The new edition of CPAG’s Debt Advice Handbook is free to access online, thanks to our partnership with @MoneyPensionsUK
You can view the new handbook from any computer or mobile device:
Child Poverty Action Group: Debt Advice Handbook online
Month: April 2026
Pens at the ready: Pupils invited to envision farming’s future with short story competition
- Royal Highland Show launches short story competition to explore future of farming ahead of this year’s June event
- Competition is open to primary 5-7 and S1-S3 pupils across Scotland
- Entry deadline is Friday 15th May
Young writers across Scotland are being challenged to put pen to paper and bring the future of farming to life, as the Royal Highland Show launches a nationwide short story competition as part of Scotland’s National Year of Reading.
Open to primary pupils from P5-P7 and Secondary pupils from S1 to S3, the competition aims to connect classrooms with Scotland’s land, food systems and rural communities by encouraging pupils to explore one of four themes through their creative writing submissions: the future of farming, sustainable food production, innovation in agriculture or caring for animals, crops or the environment.
The Royal Highland Show – Scotland’s largest fundraising event run by leading agricultural charity RHASS (Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland) – has long championed education, innovation and the future of farming. The competition aims to build on this legacy by inviting a new generation to imagine the future of agriculture, from futuristic farming methods and rural adventure stories, to exploring the connection between people, animals and the environment.
The judging panel for the competition brings together expertise from across the agriculture and the literary worlds and is formed of Keith-based children’s author Catherine Stables, Head of the Royal Highland Show, David Tennant, and Dumfries and Galloway based author, bookseller and publisher at Foggie Toddle Books, Jayne Baldwin.
This year’s Royal Highland Show takes place across four-days in June from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh. Children aged 15 and under go for free and over 200k people are expected to attend.
The Sunday of the Show will offer a dedicated family day with activities including sheep shearing and milking demonstrations, a kids zone with mini tractors, hobby horsing and facepainting, as well as mountain bike displays and mini–Land Rovers.
Head of Show, David Tennant, said: “The Royal Highland Show is all about celebrating and sustaining the future of Scottish agriculture.
“This competition offers a unique way to help connect young people with rural Scotland, encouraging them to think creatively about how we might grow and source our food, or how innovation might support farmers in the decades ahead.
“We’re excited to see how pupils across Scotland interpret these themes and bring them to life through their storytelling.”
Children’s author and competition judge, Catherine Stables, is a working vet based in Keith in the North East of Scotland with her series of Shona the Vet books, inspired by her veterinary experience and love of animals.
She said: “This new competition is a wonderful initiative and one I feel very passionate about. Encouraging children to read and write is so important, and when you connect that with learning about our rural landscape, farming and culture, it becomes something really special.
” You don’t need a farming background to enter, just lots of creativity to imagine how our farms might operate in years to come. I’m excited to see the creativity it sparks.”
Dumfries and Galloway based author, bookseller and publisher at Foggie Toddle Books, Jayne Baldwin’s books include Betty’s New Best Friend about a Belted Galloway and a Highland Cow and The Highland Cowgirl – Showtime which is all about the adventures of a young girl at an agricultural show.
Jayne, said: “The National Year of Reading provides such an excellent platform to encourage young people to discover or rediscover a love of reading, whether that’s picking up a picture book, novel, comic book, or even a magazine.
“This competition is an opportunity to have fun with words and imagine an entirely new world, created entirely by you, of how we’ll farm, look after animals and work in agriculture ten, twenty or thirty years from now. It’ll be fascinating to read what’s in store!”
Open to pupils across the country, entries must be original work, with one submission per pupil, and an accompanying illustration is welcomed but optional.
Primary (P5-P7) pupils are asked that their stories have a maximum of 250 words, and Secondary (S1-S3) pupils have a maximum of 500 words. Entries can be hand written or typed.
All entries must relate to at least one of the following themes: The future of farming, Sustainable food production, Innovation in agriculture or Caring for animals, crops or the environment.
