Month: August 2026

Scotland’s rivers remain under pressure as very low flows persist

Water scarcity continues to put pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the businesses which rely on them, as hot and dry conditions return following recent rainfall. 

The latest Water Situation Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows river flows remain very low across much of the country, with some catchments which had recovered now returning to very low levels. 

The River Teviot and Ettrick Water have now experienced 39 consecutive days of very low flows. Restrictions on water abstraction remain in place in these catchments and will continue until river flows have recovered sufficiently. 

Lower Dee and Water of Feugh have also moved to Significant Scarcity. There are no impacted abstraction licence holders in this area.  

Without sustained rainfall, the Dee in Galloway and Urr Water could reach Significant Scarcity within the next week. 

Other catchments which previously reached Significant Scarcity and recovered following rainfall are now experiencing very low river flows again, demonstrating the continuing pressure on Scotland’s water environment after months of dry conditions. 

SEPA officers have been carrying out visits in catchments where abstraction restrictions are in place and have seen good levels of compliance. Abstractors affected by restrictions are required to comply with the conditions set out by SEPA to protect the water environment. 

Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “This has been a challenging summer for businesses which rely on water from the environment, and we recognise the impact restrictions can have on them. 

“Our officers have seen good compliance with the restrictions currently in place. These are regulatory requirements designed to protect rivers when they are under significant pressure, and it is important that businesses continue to comply. 

“Recent rainfall has helped in some places, but we’ve also seen rivers return to very low levels. That underlines why we can’t look at individual periods of rainfall in isolation, recovery depends on sustained rainfall over time. 

“As our climate changes, rainfall is becoming less predictable and water may not always be available where and when it is needed. Building resilience means planning for that uncertainty, adapting how we use water and taking action early rather than waiting until water availability becomes a problem. 

“We’ll continue to monitor conditions closely, work with abstractors and take action where necessary to protect Scotland’s water environment.”

Further investment to tackle child poverty in Scotland

Ensuring support is available where and when families need it

TEN charities will receive a share of a £20 million fund in 2026-27 to deliver wide ranging support to improve wellbeing, boost incomes, and help parents towards employment as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to eradicate child poverty.

The charities involved estimate that up to 35,000 families could benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of whole family support, spanning almost all of Scotland.

The beneficiaries include:  

  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), which will expand its support into new areas of Scotland, such as Dundee, to pair parents of neurodivergent children with a Family Adviser to help boost incomes and improve children’s outcomes
  • Home Start Caithness which will bring together nine organisations to provide one-step gateway to financial and wellbeing support in the region
  • Borders Community Action who will work with 30 local charities under a new partnership to embed support in rural communities, where poverty can be harder to identify and the right support more difficult to access
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector which will coordinate a new partnership between more than 30 local organisations to deliver help specific to the needs of communities across the city

In Dundee, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met with families of neurodivergent children to hear about the difference that effective support at point of need can make. Mindroom will use this funding to expand into new areas of Scotland.

Ms Somerville said: “We have made great strides in our ambitious mission to eradicate child poverty. Within the powers we have, we have boosted incomes while delivering a transformational cost of living support package.

“But we know that more needs to be done, which is why we are driving whole family support. This is about making sure that people can access the help they need easily, as simply as possible, and as quickly as possible.

“To remove barriers, we need to empower local charities and local people and bring them together with other services so that there are clear and easy ways to access the right support, in the right place and at the right time.

“I am proud that this ambitious programme, which we will deliver in partnership with charities across Scotland, does just that.”

CEO of Mindroom Alan Thornburrow said: “We see the benefits that whole family support brings to parents and children on a daily basis, so we are pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government to expand our services, including into Dundee.

“Neurodivergent children and their parents have historically found it challenging to access the right support, in the right place – but we are determined to be there for them, tailoring services to meet their individual circumstances, and giving children the best start in life in the process.

