A law passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2017, has focused minds on work to reduce child poverty, but more collaboration is needed for the Scottish Government to continue to make progress, according to a report from Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act was passed by the Parliament in 2017 and aimed to tackle, report on and measure child poverty. It also established targets relating to the eradication of child poverty by 2030. The Scottish Government will publish statistics that will outline whether it has met its interim targets in March.
The Committee wanted to understand the impact of the Act, and in particular the difference that has been made by having a framework for reducing child poverty set in law.
In its report on post-legislative scrutiny of the Act, the Committee has found that, while the Act has instilled an appetite and motivation to tackle child poverty, something most clearly demonstrated in the establishment of the Scottish Child Payment, it has not led to sustained progress towards reaching the Scottish Government’s 2030 targets.
The report outlines a series of recommendations that could help the Government make further progress, including encouraging a culture of collaborative working across portfolios and engaging with local authorities to understand whether they can reach the targets and what further resources they might need.
The Committee also calls on the Government to share details on how its own research into child poverty in rural areas and in the islands has impacted on the Scottish Government’s approach.
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said:“Our scrutiny has shown that the Child Poverty Act has helped ensure the Scottish Government keeps its aim of eradicating child poverty focused in people’s minds.
“However, it looks as though more progress can be made towards achieving the targets that were set out in the act, so we are calling for change on a bigger scale to happen.
“We’re keen to hear more from the Scottish Government about how it intends to do this so that it can meet its targets and make a real difference to the daily life of children and families in Scotland.”
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building
Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre. This achievement, the culmination of a 20-year campaign, cements the future of the iconic venue, allowing a stable foundation for future ambitions.
For the first time since 2004, and with the security of a long-term lease, the Trust is able to confidently plan for long-term development, and crucially, seek the investment required to transform the venue into a sustainable and vibrant cultural space.
The significant long term lease agreement marks a turning point for Leith Theatre, delivered 17 months after the Trust received committee approval at City of Edinburgh Council’s Finance and Resource Committee in September 2023. This has been achieved after working closely with council officers and legal teams, in parallel with investigative works to conduct due diligence in relation to building health.
This achievement is a testament to the commitment of Leith Theatre staff, board and key personnel from the City of Edinburgh Council who have persevered and worked hard to protect and preserve this vital community asset.
Originally saved from the risk of private redevelopment by a group of local campaigners, Leith Theatre has often been overlooked in its lifetime but has nevertheless stood the test of time.
This positive step forward for the whole complex is vital to its protection on its journey to becoming a beacon of regeneration and heritage preservation, allowing it to fulfil its ambitions and take its place at the heart of Leith life as an innovative cultural and community venue.
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said:“I feel so proud to play a part in safeguarding such a unique and incredible heritage asset, so many of which are now commonly under threat.
“Saving this particular building has been a strong local response to that threat. The lease now gives us the stability to develop and steer this project towards refurbishment and sustainability as a key piece of cultural infrastructure in the city.
“I believe this space can be transformational for Leith and I am excited to plan for its long-term future.”
Bob Last, Chair of Leith Theatre, said:“When I took on the role of Chair at Leith Theatre, my primary goal was to ensure that we negotiated a new long-term lease for this asset gifted to the people of Leith in the 1930s. After many months of work alongside a tenacious team, I am pleased to deliver the vital security this lease brings.
“In celebrating this moment not only are we standing on the shoulders of the original architects whose vision I have ever greater respect for, but also all the skilled labour that went in to every detail of its construction, everyone who has enjoyed events at the theatre for more than 90 years giving the building meaning and, crucially, previous members of the Trust and all those who have spoken out about the building over the years.
“Leith Theatre will now be an important part of Leith and Edinburgh’s future cultural and community landscape.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Leith Theatre as we seek to unlock further capital investment and bring more and more vibrant life back to this iconic space.”
Val Walker, culture convener at the city council, said: “A 50-year lease is a remarkable milestone, and I’m very excited to see the venue thrive as a lasting music, cultural and community asset.
“This is the beginning of the next chapter. With the continued interest and enthusiastic support for the venue I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
David Orr, Commercial Real Estate Partner at Aberdein Considine, who negotiated the lease on behalf of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “It is immensely rewarding to have played a part in this extremely exciting new chapter for the iconic Leith Theatre, which will both preserve this significant piece of the historic built environment and revive this unique venue for the cultural and creative industries.
