Day: April 22, 2026

Letter: The D’Hondt Disaster

How the Independence Movement is Mathematically Defeating Itself

Dear Editor,

For years, the Scottish independence movement has been shackled by a fundamental misunderstanding of Holyrood’s Additional Member System.

The persistent rallying cry of “SNP 1, SNP 2” has not only failed to maximise our representation, but it has actively handed parliamentary power to unionist MSPs. The electoral facts prove that millions of pro-independence votes are being routinely wasted.

In the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP dominated the constituency ballot, winning 59 seats. However, the regional list system mathematically penalises parties that win heavily in the constituencies.

Consequently, the SNP’s 953,587 regional list votes yielded a mere 4 list seats.

The D’Hondt formula rendered nearly a million peach ballot votes virtually worthless, allowing the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour to use their regional votes to sweep 24 and 21 list seats, respectively.

In 2021, this electoral tragedy repeated itself. Pro-independence voters dutifully followed the dual-vote strategy, helping the SNP win a record 62 constituency seats.

Yet, despite securing over a million votes on the regional list, the SNP returned just 2 regional MSPs. Over a million independence votes were essentially torched. This inefficiency directly enabled unionist parties to comfortably fill the regional lists, artificially inflating their influence in parliament.

I argue that some still argue for an “Indy 1, Indy 2” approach, assuming that backing the same dominant independence party on the peach ballot paper will secure victory. It fundamentally does not work for the Scottish Independence movement. Continuing to pile list votes onto a party that has already swept the constituencies is mathematically self-defeating.

To break this deadlock and secure a genuine pro-independence supermajority, our strategy must evolve. We must stop throwing our regional votes into the D’Hondt trap. The formula for success is clear: it has to be Indy 1 on the constituency ballot, and Alliance to Liberate Scotland 2 on the regional vote on the peach ballot paper.

Only by splitting our votes strategically can we capture the regional lists, lock unionist MSPs out of Holyrood, and finally deliver the parliament Scotland needs to secure its independence.

Yours for Scotland,

Dhruva Kumar
Glasgow Region List Candidate
Alliance to Liberate Scotland
Former MP Candidate, Glasgow, ALBA Party

Spring Forage at Leith Community Croft

Join us at Leith Community Croft for a playful gathering rooted in nature, foraging, and connection.

This is a guided, small-group experience designed to help you step out of the noise of daily life and into something a little softer, a little lighter — where curiosity, play, and presence lead the way.

Dates:

• Saturday, 2 May, 1-3pm

• Saturday, 16 May, 1-3pm

• Saturday, 30 May, 1-3pm

What to expect:

• A warm, informal welcome to the space

• Playful time outdoors (slow wandering, noticing, playful exploration of the land)

• Seasonal, nature-based practices (simple, accessible, and lightly guided)

• Building knowledge of seasonal plants and easy preparations

This isn’t a workshop in the traditional sense — there’s nothing to get right. It’s an invitation to slow down, follow your curiosity, and engage with the croft in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and a little bit playful.

Who it’s for:

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or in need of a reset

• People curious about nature-based practices (no experience needed)

• Those who want a playful, supportive space with a touch of lightness and joy

Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing — we’ll be outdoors for the duration of the session.

Spaces are limited to keep the group small and personal.

Book your place using the link in our bio!

Young voters to ‘grill’ political hopefuls on climate crisis

Young people in Scotland are coming together to “grill” political parties in a special election hustings on their climate commitments amid huge fears about the climate crisis.

The youth-led event in Edinburgh TONIGHT – Wednesday 22 April – will be livestreamed nationwide with questions limited to people under 30 years old. 

The organisers, the Scottish Youth Climate Coalition, say the climate and nature hustings in Edinburgh will be “an opportunity for young people to hear from potential MSPs about how they plan to handle our future.”

Young people are significantly less likely to vote than older people with IPSOS estimating just 37% of 18-24 years old voted in the 2024 UK general election, falling from 47% the 2019 General Election.

Research shows young people are the most worried about the future, with over two thirds of people aged 16-24 reporting that they feel worried about the future due to climate change. A similar number of yooung people say they feel their voices are not listened to by decision makers when it comes to climate.

The Scottish Youth Climate Coalition (SYCC) is made up of six of the largest youth climate organisations in Scotland – collectively representing thousands of young people aged 16-30.

