We are looking at ways to make the library more accessible for families with additional support needs. As part of this we have put together a social story to make it easier to know what to expect when visiting us at Granton library!
We have a hardcopy available in the library if you want to look at it when you come.
We also have a visual timetable that you can borrow during your visit.
We’re still in the early days of this process so we very much welcome any feedback on what we can do better and what would be helpful to make a library visit more accessible!
British Veterinary Association hails ‘pivotal moment’ for profession as Government confirms plans for reformed veterinary legislation
Proposals for a new independent veterinary ombudsman to give pet owners stronger rights
Greater transparency on prices, business ownership and standards to help pet owners choose right care and save money.
Introduction of comparison website to drive down vet fees and cap on prescriptions.
Millions of pet owners will benefit from the most significant overhaul of veterinary regulation in six decades, as the government today (Thursday 9 July 2026) publishes its White Paper setting out its vision for a thriving and fairer veterinary sector.
New measures will radically modernise the industry, delivering better protections for households and greater transparency around prices – helping pet owners understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets.
Vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments and be transparent about options and changes, allowing pet owners to choose the best treatment for their animals. This will be supported by an enhanced ‘Find a Vet’ service and a £21 cap on written prescription fees. Knowing key prices beforehand helps owners to choose the best value.
A new independent veterinary ombudsman is also being considered to give pet owners a clear and straightforward route to redress when complaints cannot be resolved directly with their practice. With the power to make binding decisions, the ombudsman will ensure disputes are resolved more quickly and fairly, increasing confidence across the sector.
The White Paper includes new proposals for veterinary businesses to be subject to statutory regulation, including a mandatory licencing system, inspections and published compliance reports to improve accountability and choice. Greater transparency around prices and practice ownership will be mandated for the first time, so pet owners can make genuinely informed decisions about their care.
Secretary of State for Defra, Emma Reynolds said:“Pets are part of the family, but for too many households the cost of caring for them has become a real worry. These reforms will help owners avoid unexpected bills, compare prices more easily and get the best value care for their pets.
“We’re modernising a system that hasn’t been updated for sixty years, putting pet owners first while giving vets the modern framework they need to support the future of the profession.”
The White Paper responds to the findings of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) which highlighted concerns around transparency and competition in the veterinary sector. Recommendations from the CMA will address competition concerns, ahead of the new legislation coming into force.
These changes are vital with the profession today radically different to the 1960s when the Veterinary Surgeons Act was introduced. The industry was then largely made up of agricultural vet practices and small family run businesses. The sector is now dominated by small animal care and a handful of large corporates meaning the legislation has not kept pace with the modern world.
The reforms will support veterinary professionals and businesses, ensuring the regulatory framework keeps pace with a modern, growing sector.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss, said: “The veterinary profession has changed enormously over the past 60 years, but the legislation underpinning it has not kept pace.
“This new framework will build a stronger, more resilient veterinary profession fit to meet the needs of the UK’s animal sector whilst ensuring the highest standards of care for our animals.”
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:“We back the government’s proposals, which include our recommendations on regulating the sector.
“For the first time, these proposals would ensure that vet businesses are accountable to an independent regulator, while offering consumers more protection and a fairer deal.”
Veterinary professionals are essential to the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards. These reforms strengthen professional recognition especially for veterinary nurses, modernise outdated regulation and help safeguard the profession’s ability to continue to protect the UK from the threats from disease and food insecurity.
The White Paper is being introduced following extensive public consultation. The consultation received thousands of responses from the public and veterinary sector which were carefully considered to shape the new White Paper.
This announcement follows the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy and is part of this Government’s ambitious reforms to animal welfare – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK.
British Veterinary Association hails pivotal moment for profession as Government confirms plans for reformed veterinary legislation
In a major milestone for the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) long-standing campaign to reform the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) 1966, the UK Government has today (9 July 2026) published a White Paper, ‘Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector’, that sets out changes to how veterinary services are regulated and introduces greater accountability that will support animal owners.
BVA is strongly backing the proposals, which for the first time will regulate veterinary businesses and other veterinary professionals like farriers and equine dental technicians alongside vets and vet nurses, as well as protect the Registered Vet Nurse title.
Today’s White Paper outlines a clear division of the regulatory and professional leadership functions – something BVA had pressed for – with transparency of funding and independent external oversight of the regulator alongside a strong and well-funded professional leadership function.
Responding to Defra’s plans for changes to veterinary legislation, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:“Current veterinary legislation is shockingly outdated and frankly is no longer fit for purpose.
“The publication of today’s White Paper is a positive, landmark moment for vet professionals, as well as for animals and their owners, taking us all one step closer to improved legislation that meets the demands of modern veterinary medicine.
“BVA will continue engaging on behalf of our members with government and parliamentarians, ensuring that the profession’s voice is heard so that the new legislation delivers for the profession, animal welfare, and the public.