“We are proud to have worked alongside the Trust and partners to bring this lease deal to fruition and we look forward to supporting the continued success of Leith Theatre Trust in the years and decades to come.”
5153 PENALTY NOTICES ISSUED FOR PARKING ON PAVEMENT
The benefits of the pavement parking ban have been praised by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets Edinburgh.
The Council previously worked with these organisations to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.
Earlier this week (January 29) marked a full year since enforcement began against parking on pavements, at dropped kerb crossing points and double parking.
The council introduced these rules to make our streets safer for pedestrians and road users. Pavement parking particularly impacts people who use wheelchairs and mobility, those who are blind or partially sighted and people pushing prams or buggies. This practise also damages pavements, which are expensive to repair and become a trip hazard for everyone.
Parking attendants have the powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to vehicles parked on pavements, some verges, at crossing points or double parked. A parking ticket will be issued at the national level of £100 but reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days. This follows a similar process to existing parking tickets issued in Edinburgh.
Up to 26 January 2025 there had been 5,153 PCNs issued for footway parking, 1,612 for dropped kerb parking and 1,629 for double parking.
Since enforcement began there has been an overall decreasing trend in PCN fines being issued for pavement parking – with the exception of the busier summer months.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city. The overall gradual decrease in PCN fines for pavement parking also shows we’re headed in the right direction, ultimately we want to see zero fines.
“Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies.
“We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban.
“I’m proud that we took this decision to make our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland are now looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implementing schemes of their own.”
Transport and Local Access Forum Convener, Councillor Kayleigh O’Neill said: “The pavement parking ban has been so well received in Edinburgh, and I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making that happen.
“Strong awareness, resident co-operation and Council enforcement has meant that disabled people, elderly people, those with buggies and prams, all have an easier time getting around.
“So many streets that have been blighted in the past are now free and accessible for people who move around the city like me who uses a power wheelchair.
“Pavements are for people and the enforcement of this ban reinforces that. It is great to also see that Glasgow has followed us and are beginning enforcement on their city streets from January 29.”
Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, Mike Moore said: “One year on from the enforcement of pavement parking restrictions in Edinburgh, people with sight loss say it has made a real difference.
“By keeping pavements clear, the new rules have helped to ensure that people in the capital can get out and about safely, without the fear of being forced on to the road by inconsiderate parking.
“We welcome the start of enforcement in Glasgow this week, which marks an important step towards a consistent approach across Scotland. With both of Scotland’s largest cities now taking action, we hope to see continued progress by local authorities to make our streets safer and more accessible for all pedestrians.”
Living Streets Edinburgh Group Convener, David Hunter said:“The City of Edinburgh Council deserves credit not only for being the first in Scotland to apply the national ban on pavement parking, but also for adopting a “no streets exempt” policy.
“This been the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits.”
Cats Protection welcomes the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC)’s recently published report on responsible ownership and care of domestic cats in Scotland, supporting its microchipping recommendations to improve cat welfare across Scotland.
Advocacy Officer for Cats Protection, Alice Palombo, said: “We are delighted that SAWC has recommended the introduction of legislation for compulsory microchipping and the registration of owned cats in Scotland.
“This would be a vital step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pet cats, one that Cats Protection has long campaigned for.
“Animal welfare charities take in thousands of unchipped cats every year, and Scotland has the second lowest microchipping rates in the UK at 72%. This legislation will help reunite lost cats with their owners, reduce the number of unowned and stray cats, while also reducing the burden on our teams.
“Trying to find the owners of unchipped cats often takes up valuable space in our pens – space that could otherwise be used for cats in urgent need.”
The charity further supports the development of a centralised database to simplify the registration process, giving an efficient way for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare organisations to search for cats when needed.
In addition to legislative measures, SAWC has recommended that Scottish Ministers implement a public education programme to encourage voluntary microchipping and registration ahead of legal requirements.
Alice continues: “The combination of compulsory microchipping and a centralised registration system will be a game-changer for cat welfare in Scotland.