The Coalition consists of Young Friends of the Earth Scotland, 2050 Climate Group, Teach the Future Scotland, Young Sea Changers Scotland, Green New Deal Rising, and People and Planet Edinburgh, with support from many smaller youth groups across the country.

The hustings will take place in Augustine United Church in Edinburgh tonight (Wednesday 22 April from 7 – 9pm).

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Youth Engagement Intern Kyle Downie said: “This is an opportunity for young people to grill those who wish to sit in the next Scottish Parliament about how they plan to handle our future.

“If politicians want our votes, they must be willing to show how they plan on meeting the many challenges facing young people in Scotland. From worsening climate impacts, to improving bus services, to protecting Scotland’s natural environment and seas, there are many questions we need answers to.

 “It’s great to be able to bring the youth movement back together like this. As with any campaign, we’re stronger when we work together. And it’s important that this husting is youth-led, after all it’s our future these politicians are messing with!”

Charlotte Wilson organiser from the youth-led campaign for climate education, Teach the Future, said: “With 16 year olds able to vote in this election, we’re taking part to press candidates about their commitments to sustainable development, education, outdoor learning, global citizenship, and social welfare – collectively known as Learning for Sustainability – and pathways to green careers.”

Police: Have you seen Damola?

POLICE in Edinburgh are asking for the public’s help in tracing a missing teenager. Adeddamola Adebayo, known as Damola, was last seen on Monday, 6 April, 2026, in the Granton area.

He was reported missing to police yesterday, Tuesday, 21 April, 2026.

The 17-year-old has links across the city, including the Wester Hailes area and Ferry Road.

Adeddamola is described as black, of slim build, around 6ft 4ins tall with short black hair. His current clothing is not known, and he speaks with a London accent.

Sergeant Andy Wylie said: “We are conducting a number of enquiries across the city to make sure that Adeddamola is safe.

“We’re eager to hear from anyone who may have seen, or spoken to him, since the beginning of April, to get in contact.

“If Adeddamola himself sees this appeal – please get in touch with police.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 1091 of 21 April 2026.

Payroll fraudsters jailed for 22 years

  • West Lothian-based business stole £8.8 million of VAT in employment agency scam
  • The stolen money funded lavish lifestyles, with cash splashed on gold bullion, diamonds, fast cars and expensive properties. 
  • One director is already serving a six-year sentence for a separate sophisticated VAT fraud 

The bosses of a corrupt payroll company that stole millions of pounds of VAT have been jailed for more than 22 years. 

West Lothian-based Linear Services handled payroll for 27 employment agencies but didn’t hand over VAT they owed to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during a two-year fraud. 

Graeme Cullen, Leslie Thompson, Graham Newall and Martin Lang ran the firm that charged VAT on invoices totalling £8.8 million between 2015 and 2017. The court heard the gang lived extravagant lifestyles with huge amounts of money spent on expensive homes, holidays, diamonds and even gold bullion. 

Thompson is already serving a six-year sentence for his role in an elaborate multi-million-pound tax fraud that led to convictions for a network of 20 corrupt company directors.

The 63-year-old, from Bathgate, West Lothian, was jailed in October, while his wife Beverley was handed a two-year suspended sentence for her role in the elaborate scam.

The gang were caught following a lengthy investigation by HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, who worked alongside partners from Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division.

Lang, 68, pleaded guilty on 30 January. Cullen, 54, Thompson, 63, and Newall, 49, were sentenced on 21 April after an eight-week trial at Glasgow High Court. 

HMRC urges all businesses to carry out meaningful due diligence on any supply of services and anyone with any information about any type of tax fraud can report it to HMRC on GOV.UK.

ELREC hosts successful Annual General Meeting, honouring legacy and advancing community impact

The Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) extends its sincere thanks to its Board Members, staff, partners, and guests who attended the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 10 April 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Foysol Choudhury MBE (Former member of the Scottish Parliament), whose continued leadership, guidance, and vision remain instrumental to the organisation’s progress and impact.

The AGM commenced with a moving tribute to Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, KT, recognising his extraordinary contributions and enduring legacy. As an honorary member and one of ELREC’s founding figures in the 1970s, Sir Geoff’s influence has been deeply woven into the organisation’s history. Attendees observed a minute’s silence in his memory.

