Children aged 5-12 can enjoy free hands-on sports sessions at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre this July
Edinburgh Leisure is inviting children across the city to get active this summer with Go for Gold Sports Days, two free events taking place at Meadowbank Sports Centre and Drumbrae Leisure Centre on 30 and 31 July.
Designed for children aged 5–12, the events will offer a range of fun, hands-on sports sessions and active challenges, giving young people the chance to try something new, build confidence and enjoy being active during the school holidays.
Go for Gold is funded by sportscotland’s Summer of Sport 2026 and forms part of a wider effort to make sport and physical activity more accessible, helping more children experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of being active.
Sessions will include activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, with Meadowbank Sports Centre bringing added sporting heritage as a former two-time Commonwealth Games host venue.
Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said:“Go for Gold is a brilliant opportunity for children to get into the spirit of sport this summer, try something new and have fun in a welcoming environment.
“With activities inspired by Commonwealth Games sports, the events are a great way for children to enjoy being active, discover new interests and see what’s on offer at Edinburgh Leisure.”
Bank bonuses have never been higher in cash terms and have seen their highest real terms quarter since the 2008 financial crisis
Bonuses totaled £25 billion in the financial year ending in 2026 Q1
Record bonuses come on top of banks registering eyewatering profits with the big four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Natwest – making over £1 billion profit a week in Q1
TUC general secretary says huge payouts show that a hike in the bank surcharge tax is “common sense and long overdue”
New analysis from the TUC reveals bank bonuses have hit a post-crash record – as the union body calls for a hike in the bank windfall tax, which it says is “common sense and long overdue”.
Ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday, the TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to permanently cut energy bills for the majority of households through a social tariff.
Across the financial and insurance industry, a total of £25 billion was paid out in bonuses in the financial year ending in March 2026.
Analysis of the first quarter of 2026, when most bonuses are paid, show that bank bonuses have never been higher in cash terms – and saw their highest real-terms quarter since 2008.
Annual growth of bonuses is also escalating and was 16% in the first quarter of 2026. This has only once been higher since 2008 financial crash.
A cap on bank bonuses to curb the excessive risk taking that led to the 2008 financial crash was removed by the previous Conservative government in 2023.
The union body says that “while sky-high bills are looming for ordinary working people, bank bonuses are booming” which is further evidence that banks could easily afford to pay more tax.
Currently the bank surcharge is an additional 3% corporation tax on the profits of banking companies above £100 million, which was reduced from 8% in April 2023 by the Conservatives.
TUC analysis reveals an increase in the bank surcharge could raise between £9bn-60bn over the next four years:
A 16% surcharge, which is doubling what it originally was before the Conservatives cut it, would deliver £24bn over four years.
A 35% surcharge, which would be the same level as the windfall tax the Conservatives imposed on energy companies, would deliver £60bn over four years.
Even just reversing the Tory cuts and setting it at 8% – which the TUC says is the “bare minimum” – would raise £9bn over four years.
Eyewatering profits
The bonus figures come on top of latest profit data which show the big four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Natwest – have made £13.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026 alone, despite HSBC profits taking an unexpected hit because of fraud-related charges.
This comes after the big four banks made profits of £45.7bn in 2025. TUC analysis of the wider banking sector shows profits are 40% higher than in the lead up to the 2008 financial crisis.
The TUC says that an increase in the bank surcharge could raise significant funds over the coming years – particularly given the scale of banks’ current windfalls.
The union body also warns that if – as inflation goes up – the Bank of England holds interest rates at a higher level than previously expected, banks will be set to make even more money.
Bank profits have been turbocharged by the removal of the bank surcharge just as high interest rates meant excess profits for banks.
This has led to higher returns both from net interest (the difference on interest charged to borrowers and paid to savers) and interest paid to banks on reserves they hold at the Bank of England.
Tax banks to cut bills
The TUC is calling for an increase in the bank surcharge tax to deliver a permanent social tariff to cut energy bills to all those on low and middle incomes by up to £559 a year.
