) has hailed Thursday night’s packed Glasgow candidate launch at the Renfield Training and Conference Centre as “the moment Glasgow’s working class put Holyrood on notice that wasted list votes are no longer acceptable.”
Speaking to an overflowing audience, Glasgow Regional List lead candidate Tommy Sheridan argued that the old “SNP 1 & SNP 2” message has repeatedly failed to deliver additional independence representation for Glasgow on the regional list, and has instead handed list seats to Labour and the Conservatives in a city that votes Yes.
In Glasgow alone, around 245,000 SNP second votes (SNP2-Regional List Vote) across the last two Holyrood elections failed to elect a single SNP list MSP, while Labour and the Tories took all seven regional seats in our Yes city.
Sheridan pointed to the Scottish Parliament elections of 2016 and 2021, where the SNP swept all nine Glasgow constituency seats yet failed to secure a single additional regional list MSP in the city, despite topping the regional vote on both occasions.
In 2021, Glasgow’s regional list MSPs were returned as four Labour, two Conservative and one Green, but zero SNP list MSPs, even though the SNP won the largest share of the list vote.
Tommy Sheridan said: “The facts are crystal clear. In Glasgow, in both 2016 and 2021, tens of thousands of SNP list votes did not elect a single additional pro-independence MSP. Those ‘SNP 2’ votes were effectively wasted, while Labour and Tory unionists walked into Holyrood from the Glasgow list. That cannot be allowed to happen again in a Yes city.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland exists to give Glasgow’s working class a hard, effective independence vote on the list. A list vote for ATLS is not a gesture – it is the serious business of putting more pro-independence fighters into parliament and cutting the number of unionist MSPs sent from this city.”
Independent analysis of past elections has repeatedly highlighted how large blocks of list votes for parties already dominant in the constituencies can fail to translate into list seats under Scotland’s Additional Member System, particularly in regions such as Glasgow, where one party already holds most or all constituency seats.
Second-placed Glasgow list candidate Dhruva Kumar, who chaired the event, said the campaign would speak directly to working-class voters across all of Glasgow’s communities:
Dhruva Kumar said: “Last night showed that Glasgow’s working people – old and new, from every background – are hungry for a serious, disciplined independence strategy.
“This campaign is about unity and action. When people give their list vote to the Alliance, they are turning frustration into seats, anger into votes, and hope into hard numbers for independence at Holyrood. Glasgow’s working class built this city, now we intend to help them win the power to shape its future.”
Glasgow list candidate Gail Sheridan stressed that ATLS offers determined, grassroots-rooted representation rather than careerist politics. She said: “I’ve stood with Tommy through every major battle for justice and independence in this city.
What we heard from the floor last night was clear: people are tired of politicians who talk about independence but park it the day after the election.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland is different. We are rooted in working-class Glasgow, we are organised, and we are ready to fight tooth and nail in Holyrood for decent wages, warm homes and real self-determination. A list vote for ATLS is an independence vote that counts.”
Glasgow list candidate Hilda McMahon drew a direct line from Glasgow’s radical history to the new Alliance campaign. She said: “Glasgow has never begged for change; it has organised for it.
“From Mary Barbour to Jimmy Reid and John Maclean, our city’s heroes understood that real power comes when working people stand together. The Alliance to Liberate Scotland is carrying that flame into the 2026 Holyrood election.
“We are deadly serious about increasing the number of pro-independence MSPs and finally delivering the self-determination that the people of Scotland demand.”
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland insists that, in the 2026 Holyrood election, a Glasgow Regional List vote for ATLS is the most effective way for independence supporters in the city to turn previously wasted list votes into additional pro-independence MSPs, strengthening the voice of Glasgow’s working class at the heart of Scotland’s democracy.
Scotland is set to become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, giving women clear information about the care and support they can expect from the NHS.
The charter, commissioned by the Scottish Government and developed in partnership with baby loss charities Tommy’s, Held In Our Hearts and the Miscarriage Association, sets out the rights and entitlements women should receive during and following a miscarriage.
It builds on the Scottish Government’s Delivery Framework for Miscarriage Care, which is changing the way in which NHS Boards support women — ensuring they are supported after a first miscarriage, rather than after three.
Women across Scotland should be able to access private spaces in hospitals, progesterone treatment where clinically appropriate, and compassionate, culturally competent bereavement support with additional improved information available online and in printed patient leaflets in 18 languages including BSL and audio formats.
Public Health and Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Miscarriage is devastating, and for too long women have not had the care and support they deserve.
“That is changing. Scotland will become the first country in the UK to publish a miscarriage patient charter, meaning women know exactly how they will be supported by health services following their loss.
“This charter is a landmark moment — it tells women clearly what they should expect from their NHS, and it holds services to account for delivering it. Scotland is leading the way, and I am proud of the progress NHS Boards, and our charity partners have made together.”
Kath Abrahams, Chief Executive of Tommy’s, said: “The care and support offered to women after a miscarriage in the UK has for too long been inconsistent and inadequate.
“We welcome the commitment to change that for women in Scotland, and we’re delighted to have worked with the Scottish Government to create its charter for miscarriage care.
“We will continue to push for similar improvements across the UK and for the roll-out of Tommy’s Graded Model of Miscarriage Care, which promises women support and care from their first miscarriage rather than only after their third.”
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain and Lithuania on the Strait of Hormuz:
We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.
We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.
We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.
Following publication, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain and Lithuania confirmed they also joined this joint leaders’ statement.
One parent families are being urged to check if they are eligible for social security support this National Single Parents Day (21 March 2026).
Lone parent families make up 24% of all families in Scotland with 87% headed by women. As one of the household types most vulnerable to financial pressures, they are disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis, often cutting back on essentials. Research shows 70% have no or low savings and are more likely to be in debt or arrears.
Social Security Scotland’s package of support for families – including Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, could make a difference to household budgets. Updated calculations for 2026/27 show they could be worth £11,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, and around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16. This compares to less than £2,000 for families in England and Wales, where support ends when an eligible child turns four.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is urging all parents and carers — including single parents — to find out if they are eligible.
Ms Somerville said: “We know that families are struggling to make ends meet and National Single Parents Day is a timely reminder that lone parent families are particularly vulnerable, but help is available.
“The Scottish Government is providing families right across Scotland with the best cost-of-living support package in the UK. This financial support can boost household incomes and help families pay for everyday essentials such as nutritious food and clothes, helping to ensure a child’s circumstances doesn’t stop them getting the best start in life.”
Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, added: “Too many single parents are still facing the daily challenge of making ends meet. With four in ten children in single parent families living in poverty, financial support such as the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants can make a real difference.
“These payments provide vital help directly to families who need it most, easing the pressure of rising living costs and helping ensure children have the essentials they need to thrive. One Parent Families Scotland is proud to continue working alongside Social Security Scotland to support single parents understand and access the support they are entitled to.”
Michelle Goldie, a single mum of three from Edinburgh said: “As a single parent, Scottish Child Payment has been a huge help to me. I have three young daughters, and the extra money allows us to do activities together and enables the girls to attend clubs.
“I feel that there is a stigma around being a single parent and around asking for help which is a shame as it may put people off from applying. I encourage all parents, including single parents, to check if they are eligible for support and get the help they are entitled to. It may make all the difference.”
National Single Parents Day is celebrated annually on 21 March to recognise the dedication of single parents and highlight available support.