Winners will be announced ahead of the Show taking place in June, with two winners and two runners-up recognised across the primary and secondary categories.
Prize packages will include family tickets to attend the Sunday of the Royal Highland Show, book vouchers (£100 for winners and £50 for runners-up) and the winning stories being published in national farming title, The Scottish Farmer.
The winners will also receive family passes to the Wigtown Book Festival which takes place in Dumfries & Galloway in the autumn.
The competition closes on Friday 15th May.
All entries should be emailed by teachers to:
rhsshortstorycomp@mucklemediagroup.co.uk
and include the name of the pupil and their year group.
Small changes could make big difference to Edinburgh charities
Edinburgh charities may be able to improve their financial resilience through smarter approaches to saving, despite ongoing pressure from rising costs and uncertain income streams, new research suggests.
A survey found that many charities hold substantial cash reserves, yet almost half lack confidence in their long-term financial stability. The findings point to a disconnect between balances held and the role those funds play in supporting sustainable operations.
While reserves remain a vital safety net, the research highlights an opportunity for charities to make their money work harder. By reviewing where cash is held and exploring more suitable savings options, charities could strengthen resilience without increasing risk or reducing accessibility.
The survey by Redwood Bank, MoneyComms’ Best Charity Savings Provider 2026, found that 69 per cent of UK charities hold over £50,000 in savings, with almost half (46 per cent) holding more than £100,000. When current accounts are included, 84 per cent hold more than £50,000 and 68.5 per cent hold over £100,000.
Despite these substantial balances, charities are under mounting pressure:
- 80 per cent reported rising day-to-day costs
- 73 per cent said they struggle to secure stable donations and funding
- 62 per cent have seen the value of donations decrease
- Almost half (49 per cent) lack confidence in their long-term financial stability
One charity said: “We face increases in demand for our services at the same time as our donations are falling. That combination is unsustainable.”
The research also shows that while 81 per cent of charities review their savings at least annually, many still do not seek alternatives that could improve returns. Fewer than half (44 per cent) do not hold a savings account with a second provider, choosing instead to keep their money in a current account, with over a third of these charities citing lack of awareness of the options available.
The survey highlighted what matters most when choosing a savings account. Alongside competitive interest rates (85 per cent), charities value accessibility and withdrawal terms (72 per cent), bank reputation (60 per cent), digital ease (56 per cent) and ethical or social values (51 per cent).
The findings have prompted the specialist Bank to draft its first Redwood Research Report, How smarter saving can strengthen the UK charity sector, which sets out practical steps to help organisations make their reserves work harder.
Jessica Darrah, Senior Savings Product Manager at Redwood, said: “Charities are working tirelessly to support communities but are often doing so under financial strain and with limited options.
“Our research shows that while many have substantial reserves, these funds are not always working as hard as they could or should be. When every pound matters, smarter saving strategies could make a real difference to financial resilience.
“As a specialist business bank, we can provide personal service with consistently competitive savings rates. The Bank has been recognised as the Best Business Variable Rate Deposit Account Provider at the Moneyfacts Awards for seven consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to delivering value and clarity for customers.
“Unlike traditional high street banks, we can focus on understanding the specific needs of charities and smaller organisations. Our dedicated savings products and knowledgeable team aim to make saving simpler, more transparent and better suited to the realities of the sector.”
The Redwood Research Report can be downloaded here:
Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Edinburgh this spring
Fan favourites including Stand by Me, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Top Gun return to Vue venues in Edinburgh
Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.
Kicking things off is the 40th anniversary screening of Stand by Me, which follows four boys who decide to go see the body of a boy that has died in their rural hometown – an adventure that evolves into a defining event in their lives.
Also returning to the big screen is 80s classic, Top Gun. Catch Tom Cruise as a daring young student pilot who learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom. Showing from 15 May, fans can also enjoy a re-release of the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, for a limited run.