The scheme design includes a built-in trigger for support levels to ratchet up during acute energy cost crises – such as the current period – to keep bills manageable.
This will protect living standards and help ensure consumer spending holds up. It will also protect our economy from sustained shocks by keeping energy prices down and helping to reduce inflation.
The TUC says if put into place now, the scheme – including the emergency tariff – would cost £3.4-5.9bn per annum, which could be paid for through increasing the bank surcharge. The union body says this would boost the economy far more than allowing big banks to stockpile excess profits.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “While sky-high bills are looming for working people, bank bonuses are booming.
“Every time there is talk of taxing banks, some of the richest people in the country start whining and try to claim they can’t afford to pay any more.
“But the big banks are making a killing off the back of higher interest rates and mortgage misery across the country. They can well afford to pay more tax.
“The case for an increase in the bank surcharge tax has never been greater. It’s a long overdue common-sense solution – and the government should use to money raised to cut people’s energy bills.”
Default overnight curfews and addictive features to be switched off automatically to protect 16 and 17-year-olds on social media
Nighttime curfews to be set by default and features that get teens hooked onto social media to be automatically switched off for 16- and 17-year-olds
Measures look to protect the next generation, ensuring that when kids turn 16, they don’t face a cliff edge of being exposed to the most addictive features online
Tech Secretary also looks at measures to strengthen protections for kids on AI services, including mandatory breaks for U-18s and restrictions on chatbots that offer mental health advice
Default overnight curfews from midnight to 6am will be switched on for 16 and 17-year-olds on social media apps, as the government takes further action to back parents and protect the next generation online.
Features that can keep users scrolling for longer – such as videos that automatically play one after another and feeds that continually serve up personalised content – will also be switched off by default for older teenagers.
Following the government’s once-in-a-generation ban on social media services for under-16s from Spring next year, these measures will help ensure there is no cliff edge in protections as young people move into their later teenage years.
The new protections strike a balance between giving older teenagers greater safeguards online while still allowing them to change their own settings if they wish.
Today’s measures follow a first-of-its-kind Government pilot involving more than 300 teenagers and parents across the UK, with families reporting that overnight curfews quickly became part of their routine and helped improve sleep and concentration.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our consultation provided a clear message from parents and teenagers alike – even as young people gain greater independence at 16, they should still be protected from the most addictive online features that can have a harmful impact on their wellbeing.
“These measures will be crucial in helping young people get the sleep they need, focus on school and college, and spend more quality time with family and friends, all of which are fundamental to building a happy, healthy and fulfilling adult life.
“We want young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while having the tools to make the online world a place where they can thrive.”
Alongside the new protections for social media, the Technology Secretary intends to bring forward a package of measures to help children use AI chatbots safely. These will include:
Regular breaks for under-18s using chatbots, encouraging healthier online habits.
Working with regulators and across government to address services that provide dangerous, misleading or unverified mental health advice. Ministers will consider all options, including banning chatbots that pose a serious threat to children.
Alongside these protections, the Government will publish new guidance for children, parents and guardians on how to use AI safely and confidently by expanding the Kids Online Safety Hub.
Media literacy skills will also be bolstered in schools, through new RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) classes and an updated National Curriculum, which will teach children to navigate new types of technology including artificial intelligence and AI chatbots, identify mis- and disinformation as well as violent and misogynistic content.
The first set of regulations on the social media restrictions will be laid before Parliament by the end of this year, with measures expected to come into force in spring 2027, alongside robust implementation and enforcement.
Baroness Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, yesterday published her fifth report. It examines how the UK government and devolved administrations procured and distributed vital healthcare equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic and makes recommendations for the future.
Module 5 Procurement’, the fifth of the Inquiry’s 10 investigations, highlights multiple failings, particularly at the outset of the pandemic.
The Chair concludes that systemic flaws, inadequate planning and other failures caused unnecessary delays in health and social care staff getting the personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and testing equipment they desperately needed.