The event featured a series of insightful presentations from guest speakers. David Clark of Police Scotland provided important updates on policing efforts and highlighted ongoing work to address hate crime. Researchers Lucien Staddon Foster and Sholen Macpherson presented findings from their collaborative research with ELREC, focusing on the experiences of Black and racially minoritised communities in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Further details from these presentations are available below:

* Police Scotland Updates: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1H3aTjkyLbJ8prxLVamoNJd17H968oiD7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103139872914146668361&rtpof=true&sd=true

* Research Report: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t88a3UIf5eubblvp0Eu-nvfjl-qo2cxJ/view?usp=sharing

ELREC was also pleased to welcome Councillors Cammy Day, Katrina Faccenda, and Tim Pogson, providing an opportunity to share the organisation’s ongoing work and strengthen engagement with local leadership.

Over the past year, ELREC has delivered a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting equality and diversity. These include women’s wellbeing programmes, energy advice services, environmental projects, community workshops, creative initiatives, and cycling programmes, among others.

Despite facing capacity challenges, ELREC remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering communities, building skills, and breaking down barriers. Through continued collaboration and partnership, the organisation is dedicated to fostering inclusion and creating equal opportunities for all.

The AGM concluded with a vote of thanks from Chair Foysol Choudhury MBE and Company Secretary Rajnish Singh.

To read the full 2024–2025 Annual Report, please visit:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18hIvK0QxJpC_8z5CPspgIkr5YyIAqqw6/view?usp=sharing

Leila takes on Abseil Challenge for Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

EMPTY Kitchens Full Hearts wonderful Engagement Manager Leila is taking on this abseil challenge ❤️

If you visit EKFH, you’ll see Leila hard at work with our Engagement volunteers, making more than 60 wellbeing calls every week!

Leila speaks to our service users regularly – checking in to see how they are doing, and what more we can do to support them. This could be linking a family to a local clothing bank, putting a person in touch with an benefits check service, or issuing a foodbank voucher for household essentials.

Now, Leila is taking on the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil Challenge – 131ft for EKFH 🌟

To support Leila’s abseil, please donate here:

https://emptykitchens.enthuse.com/…/mary-angela-leila…

New EU rules for pet travel for GB residents

Changes apply to non-commercial movements of dogs, cats and ferrets

From TODAY – Wednesday 22 April – new EU rules have come into effect covering how GB residents can travel to the EU with their pets.  People can still travel to the EU with their pets, but they are strongly encouraged to check the latest guidance. 
 
The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Great Britain.  
 
There are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Great Britain.  

Key updates include: 

  • GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU. EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally. EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU. This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU. To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.    

Individual Member States may have specific pet travel requirements and pet owners should always check the specific entry requirements of the destination country before travel. 

GB residents are still able to use EU pet passports for their return journey to GB.  

  • Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) now last longer once you arrive, but they are still single‑use. Although you still need a new AHC for each trip from GB to the EU, the certificate can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Great Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations remain valid. 
  • If someone else travels with your pet, extra paperwork is needed. If the owner is not travelling with the pet, the pet must travel within five days of the owner, and the person accompanying the animal must carry written permission from the owner. This permission must travel with the pet’s travel document. 
  • There is a new five‑pet limit per private vehicle. Non‑commercial travel into the EU is now limited to a maximum of five pets per private vehicle, rather than five per person. The existing limit of five pets for people travelling on foot stays the same. Exceptions apply for pets travelling to competitions, events or training, if specific conditions are met. 

An APHA spokesperson said: From 22 April, new EU rules change how GB residents travel to the EU with their pets, but holidays with your pets are still possible. 

“Anyone planning to travel should check guidance on GOV.UK, and the entry rules for their destination. 

“To avoid delays and ensure a smooth journey, pet owners residing in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate if they’re travelling from Great Britain to an EU country.”

The Government’s guidance to pet owners has been updated to reflect these changes. For more information, visit: 

Pilton Community Health Project launches new programme

We are excited to share with you all our fresh programme of events for 2026-27!

We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s programme full of community connection, wellbeing in the wild, and mindful moments. 🌿

Pop-in to say hi and pick up a copy of the programme or you can view our programme in full here.

As always, if you’ve any questions or would like to find out more, get in touch with us

📧 hello@pchp.org.uk

📞 0131 551 1671

#FiveWaysToWellbeing

#WomenSupportingWomen

#EdinburghCommunity