A trio of classic female-led comedies will also be returning as part of the season, beginning with everyone’s favourite diarist in Bridget Jones’s Diary – starring Renée Zellweger in the titular role – which returns for its 25th anniversary from 17 April.
Also celebrating 25 years since its initial release is the ultimate sorority-queen-turned-lawyer caper Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon(returning 22 May) and an epic ensemble cast (including Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne) in Bridesmaids, returning 15 years after its initial release from 5 June.
The iconic thriller The Silence of the Lambs – featuring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster in career-defining, Oscar-winning roles – returns from 24 April. Other highlights include the anniversary releases of the riotous comedy The Birdcage, the cult fantasy adventure Highlander, and the feel-good family favourite Space Jam.
Robert Smith, General Manager of Vue Edinburgh Omni, said: “At Vue, we know there’s nothing quite like experiencing a great film on the big screen.
“This anniversary season gives audiences the chance to revisit some of their all-time favourites the way they were meant to be seen, on the big screen, while also introducing these iconic titles to a new generation of film fans.”
For more information and to book, visit myvue.com.
Back on the Big Screen at Vue
- Stand By Me (40th Anniversary) – From 12 April
- Bridget Jones’s Diary (25th Anniversary) – From 17April
- Silence of The Lambs (35th Anniversary) – From 24 April
- Highlander (40th Anniversary) – 4 May
- Top Gun (40th Anniversary) – 15 May*
- Space Jam (30th Anniversary) – 15 May*
- Legally Blonde (25th Anniversary) – 22 May*
- Bridesmaids (15th Anniversary) – 5 June*
- The Birdcage (30th Anniversary) – 12 June*
*Available to book online later this month.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society announces recipients of the 2026 Keep it Fringe fund
Bursaries of £2,500 to support artists bringing work to this year’s Fringe
Today, Thursday 09 April, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has announced the recipients of the 2026 Keep it Fringe fund.
This important initiative was launched in 2023 by Fringe Society honorary President Phoebe Waller-Bridge and supports artists who may face financial barriers in bringing work to the festival.
This year, 402 applications were received for an initial £30,000 of available support. Following the launch announcement, further donations have increased the funding available to £40,000.
In 2026 the Fringe Society has been delighted to receive donations from actress Miriam Margolyes, the Williamson family, and James Seabright, who pledged support in 2024 for new theatre in recognition of 25 years of producing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
We are also grateful to Cheez-It for its donation via a fundraising partnership with the Co-op. The Keep it Fringe fund has gained significant interest since its inception and is now in need of further financial support to ensure the Fringe Society is able to sustain it in future years.
The shows that have received Keep it Fringe funding explore a range of topics, including club culture, nostalgia, PTSD, declining seaside towns, moving back in with your parents, hypnosis, eating disorders, declining journalistic standards and growing up in the shadow of the British Empire, with companies and artists spanning the cabaret, comedy, musical, spoken word and theatre categories in the Fringe programme. 43% of the successful applicants identify as disabled or have a health condition, and more than 30% come from a working-class background.
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘We recognise the significance of the Keep it Fringe fund and the number of applications this year demonstrates how important it has become.
“We know that bringing work to Edinburgh comes at significant cost, and Keep it Fringe goes a long way to helping artists bridge the gap.
“We are extremely grateful to Miriam, James, the Williamson family and Cheez-It for their kind donations to this year’s fund. We are busy working on fundraising to ensure Keep it Fringe continues in 2027 and beyond and would encourage anyone able to support us in this work to reach out to us’.
The Fringe Society hopes to continue the Keep it Fringe fund for as long as possible and is actively seeking new funding and donations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund.
Donations can be made here, and updates will be provided as the project progresses.
The successful recipients of the Keep it Fringe Fund 2026 are the following shows (alphabetical):
- Abbie Edwards: Knee Touch
- Crush
- Ele McKenzie: Bringing It All Back Home
- Fantasy World Adventures Mega Park! The Musical
- Giraffe
- Half-Time
- hame. teeth. CLUB
- The Hypnotist & Mind Reader Live
- Mothman: A Romance Musical
- One Dog One Nutter – PTSD to Pleasure
- paywall
- The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuinness
- A Simply Beastly Murder
- SLAY
- Target Audience
- The Wreck
As wider show information becomes available, full information will be listed on edfringe.com.