“A public education initiative will be crucial in raising awareness among cat owners and the wider public about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“We hope Scottish Ministers do take action by implementing these proposals as soon as possible, which we believe are essential for improving cat welfare.”
The long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, has released the shortlists ahead of the FilmG Awards in March, marking the biggest shake-up in categories in the competition’s 17-year history.
For the first time, there will be no Best Film category in either the -18 or 18+ competitions. Instead, the major prizes will now be awarded for Best Drama, Best Documentary, and Best Comedy—highlighting the breadth of Gaelic storytelling talent.
This year also saw another historic change: filmmakers were not given a set theme for the first time, allowing for complete creative freedom. The 127 entries across both competitions reflected the focus behind the scenes on development and progress.
Independent judges selected nominees across 15 categories, while the public will decide the final two awards through an online vote.
18+ Shortlists
All four films nominated for Best Drama are previous FilmG winners, including last year’s Best Film winner, Kayleigh Bell.
Three films stand out with three nominations each: Mhàiri Gillies from Skye and the duo of Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver for their respective documentaries, along with last year’s winner Luca Kerr for his drama ‘Geama’.
-18 Shortlists
Last year’s Best Film winner, Parker Dawes, picks up another two nominations, including Best Drama.
Only four other films collect multiple nominations – Gairloch High School, Sgoil an Taobh Siar, and Portree Secondary School each received two nominations, while the Comunn na Gàidhlig group from Harris received three nominations for their comedic take on the hit TV show The Voice.
Dingwall schools also had a strong showing, with two films nominated from Dingwall Primary and one from Dingwall Academy.
Murdo MacSween, FilmG’s Project Director, said, “It’s the strongest FilmG we’ve ever seen in terms of quality, and we have very competitive shortlists.
“The public vote has also been strong, so it’ll be exciting to see which two films come out as Scotland’s favourites!”
Alongside the competition, FilmG’s workshops, clubs, and activities continue to nurture the next generation of Gaelic storytellers, providing a pathway for aspiring filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.
Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, added: “FilmG is invaluable for Gaelic media, as it showcases all the new talent coming through.
“The judges have had a tough job this year, but we’re proud of all the filmmakers who have been busy across Scotland sharing their stories in Gaelic.”
The winners will be revealed at the FilmG Awards Ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow on Friday, 7 March 2025. You can watch all the films at www.filmg.co.uk.
Complete list of nominations:
-18
Best Drama
Cus – Gairloch High School Air Choire – Parker Dawes Spògan Buidhe – Portree High School FilmG Club
Seachad – Ullapool High School
Best Documentary
An Treasamh Sùil – Tomas Dimbleby Weber Òran na Cloiche – ‘Dà Bhogsa agus Bogha’ & Finlay Morrison Na Fònaichean Tha Sin..! Tràilleachd na Fònaichean – Sgoil Lìonacleit FORSAN – Rosa O’Halloran
Best Comedy
An Seachnadh – Dingwall Academy Na Mèirlich – Dingwall Primary School
Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh
Best Youth Group
Na Fuadaichean – Dingwall Primary School Pantar Phàislig – West Primary School, Paisley Muncaidh Bhreascleit – Sgoil Bhreascleit An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh
Power of Gaelic Award
Nuair a bha mi Òg – Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath Seanchas na Fairge – Staffin School and CnaG Am Plana Gaoideach – Castlebay Community School Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar
The Creativity Award
Drogh Paitchyn / Clann Dona – Bun-scoil Ghaelgagh, Isle of Man A-mach ‘s A-steach – Oban High School
An Cluba Saidheans aig a Bh.Uas. Nic an Ceàrdaich – Calderglen High School, East Kilbride Faigh A-mach à Seo Mi! – Dunoon Grammar School
Technical Excellence Award
Parker Dawes – Air Choire Alasdair MacDonald – Baile Mhoire Uilleam MacDonald – Am Fiùran Alex Padarowski – Duine-èisg
Best Performance
Emily King – An Guth Eloise McNay – Geama Lexy Campbell – Cus Jonathan MacDonald – Spògan Buidhe
18+
Best Drama Air a’ Bheing – Kayleigh Bell & Adam Stewart Geama – Luca Kerr Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils Sinne, Nas Sine – Cara Turner & Kirsty McBain
Best Documentary Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver Orient – David O’Brien Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies A’ Bheàrn – Jessica Deigan
Best Comedy Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils A’ Cluich – Rambling Celt Productions Ar Eilean Breagha – Eilidh Johnston Cunnart bho na Meanbh-chuileagan – An Clas Camelon
Best Cultural Film A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh – Galson Trust Estate Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver Orient – David O’Brien Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies
Best Music Video Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh – Evie Waddell Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin – Cashlin MacKenzie Mhic Iain ‘ic Sheumais – Dlù Chan Eil – Evie Waddell
Technical Excellence Award Rob MacNeacail – A’ Cluich Mhari Gillies – Anne Againne Cashlin MacKenzie – Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin Rae MacIver – Coinneach MacThòmais
Best Performance Ró Ó hEadhra – Uisge-Bàis Evie Waddell – Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh Kirsty MacArthur – Air a’ Bheing Rachel Kate MacLeod – Geama
Engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are spearheading calls to reopen a rail route that last served neighbourhoods in the south of Edinburgh over 60 years ago.
