Month: September 2026

All A-board! New bus service to Lost Shore and Climbing Arena

Service 67 launches after years of campaigning for better public transport to Edinburgh’s adventure sports hub

A new direct bus service connecting Edinburgh city centre with Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) and the village of Ratho has launched, following years of campaigning for improved public transport links to the area.

Service 67 is initially operating hourly, Monday to Friday, creating a direct public transport connection between central Edinburgh and two of Scotland’s leading adventure sports destinations. The service is expected to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks.

Operated by HcL, Service 67 will connect central Edinburgh with Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA Ratho, with stops including Haymarket Station, Hermiston Gate Park & Ride and Ratho Village.

The launch is a major milestone following several years of work to restore a direct public transport connection between Ratho and Edinburgh, including sustained campaigning by the Ratho Bus Working Group and support from Lost Shore and EICA for better transport links to the area.

Research carried out as part of the campaign demonstrated strong demand for improved public transport. More than 2,200 people responded to a community survey, with 90% saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.

The new route will make it significantly easier for Edinburgh residents and visitors without access to a car to reach Ratho and its growing adventure sports hub, bringing surfing and climbing within a direct bus journey of the city centre.

Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.

“We’ve believed from the beginning that world-class adventure should be accessible to as many people as possible. Lost Shore and EICA offer two incredible experiences right next door to each other, but getting here without a car has been a real barrier for too many people.

“Service 67 has the potential to change that. For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.

“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”

Stacey O’Flaherty, Ratho Bus Working Group, added: “This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.

“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.

“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”

Victoria Harper, Manager at the EICA said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community. 

“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.

“We’re proud to be part of a destination that brings climbing, surfing and outdoor adventure together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people through our doors.”

Service 67 will initially operate as a six-month trial, with passenger use and feedback helping to inform decisions about the future of the service.

The service currently runs hourly, Monday to Friday, using accessible 16-seat minibuses, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single journey costs £2.40, with cash and card payments accepted. Under-22 and eligible concessionary National Entitlement Cards are also accepted. 

The route will make it significantly easier for people across Edinburgh to reach Lost Shore and EICA by public transport, opening up access to two major adventure destinations without the need for a car.

It also creates a stronger connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, bringing surfing and climbing together as part of a distinctive active day out at Edinburgh’s adventure hub.

The timetable for Service 67 is available here – HcL Service 67  

Edinburgh Leisure publishes Impact Report for 2025-26

Edinburgh Leisure has published an Impact Report for 2025 – 26.

Chief Executive Jen Holland said: “I am delighted to share Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact Report for 2025–26, a story of progress, resilience and people working together to help Edinburgh be active and well.

“This year’s report marks an important turning point, with stronger financial foundations, growing participation and continued investment in places and programmes that help more people feel active, included and connected.

From expanding health and wellbeing programmes such as Balanced Life, to widening access through community facilities, subsidised provision and inclusive opportunities for people facing barriers, our work continues to support a healthier, happier and more active Edinburgh for everyone.

“One of this year’s Victorian Pool Crawl participants, Eileen Ingram, summed up that purpose when she told us: “I think it’s important for everyone, regardless of wealth, health or age, to be able to have access to facilities to enable them to live an active life. Regular exercise is really important for improving all aspects of our life.”

“Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. I hope you enjoy reading the report and celebrating what we continue to achieve together for Edinburgh and its people.”

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One in three Scots urged to tell First Minister: ‘Don’t turn your back on arthritis’

New campaign calls for Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan

People living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions across Scotland are being urged to add their voice to a major campaign calling on First Minister John Swinney to deliver Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.

Arthritis UK has launched an open letter to the First Minister demanding that arthritis is recognised as a national health priority and that the Scottish Government commits to a dedicated plan to improve diagnosis, treatment and support.

Across Scotland, 1.7 million people – around one in three of the population – live with an MSK condition such as arthritis, with many experiencing daily pain, fatigue and disability.

Despite the enormous scale of the issue, arthritis remains one of the only major health conditions without a dedicated strategy in Scotland.

Under the banner “Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis”, the campaign is urging people affected by arthritis and other MSK conditions, their families and supporters to sign the open letter and send a clear message to the First Minister that action is needed.