Edinburgh swimmers’ ‘Victorian Pool Crawl’ raises over £40,000
Edinburgh Leisure’s five-pool charity challenge supports local people facing barriers to being active
Sixty-one Edinburgh swimmers completed Edinburgh Leisure’s aquathlon-style Victorian Pool Crawl on Easter Monday, 6th April, walking 16km and swimming 5km across Edinburgh Leisure’s five historic Victorian pools, raising more than £40,000 for the Active Communities programme.
The challenge, sponsored by Landmarc Support Services, began at Dalry Swim Centre (est. 1895) before continuing through Warrender Swim Centre (est. 1887), Glenogle Swim Centre (est. 1899), and Leith Victoria Swim Centre (est. 1900), finishing at Portobello Swim Centre (est. 1901).
Edinburgh Leisure also hosted its Great Lengths exhibition, highlighting the history of the city’s Victorian pools and bathhouses.
The Victorian Pool Crawl was conceived in 2025 by a regular swimmer from Leith Victoria Swim Centre as a community fundraising challenge. After the inaugural event, the challenge became an official Edinburgh Leisure fundraiser, growing from 13 participants in 2025 to 61 this year.
Among the original 13-strong team was Marek Bernat, aged 49, who learned to swim at Dalry Swim Centre in 2019. Despite having found completing the final lane tough last year, it was also extremely rewarding. So much so that Marek and two of the original group returned this year with a new team of ‘Leith Victorians’ who collectively raised over £5,500.
A year ago, Landmarc employee Tamsin Gee wouldn’t have imagined taking on a half-marathon-distance challenge. By her own admission, she was “allergic to exercise”.
One year on, she celebrated completing this year’s event alongside colleagues and friends at Portobello Swim Centre—an achievement she described as huge. “It was a fantastic day, seamlessly organised and such fun to take part in,” she said.
Kevin Kneeshaw, Landmarc’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland said, “At Landmarc, we are passionate about supporting initiatives that make a real difference locally.
“The Victorian Pool Crawl not only celebrates Edinburgh’s heritage but also helps break down barriers to being active. It has been fantastic to be part of such a positive and impactful event.”
The event’s top fundraiser Frederick Phillips sees first-hand the impact this fundraising has for local people. He volunteers with Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project as a ‘Buddy Swimmer’, supporting older people to enjoy swimming which Frederick says, “transforms lives by supporting physical health, reducing isolation and opening up opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.”
Adam Shaffer, Events & Individual Giving Fundraiser at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This was a great event to organise, drawing on colleagues’ expertise and enthusiasm for getting people active.
“It was brilliant to see so many people turning out to cheer on the swimmers and support our charitable mission.”
Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Every pound raised helps remove financial, health and disability barriers that stop people getting active.
“We’re so grateful to our incredible participants whose efforts have raised over £40,000, and over the course of the day demonstrated how taking part in physical activity improves health, wellbeing and builds communities.”
All funds raised support Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure’s programme tackling inequalities and inactivity. Active Communities supports around 14,700 people a year, including people affected by health conditions, disability, poverty and other barriers to physical activity.
Edinburgh Leisure is a charity dedicated to helping people lead more active, healthy lives. With 75 sport, leisure and school venues across the city, it creates opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.
Donations to support the Victorian Pool Crawlers can still be made via JustGiving:
Art For Grown Ups exhibition at North Edinburgh Arts opens today
SPECIAL EVENT THURSDAY 16 APRIL 6 – 7.30pm
EXHIBITION RUNS FROM 9th – 21st APRIL
We’re excited to celebrate the work of three local people – Yasmin Shorter, Kirsty Sutherland and Kevin Jack – the first Local Artists in Residence at Art for Grown Ups’ Studio at North Edinburgh Arts.