“This funding will help us do so on a larger scale, enabling us to reach more people in varied communities. We look forward to pressing ahead with this work.”

tackling-child-poverty-delivery-plan-2026-2031Download

Children and families – Cost of Living Support Scotland

Information on benefits – Social Security Scotland

The funding comes from the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund, announced as part of the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,Building Futures, and, subject to confirmation during the annual Scottish budget process, it is expected to continue on an annual basis while the programme is in operation.

The 10 organisations that secured funding following a competitive application process are:

  • Community Enterprise in Scotland Ayrshire
  • Borders Community Action
  • Early Years Scotland
  • Citizens Advice Scotland
  • Capital City Partnership
  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre
  • Big Hearts Community Trust
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector
  • Home Start Caithness
  • One Parent Families Scotland

NSPCC reveals five ways parents can help children as they return to school

Back-to-School Butterflies? 

  • New Childline data reveals more than 1,500 counselling sessions were delivered to children across the UK between April 2025 and March 2026 mentioned returning to school or college
  • In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s emotional wellbeing was the primary concern, making it the most common issue discussed
  • As families prepare for the new school term, Matalan is continuing its partnership with the NSPCC to share expert-backed advice and practical support to help children feel confident, prepared and emotionally ready for the return to school

As part of its Back-to-School campaign, Matalan has again joined forces with the NSPCC to help families feel ready, supported and confident as children prepare for the new academic year.

For many families, the return to school is an exciting milestone. But whether a child is starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or returning after the summer holidays, it can also bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

The charity’s latest data shows how common back-to-school worries can be. Between April 2025 and March 2026, NSPCC service, Childline, delivered more than 1,500 counselling sessions to children across the UK in which returning to school or college was mentioned.

In almost two in five (39%) of those sessions, children’s primary concern was their emotional wellbeing, making it the most common issue raised. Back-to-school anxiety was also shown to peak in August, as children and young people prepared to return to the classroom following the summer holidays.

To support families during this key retail and parenting moment, Matalan is using its Back-to-School activity to spotlight practical advice from the NSPCC, giving parents and carers simple ways to help children navigate first days, new year groups and back-to-school nerves. The guidance is designed to help families start conversations early and build children’s confidence before worries become overwhelming.

The advice comes as part of Matalan’s ongoing partnership with the NSPCC and coincides with the retailer’s sponsored episode of the Happy Mum podcast.

In the episode, presenter Giovanna Fletcher is joined by Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles to discuss the challenges children face when returning to school, alongside practical tips to help families build confidence and ease anxieties ahead of the new school year.

Gail Sayles, Childline Practitioner, said: “Starting a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement and nerves for children and parents alike.

“We know from the young people who contact Childline that worries about going back to school can have a real impact on their emotional wellbeing. Children might be anxious about making new friends, starting a new school or simply adjusting to the return of the normal routine.

“Parents can help children to feel more confident and prepared for returning to school by encouraging regular conversations, beginning to implement small routines in the lead up to the new school term and encouraging them to do things they enjoy to ease any anxieties.

“The most important thing is letting children know their feelings are valid – and that there are trusted adults and services, such as Childline, around them who can help.”

With many children across the UK preparing to return to the classroom in the coming weeks, the NSPCC has shared the following five tips for parents and carers:

Five ways to help children feel confident about going back to school

  1. Writing feelings down: Encourage your child to write down what they’re excited about and anything they’re worried about. Looking at the list together can help you chat through their concerns, ease any worries and remind them of all the positives ahead.
  2. Practical steps: Once your child has shared how they’re feeling about starting or returning to school, a few simple routines can make things feel smoother. Try easing back into a good bedtime routine, keeping devices out of the bedroom, and helping them pack their school bag. If they wear a uniform, checking everything is ready can help them feel more prepared.
  3. Talk them through the routine: If your child is starting school for the first time, talk through the school day with them, including playtimes and lunchtime and make sure they know who is collecting them and from where. You can also practise recognising their name and their teacher’s name to build confidence.
  4. Doing things they enjoy: Even once they’re back at school, making time each day for something they enjoy can help ease any anxiety. Playing outside, going for a walk or joining in with a sport are great ways to support their wellbeing and keep a healthy routine.
  5. Look out for signs: It can take time for children to settle into a new school or routine. If you notice changes in their behaviour or you’re feeling worried, it’s important to speak to their teacher so you can work together to support them. You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from a trained professional — even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.

Matalan’s Back to School campaign aims to help families feel ready, supported and confident as they prepare for the new academic year, with the NSPCC providing expert guidance to support parents and carers during the transition.

Through its long-standing partnership with the NSPCC, Matalan has raised more than £12 million for the children’s charity since 2004, helping to support its vital work protecting children across the UK.

Parents looking for more advice can tune into the latest episode of the Happy Mum podcast, where Giovanna Fletcher and Childline Practitioner Gail Sayles explore children’s confidence, emotional readiness and practical ways to navigate the back-to-school transition.

Families can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for free advice from trained professionals.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

Festival of Politics: Choppy waters ahead for Scotland’s water?

Our water and how to keep it clean, plentiful, and safe has very much been the subject of many news stories, documentaries, and conversations.

From climate change to scarcity and pollution – what plans are in place to secure Scotland’s water future?

You can be part of the discussion on this issue with panellists from University of Dundee the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, campaigner Peter Hammond, and Scottish Water.

📅 Fri 28 Aug – 11:15am

https://ow.ly/Mavj50ZyRMP

Scottish Ensemble to tour Bach & Blood this September

  • A new collaboration with NYCOS showcasing the power of strings and voice, which will include the UK premiere of David Fennessy’s composition Blood
  • Opening at Lammermuir Festival before performances in Perth, Glasgow, and London from 16 September – 02 October

Inhale. Exhale.

Every breath resonates and each string sings, in a new performance that brings together Scottish Ensemble and singers from the Chamber Choir of the National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS).

Bach & Blood will present a programme showcasing the atmosphere and power of strings and voice, emphasising the virtuosic solo violin as performed by Scottish Ensemble’s Artistic Director Jonathan Morton. Musical voices from across the centuries are united by ritual, reflection, and transcendence.

J.S. Bach’s Chaconne, famously described as “the greatest structure for solo violin that exists”, is illuminated by accompanying “Ghost chorales” relating to death and resurrection, that reveal emotional depths beneath the soloist. It is complemented by the ethereal, mystical power of Arvo Pärt’s Greater Antiphons for strings, which unfolds in shimmering stillness with a sense of timeless devotion.

The performance will climax with the UK premiere of Glasgow-based composer David Fennessy’s work Blood. Originally commissioned by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the piece is based on a short melody written by the 12th century composer and mystic Hildegard of Bingen; Blood expands and draws out the sound until it morphs into something completely new.

A solo violin weaves and flows through haunting vocals from the NYCOS choir, led by their Artistic Director Christopher Bell. Consonants are erased and vowels stretched into an emotional, primal stream of sound. What emerges is a work of profound power, where ancient chants merge with a resonating body of orchestral strings to create a startling new sonic landscape, pulsing with visceral, muscular energy.

Bach & Blood will open with a performance at St Mary’s Church in Whitekirk as part of the 2026 Lammermuir Festival. It will then tour to St John’s Kirk in Perth, and to Glasgow Cathedral as part of the 2026 Glasgow Cathedral Festival programme.

Finally, in October, the performance will visit London’s Milton Court, as part of Scottish Ensemble’s Company in Residence season with The Barbican.

Listings Information

Wednesday 16 September, 3pm

St Mary’s Church, Whitekirk

Part of the 2026 Lammermuir Festival

Tickets: From £18, half-price tickets for under-25s

Thursday 17 September, 7pm

St John’s Kirk, Perth

Tickets: From £6, free for under-26s

Friday 18 September, 7pm

Glasgow Cathedral

Part of the 2026 Glasgow Cathedral Festival

Tickets: From £7 – Limited number of £1 tickets available for local residents.

