Month: June 2026

Europe Minister Stephen Gethins: Scotland’s future is in the European Union as independent country

Brexit anniversary highlights ‘our focus must be firmly on the future’

Scotland’s future is in the European Union as an independent country, Europe Minister Stephen Gethins has said on the tenth anniversary of the UK’s Brexit referendum. 

The Scottish Government continues to support strengthening the UK-EU relationship, ensuring Scotland’s voice is represented, and on advancing Scotland’s long-term constitutional options. 

Ahead of the expected second UK-EU leaders Summit, the Scottish Government is calling on the UK Government to ensure the negotiations on a food, drink and farming agreement, emissions trading, and youth mobility all deliver the fullest possible outcomes for Scotland and ensure Scotland’s interests are clearly represented.

Minister for Europe and External Affairs Stephen Gethins said: “Ten years on from the referendum, the decision to leave the EU has caused nothing but harm to Scotland. 

“Businesses face barriers that did not exist before, households are under greater pressure, and young people have lost opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe. 

“Recent efforts by the UK Government to improve relations with the EU are welcome but far from enough. Going forward, there must be much closer cooperation in areas including trade barriers, energy and mobility – as a bare minimum.

“Our focus must be firmly on the future, and I believe that Scotland’s brightest future is as an independent nation and member of the European Union. That is the challenge of the next decade.”  

  • Scotland voted 62% to remain in the EU in 2016. 
  • The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020. 

A helping hand for families

Support with extra costs over the school holidays

Families across Scotland are being encouraged to check what financial and community support they may be entitled to as expenses rise over the summer break. 

When schools close, many families face increased financial pressure on household budgets, including the cost of food, childcare, clothing and activities. Ongoing cost of living challenges can also make this time of year particularly difficult.

Social Security Scotland provides a range of payments to help families with everyday costs. These include Best Start Foods, a prepaid card worth up to £44.80 per child every four weeks to help buy healthy food, and Scottish Child Payment, worth over £112 every four weeks for each eligible child. 

Families who receive free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority. This is alongside a nationwide summer of sport, with free and low cost activities – including football, rugby, padel, swimming, cycling and athletics – to be hosted by schools, clubs, sporting bodies and local authorities. 

Community organisations are also on hand to help. Home-Start, located across Scotland, provides practical and emotional support to parents, helping them build confidence, reduce isolation and create positive experiences for their children during the holidays and throughout the year.   

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government is committed to eliminating child poverty and offers the best cost of living support package in the UK. Our social security support for families could be worth around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16.  

“We’re also providing £21 million to local authorities to help support families on low incomes during the school holidays, so that children can continue to eat well, stay active and enjoy their summer.

“I encourage every family to check what they could be entitled to. There is support out there – not just over the summer, but all year round.” 

Eliza Waye, Home-Start Strategic Lead for Scotland said: “We know that the holidays can be long for families, with additional childcare expenses, food costs and keeping the children entertained.  For many families, opportunities for big holidays or even day trips can feel out of reach.   

“At Home-Start we provide one to one and group support, providing a nurturing environment and opportunities for families to have fun and create happy memories that last a lifetime.  Together with support like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Foods, this can transform the summer months for families.” 

Hiba, a parent of three children from Knightwood, Glasgow, added: “The support from the Scottish Child Payment and Home-Start helps us afford more summer activities for our children.  

“It gives them opportunities to have fun, make friends, and feel more connected to their community.  This support makes the summer holidays a much happier time for our family.” 

Families can find out more about Social Security Scotland support alongside wider help available by visiting www.costofliving.campaign.gov.scot 

TES Awards: Edinburgh school named Primary School of the Year

South Morningside Primary School was recognised in the annual TES Schools Awards 2026 at a ceremony on 19 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The national awards acknowledge the schools and teachers whose work is transforming outcomes for pupils and setting new standards across education in the UK.

South Morningside Primary School, which has over 500 pupils, was recognised for its innovative work to encourage greater community engagement and inclusivity. The school’s child-led and creative approach to learning was also celebrated, with the school offering outdoor learning to every pupil, a range of sports programmes, interventions and extra-curricular activities for all.

This year, the awards saw a record number of nominations – the highest number since the awards began in 2009.

Winners were selected by a panel of experienced school leaders and education experts across 23 categories spanning leadership, teaching, wellbeing, pupil outcomes and innovation.

South Morningside Primary School Headteacher, Grant Gillies, said: “We are so proud of this achievement which represents the collective drive and hard work of our children, staff, parents and the wider community.

“This award represents all the amazing community partners we have – I would like to thank staff and families for their unending support and commitment to our school.”

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor said: “It is fantastic to see South Morningside Primary School recognised at a national level as primary school of the year.

“It is an incredible achievement which acknowledges the hard work of Mr Gillies and his team. Across all our schools, we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to get the most of school through an engaging and varied school day – it is brilliant to see South Morningside celebrated as a great example of this.”

