Month: August 2026

Child Bereavement UK challenges community to take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk

Could You Take on A Kiltwalk for Bereaved Families This September?

  • Bereavement charity Child Bereavement UK is calling on people to take part in the Dundee Kiltwalk
  • Participants can raise as much as they like with no minimum sponsorship 

Child Bereavement UK, the largest provider of grief support for when a child grieves or when a child dies, is calling on the local community in Edinburgh to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 13th. 

The charity is mustering well-travelled trekkers or fledgling footsloggers to don their kilts and take part in the Kiltwalk in Dundee to raise awareness and money for the support available to bereaved children and parents in Scotland.  

Child Bereavement UK is the largest provider of bereavement support to grieving young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child, supporting families throughout the UK when a child grieves or when a child dies. 

The Kiltwalk in Edinburgh offers participants the chance to enjoy beautiful city scenery while raising money for Child Bereavement UK. Walkers can choose between three challenge route distances, a 4.3-mile Wee Wander route, a 11.2 Big Stroll or a 20-mile Mighty Stride walk, making the event suitable for families and people of different ages and fitness levels. 

Participants can take part with friends, family, or on their own, and there is no minimum fundraising target. Everyone who takes part receives a range of benefits, including a walker’s guide, a Kiltwalk finisher’s medal, snacks and refreshments, and plenty of entertainment and encouragement along the route. 

The charity also provides a welcome email, fundraising pack, branded top, and support from a dedicated fundraising team to help participants make the most of their experience.

Kerry Waite, Events and Mass Participation Manager at Child Bereavement UK, comments, “The Edinburgh Kiltwalk is one of the most exciting events we have in our calendar, taking participants on an incredible journey with lovely scenery.

 “So many people who come and get involved are themselves bereaved, either as young people or as bereaved parents, and they take this opportunity to walk in memory of their important person and in recognition of the tremendous steps through grief they have already undertaken. 

“We hope that this important event will not only raise vital funds to support these people and families and also raise awareness of bereavement in childhood and for parents.”

The registration fee is nominal and starts from £7 for children and up to £20 for adults, with participants encouraged to raise as much as they can for the charity.

If you would like to summon your clan and take part in the Dundee Kiltwalk then please visit the dedicated page on the Child Bereavement UK website. There is also another Kiltwalk taking part in Edinburgh on the 13th of September that is also open for registration. 

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We offer free, UK-wide, accessible online grief support to children and young people (up to 25) and parents bereaved of a baby or child. 

Our trained bereavement specialists are available to speak with Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (excluding bank holidays) by phone, email, text and WhatsApp, or via our website – childbereavementuk.org

Scottish Children’s Services Coalition: Scottish Government child mental health spending target now impossible to meet

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), which campaigns to improve services for vulnerable children and young people, has warned that a Scottish Government commitment to allocate 1 per cent of frontline NHS spending to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) by the end of the previous parliamentary term in 2026 is now IMPOSSIBLE to meet.

Figures from Public Health Scotland for financial year 2024/25, published today (11th August), show that spending on CAMHS accounted for 0.84 per cent of frontline NHS expenditure, up from 0.81 per cent in 2023/24 and 0.75 per cent in 2022/23 (see Notes to Editors).

Spending on CAMHS in 2024/25 stood at just over £146.5 million, an increase of £12.5 million from just over £134 million in 2023/24. Given the scale of the remaining gap, it is now impossible to see how the 1 per cent target id to be achieved in 2025/26, the final year of the previous parliamentary term.

A separate commitment to allocate 10 per cent of frontline NHS expenditure to mental health services more broadly also looks unlikely to have been met. The latest figures show that this stood at 9.14 per cent in 2024/25, compared with 9.03 per cent the previous year and 8.53 per cent in 2022/23.

The commitments to direct 1 per cent of frontline NHS spending specifically to CAMHS and 10 per cent to mental health services overall were made in the Scottish Government’s 2021 Programme for Government.

When the commitments were made, in financial year 2021/22, spending stood at 0.66 per cent for CAMHS and 8.66 per cent for mental health services more broadly.

While spending has increased since then, the pressures on children and young people have also intensified. The long shadow of the Covid pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and persistent poverty in Scotland’s most economically disadvantaged communities have all contributed to the scale of the mental health challenge.

With the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government due in September, the SCSC notes that this is a critical opportunity to reaffirm these commitments and set out a clear and credible plan for delivering them.

A spokesperson for the SCSC said: “While there has been progress in increasing investment, the figures are clear: the Scottish Government is falling short of its commitment to spend 1 per cent of frontline NHS expenditure on children and young people’s mental health services. The wider commitment to spend 10 per cent on mental health services also remains unmet.

“These targets matter. They reflect the scale of investment needed to address Scotland’s growing mental health challenges and ensure that children and young people can access the support they need, when they need it. Against the continuing impact of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and poverty, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“With the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government due in September, there is a critical opportunity to reaffirm these commitments and set out a clear and credible plan for delivering them. We urgently need to see the necessary investment put in place to meet the 1 per cent CAMHS and 10 per cent wider mental health spending targets.

“But increased spending must go hand in hand with a decisive shift towards prevention and early intervention. Mental health needs to be at the heart of policymaking across government, tackling the underlying causes of poor mental health and ensuring support is available before children and young people reach crisis point.

“The Programme for Government must therefore turn these commitments into action. Scotland’s children and young people cannot afford further delay.

“Meeting these spending targets must be treated as a priority, backed by sustained investment and a clear timetable for delivery.”

People in Edinburgh encouraged to check their risk of developing type 2 diabetes

  • 7 in ten people (71%) have not checked their risk, with confusion and a lack of awareness preventing people from taking action
  • Of those who have not checked their risk, almost a quarter (24%) do not know how to check, and over a quarter (27%) do not believe they are at risk.
  • Nearly half of Brits (48%) are unaware that they can check their type 2 diabetes risk online through Diabetes UK Know Your Risk Tool.

Tesco and Diabetes UK are encouraging people in Edinburgh to take a simple step towards understanding their health after new UK research revealed that four in ten adults (42%) have never thought about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults also found that seven in ten people (71%) have not checked their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, despite the condition affecting millions of people across the UK.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to life-changing complications, including heart disease, stroke and sight loss if left undiagnosed or unmanaged. However, with the right support, many cases can be prevented or delayed, making early awareness and action particularly important.

The findings suggest many people may be missing opportunities to understand their risk or the support to make changes. Among those who have not checked their risk, more than a quarter (27%) say it is because they do not believe they are at risk, while almost a quarter (24%) say they would not know how to check.

The survey also uncovered confusion about what influences a person’s likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, with one in five people (21%) saying they do not know enough about type 2 diabetes risk to identify risk factors involved.

Age, ethnicity, family history, weight and other health factors can all affect risk, but only 28% of respondents identified this broader combination of factors.

This reflects wider misconceptions about the condition, with separate CharityTracker data showing that 36% of people believe eating too much sugar is the main cause of diabetes and 37% believe people develop type 2 diabetes because of their lifestyle choices.

Tom Lye, Category Director for Health and Wellness at Tesco, said: “We know that taking steps to understand your health can sometimes feel daunting, which is why we want to make support as accessible as possible.

“Through our partnership with Diabetes UK, we’re encouraging people to use the free Know Your Risk tool to better understand their risk of type 2 diabetes.

“If customers have concerns or questions, our trained pharmacy colleagues are on hand in over 350 Tesco Pharmacies to offer advice and support.”

Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, said: “Around 6.9 million people in the UK are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but taking small steps can make a big difference.

“Diabetes UK’s free, online Know Your Risk tool can help you understand your risk in just a few minutes, and offers advice on how to reduce it if needed. Through our partnership with Tesco, we’re making it easier for people to access vital information and support in their local communities.”

Although lack of awareness remains the biggest barrier, the survey also suggests that concern and embarrassment may prevent some people from learning more about their risk. Among those who have not checked their risk, 14% say they worry about what the result might be, while around one in ten worry about being judged because of their weight, diet or health behaviours (9%) or feel embarrassed discussing their risk (8%).

There are tools and support out there, but nearly half of UK adults (48%) said they were unaware that they could check their type 2 diabetes risk online or had not heard of the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk Tool.

However, the findings also suggest people are open to getting support in familiar, accessible settings, with 80% saying they would feel comfortable speaking to a pharmacist about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

To help people better understand their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, Tesco and Diabetes UK are encouraging people to use the free online Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool.

The simple online assessment takes just a few minutes to complete and can help identify whether someone may be at increased risk of developing the condition, as well as signposting them to further support where appropriate.

Customers who have concerns about their risk, symptoms or diabetes more generally can also speak to a trained pharmacist in store at more than 350 Tesco Pharmacies across the country.

People can find out more and access the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/tesco

Marlene Goncalves, 40, from Shropshire was diagnosed with prediabetes in February 2023 but has since reversed it after taking action to adjust her diet and exercise routines.

Marlene said: “Knowledge is power, and knowing you’re at higher risk of type 2 diabetes is incredibly important in helping to prevent it developing.

“Having that knowledge and knowing you’re at increased risk, will help inform decisions and adopt healthier behaviours that can reduce or even prevent the progression to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

“My advice to anyone who feels apprehensive or scared about checking their risk is simple: choose to know. While it can feel daunting, the knowledge you gain has the potential to be life-changing.

“Understanding your health and any associated risks is empowering.

“It gives you the opportunity to make informed decisions, take positive action and improve your health.”

‘Privatisation of Social Care has failed Edinburgh’

END THE “MARKETISED FAILURE” OF SOCIAL CARE WITH A PUBLICLY OWNED NATIONAL CARE SERVICE, DEMAND COMMUNISTS

THE Communist Party of Britain (CPB) has spoken out on social care policy in its campaign for the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-elections, taking aim at the “marketised failure” of privatised care services. 

Standing candidates Richard Shillcock (Southside/Newington ward) and Peter Olech (Portobello/Craigmillar ward), the party is offering a distinct socialist alternative to the mainstream parties ahead of the vote on Thursday, 3 September 2026.

The Communists argue that Edinburgh’s current social care landscape—deeply reliant on private contractors and plagued by low wages—is failing both the vulnerable and the workforce. 

The party is campaigning for a structural overhaul that mirrors the founding principles of the National Health Service (NHS): care that is fully nationalised, universally accessible, and free at the point of use.

A Local Blueprint for a National Care Service

The Communist campaign in Edinburgh centres on three localised demands designed to reverse decades of council privatisation and outsourcing:

  • Insourcing Care Services: Bringing outsourced adult social care contracts back under NHS and local authority management, creating a pathway toward a unified National Care Service.
  • Ending Low Pay and supporting Union Bargaining for Care Workers: Ending the exploitation of a predominantly female and ethnic minority workforce by establishing standardised council contracts. These will guarantee decent wages, fully compensated travel time, paid sleep-ins, and robust sectoral collective bargaining.
  • Funding People Not War: Rejecting regressive local taxes or service cuts. The party calls for the expansion of municipal budgets by taxing the city’s vast private corporate wealth and shifting resources away from international military spending toward vital local services.

Peter Olech, Communist Party candidate for Portobello/Craigmillar, said: “Edinburgh is a city of immense, concentrated wealth, yet our social care infrastructure is crumbling and working-class communities are paying the price. 

“Turning care into a profit-driven market has driven down wages for care workers and diminished the quality of life for those needing support.

“We are standing to ensure care is treated as a fundamental human right, managed for the many rather than corporate shareholders.”

Richard Shillcock, Communist Party candidate for Southside/Newington, said: “The choice facing Edinburgh voters on 3 September is simple: welfare or warfare. 

“While mainstream parties manage austerity and watch our social care system fracture, we demand that Edinburgh Council takes direct responsibility for our local public services. 

“We could fully fund a dignified, publicly owned care system and reverse years of devastating budget cuts if we prioritised investing in people.”

The local by-elections were triggered following the resignation of two local SNP councillors who were recently elected as MSPs to Holyrood. 

The Communist Party urges voters across Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar to use their ballot papers to reject performative political tinkering and demand real, socialist structural change for Edinburgh’s working class.

Caring+For+AllDownload

Abdul Farid Nabizada jailed for seven years for serious sexual assault

A man has been jailed for seven years for the serious sexual assault of a woman in Edinburgh.

Abdul Farid Nabizada, 36, attacked a woman in the Portobello area of Edinburgh on Friday, 12 November, 2021.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today Tuesday, 11 August, 2026, after previously being found guilty at the same court on Tuesday, 7 July, 2026.

He has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and a non-harassment order was also granted.

Detective Inspector Kirsty McArthur said: “This was a shocking attack on a woman in the city, and Nabizada will now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“We remain committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

Community Dementia Day at The Craighall Centre

WEDNESDAY 26th AUGUST from 10am – 3.30pm

Anyone affected by dementia is welcome to attend a community dementia day on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026 at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.

There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information, see our website for more info:

https://www.edinburghhsc.scot/dementia_day_2026/

People with dementia and their family or carers are welcome to attend the community dementia day event on Wednesday, 26 August, 2026.

Those with the condition, worried about their memory or waiting for a formal diagnosis, are welcome to attend at the Craighall Centre, 210 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh from 10am to 3.30pm.  

There will be a range of healthcare professionals on hand to give advice and information including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, Podiatrists and Music Therapists.

There will also be stalls from organisations, such as Alzheimer Scotland, VOCAL, Meeting Centres and Edinburgh Leisure.

The event will be held in the large hall in the Craighall Centre, at the opposite end of the building to the Memory Assessment and Treatment Service. It has a separate entrance which will be signposted.

  • There is limited parking at the centre, but free on-street parking is available nearby.
  • The number 14 and 21 buses stop outside the centre
  • Refreshments will be available
  • For more information phone Morna Russell on 0131 286 9620

ASH Scotland invites Edinburgh residents to take Nicotine Use and Mental Health survey to help inform new support resources

ASH Scotland is inviting people of all ages in Edinburgh to share their experiences of mental wellbeing and use of tobacco and nicotine products.