As the pandemic worsened, many doctors, nurses and care sector staff worked without adequate PPE or sufficient healthcare equipment such as ventilators. This left them unable to properly protect themselves, or those in their care, from dangerous infection.
Baroness Hallett finds that the UK entered the pandemic with its PPE stockpile in a perilous state – without enough vital supplies and with large quantities of expired equipment. There were no plans in place for emergency procurement or distribution. Additionally, the UK was “simply not ready to compete” in the global market race to secure vital healthcare equipment and ministers and officials were forced to improvise – establishing new procurement systems within days.
The Chair concludes that the “waste of taxpayers’ money was vast”. This significantly damaged public trust and undermined the hard work of many procurement officials.
The ‘High Priority Lane’, also known as the ‘VIP Lane’, was a misguided attempt at prioritisation that embedded unfairness in emergency procurement. Some suppliers received favourable treatment because they had connections to government, undermining public trust at a moment when it was needed most.
Although the Inquiry has not identified cronyism or corruption on the part of ministers and officials in final contracting decisions, the Chair concludes that the ‘High Priority’ Lane should not have been established and must not be repeated.
Of the approximately £14.9 billion spent on PPE, nearly two thirds – almost £10 billion – was wasted. The total spent across the UK government and devolved administrations on PPE, ventilators and testing equipment between January 2020 and June 2022 exceeded £42 billion.
In spite of these failings, today’s report cites the successes of pandemic procurement. Businesses, the public and the UK’s domestic life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors rallied enthusiastically to help. The Army provided vital logistical expertise. The collaboration between the public and private sectors should serve as a model for how governments respond to future pandemics.
Overall, the Chair concludes that had ministers and officials been better equipped with appropriate plans, information and systems, procurement decisions would have been easier, fairer and far less costly – and equipment would have reached those who needed it faster.
Baroness Heather Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, said: “When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the world entered a desperate race to secure vital healthcare equipment and supplies. In the global battle to procure equipment and supplies, the UK was simply not ready to compete – the bodies responsible were caught off-guard, with inadequate and untested plans to increase emergency procurement and distribution operations rapidly.
“The waste of taxpayers’ money was vast. The public must be able to trust that their money is being spent with propriety, fairness and transparency. Public confidence – so important in an emergency – was undermined by the failures in procurement.
“The changes I recommend are an investment in the resilience and preparedness of the UK. They are a small price to pay to ensure that, next time, the public can be confident in the crucial spending decisions that will have to be made and that key healthcare equipment gets to those who need it at the right time. A better prepared emergency procurement system will reduce the cost of obtaining essential supplies and save lives.”
The report sets out 11 recommendations which – if implemented promptly, in full and in concert with recommendations in other Inquiry reports – form a blueprint for how the UK can better prepare for, and respond to, future pandemics.
A four-page brief summary of the report can be found on the Inquiry’s website and is available in a variety of languages and accessible formats.
The report addresses the award of contracts to PPE Medpro Ltd, which is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation. The Module 5 report contains a chapter that sets out the Inquiry’s findings on evidence related to PPE Medpro – this chapter cannot be published on 14 July 2026 as it is covered by a Restriction Order granted by the Chair to ensure that current or future criminal investigations are not undermined.
Unless the Order is varied or revoked in the meantime, the chapter will be published once the Order has been lifted following the conclusion of any criminal proceedings.
In total, 48 witnesses gave oral evidence for the Module 5 investigation over 16 days of public hearings held in London in March 2025. The Inquiry heard from a wide range of witnesses including serving and former senior politicians, leading scientists, key medical professionals and civil servants.
Some of Baroness Hallett’s conclusions are as follows:
The UK was unprepared for emergency procurement at pandemic scale. The UK entered the pandemic with an inadequate stockpile of PPE and plans that had never been stress-tested. Officials and ministers were forced to improvise, establishing new emergency procurement and distribution systems within days.
The waste of public money was vast and could have been avoided. Of approximately £14.9 billion spent on PPE, nearly two thirds – almost £10 billion – was wasted. Better planning would have resulted in fairer, faster and less costly procurement decisions.