Community organisations speak out on race hate attacks

Statements on Edinburgh incidents

On the Friday of last week, five people were injured in a series of racist and Islamophobic attacks across Edinburgh.

We, at ELREC, value and work toward an equal, inclusive and just community free from prejudice and discrimination and we stand with all of those who were affected by the events of last weekend and who are worried for their safety.

We stand, decidedly and absolutely, against all forms of discrimination, all violence and all attempts to rob Scotland of its diversity and the people of Scotland of their safety.

We are sharing the following statement in response to the reported anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.

**Statement from The Welcoming Association**

The Welcoming Association is deeply concerned by the reported anti-Muslim attacks that took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June.

Our thoughts are with those who were injured, their families, and everyone affected by these distressing incidents. We recognise that events of this nature can have a profound impact not only on those directly involved but also on wider communities who may feel frightened, vulnerable, or targeted.

Leith, Sighthill, Telford Road, and the other affected areas are home to many of our members, volunteers, staff, neighbours, and friends. Edinburgh’s strength lies in its diversity, and everyone should be able to live, work, worship, and move around the city safely and with dignity.

While the circumstances of these incidents remain a matter for the relevant authorities, we are clear that there is no place for racism, anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination, or violence in our communities.

At times of tension and uncertainty, it is important that we reject misinformation, challenge prejudice, and avoid narratives that seek to divide people. Strong communities are built through trust, mutual respect, understanding, and meaningful relationships between people from different backgrounds.

As an organisation that supports refugees, migrants, and other New Scots, we see every day the positive contribution that diversity brings to Edinburgh. We remain committed to promoting inclusion, strengthening community cohesion, and creating spaces where people can come together, learn from one another, and build a shared sense of belonging.

We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities across Edinburgh and Scotland, and with everyone working to promote equality, dignity, and respect for all.

There is no place for hatred or violence in our city.

We encourage our partners, supporters and wider network to stand with Muslim communities, challenge misinformation and help build an Edinburgh where everyone can live safely and with dignity.

Six arrested and charged following Edinburgh incidents

Six people have been arrested and charged in connection with various offences following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.

The first incident took place around 2.40am on Tuesday, 26 May, 2026 when officers were called to a disturbance at a property on Balderston Gardens North in Gilmerton.

Three men aged 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

The second occurred around 4am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a vehicle struck a property before being set on fire on Balderston Gardens North.

Five men aged 19, 29, 29, 33 and 40 and a 40-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Officers were called to the third incident around 5.05am on Wednesday, 27 May, where a number of windows were smashed at a property in Niddrie Marischal Drive.

A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and released on an undertaking to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Chris Docherty said: “This type of criminal behaviour, which has a direct impact on local people, will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to ensuring people feel safe in their communities and will continue to be proactive in our approach to tackling crime and holding those involved to account.

“Support from the public is essential to this work and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns about criminality in their area to please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

First Minister: Scotland will stand against acts of division and hatred

John Swinney First Minister meets Muslim community members following Edinburgh attacks

The Scottish Government stands in solidarity with Muslim communities across Scotland, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he visited local Mosques in the wake of the recent attacks in Edinburgh.

The First Minister heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque, before travelling to Annandale Mosque to meet members of the local community and senior Mosque leaders. He was joined on both visits by Superintendent Neil Wilson of Police Scotland’s Edinburgh Division.

Mr Swinney said Scotland stands for inclusivity and compassion, adding: “I unequivocally condemn the heinous attacks in Edinburgh, and my thoughts are firmly with all those who have been affected.

!Let me be absolutely clear, no one in Scotland should fear being targeted because of who they are.

“Any form of hatred, prejudice, intolerance or violence on our streets is completely unacceptable – and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“The Scottish Government is working closely with Police Scotland and partners to ensure appropriate support is in place to support public safety following the incident in Edinburgh.

“I am particularly mindful of the impact recent events can have on those already feeling vulnerable, and I understand that many people will be feeling anxious.

“I want to give them my complete assurance that my government stands firmly in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.

“We will do everything we possibly can do to ensure everyone in every community feels safe, protected and included and we will always stand against those who would seek to divide our communities. 

“Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities.”

City council leader Councillor Jane 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.”

Local MP Tracy Gilbert said: “There is no place for hatred or Islamophobia in Edinburgh.“

Police: Further update on Friday evenng incidents across Edinburgh

Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:

We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.

It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.

Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.

We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.

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 to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage 👉

https://orlo.uk/QQGnL

Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland 👉https://orlo.uk/x0Grk

We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.

Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.

Thank you for your continued support.

Acas tips to help employers manage workplace challenges due to hot weather

Workplace expert Acas has offered some recommendations to help employers manage workplace challenges due to hot weather.  

