Month: June 2026

Police Scotland update on attacks across Edinburgh last night (Friday 19 June)

YESTERDAY (Friday, 19 June, 2026), police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.

Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.

A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.

Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.

The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the West and North of the city.

During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas, suffering differing injuries.

Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.

The individual remains in custody and enquiries continue. Local policing patrols will continue across the area and our communities will see a visible policing presence over coming days.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.

“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.

“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.

“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.

“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form here: 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X17-PO1

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.

“I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”

Prime Minister (at time of writing! – Ed.) Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets.

“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.

‘My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.’

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.

“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.

“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”

Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “People should be free to worship, work and walk our streets without fear. The attack in Edinburgh is disturbing.

Violence in our streets is bad enough but reports indicate some of the victims were targeted because they were Muslim. This is abhorrent.

“I am glad police acted swiftly. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the public must have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”

Council Leader responds to attacks in Edinburgh

Following a series of incidents across the city yesterday (Friday 19 June), Council Leader Jane Meagher has condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of emergency services.

Councillor Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday. 

“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.

“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.

“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.

“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.

“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”

THE EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT:

MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND CALLS FOR REASSURANCE AND COMMUNITY VIGILANCE

The Muslim Council of Scotland remains deeply concerned by the violent incidents reported across Edinburgh yesterday, including the stabbing of two young Muslim students in Broomhouse and attacks on individuals perceived to be Muslim.

We welcome Police Scotland’s update confirming that a man has been arrested, there is no further threat to the public, and enquiries remain ongoing.

We have sought reassurance from Police Scotland, particularly as mosques and community organisations host family events this weekend and members of the Shia community prepare to mark Muharram in the coming days.

We encourage communities to remain calm, vigilant and mindful of their personal safety, and for organisers to review security arrangements where appropriate.

Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected. We thank Police Scotland and emergency services for their swift response and continued engagement.

MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT

Four people were attacked and hospitalised across West Edinburgh and Leith last night. Several are Muslims. Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.

Police Scotland must treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far right terror. To investigate these attacks while ignoring a motive shouted aloud at the point of arrest would tell every Muslim in Scotland the law does not see the hatred aimed at them. We expect a hate crime investigation and prosecution, and we stand ready to support the families.

To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, report what you see. You are not alone.

Read Full Statement:

https://www.mend.org.uk/targeted-violence-in-edinburgh

STUC STATEMENT:

England Women’s Blind Football Captain credits Royal Blind School for helping her score an MBE 

Samantha Gough, an inspirational visually impaired athlete from Edinburgh, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to sport and to the visually impaired community.

Sam’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most accomplished visually impaired athletes, excelling across multiple disciplines including blind football, goalball and rowing, has not been an easy one and it was only a few years ago she believed her sporting ambitions were over.

Born with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), Sam’s condition means that while her eyes are healthy, her brain cannot fully process visual information. Her sight deteriorated significantly in 2014, requiring her to relearn essential life skills, including mobility and independent navigation. She describes attending Sight Scotland’s Royal Blind School in Edinburgh as a real turning point in her life.

Sam, who will be 23 next week, explains: “This is a huge honour. I want to use it to highlight blind football and visually impaired sport, and to show others what can be achieved if you follow your dreams.

“I have struggled with my mental health and sport truly saved me, so I am determined to show others what can be achieved. I would never have believed this was possible, and to be recognised in this way is incredible. There is still so much more we can do to make sport accessible and inclusive, and I hope this helps raise awareness and open doors for more visually impaired athletes.

“It wasn’t very long ago that I didn’t think I could take part in sport at all. I went from being registered partially sighted to severely sight impaired and was basically excluded from all sport. Instead of asking how they could support me, I was seen as a problem. If you had told me then what I’d be doing now, I would never have believed you. It shows what can be achieved if you are given the right support.

“The Royal Blind School was a real turning point for me. I was given tailored support and the opportunity to learn vital independent living skills, which really helped rebuild my confidence.

“It also helped me accept myself and my disability, which was such an important part of my journey. Before I came to the school, I did not fully understand my visual impairment or how to explain it.

“Learning braille was another huge moment for me. I had lost the ability to read and write as my sight deteriorated, and braille helped me reconnect with that. It felt like I had found a part of myself again. The school also helped me develop everyday skills like cooking, going to the shops, and speaking up about the support I need.

2They also showed me how to use my white cane, which was a complete game changer. I then got my wonderful guide dog, Helga, last year, which again transformed my life and gave me even more confidence to get out and about.

“All the amazing things that have happened to me through sport and my advocacy work would not have been possible without the incredible teachers at the Royal Blind School. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and gave me the skills and confidence to move forward. It quite literally changed my life.”

In 2022, Sam made history as the first-ever captain of the England Women’s Blind Football team, a landmark achievement that established her as a pioneer of the women’s game. She went on to lead the national side at the inaugural IBSA Women’s World Championships in 2023, guiding England in their first appearance on the global stage and helping to mark a defining moment for the sport.

Her success extends beyond football. In goalball, she became one of the UK’s top female goal scorers and represented Great Britain at the 2022 European Para Youth Games, where she secured a bronze medal. In rowing, she claimed gold at the 2023 British Rowing Indoor Championships and was selected for the Great Britain Para Rowing performance pathway.

Beyond her sporting success, Sam has also been recognised for her advocacy work. In 2023, she won a Midlothian Young People’s Award and was also commended in the UK Parliament for her achievements. She is also an ambassador for Sight Scotland, using her platform to promote inclusion and inspire others with disabilities to take part in sport.

Sam adds: “One of my life goals is to raise awareness of visual impairment and encourage people to embrace and accept it. I want to use my platform, whether through sport, social media, visiting schools to talk about my disability, or working with organisations like Sight Scotland, to show what is possible and help influence positive change.

“The support I received changed my life, and I would encourage anyone to reach out. There are people who understand and want to help, and it really can make such a difference.”

For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.

Girlguiding: Give girls a voice in Scottish Youth Parliament

Did you know Girlguiding Scotland members aged 14-25 can register to stand as a candidate in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections?

If you’d like to represent Girlguiding members from across Scotland and advocate for the issues impacting them, SYP is where your voice can find its place!

No previous experience required.

You can get in touch for support by emailing: syp@girlguiding-scot.org.uk

If you’re interested, register here: https://elections.syp.org.uk/elections/

Intertwined: Inspiring climate action through this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival

 As we take in the fearful effects of the worsening climate crisis and the uncertainty that takes hold of the many challenges we are facing around our planet today, looking ahead to a hopeful future can be a very daunting task.

For this, we find great importance & delight in announcing the return of this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival, a free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

A day that brings together numerous climate related organisations, projects and individuals, all looking to help positively raise awareness & work towards creating a brighter future!

The festival will be taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows, Melville Dr EH9 1ND, on Saturday 27th June 2026, from 12 to 7pm.

During the day, attendees can find a variety of free lively performances, fun workshops, art installations & themed talks, as well as wellbeing activities, facepainting and activities aimed towards younger audiences as we welcome everyone of all ages.

The festival will also be welcoming stallholders that cover topics related to circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more. 

 As a special feature to this year’s edition is our theme: Intertwined. Following last year’s theme of Root & Rise, the question remains: what makes a forest truly strong, resilient, and nourished?​

The answer lies beneath our feet, in mycelium. Mycelium is an underground root-like network of entangled threads of fungi. It creates vast connections between plants and trees serving as a shared resource for nutrients, supporting growth as well as being a magnificent communication highway, sending signals and protecting one another.

The 2026 theme embodies this ethos – supporting connection between ourselves, those around us and nature, expanding from local action to global solidarity.

A reminder that fundamentally, we are all nature.

Facing climate challenges alone can feel overwhelming. But when we recognise how deeply intertwined we are, we also recognise our shared strength.

Through collective action we can exchange ideas, re-energise, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you’re beginning your sustainability journey or deeply rooted in climate work, you can join the festival to build a hopeful and connected community – forming a vibrant, intertwined network. 

With the aim to become more sustainable as an event itself, this year the festival is also promoting different initiatives in hopes to achieve better waste reduction & improve its practices overall.

A few to highlight, is their additional single use packaging fee that will be implemented by all food vendors as well as a free raffle that aims to encourage attendees to bring their own containers, rewarding their commitment by offering a chance to win one of three prizes (which are valued at 60, 50 and 40 pounds).

Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we intertwine, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.

“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”

Scott Davidson, Deputy Director for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and Head of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s a privilege to be the Climate Champion Partner for this year’s festival.

“As climate projections become more severe, society is increasingly in a race between opportunity and dire outcomes. The University of Edinburgh is committed to playing its part in this race.

“Our sector-leading regenerative sustainability strategy ensures all students have access to meaningful education on climate and nature, and our research drives action in the circular economy, ecological regeneration and in the transition to renewables, to name just a few.

“Supporting the Festival recognises the importance we place on supporting our local community too, and our role in creating a more sustainable future for Edinburgh and beyond.”

The attractions and activities will include various artwork, free workshops, such as yoga, musical performances from Àirdan Band, SNR, Fava Beats, a circular economy fashion show, an energetic Ceilidh & much more! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!

You can find the full programme here

Confirm your presence on the event here, with the option to give a donation here. 

The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.

The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by the University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture.

Nicola Benedetti recognised as the first ever Global Ambassador for Healing Arts

Week-long celebration of the role of art in health and wellbeing

Delegates from across the world united in Scotland this week for the world’s largest bi-annual Healing Arts week, celebrating the transformative role the arts has on health and wellbeing.

National Galleries of Scotland hosted the National Conference in Edinburgh on Thursday 18 June, where Scottish violinist and Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti was recognised as the first ever Global Ambassador for Healing Arts. 

Throughout the week flagship days were held in Shetland, Lewis & Harris, Dumfries & Galloway and Glasgow, featuring talks, artist commissions, exhibitions, concerts and workshops. The weeklong activities showcase Scotland as a leading voice in the global creative health movement, emphasising the vital role the arts play in health and wellbeing across communities.

Healing Arts Scotland is part of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab’s global outreach campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

West Pilton Park to CLOSE for a year

PARK WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY

Local Friends group West Pilton Parklife have been working with Edinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust on the upgrading of West Pilton Park and they are excited about the latest news.

They said on Facebook: ‘Hello everyone, the works in the park begin next week!

‘Our engagement program will continue. Look out for ways to get involved in some of the park improvements over the summer.

‘We’ll be advertising opportunities around West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre‘

However concerns have been expressed that the park will now be closed during the school summer holidays, which begin next weekend.

The year-long closure also causes a major crisis for North Edinburgh Community Festival.

Original plans would have seen all works completed by May next year, meaning the festival could go ahead as normal. Delays have seen timescales slip back, however, and this could mean the popular community event seeking a new home.

The hugely-popular annual community event takes place on West Pilton Park every year, attracting thousands of visitors, and organisers need urgent answers as they begin planning 2027’s event: – will West Pilton Park be the venue or will the Festival be uprooted and relocated?

Local collective organisation R2 has raised these concern and others, including poor consultation with the local coummunity, with the Park’s Project Development team and it’s understood local councillors will meet with contractors and local stakeholders in an attempt to resolve concerns.

A brighter future for every child

Driving progress on child poverty as legislation to be reviewed

The type of targets used to measure the impact on child poverty will be reviewed to ensure continued progress in improving families’ lives.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Government will begin the review this summer in consultation with children and families, charities and public bodies.

The announcement came during an update to the Scottish Parliament on progress towards eradicating child poverty. It is estimated that Scottish Government policies in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, published in March, will keep around 100,000 children out of relative poverty this year. 

Ms Somerville said: “Our defining mission is to eradicate child poverty and we are unwavering in that commitment. The review will help to make sure the targets set in our legislation are accounting for all efforts across government in ending child poverty.

“We have made a great deal of progress since the Act was passed in 2017, within the devolved powers we have, including introducing the game-changing Scottish Child Payment, and are making huge strides in cutting everyday costs for families. We must now bring together wider interventions such as our childcare package and free bus travel.

“Against a cost-of-living crisis, continued Westminster austerity, and a volatile international situation, the Scottish Government invested over £3.1 billion in support targeted at low-income households last year, with spend benefiting children rising to almost £1.5 billion, enabling ongoing investment in key policies.”

Child poverty campaigners have responded to Thursday’s (18th June) Scottish Government Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan – Annual Progress Report and her announcement of a review of child poverty targets.

 John Dickie, Director of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, said: “Very real progress has been made on child poverty in Scotland recently, but the Cabinet Secretary’s focus today on reviewing targets rather than strengthening her child poverty plan is hugely concerning.  Struggling families need a stronger plan, not a review of targets. 

“It is vital that Ministers come forward with a revised child poverty plan. The current plan rightly focusses on boosting income from employment and social security and cutting the costs families face, but the scale and detail of action falls far short of what’s needed. A revised plan must demonstrably set out how further year-on-year progress will be made. For the one in five of Scotland’s children still locked in poverty there is no time to lose.”

Mr. Dickie continued: “Plans to increase the Scottish child payment for babies under one are a positive step but they won’t kick in for over a year and will still leave the vast majority of children without any additional financial support.

The promise of more breakfast clubs, after school and holiday activities and further childcare expansion will all be welcomed by families, but don’t yet add up to the scale of intervention needed to make serious further progress.”

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland sent a proposed Programme for Government to every member of the Scottish Parliament ahead of todays Ministerial Statement. The group’s proposal include:

  • Extending the planned increase to Scottish child payment for babies (to £40 a week) to all eligible children, as a step toward doubling its value to at least £55 per week by 2030.
  • Commencing outstanding provisions of the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2025 to enable gaps in Scottish child payment entitlement to be addressed, and to ensure the payment provides greater security for families whose earnings from work fluctuate by, for example, introducing a 12-week ‘run on’.
  • Ensuring high-quality school aged childcare is available to all parents during term time and school holidays.
  • Subsidising providers to deliver short periods of free childcare to help families when support for childcare costs from universal credit is not available
  • Using public procurement and public body wage setting powers to drive improvements in the quality of work.
  • Investing in the provision of affordable social housing, to ensure all children live in safe, secure and affordable homes; and
  • Funding every school to fully remove cost pressures from families, and overcome poverty-related barriers to learning through expansion of free school meals, extension of school clothing grants, provision of devices and connectivity, and funding access to ‘rite of passage’ residentials and school trips.

Mr Dickie continued: “There is no question that budget pressures and long-term fiscal sustainability pose a real challenge for the Scottish government.

“That is why it is more important than ever to reduce the long-term costs that poverty imposes on our public services and economy.

“Each and every public sector reform and tax and spending decision must be designed to contribute to child poverty reduction.”

Child Poverty Progress Update

Edinburgh Airport incident update

Edinburgh airport has re-opened following a report to police around 6.50pm on Friday, 19 June, of potentially suspicious items.

Specialist officers attended and a cordon was put in place.

EOD attended and the items were made safe.

The incident is not being treated as suspicious.

The roads around the airport remain busy and the public are asked to be patient.

Man Arrested: Police comment on Friday evening incidents

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 36-year old man has been arrested following a series of incidents at a number of locations across the West of Edinburgh, and Leith, during the evening of Friday, 19 June, 2026.

“Four people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

“Enquiries are ongoing, however, we believe there to be no further risk to the public at this time.

“Members of the public are thanked for their assistance.”

More To Follow

More support for families with childcare costs

£15 million to help low-income households pay for childcare

Third sector organisations across Scotland are being invited to apply for a grant as part of a new £15 million Childcare Support Fund to help low-income families manage the cost of childcare.

The fund will provide short-term, flexible childcare through registered childcare providers, supporting families living in, or at risk of, poverty.  This will ease the financial pressures of childcare costs which can act as a barrier to employment, training or learning.

The new fund is one of a range of measures set out in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope, Building Futures, which will help drive further progress in eradicating child poverty.

This one-year fund is designed to top up existing support – rather than replace current entitlements such as free childcare hours and Universal Credit childcare payments.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Siobhian Brown said: “Every family deserves the security of knowing their child is well cared for, but for too many low-income families the cost of childcare creates real pressure at already difficult times.

“The Childcare Support Fund will help families who are struggling with childcare costs at difficult times – such as a change in job or family circumstances, to support access to training, or during a major life event like bereavement or illness.

“Organisations which are successful in applying for grants will support families to find the right childcare and help cover the cost. The fund is open to help families with children aged from nine months to the end of primary school.

“I would urge relevant third sector organisations to apply, and I look forward to seeing this funding reach the families who need it most over the coming months.

“By the end of this Parliament we will be delivering a brand new offer of childcare for families 52 weeks a year. This will reduce the cost burden and ensure our childcare system is flexible to suit family life.”

Childcare Support Fund: how to apply – gov.scot