The six-strong team of civil engineers, based in Edinburgh, are behind an online petition urging policymakers to integrate Edinburgh’s South Suburban Line into the city’s existing tram network paving the way for a new transport corridor in the Capital. In addition to the petition, which has already gathered almost 1500 signatures in the last week, the students carried out a public survey revealing significant support for their proposals from local communities and potential passengers.
Opened in 1884, the line – commonly known as the Sub – closed to timetabled passenger services in 1962.
Spanning 12.3km, the line links Murrayfield stadium in the west of the city with Portobello on its eastern boundary, passing through the key neighbourhoods of Craiglockhart, Morningside, Newington, Cameron Toll, Craigmillar, Fort Kinnaird and Brunstane. It currently has six platforms lining the route which the students acknowledge require renovation. Their plans also propose a further four new platforms at Portobello, Fort Kinnaird, Niddrie Bingham and Cameron Toll.
While the line is maintained by Network Rail and used today for freight transportation, the students argue it is underutilised asset, capable of assisting Edinburgh City Council in meeting its target to reduce car miles travelled by 30% by 2030.
Caitlin Cummings is working on the project as part of her final year coursework in Civil Engineering. She said: “Breathing new life into Edinburgh’s South Suburban Railway will make travel easier for all and encourage people to leave their cars at home in favour of this transport link.
“We do have a second phase to this project that would see a separate line extend from Portobello to Leith using a disused railway line. This would also reduce public disruption by preventing roads from being dug up and minimise impact to business and the environment while helping encourage people onto public transport.”
Efforts to reopen the Sub line have been discussed before but dismissed due to high costs related to increasing capacity at the stations. But with Edinburgh’s population increasing and placing greater demands on existing public transport services, the students believe they have found a ‘practical and cost-effective’ solution.
After months of research using the knowledge gained through their studies, they have tabled a proposal to introduce Scotland’s first battery-electric tram-train network. Tram-trains have been in use in Europe for decades and already operate in Sheffield with more planned elsewhere in the UK.
Tram-trains are a type of light rail vehicle that meet the standards of a light rail system – such as a tram network – and also national mainland railway standards. Tramcars are capable of operating on streets like an urban tramway as well as alongside mainline trains.
It’s a proposal the campaign group hope will trigger interest from the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council and Network Rail.
Final-year MEng Civil Engineering student, Corey Boyle said: “The system we propose is called discontinued electrification. That’s an alternative to a full route electrification like we see used on the Edinburgh trams.
“As they’re battery electric vehicles, they can run on sections using battery alone and then switch to overhead lines at certain points. This way, it helps keep costs down and gets round any potential obstacles, such as low bridges that might otherwise prevent a tram train from receiving power.
“It is a low-carbon and viable transport option that would see greater connections between homes in the south of the city with the city centre and beyond.”
The group say their proposal will help alleviate capacity concerns at Edinburgh’s two busiest railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket.
Corey, continues: “Ultimately, we want our work to result in the commissioning of a new feasibility study which looks into reopening the South sub.