Acas Chief Executive Niall Mackenzie said: “The Met Office has issued a weather warning for extreme heat, which will mean an uncomfortable week for many people.

“Some workers with certain health conditions or disabilities may be adversely affected by the heat. The hotter weather can also impact public transport, which can disrupt people’s journeys to and from work. 

“Acas has some top tips for employers to help ensure their businesses remain productive during the heatwave while keeping staff happy, too.” 

By law, employers have a ‘duty of care’ to make sure working temperatures are reasonable for their staff. This includes at the workplace and working from home.

Acas’s recommendations for hot weather working include: 

Workplace temperatures should be reasonable  

There is no legal maximum working temperature. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice is that the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings must be reasonable.  

The HSE offers advice on how to carry out a thermal comfort risk assessment if staff are unhappy with the temperature:  

http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm  

Keeping cool at work  

Switch on any fans or air conditioners to keep workplaces comfortable and use blinds or curtains to block out sunlight. Staff working outside should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen to protect from sunburn. 

Stay hydrated  

Employers must provide staff with suitable drinking water in the workplace. Workers should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and not wait until they are thirsty. Employers could allow extra breaks for staff to get cold drinks. 

Dress code  

Employers are not under any obligation to relax their uniform or dress code requirements during hot weather but where possible it may be advisable to for employers to relax the rules for wearing ties or suits. 

Getting into work  

If public transport gets adversely affected by the hot weather, this could affect staff attendance and their ability to get into work on time. Staff should check timetables in advance, and employers should be flexible.  

https://www.acas.org.uk/disruption-getting-to-work

Vulnerable workers 

Workers with health conditions or disabilities may be affected more by hot weather. Employers should assess for any risks and discuss what they need to reduce or remove that risk. This might include providing fans, portable air-cooling units or more frequent or longer breaks. Employers must make reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities.  

https://www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments

https://www.acas.org.uk/extreme-temperatures-in-the-workplace

ODEON reduces cinema tickets by more than a third in time for the summer holidays

Families and film fans in Edinburgh will be able to enjoy a trip to the cinema for less this summer as ODEON at Fort Kinnaird introduces new lower ticket prices.

Adult and child tickets are now priced at £7.99, meaning cinema-goers could save up to 38% compared with previous prices, with Saver Monday tickets also reduced to £6.00, down from £7.50.

The new prices arrive just in time for the school holidays with a strong line up of blockbusters due this summer, including Toy Story 5, Supergirl and Minions & Monsters, as well as Spider‑Man: Brand New Day for older film fans.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s great to see ODEON introducing lower ticket prices.

“Whether you’re taking the kids to the latest family blockbuster or heading to the big screen with friends, there’s a brilliant line-up to look forward to and even more reason to make a day of it at the centre, alongside shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.”

Demi Rodriguez, Marketing Coordinator at ODEON, said: “With so much for film fans to enjoy this summer, we’re excited to welcome even more guests for less at ODEON Fort Kinnaird.”

For more information and to plan a visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Over £200,000 for anti-racism training

Funding for key education project

The Scottish Government has committed £214,000 to fund anti-racism education in schools for 2026/27.

The investment will allow Education Scotland to continue both the Building Racial Literacy Programme (BRL) and Anti-Racist Mentors Project. These initiatives teach educators how to address everyday racism.

The Building Racial Literacy Programme (BRL) promotes anti-racism as a professional skill and teaches how to identify and implement anti-racist behaviours in everyday work. It is available for education workers at all levels of work.

The Anti-Racist Mentors Project supports up to 30 BRL graduates to act as local and regional mentors to conduct anti-racist professional learning. Project participants will also contribute to developing anti-racist training within local authorities.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I am delighted to announce continued funding for these two projects which provide essential perspectives to help directly address race inequalities in a professional setting.

“Alongside this, feedback on the courses delivered through these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their real impact in supporting educators and fostering inclusive learning environments.

“The work these projects do is more important than ever following recent high-profile examples of racist behaviour in society. This investment in both the BRL programme and anti-racist mentors addresses this and will help deliver systemic, sustainable change – improving community cohesion as a result.

“The Scottish Government is consistently clear in our message that there is no place for racism in society. By supporting initiatives such as this in Scotland’s schools we can help ensure teachers are properly equipped to deliver vital anti-racist messaging to our children and young people.”

This latest tranche of funding is a continuation of the Anti-Racism in Education Programme. The programme identifies measures to address race inequality and suggests changes that promote racial literacy among pupils and staff.

To date more than 900 educators have completed the BRL programme.

Building Racial Literacy | Professional learning programmes | Professional learning programmes, webinars and events | Professional Learning | Education Scotland

The recent publication of the Young Anti-Racist Voices of Scotland Anthology highlights the effect of the Building Racial Literacy programme – Young anti-racist voices of Scotland | Anti-racist education | Resources | Education Scotland

Anti-Racism in Education Programme – gov.scot