The ‘High Priority Lane’ was a misguided attempt at prioritisation that created unfairness and undermined public trust. Some suppliers received favourable treatment on account of their connections with the government. Although the Inquiry has not identified cronyism or corruption on the part of ministers or officials in final contracting decisions, the ‘High Priority Lane’ should not have been established and must not be repeated.
Public confidence was damaged by a lack of transparency. Priority was given to speed of procurement over openness with the public. Although understandable at the outset, this lack of transparency, combined with the unfairness of the High Priority Lane, diminished public trust in emergency procurement.
The UK’s over-reliance on a single country for supplies left it dangerously exposed. The UK’s supplier base was too concentrated in China and domestic manufacturing capabilities had not been adequately considered in planning, leaving the country vulnerable at a critical moment.
The Chair considers that all Module 5 recommendations should be implemented in full and in a timely manner. The Inquiry will monitor the implementation of the recommendations during its lifetime. In summary, the Inquiry recommends:
Radically overhauling supply chain resilience and emergency procurement and distribution systems, establishing clear and tested plans before the next pandemic.
Creating an emergency international trade and domestic industrial strategy, treating key healthcare equipment as a strategic national asset.
Setting specific objectives for international trade and domestic industry during a pandemic, encouraging investment, research and development in advanced manufacturing of healthcare equipment.
Digitalising procurement and distribution systems within three years, enabling the real-time collection, sharing and analysis of data across the UK government and devolved administrations.
Improving the composition and management of the pandemic stockpile to reflect the full range of pandemic risks and the diversity of the health and social care workforce.
Establishing a training programme for procurement officials, ensuring sufficient numbers of skilled staff are ready for deployment in an emergency.
Improving transparency, governance and accountability in emergency procurement, so that the public can be confident that money is being spent with propriety and fairness.
A full list of the Inquiry’s recommendations can be found in the full report.
Come along and join us on Saturday 1st August for our Family Fun Day!
As well as our regular Bookbug session at 10:30am, we will have fun Circus Skills, Facepainting, Balloon Modelling, live entertainment, crafts and refreshments.
Very High risk of wildfire warning for Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: 15-20 July
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) have issued a wildfire warning for some parts of Scotland:
Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: from Wednesday, 15 July to Monday, 20 July, there will be a very high risk of wildfire.
SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Kevin Dingwall, said: “A very high wildfire risk is forecast across central highlands, southern and eastern Scotland later this week and into the weekend.
“We know many people will want to enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly and take simple steps to prevent fires from starting.
“Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfire across Scotland. Even if a warning is not in place where you live, we ask everyone to stay vigilant.
“Wildfires can destroy property, landscapes and wildlife. That’s why it’s so important that everyone takes extra care during these conditions.
“Avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues in affected areas, and remember that a single spark can cause significant damage. There is no such thing as a harmless fire.
“You can help by sharing wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and any visitors.”
If you see a large outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.
THE City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards Team has seized an estimated 58,000 counterfeit football jerseys and kits intended for distribution during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The haul follows a series of intelligence led operations with assistance from Police Scotland, alongside linked action by the National Trading Standards Intellectual Property team in Newport Trading Standards.
It is estimated to be one of the largest ever seizures of its kind in the UK, weighing in at over nine tonnes and worth over £5million.
The shirts will be securely recycled after having been confirmed as counterfeit by brand holders. Investigations into the source and supply routes continue.
Unlike authentic shirts, counterfeits bypass safety regulations, are often of poor quality, and could potentially expose buyers to harmful toxins in dyes and materials. Fake shirts, along with other counterfeit goods, also have strong links to the funding of organised crime.
Regulatory Convener, Councillor Neil Ross said: “Our Trading Standards team have secured a tremendous result in intercepting these shirts.
“With the World Cup well underway this is a timely reminder that criminals exploit major sporting events by flooding the market with counterfeit goods to cash in on fan demand. Let me be clear, this is not a victimless crime.