The proposed MSK Action Plan would seek to ensure people receive the right diagnosis and support sooner; improve access to rehabilitation and supported self-management; help people remain active and independent; and provide stronger national leadership and investment in MSK health.

Lauren Bennie, Head of Arthritis UK in Scotland, said: “Arthritis affects an extraordinary number of people in Scotland, yet for far too long it has failed to receive the attention it deserves.

“Behind the figure of 1.7 million people are individuals living every day with pain, fatigue and disability – often waiting too long for a diagnosis, treatment or the support they need to live independently. That has to change.

“We are calling on the First Minister to face the facts about arthritis and commit to Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan.

“But we need the voices of people living with these conditions to be heard. We are urging everyone affected by arthritis or an MSK condition – along with their families and friends – to sign our open letter and tell the First Minister: don’t turn your back on arthritis.

“With the right leadership and a dedicated national plan, Scotland has an opportunity to transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.”

The campaign will run throughout the autumn, with Arthritis UK also working to secure what would be the first dedicated debate on arthritis in the Scottish Parliament. Campaigners will take the open letter to Holyrood on the day of the debate.

Among those supporting the campaign are people with first-hand experience of the impact of arthritis, including Amy from Dundee, who was diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager; Bobby from near Stranraer, who waited more than two years simply to be placed on the waiting list for a knee replacement; Mairi from Islay, who faced years of delays in accessing treatment; and Ken from Stirling, who waited almost 20 years for an osteoarthritis diagnosis.

People can add their name to the open letter and call on the First Minister to face arthritis head on at:

https://www.arthritis-uk.org/news/first-minister-don-t-turn-your-back-on-arthritis/

CASE STUDIES:

Amy’s story, Dundee

Diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis as a teenager, Amy from Dundee, Scotland, was silently struggling in constant pain at school and had to fight to get the support she needed.

Now training to be a doctor, she faces long working hours and is worried about how she will cope with managing her condition at work.

“I’m finishing university this year and about to enter the workforce. I’m excited about becoming a doctor, but I am concerned about how I’ll manage my fatigue. Junior doctors work long hours with few rest breaks, and that makes me nervous. I’m concerned I won’t specialise as quickly as my peers. However, I hope by telling my story I can change things for other young people with arthritis. It’s not all bad news, and we can thrive with the right support.”

Bobby’s story, Stranraer

Bobby, from Stranraer, was diagnosed in 2020 with osteoarthritis in both knees. Living in immense pain, the wait began, and it was more than two years before Bobby was even added to the waiting list for surgery.

He had his first knee replaced in November 2023, followed by his second the following August.

Surgery was life-changing. His mobility returned and he now plays walking football several times a week. Today, he encourages others living with arthritis pain, or waiting for surgery, to reach out to others. Bobby also hopes to raise awareness of walking football, so that more people can benefit from the physical and mental benefits it offers.

“Yes, it was painful in the knees, but also painful in the head. It played havoc with my thoughts, my mind, my life. The mental impact is phenomenal. You feel like you’re a burden when you can’t do things. You try to keep going through the pain.  

“When I see some of the people out there waiting, I encourage them to push for it because it’s life-changing. You wake up from surgery and the pain is gone. I was a totally different person. Honestly, I didn’t know how much my osteoarthritis had impacted me until I had my knees replaced. Before, I had to go up chimneys for work, and I was really restricted on how much I could climb a ladder. I’ve worked every day since I left school. And I felt like I couldn’t give it 100% because the knee pain had hit me so hard. But now I can go up and down ladders again easily!”

Kathy’s story, Helensburgh

Kathy suffered pain from childhood and was finally diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 50, although she had been living with pain since she was 13 years old.

For so many years, Kathy was looking for an explanation for the pain she was experiencing. She watched it take over her life without having any answers, in constant severe pain, not sleeping and suffering depression. She felt she was ‘existing’, not living.  

At 47, when the pain was at its worst and had spread to her knees and back, Kathy went to see a new doctor who was determined to get to the bottom of her pain. After tests and X-rays, it was found that she was living with arthritis in her spine and hips. Finally getting a diagnosis was a huge relief to Kathy.  

“Life before diagnosis was a nightmare. I didn’t sleep because the pain was so bad and, at one point, I was on both morphine and fentanyl patches, harsh medication. The pain affected my mental health so badly that I was diagnosed with severe depression, which was compounded by grief after losing my husband 11 years ago.

I closed myself away. I didn’t know how to deal with the pain, and nobody was helping me.

“That doctor knew what I needed, got tests done and referred me to a community link worker who took me to an Arthritis UK group three years ago, and my whole life changed. It really brought me out of my shell because I’d gotten to the point where I just locked myself away. I remember that first week at a group feeling like I didn’t dare talk, scared I’d burst into tears. 

“It is disappointing that the diagnosis took so long because my life could have been different so many years ago. I could have spared a lifetime of pain. I’ve also missed out on so many things; I loved badminton but had to give it up at 14 because it affected my back so badly, and I’ve never been able to play since.”

Three quarters of A&E staff witness violence and aggression at work at least once a week

‘Safe to Care’ campaign launched

Around three in four UK Emergency Department staff have told the Royal College of Emergency Medicine that they experience or witness violence and aggression in their department on a daily or weekly basis.

That’s according to new survey data, revealed today (7 September) as part of the launch of RCEM’s Safe to Care campaign.

‘Safe to Care‘ aims to highlight the appalling levels of violence and aggression that doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff in Emergency Medicine continue to face while at work.

In the coming weeks and months, RCEM will be sharing testimonies of those who have experienced violence or aggression at work and will be calling on the four UK governments to take immediate action to ensure Emergency Department (ED) staff feel safe, and are safe, to provide care.

Levels of violence towards NHS staff has become intolerable: RCEM surveyed over 2,000 ED staff, with 96% of respondents saying they experienced violence or aggression in their ED from patients or members of the public.

More than three quarters (73%) said it was a weekly, or even daily, occurrence and around two thirds said the incidents they experienced were of a discriminatory nature.

One anonymous resident doctor told the survey: “Working in the ED, you brace yourself for a lot, but nothing truly prepares you for direct, hateful verbal abuse, especially when it’s racially charged.”

Meanwhile, an ED consultant told the survey that they had been kicked in the face by an aggressive patient lying on a trolley.

Just four per cent told RCEM that they always felt safe working in ED, and barely more than half (57%) felt safe most of the time.

If left to continue, the impact this will have on the workforce could be devastating for Emergency Medicine, with 75% of staff reporting short-term stress and anxiety, 40% experiencing burnout, 14% taking time off work – and 28% experiencing long-term stress or anxiety.

Meanwhile, many staff said they had little confidence that reporting incidents will lead to action, with fewer than half (41%) of staff who made a report saying their trust took ‘meaningful action’.

Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “No one should go to work fearing or, worse, expecting, to be attacked, intimidated or abused. Nor should they lack confidence that their employers have their backs, or that the judicial system will kick in.

“Yet, that’s the reality faced by the majority of my colleagues in EDs across the country. They often do not feel safe to care for patients. It is an appalling state of affairs which is contributing towards many people seriously considering whether Emergency Medicine – or even healthcare in general – is for them.

“Tackling violence and aggression is crucial for the wellbeing of staff, whose dedication to the NHS is all too frequently being repaid in kicks, punches and abhorrent verbal abuse.

“We know that long waits and crowding are key drivers of this, but that is not the fault of staff – that’s on our governments. Every hour of every day, our Emergency Medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.

“This should not be a novel concept to anybody. Much has been said by us and other organisations over the years about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff. But the problem seems to be getting worse, not better.

“It’s time for action, time for governments, employers and organisations stand up for NHS staff, and time to ensure that those who intimidate, abuse or assault those who are trying to care for them face meaningful consequences for their actions.”

Violence and aggression is not always an isolated problem. Many survey respondents pointed out that long waiting times (90%), overcrowding (85%), staff shortages and corridor care (both 65%) was making the problem worse.

Tackling these issues will undoubtedly create a calmer environment in A&E, which provokes fewer incidents.

In a new briefing, RCEM is calling on government in the four nations, and NHS leaders, to make Emergency Departments safe to care by:

  • Preventing violence and abuse before it occurs – starting with the eradication of long waits to be seen, crowding and corridor care, whilst strengthening security standards
  • Supporting staff through better training, reporting, follow-up, and links with the police
  • Improving accountability of organisations to protect and support NHS staff, with better working across systems to ensure perpetrators face justice

Dr Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee, said: “Safe to Care has a very clear goal: make EDs a place in which you can work without fear of intimidation or attack.

“Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising.

“Whilst most patients and relatives continue to be a pleasure to treat, it is true that we are seeing increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour from a significant minority.

“Anyone who works in ED knows that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff has become normalised. That must end and we call on policymakers and NHS leaders to help us make EDs a safer place for staff.”

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Amazon staff summer celebration at Edinburgh Zoo

Sunshine and smiles as Amazon in Dunfermline marks summer with site-wide celebration

Colleagues at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline were joined by friends and family on for the site’s annual summer get-together, held in recognition of the team’s efforts serving customers across the UK.

The celebration, held at Edinburgh Zoo, featured a dedicated BBQ and the general animals across the venue, giving employees the chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues outside of their usual working day.

Natasha Blyth, who works at Amazon in Dunfermline, was among those enjoying the festivities: “We work hard all year round, so it’s great to take a step back and just have some fun with the team.

“Bringing the family along made it feel like a proper celebration rather than just another work event. Thank you, Amazon!”

Daniel Stewart, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and days like this are our way of saying thank you.

“Watching the team relax and celebrate with their families is one of the highlights of my year, and it’s a fitting send-off into the second half of what’s already been a fantastic year.”

 The event forms part of a wider programme of employee recognition across Amazon’s UK operations network, as the company marks the midpoint of the year and thanks teams for their continued dedication to customers.

Jet2 expands Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport

  • Jet2 has announced extra availability to Reus and Halkidiki from Edinburgh Airport for Summer 27

Jet2 has expanded its Summer 27 programme from Edinburgh Airport, giving Scottish holidaymakers even more options when booking flights to popular sunshine destinations.

From today, additional seats are available to Reus, Spain and Halkidiki, Greece, which are both exclusive routes to Jet2, offering greater flexibility outside of the peak summer season for customers planning a trip from Edinburgh Airport.

Whether they’re looking to explore the impressive Modernist architecture of Reus or discover the vibrant food and nightlife scene of Halkidiki, the expanded programme gives holidaymakers even more choice for Summer 27.

Customers can enjoy an extended season through exclusive Jet2 routes to Reus, with weekly Tuesday services from 6th – 27th April. In addition, the season to Halkidiki, has been extended from 21st – 28th October, with weekly Thursday services.

This comes as part of Jet2’s wider Summer 27 expansion, with more capacity and choice available across 22 of Jet2’s routes from nine of its UK bases.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer of Jet2 and Jet2holidays, said: “We know how much our customers are looking forward to planning their summer holidays next year, and we are seeing continued demand for holidays earlier and later in the summer season as well as during the peak.

“By adding more seats from Edinburgh Airport to fantastic destinations including Reus and Halkidiki, we’re giving Scottish holidaymakers even more opportunity to book early, plan with confidence and choose the options that suit them.”

For more information and to book your flights, visit www.jet2holidays.com  

Green Light for Major New Housing and Green Skills Hubs

The UK Government has now released £14.09m to Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Partnership after signing off on its locally designed three-year Local Growth Fund investment plan, which targets areas with the lowest household incomes to create jobs and boost living standards.

Funding for Years 2 and 3 will be rolled out as the region progresses through its plans.

A partnership between the four regional colleges of Borders, Edinburgh, Fife, and West Lothian plans to train over 20,000 new entrants across the region over the coming decade as well as upskill existing workers.

South East Scotland is the fastest growing region in Scotland, with some of the highest housing demand for now and into the future. The new training hubs will be strategically important in the delivery of 40,000 new homes across the region’s seven strategic housing sites.

The training centre in the south of Scotland will also benefit from Scottish Government funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Audrey Cumberford, Principal of Edinburgh College, said: “This is a great example of colleges coming together and taking a proactive approach to meet the skills needs of the region that we serve.

“The construction sector is going to be hugely significant to Edinburgh and the Lothians over the coming years, and these training hubs will ensure it has the workforce it needs to flourish.