“If we want to see a Bill introduced to Parliament next year, continued support from cross-party MPs as well as the veterinary profession will be essential.”
The Government’s proposals for a new VSA include:
Regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses as well as allied veterinary professionals such as equine dental technicians and farriers
Protection of the ‘Registered Vet Nurse’ title
An updated Fitness to Practise process to protect the public and animal health and welfare
Modernising registration by moving to a Licence to Practise system for the whole veterinary team
Updating the role and responsibilities of the regulator to ensure there is no real or perceived conflict of interest between regulatory and professional leadership activities, with oversight of the regulator by an independent, external body.
For more on BVA’s campaign to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act, see:
Each winner to receive £4,000 worth of books and stationery for their school
TGJones has revealed the winning reviews of its Bitesize Bookworms campaign, a national reading competition in which primary school children aged between five and 12 years old were challenged to describe their favourite book in 25 words or less.
Split across three primary school age groups, the high-street retailer received thousands of reviews as part of the campaign, with a judging panel consisting of MC Grammar, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan eventually picking out three winning entries, from the ingenious to the hilarious.
“It’s a funny and relatable book; my cat judgementally stared at me while I laughed loudly, snorted juice everywhere, and missed every bedtime until completed.”
Each winner will receive a £200 TGJones Gift Card, plus £4,000 of books and stationery for their school.
The judging panel also chose three runners-up from each age group, who will receive a £50 TGJones Gift Card and £500 of equipment for their school.
The retailer launched the Bitesize Bookworms competition earlier this year in support of National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into our everyday lives.
A Department for Education initiative supported by the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is delivered with the support of major sponsors and partners, including TGJones.
The campaign has encouraged the nation to Go All In in 2026, reading into our passions and interests to get more out of the things we already love, whether it’s football, gaming, music, sci-fi, or baking.
TGJones’ competition added to the momentum, encouraging readers to pick up a book and share their recommendations with others to spark a conversation about reading.
Alex Willson, CEO of TGJones and Head Judge of Bitesize Bookworms, said: “Nothing is more creative than a child’s imagination and we wanted to celebrate that unfiltered, accidental comedy that comes from a child giving their honest opinion about their favourite book – and the winners of our competition provided us with just that.
“Reading is so important for a child’s development, and as partners of the National Year of Reading 2026 we hope this campaign has encouraged more children to pick up their favourite book.”
Musaab and Yamameh studied for the same degree at Edinburgh Napier University
Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family
A husband and wife who came to Scotland from war-torn Syria without a word of English are celebrating the new life they’ve built together – as they both graduate with degrees in architectural technology.
Musaab Alhourani and Yamameh Alsalhani studied simultaneously for the BSc Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and graduated together at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall today [Wednesday 8 July 2026].
The couple, alongside their two children, were forced to flee their homeland following the outbreak of civil war and spent four years at a refugee camp in Lebanon.
Through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) they were offered the chance to come to Scotland, arriving in North Berwick in July 2017.
Now settled in Edinburgh with three children, their graduation marks a major milestone in their journey.
Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family
45-year-old Musaab said: “The situation in the camp was very bad. When the UNHCR gave us the opportunity to move on, we were desperate to take it.
“My English was zero. We had to work hard at the start to learn the basics – how to greet people, go shopping, learn the numbers.
“We spent hours on YouTube watching videos on how to improve our English.
“After a while we started volunteering in North Berwick, collecting clothes and shoes for people back in Lebanon and Jordan.
“Through that, we had a handful of local people we would speak to every day. We asked them to correct us if we said anything wrong!
“To go from that point to graduating today makes us very proud.”
Having got to grips with the language, with Musaab working as a driving instructor, they decided to enrol together for an HNC at Edinburgh College – which earned them entry into the degree programme at ENU.
Musaab Alhourani and his wife Yamameh Alsalhani Husband and Wife team Graduating today at Edinburgh Napier University with family
Yamameh, who is 41, said: “My background is in education – I even used to teach refugee children in camps – but I love design and asking how a building can be made.
“This gave us a strong foundation for our studies at Edinburgh Napier.
“Musaab persuaded me to do it at the same time. At first it was a huge balancing act alongside caring for our children and my mother as well.
“Strict time management played a big part. We were often studying at night when the kids went to bed.”
Musaab added: “We did it because we love it. When you love something you can work hard for it.
“The teachers at Edinburgh Napier were very, very good. They have a lot of passion and we felt truly supported.”
Now that they have graduated with distinction, the pair are hoping to continue their higher education journey together, studying for a Masters and a PhD.
They have paid tribute to all the teachers, lecturers and colleagues who helped them along the way.
“We want to return the favour to this country,” Musaab said. “The people in Scotland are very friendly.
“Our children love it here and we have made so many friends.
“When we look back on how we got here, we know it has been tough, but we did it all together.”