“Counterfeiters undermine legitimate businesses, rip off supporters and sell products with no guarantee for how or where they were made or whether they meet basic safety standards.
“The investigations into the supply routes involved in this discovery continue but we know that this is part of an international trade in counterfeit goods and represents a significant dent to their illegitimate trade.”
Christopher Bell, Chair of the Society of Chief Trading Standards Officers in Scotland (SCOTSS) said: “This is a great result, particularly taking place ahead of the World Cup.
“The scale of such a seizure shows the challenge faced by Trading Standards teams throughout the country. Officers help to protect legitimate trade and intercept illicit goods, which are often linked to organised crime.
John Herriman, Chief Executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “This is an outstanding seizure that strikes a significant blow against organised criminal networks while protecting consumers from potentially unsafe and substandard products.
“The global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods remains one of the world’s most pervasive illicit markets. The latest international estimates put its value at around $467 billion a year, representing 2.3% of global trade.
“Far from being a victimless crime, counterfeiting undermines legitimate businesses, deprives economies of revenue, puts consumers at risk, and provides a source of income for organised crime groups.
“The proceeds from counterfeit goods can help fund a range of serious criminal activities, including human trafficking, modern slavery and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Seizures like this demonstrate the vital role Trading Standards and enforcement partners play in disrupting criminal networks and protecting the public.”
A spokesperson for Back Four Brand Protection, said: “We’ve never seen a seizure of this scale in the UK. A huge proportion of the total were England and Scotland shirts, as well as other counties such as Spain, Portugal and France.
“We estimate that this seizure represents an estimated £5.5 million in genuine product.”
A Scottish Football Association spokesperson said: “The Scottish FA invests income into the game at every level, from the grassroots scene through to the senior international squads.
“Without the funds generated from licensing, merchandising and sponsorship, this would be severely impacted.
“Counterfeit goods hit those revenues and, therefore, the amount that we can pour back into Scottish football.
“We are committed to tackling fake merchandise and protecting our loyal supporters from sub-standard products.
Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup stage has, understandably, led to huge demand for official kit and merchandise in general. Unfortunately, major tournament involvement also brings about a rise in counterfeit goods.
“Aside from taking funds away from local community clubs, charities and key programmes around facilities like Pitching In, these items are typically poor quality and have often skipped rigorous safety tests. They can be highly flammable, made with harmful dyes and can be linked to funding organised crime networks and human exploitation.
“We would strongly encourage Scotland supporters to opt for official merchandise – to protect them and Scottish football.”
Princes Street is expected to remain closed into August following a major fire at the former Debenhams store in the early hours of 9 July.
Work is continuing to make the building safe while ensuring its historic features are preserved as far as possible. While timescales are not yet confirmed, these works are expected to take several weeks to complete.
Princes Street remains closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street to all vehicles and pedestrians, with diversions in place. Buses are currently rerouted along George Street and Queen Street, with trams to and from the airport terminating at Shandwick Place.
With the diversions set to continue into next month, including on George Street, alternative arrangements are being put in place to limit disruption to forthcoming festivals and events.
A dedicated page has been created on the council website, which includes up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites. This will be regularly updated as and when new information becomes available.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“While, of course, I’m disappointed that Princes Street is to remain closed for weeks to come, our priority must be on the safety of the public.
“Our focus continues to be on making the building safe while aiming to retain as many of its historic features as we can. This is a painstaking process and will take time.
“I’m acutely aware that we’re now entering the busiest period of the year for Edinburgh, and there will inevitably be disruption in and around the city centre. We will continue to work with bus, tram, and other transport colleagues to keep the city moving as best we can.
“We’re also in regular contact with festival and event organisers with a view to minimising the impact on our events calendar, while ensuring those attending can easily access the latest information and guidance before travelling.
“This an ever-changing situation and we will provide further updates as and when new information becomes available, including through a dedicated page on the Council website.
“I want to thank people for their patience and understanding and have no doubt that we can still look forward to a fantastic summer of festivals here in Edinburgh.”