“Projects like this emphasise the potential that colleges have to work hand in hand with key employers to provide a pipeline of skilled labour for future employment opportunities.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “(Today) the UK Government is releasing more than £14 million to Edinburgh and South East Scotland partners who know their communities best.

“These funds will be crucial for addressing skills shortages, driving green innovation and removing barriers to local employment and infrastructure development.

“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.

“These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.” 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said: “This investment in new training hubs will give thousands of local people the chance to gain new skills and build rewarding careers in construction and green technology.

“With strong demand for new homes together with our work to reach net zero, having a skilled local workforce will be essential.”

According to a report undertaken by the University of Edinburgh and West Lothian College, the region has a construction workforce of 57,000, of which 21,000 (34%) commute for work into the region from other parts of Scotland daily.

The study identified that the region requires an additional 20,000 new entrants, upskilling roles and replacement construction workforce over the next 10 years.

Sky’s the limit as CHAS children take flight with Loganair

Children with life-shortening conditions from across Scotland and their families enjoyed a day to remember at Glasgow Airport on Saturday, taking to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Scotland’s west coast, courtesy of the UK’s leading regional airline, Loganair, and its charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Six families received VIP treatment onboard one of Loganair’s ATR 72-600s, which flew under flight number LM1996, marking the year CHAS’s children’s hospice, Rachel House, opened its doors.

Before take-off, families enjoyed a morning of fun in Glasgow Airport’s Campsie Lounge, with character meet-and-greets, singalongs and soft play. Even Police Scotland joined in the fun, making a beeline for the ball pit.

There was plenty of magic on board too. With support from Glasgow-based Wish Upon a Star Kingdom, Princess Merida and Spider-Gwen joined the families for the round trip across the Highlands and Islands to the delight of the young flyers, before the aircraft returned home to Glasgow Airport.

After the aerial adventure over Scotland’s west coast, the flight was then welcomed back in style with a water cannon salute from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Among the excited flyers was four-year-old Isla Johnstone from Glasgow. Isla lives with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), and she and her family have been supported by Robin House and CHAS at Home service for the past year.

Isla’s mum, Georgeta, said: “This flight was so special for us as Isla hasn’t been on a plane since she was a baby and she was always asking me when she can fly again, but because of her condition, it just hasn’t been possible until now.

“Isla was so excited flying over all the islands and loved every single minute of this wonderful experience.  We are incredibly thankful to Loganair and CHAS for making Isla’s dream come true.”

Isla said: “My favourite thing about the flight was being up in the air and flying! I also loved meeting Merida and Spider-Gwen.”

Luke Farajallah, chief executive officer at Loganair, said: “This flight has become one of the moments we look forward to most each year.

“Connecting Scotland’s communities is at the heart of what we do every day, but there is something especially meaningful about using our aircraft to create happy memories for children and families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

“CHAS is there for families when they need support most, and the generosity of the businesses and people across Glasgow Airport is what makes days like this possible. Five years into our partnership, our commitment to CHAS has never been stronger.

“We’re incredibly proud to play our part, and we’ll continue to find new ways to raise vital funds, support the charity and, most importantly, help families make memories together.”

The flight marked the fifth year of the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, supported by AGS, ground handling team Menzies, ABM, Wish Upon a Star Kingdom and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2024, Loganair added a voluntary £2 donation option to online bookings, raising further funds for CHAS, and the airline also supports CHAS at Home, the charity’s outreach service that flies nurses to families in remote island communities. The service made 1476 visits in the last year. Since 2021, Loganair has raised over £100,000 for CHAS, supporting its work with families across Scotland.

Aimee Russell, senior partnership executive at CHAS said: “For many families supported by CHAS, it is often difficult to fly or use other forms of transport because of their child’s complex needs. Our important partnership with Loganair means we can bring smiles to children and help create special memories for families to always treasure.

“Experiences like this mean so much to the families we support, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Loganair and their partner organisations for making this incredible flight possible once again.”

Loganair operates more than 70 routes across the UK and Europe, proudly serving communities across Scotland and further afield for over 60 years with initiatives including its GreenSkies Community Fund, which has seen Loganair donate over £120,000 to sustainable projects since its inception in 2021.

For further information on the partnership between Loganair and CHAS, visit: https://www.chas.org.uk/loganair