The Foundation funds organisations tackling some of the biggest challenges facing veterans today, including mental health, housing, isolation, employment and family wellbeing
HRH The Princess Royal attended the Veterans’ Foundation’s tenth anniversary celebrations as the charity marked a decade of supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families through hundreds of organisations across the United Kingdom.
The Princess Royal met veterans, including Veterans’ Foundation ambassadors Simon Weston CBE and Mark Ormrod MBE, alongside representatives from funded charities during the celebrations at the Honourable Artillery Company in London on 2 July, hearing directly about the difference those organisations are making to the lives of veterans and their families.
The celebrations reflected a decade of partnership between supporters, charities and communities working together to improve the lives of veterans and their families, while also looking ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter through the Armed Forces Pledge.
Since its launch in 2016, the Veterans’ Foundation has awarded almost £40 million in grants to more than 500 charitable organisations and 1,100 projects, delivering life-changing support across housing, mental health, education, employment, wellbeing and community services for veterans, serving personnel and their families across the UK.
Chair of Trustees for the Veterans’ Foundation, Andrew Anderson, said: “The event was about recognising the extraordinary people who make this work possible – our supporters, our partners, the charities we fund and, above all, the veterans and families at the heart of everything we do.
“It was a tremendous honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we marked this milestone together. Her longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community reflects the values that have guided the Foundation over the past decade. What we have achieved in ten years is remarkable, but our ambition for the future is even greater.”
Veterans’ Foundation Chief Executive Jane Gurney said: “Looking around the room during the evening, you could see the strength of the community that stands behind our veterans – from grassroots charities and volunteers to business leaders, ambassadors and lifelong supporters.
Over the past ten years, more than 288,000 people have helped us stand beside the Armed Forces community. Their loyalty, generosity and belief in what we do have made everything possible.
That support has enabled us to fund hundreds of charities and more than 1,100 projects across the UK, delivering life-changing help to veterans and their families. Our grants give organisations the confidence and capacity to grow, strengthen their services and reach more people in need.”
Veterans’ Foundation ambassador Simon Weston CBE said: “It was a privilege to be part of this celebration and to see so many people united by a shared commitment to those who have served our country.
“The Veterans’ Foundation has spent ten years backing extraordinary organisations that stand beside veterans and their families every single day. That support changes lives, strengthens communities and reminds people that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The celebrations also looked ahead to the Foundation’s next chapter. During the evening, Chair Andrew Anderson announced an ambition to raise and distribute a further £160 million over the next decade, taking total lifetime funding to £200 million.
Guests supported fundraising activities throughout the evening, helping to ensure future investment in the charities and organisations delivering frontline support to veterans and their families.
As it enters its second decade, the Veterans’ Foundation is inviting people across the UK to sign the Armed Forces Pledge, adding their name and message of support for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The anniversary programme also reflected on the Foundation’s journey to date, including footage of a commemorative projection onto the White Cliffs of Dover. Echoing a similar installation at the charity’s launch in 2016, the projection recognised service and sacrifice while highlighting the continuing challenges faced by the Armed Forces community.
Have you noticed a boost in your mood from getting some sunshine, or spending time in green spaces?
Well, there’s evidence behind sun exposure and nature having a positive impact on our mental health.
This doesn’t mean the more sun the better! In fact, heatwaves can bring negative effects. So, remember to take in the sun, all while taking precautions.
As your physical and mental health are closely linked – by protecting your body, you’ll also protect your mind.
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison following a threatening and abusive behaviour offence in Ravelston.
Marcus Laidley-Sobers pleaded guilty to the offence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 22 June, 2026. He was sentenced at the same court today – Wednesday, 8th July, 2026.
Police received a report of threatening behaviour in the West Court area of Edinburgh on Thursday, 20 March, 2025.
Laidley-Sobers was arrested and charged in connection with the incident on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025, following the execution of a warrant.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “Laidley-Sobers will now face the consequences of his actions.
“Bringing another individual to justice is testament to the continued hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country.
“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy.”
Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.
Come and work with us! We are hiring a P/T Community Gardener to work with a new group which you would form.
This is a social and supportive group which will be facilitated compassionately. It will centre around food growing, meal sharing, and biodiversity awareness, and will be based mostly in the Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre garden.
There will also be opportunity for day trips to other inspiring natural community spaces and working in partnership with other community groups.
We want every child in Edinburgh to walk into school feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to learn. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Give Today to make supporting our Kit Out a Kid campaign easier than ever!
By using our dedicated Give Today online wishlist, you can buy the items we need most—from polo shirts and cozy sweatshirts to joggers and socks—in just a few clicks.
How it works:
1. Click the link below to visit our Give Today shop.
2. Choose the items you’d like to donate.
3. Check out! Give Today handles the rest and ships your donations straight to our Hub.
Every single item purchased helps a child to thrive. Thank you for your support!
Help us Kit Out a Kid for the new school term! 
How it works:
Shop our wishlist here: