As the summer holidays kick off, Hornby is on the lookout for Britain’s biggest little train fan to become “Mini Conductor”
Risk of summer boredom and screen time is a real concern but 89% of parents and grandparents saying hands-on hobbies help keep children away from screens
With 82% of children saying they love making up stories while playing with toys, Hornby is inviting families to bring rail adventures to life by entering the competition here
THE stress of keeping little ones, curious, creative and away from screens during the school summer holidays can feel like a real challenge.
New research* from Hornby reveals that (81%) of parents and 86% of grandparents say children today can’t fill their time without a screen. But this year, Hornby has the perfect solution – playing with model trains.
Parents and grandparents alike also recognise the very real benefits that hands-on hobbies bring: (89%) saying they help keep children away from screens while (84%) say that hobbies help children learn and grow – building the creativity, confidence and practical skills that stay with them for life.
Turns out, that appetite for imagination-led, hands-on play is exactly what makes train travel and model railways so compelling for children. The research** shows that for many kids it’s not just about getting from A to B – it’s the whole story along the way.
From spotting landmarks through the window (62%) to the thrill of arriving at the station (60%), children see train travel as a rolling adventure, packed with little moments that spark big imaginations. And the imagination doesn’t stop when the journey does. Four out of five children (82%) love making up stories while playing with toys – the same kind of storytelling energy that makes train journeys so magical in the first place.
This summer holiday, Hornby is inviting kids to bring those experiences to life by entering the Mini Conductor competition. The competition taps into the growing popularity of young railway enthusiasts, with children gaining attention online for their love of all things locomotive, from spotting trains and learning routes to recreating the sounds and theatre of the railway with their own announcements.
Martyn Weaver, Brand MD at Hornby, said:“The summer holidays are a brilliant opportunity for families to spend quality time together but keeping kids entertained, engaged and away from screens can be a real challenge.
“Our research shows that children value spending time with friends and family above anything else when they play (49%), and there’s nothing quite like the hands-on magic of model railways to fire up the imagination and banish the holiday boredom.
“The Mini Conductor competition is a brilliant opportunity for families to celebrate curiosity and imagination that train travel inspires, while giving one young rail fan the chance step into the conductor’s shoes for the day.”
Open to children aged 4–10, the competition will see one lucky winner spend a day alongside the LNER team as a ‘Mini Conductor’ visiting the train cab, greeting customers and making announcements, as well as starring in a Hornby video advert. Four runners-up will also receive a Hornby Playtrains prize bundle worth £100.
Parents and guardians can enter by sharing a video of up to 90 seconds explaining what their child loves most about trains and why they should be Hornby’s Mini Conductor, tagging Hornby and using #HornbyMiniConductor, or by uploading their entry at https://hornby.com/miniconductor
The competition entries close at 11:59pm on 2 August, so there’s still time to get involved before the summer holidays are in full swing.
Historic Environment Scotland is marking a summer of sport with a talk exploring Scotland’s sporting heritage
With Scotland enjoying the Commonwealth Games and World Cup this summer, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is celebrating the nation’s sporting heritage with a special talk exploring its archive collections.
A Summer of Sport will talk through historic sporting photography and will show the development of Edinburgh and Glasgow as host cities for the Commonwealth Games.
It will also examine how Scotland’s stadiums grew to host world record attendances and spotlight some of the nation’s star performers from the past. Accompanying original material will be on display before and after the talk.
Neil Fraser, Public Services Manager at HES, who will lead the talk, said: “Scotland has such a rich sporting past, and it is there to uncover if you know where to look.
“Through my talk, I am looking forward to exploring Scotland’s sporting history with people who are just as passionate about this history as we are here in HES’s archive team. The archives offer a fascinating insight into the people, places and moments that have shaped Scotland’s sporting story.”
A Summer of Sport will take place on Monday 27 July at 2pm at John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace Edinburgh EH8 9NX.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment to exempt state pensioners with no additional income from income tax, Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “Recommitting to exempting the State Pension from income tax is a welcome signal that the new Prime Minister is listening to the concerns of older people on low incomes.
“However, questions remain about how the policy will be implemented across a complex pensions system where one solution does not fit all.
“Different versions of the State Pension mean some older people receiving a lower State Pension and a small private pension would be dragged into the tax system, while others receiving only the State Pension will be exempt, despite the amount they receive being largely the same.
“Clearly, this is a situation that needs to be addressed so no older person on a low income loses out.
“Every day we hear from older people with chronic money worries who are making difficult decisions to make ends meet, from rationing their energy and water use to skipping meals.
“We look forward to receiving clarity from the UK Government on how the State Pension tax exemption will work to protect all pensioners on low incomes.”
POLICE are investigating complaints of serious sexual offending by an officer who died in May this year and appealing for victims to come forward.
Alan Greer, 47, was arrested on 24 April, 2026, after searches of a property in Wishaw. A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and enquiries into the contents of these are continuing.
On Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, officers were called to the same property where Mr Greer was found deceased. There were no suspicious circumstances.
The circumstances of the death following police contact are subject of a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.
A significant investigation was launched at the end of 2025 after a complaint was received relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer.
Extensive enquiries were carried out by detectives from the Anti-Corruption Unit to identify the officer and Alan Greer was arrested.
Further investigations have identified a number of victims of serious sexual offending by Alan Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies.
Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff, Professionalism and Assurance, said: “My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer’s family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death.
“The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible.
“Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances.
“It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice.
“I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and given the support you need.
“In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini’s review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny.
“Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing’s integrity has never been stronger.”
Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim in this case, is asked to please contact the enquiry team.
This can be done via email at OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk, or by telephone. A dedicated mobile number with text facility has been established – 07484 438 539. A landline for the enquiry team, with voicemail facility, is also available – 0300 426 6644.
To find out more about police complaints, including how to make a complaint, visit the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, run by Crimestoppers.
Concerns relating to allegations of corruption or serious abuse can be reported to the service by calling 0800 085 00 00 or via the Crimestoppers website.
If you have a mental health need or thoughts of self-harm, help is available:
Have you ever wanted to learn the secrets of the forest and brew your very own magical potion?
Join the legendary Befana and her trusty sidekick, Midnight, for an enchanting 60-minute adventure! In this interactive class, your little ones will: • Discover the secret powers of foraged herbs and plants
• Craft and brew their very own magical tea to drink
• Design their very own custom potion recipe page to take home!
Stockbridge Library Mon 3rd August at 3 to 4 pm 7 to 10 year olds
Places are limited. Contact the library to book your free space!
Experiences of young adults claiming Universal Credit in Scotland
Social security should be the foundation for a better life – a system that protects people’s rights, dignity and wellbeing. But what did our research team find when they looked to see if Universal Credit gives young adults the support they need?
The Poverty Alliance research intern Rachel Sowerby created this great infographic to tell the story of young adult parents’ experiences:
An 85-year-old woman has died after being struck by a car in Edinburgh.
The incident happened around 3.40pm on Monday, 20 July, 2026, outside the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Little France Crescent and involved a red Peugeot 208 and two pedestrians.
The woman died in hospital during the morning of Thursday, 23 July, 2026.
An 88-year-old man remains in hospital for treatment to serious injuries.
No other injuries were reported.
Enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2205 of 20 July, 2026.
Police Scotland declares major incident as emergency services respond to wildfire near Nethy Bridge
Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.
The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.
As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.
Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.
“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.
“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.
More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.
Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.
Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.
“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.
“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.
“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.
“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish. • Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More. • Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy. Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.
The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.
“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.
“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.
“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”
SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE
Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.
A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.
The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park – it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
South West Community Policing Team (SWCPT) officers have been carrying out a shoplifting initiative with plain clothes patrols concentrating on the Gorgie, Dalry and Chesser areas:
A 35 year old male was arrested on 15 outstanding warrants and charged with 23 shoplifting offences.
A 34 year old female was arrested on 3 warrants and charged with 26 shoplifting offences.
A 24 year old male was arrested and charged with 9 shoplifting offences and an offence under the Protection of Retail Workers Act.
A 45 year old male was arrested and charged with a shoplifting offence having attempted to sell his stolen alcohol to a local pub. The pub refused to buy it from him.
A 26 year old male and female were both reported for a theft shoplifting and males aged 19, 20 and 35 were all given Recorded Police Warnings for shoplifting offences.
Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 from their self-employment and property must send their first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update by 7 August 2026
The quarterly update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year.
The update takes minutes through recognised software and is not a tax return.
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords signed up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have just two weeks left before the deadline to submit their first quarterly update.
The update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year. The deadline for submitting it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is 7 August 2026.
The quarterly update is not a tax return. It is a short summary sent directly to HMRC through recognised software and takes minutes to complete.
Customers who have not yet signed up can still do so now by visiting GOV.UK, where they can also find software and access free guidance and webinars. If customers use an agent, they can sign them up instead.
Some software includes digital support tool HMRC Assist, which gives tailored feedback to help customers spot potential errors before submission. Customers remain responsible for ensuring their return is accurate.
After each update, users can see an estimate of their tax bill, helping them to plan ahead.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “This is a landmark moment for the tax system. Hundreds of thousands of sole traders and landlords are now keeping digital records and will be sending their first quarterly update in the coming weeks.
“For those already using software, this should be straightforward and take minutes. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time – visit GOV.UK and search ‘Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’ to get started.”
Making Tax Digital is now a legal requirement and customers in scope should check now that they are signed up, that their software is compatible and submit their update before the deadline.
It will extend to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and to those earning more than £20,000 from April 2028.
The tax return deadline remains 31 January. Quarterly updates do not replace the tax return – customers will still need to submit their return and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.
CASE STUDY
“My first Making Tax Digital update was so easy – if they can all go this seamlessly, we’ll be set up for smooth sailing”
Natasha Patterson, 33, is a full-time potter based in Whitehead, County Antrim, and is already ahead of the game – she has submitted her first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update weeks before the 7 August deadline.
She has been working as a potter since 2020 and opened her studio shop – Natasha Swan Ceramics – in 2023, where she specialises in functional wheel-thrown tableware including mugs, salt pigs and reed diffusers.
Like many small business owners, Natasha was not looking forward to a new tax obligation. She decided to submit early – just in case there were any issues along the way.
Natasha said: “I was expecting there to be some hurdles and I wanted to give myself time to work through any issues but was pleasantly surprised to find the process very smooth and straightforward.”
In the end, the submission itself took about ten minutes. Natasha had been adding receipts and updating her records throughout the quarter, so everything was ready to go when it came to submitting.
“I went back to check I did it right about three times, but it really was very straightforward.
“Everything made sense and was logical – it wasn’t overwhelming, even though it was all new to me.
“If they can all go this seamlessly, we will be set up for smooth sailing at the end of this tax year.”
One of the things she has valued most is being able to see a forecast of her tax bill straight away.
“It’s great to have a forecast of what I owe already, without mounds of paperwork. I feel more prepared knowing what’s expected of me in the coming months and also more confident going into the second quarter now knowing how straightforward the first submission was.”
Her message to other sole traders approaching their first update is straightforward. She said: “If you can complete your Self Assessment tax return, this is much easier. As far as tax submissions go, it was probably as pleasant as they come.”