After months of creativity, now it’s time to share the results with you!
The exhibition opens today, Thursday 9 April and runs until 21 April. Pop by and see it during the NEA’s opening times: Monday – Wednesday: 9am-5pm, Thursday & Friday: 9am-8pm, Saturday: 10am-2pm.
We’ll be hosting a special celebration event on Thursday, 16 April at 6pm. You’re invited!
– Meet the artists
– Enjoy refreshments
– Take part in a studio tour
– Explore the creative journey of the past 9 months!
Joint Statement on the conflict in the Middle East
WORLD LEADERS WELCOME ‘CEASEFIRE’
Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, Prime Minister Carney, President Dan, acting Prime Minister Frederiksen, Prime Minister Frostadóttir, Prime Minister Jetten, Prime Minister Kristersson, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Sanchez, Prime Minister Støre, President Stubb, Prime Minister Takaichi, President of the European Commission von der Leyen, President of the European Council Costa:
We welcome the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran today (Wednesday 8 April).
We thank Pakistan and all partners involved for facilitating this important agreement.
The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.
We strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement.
This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.
We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners.
We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.
Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Paws at the ready as new dog park opens in Edinburgh
Unleashing even more fun with tenth park launch
A NEW dog adventure park with panoramic views towards Arthur’s Seat is preparing to open in East Edinburgh, marking its tenth location for one of Scotland’s fastest-growing canine leisure brands.
Set just off the A1 near Musselburgh, the brand-new two-acre dog park – known as Big Arthur’s Field – is the latest venture by award-winning operator Unleash The Dogs. The park will be its second to open in the capital following the successful launch of the West Edinburgh location last year.
Opening this Saturday, 11th April, final touches are being added in the coming days and bookings are expected to ramp up quickly.
To celebrate the opening, visiting dogs will be treated to complimentary puppuccinos during launch weekend, with owners also being treated to hot drinks and snacks, adding an extra touch of fun for pet owners booking the first sessions at the new site.
Craig Gammage, founder of Unleash The Dogs, said: “Opening our tenth park is a huge moment for us. When we started just over three years ago, the goal was simple, to create the very best places in Scotland for dogs to run free safely. To reach ten sites is a huge milestone for us and we’re really excited for the future.
“This site is something we’re really proud of. The setting is incredible. You’ve got that iconic Arthur’s Seat backdrop, but you’re only minutes from the city. It gives you that rural escape without the long drive.”
Big Arthur’s Field is the largest park in the company’s portfolio to date, spanning two acres and featuring a wide range of purpose-built obstacles and enrichment features suitable for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
Each session is privately booked online, guaranteeing exclusive access for up to eight dogs at a time. The model has proven hugely popular with owners seeking a secure environment where their pets can exercise off-lead without the unpredictability of public parks.
The Edinburgh expansion builds on the success of the brand’s first capital site, which was voted number one in its region at the British Dog Field of the Year awards within just four weeks of opening, beating more than 60 competitors in a public vote.
Craig added: “Winning that award so soon after first launching in Edinburgh meant a lot. It showed that owners here recognise quality and appreciate the level of care we put into every site.
“There’s been a real buzz around this particular site too. People have been driving past, messaging us, asking when they can book. It’s brilliant to see that excitement.
“Ultimately, if dogs leave tired and happy and owners leave saying it was the best hour of their week, then we’ve done our job.”
For more information about Unleash the Dogs, the sites and how to book your slot visit www.unleashthedogs.co.uk
Girlguiding: Be a Peer Educator
Become a peer educator and give girls a space to talk about what’s important to them!
As a peer educator you will explore important topics like mental wellbeing, safety and gender stereotypes, using your own experiences to become a role model for girls all across Scotland.
If you are 14-25 join us in May at our next peer education training weekend. Find out more through the link below 
If you know someone who would make a great peer educator make sure to share the link with them 