Friday 02 October, 7.30pm

Milton Court, London

Part of Scottish Ensemble’s Company in Residence season with The Barbican

Tickets: From £24

Ticket booking at scottishensemble.co.uk

Iona Cafe at St Columba’s: Change of opening hours from this weekend

St Columba’s Iona Cafe is changing its opening hours at the weekends!

Starting from Satuday 15th August, the Iona Cafe will be open 10- 4 on both Saturday & Sunday.

As always, there will be a range of delicious food and beverages available, as well as the gift shop, which is always full of wonderful accessories and homewares just waiting to be discovered!

Edinburgh Leisure opens applications for Talented Athlete Support Scheme

Talented local athletes can apply for free access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities to support their training and development

Following an inspiring summer of sport and the excitement of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh Leisure is encouraging talented athletes across the capital to apply for the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme (ETASS), which provides free access to facilities to support their training, recovery and development.

Delivered annually in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Scottish Institute of Sport Network (SISN), ETASS helps reduce some of the practical barriers linked to performance sport.

Applications for the 2026/27 intake are now open and available until the 31 August.

Packed arenas, standout performances and stories of determination at this year’s Commonwealth Games highlighted the positive role sport can play in people’s lives. Edinburgh Leisure hopes that energy will encourage more talented athletes in Edinburgh to pursue their ambitions, with ETASS helping to make the facilities needed to train, recover and develop more accessible.

Angela McCowan, Sports Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “Watching athletes compete on a major stage can be incredibly inspiring, especially for young people and emerging athletes who see what is possible through hard work, support and opportunity.

“The Commonwealth Games may have come to an end, but the impact they leave behind can last much longer. Through ETASS, we want to help talented athletes across Edinburgh take the next step by giving them access to facilities that can make a real difference to their development.”

Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Margaret Graham said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring athletes to develop their skills in Edinburgh Leisure venues across the city.

“The Commonwealth Games will no doubt have been a source of inspiration, in particular Edinburgh’s own gold medal-winner and record holder Josh Kerr.

“By nurturing emerging talent like this the Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme is helping to encourage the Capital’s next generation of sporting stars.”

Successful applicants will be able to use Edinburgh Leisure gyms, swimming pools and athletics tracks to support key areas of their training, including strength and conditioning, endurance work, recovery and rehabilitation.

Athletes interested in applying can find full details, eligibility criteria and application information on the Edinburgh Leisure website.

To learn more and apply, visit: Edinburgh Talented Athlete Support Scheme

South Bridge assaults: Man arrested

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a serious assault and an assault on South Bridge, on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.

Around 2.10am, a 42-year-old man was seriously assaulted and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Another man was assaulted on the same street and enquiries are continuing to trace the victim of that assault.

The 33-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Above-inflation 3.5% and 3.75% increases for doctors and dentists

NHS Scotland pay awards

Senior medics and dentists will receive an above-inflation pay uplift at the end of September, after the Scottish Government agreed to implement recommendations from an independent pay review board. 

Consultants, GPs, Specialty, Specialist and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors and dentists will receive a 3.5% increase for 2026-27. Salaried community and public dental workers will have a 3.75% pay uplift, recognising particular challenges within those services. 

The pay increases, which impact on over 10,000 NHS employees, will be backdated to 1 April 2026 and are expected to begin appearing in salaries at the end of September. 

Health Secretary Angela Constance outlined the pay awards in a letter to the British Medical Association as she confirmed full acceptance of the recommended pay uplifts by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). 

Ms Constance said: “I’m grateful to all consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in  delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities. 

“It is, therefore, right that we recognise this by accepting the independent findings of the DDRB to deliver an equitable and affordable pay deal – one that is in line with other public sector pay awards for 2026-27. 

“We remain committed to a fair, evidence-based and independent approach to pay awards and in accepting the DDRB recommendations in full, we are supporting recruitment and retention. 

“This will help to ensure that NHS Scotland remains an attractive place to work, while balancing the need for financial sustainability across the public sector.” 

The DDRB recommendation follows significant investment in consultant’s pay over recent years. They were awarded a 6% increase in 2023-24, 10.5% in 2024-25 and 4% in 2025-26.