The health charity’s nicotine use and mental health survey is being launched at a time when the issue of nicotine addiction is causing an increase public health concern.

Anecdotal evidence shared with ASH Scotland’s Youth Conservations Hub suggests that many children and young people are using nicotine as a way of coping with anxiety, stress or low mood.

Responses to the survey, which is open until 1 February 2027, will help inform the charity about future resources that are needed to support people addicted to nicotine to reduce their intake to improve their mental wellbeing.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said “There continues to be a huge data gap in Scotland enabling us to see trends of nicotine use and how it impacts people’s mental health.

“By responding to ASH Scotland’s survey, Edinburgh residents can help us to better understand how mental health connects with nicotine use, and identify the types of information and support that can encourage people to make positive choices to protect their mental health.

“It is vital that people in Edinburgh can access robust, evidence-based information and support to empower them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.”

To respond to the survey, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/survey.

Granton Archive Project: Local History Drop-In Sessions at Madelvic House

GRANTON:HUB – TUESDAYS 2 – 4pm

Come along this summer to our community archive drop-in sessions, every Tuesday between 14:00-16:00 to learn more about our local history and its rich heritage.

More Information:

www.grantonhub.org

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP: The Fringe is a chance to celebrate the very best of Edinburgh

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome visitors from across the globe for the start of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has welcomed the return of the world’s largest arts festival and highlighted the pride it brings to the capital.

Every August, Edinburgh comes alive. Our streets are filled with music, theatre and comedy while local cafés, pubs and shops welcome thousands of extra customers and people come to experience the city at its very best. The Fringe is not only a major boost for the local economy but a celebration of the creativity, diversity and community spirit that make Edinburgh such a special place.

However, this year the Fringe begins after a difficult few weeks for the city. The fire on Princes Street is continuing to affect our public transport and ongoing discussion around policing in the city centre reminding us that Edinburgh also faces real challenges.

Commenting, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “The Fringe is one of the things that makes Edinburgh unlike anywhere else. There’s a real buzz about the city as performers arrive, venues open their doors and our streets fill with people looking to discover something new.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, though. The fire on Princes Street has been an ongoing issue for businesses and locals alike as transport continues to be disrupted. This is why I pushed the Scottish Government to provide emergency support.

“I’m really pleased we’ve now secured a £5 million recovery fund to help Edinburgh get back on its feet. That support matters, but so does making sure people feel safe when they’re out enjoying the city.

“The ongoing rise in petty crimes and anti-social behaviour have left residents concerned. These concerns need to be taken seriously because the Fringe should be something everyone can enjoy with confidence and in safety.

“The Fringe reminds us why so many people fall in love with Edinburgh.

“Let’s make sure we give visitors a warm welcome while continuing to back the businesses, workers and communities that make this city such a brilliant place to live all year round.”

New guidance to ensure safe conversions of traditional buildings

Making historic buildings fit for the future

Landmark guidance designed to protect the future of almost half a million traditional buildings across Scotland has been published.

The Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings will help ensure traditional buildings are adapted safely for modern use – ensuring that they meet fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency needs, while supporting the sustainable reuse of historic buildings.

It is the first guidance of its kind in almost two decades and is part of the response to lessons learned from the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017.

Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said: “The safety of everyone who lives in, works in or visits a traditional building must always come first.

“The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Cameron House fire showed clearly how hidden risks in older buildings, like concealed voids and outdated fire protection, can have devastating consequences.

“This guidance is our direct response, ensuring that anyone converting a traditional building has the tools and understanding they need to protect lives.

“It also reflects our wider ambitions to support sustainable, low-carbon development by making the most of our existing building stock rather than defaulting to demolition and new build.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed their expertise to this guidance. By working together, government, industry and heritage specialists can ensure Scotland’s traditional buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.”

Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Scotland’s traditional buildings are some of our most valuable national assets. They shape the character of our towns, cities and rural communities and embody centuries of craftsmanship, cultural heritage and local identity.

“Reusing and adapting these buildings is vital to protecting our historic environment, while also supporting economic prosperity and community wellbeing through regeneration.

“This guidance will help support the safe, sustainable and informed conversion of traditional buildings across Scotland. It is the product of a truly collaborative approach which reflects the collective expertise of professionals from across the building standards, fire safety, engineering and conservation sectors.

“By learning from past events, understanding the unique risks associated with historic construction, and applying proportionate and informed solutions, we can protect people, retain cultural significance and ensure that these remarkable buildings continue to serve future generations.” 

Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings – gov.scot