“The last one was in 2008, which was before the trams were even opened and it never looked into the use of tram trains. Since then, there’s been a lot of new developments and there’s a strong case for a new feasibility study to be carried out.”
Edinburgh City Council’s Transport and Environmental Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson thanked the students for organising the petition and supported calls for Edinburgh to have an interconnected public transport system.
He said: “The South Suburban Railway network has been an issue that has appeared many times over the years and represents a potential future opportunity for development.
“Edinburgh requires an efficient, innovative and interconnected public transport system to allow us to deal with projected population growth, fulfil our climate responsibilities, drive economic growth, and accelerate developments to respond to our housing emergency.
“I’ve been clear that the North-South tram route is a key part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing the final Strategic Business Case when it is ultimately presented to committee. In addition, we are working with partners on how a North-South tram route can connect with other public transport options across the city and the surrounding local authorities and South Suburban Railway is part of this.
“We’ll continue to keep Edinburgh moving and encourage all our residents and visitors to use public transport wherever possible.”
If you wish to add your name in support of the campaign, you can by visiting Change.org.
Out of four nations only Scotland will see child poverty rates fall by 2029 – JRF
Deprivation increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents – RoSPA
A joined-up approach is needed to address uneven level of accidents among deprived Britons
Following the release of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging the UK government to adopt comprehensive strategies to tackle child poverty and preventable accidents.
Released this week, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s UK Poverty 2025 Report reveals that without significant investment in social security, the UK government will not ease child poverty by the end of this Parliament. It also highlights that child poverty rates are significantly higher in England (30 per cent) and Wales (29 per cent) compared to Scotland (24 per cent) and Northern Ireland (23 per cent).
It emphasises the critical role of specific welfare policies, such as the Scottish Child Payment, in reducing poverty, with Scotland projected to see a decrease in child poverty rates by 2029. The report calls for targeted policy interventions to address these disparities and improve living standards across the UK.
The release follows the recent publication of RoSPA’s ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’ campaign which showed that accidental deaths in the UK have reached an all-time high, with rates increasing by 42% over the last decade.
Accidents are now the second biggest killer of people under 40. In England alone, accident-related hospital admissions for serious injuries have risen by 48% in the past twenty years, hospitalising over 700,000 people annually.
The economic cost of preventable accidents is staggering, amounting to £12 billion every year due to lost working days and NHS medical care.
Dr. James Broun, Research Manager at RoSPA and author of ‘Safer Lives, Stronger Nation’, said: “Our major review of UK accident data has already uncovered the full scale and true cost of accidents for the very first time.
“We found that deprivation significantly increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents, compounding existing inequalities and creating a vicious cycle of disadvantage.
“This is why we are alarmed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s findings and support their call for Government action to reduce child poverty, while we reiterate our own call for a national accident prevention strategy to help further reduce economic and health inequalities.”
UK Child Poverty Report 2025
The JRF’s latest UK Poverty shows that under current projections, only Scotland will see a reduction in child poverty rates by 2029, largely due to Scotland-specific welfare policies.
Key findings include:
Child poverty rates in Scotland are projected to fall, while rates in England and Wales remain high.
If the rest of the UK matched Scotland’s reduction in child poverty, 800,000 fewer children would be in poverty.
Specific welfare policies, such as the Scottish Child Payment, are crucial in reducing child poverty.
Deprivation and accident risk
RoSPA notes that deprivation is often linked to an increased risk of accidents. Factors such as unsafe housing, proximity to busy roads, and hazardous work conditions contribute to this risk. Moreover, economic deprivation is associated with health inequalities, which can exacerbate the severity of injuries from accidents.
Key points include:
Deprivation increases both the likelihood and severity of accidents.
Health inequalities linked to economic deprivation can compound injury severity.
Accidents can further entrench material inequalities by disrupting education and employment, creating a vicious cycle of disadvantage.
A Call for a National Accident Prevention Strategy
RoSPA calls for a National Accident Prevention Strategy to address these issues comprehensively. Such a strategy would focus on improving housing safety, reducing road traffic risks, and ensuring safer working conditions, particularly for those in hazardous jobs.
The Need for Government Action
Both JRF and RoSPA stress the urgency of government intervention. A credible child poverty strategy must include policies that rebuild the social security system, while a national accident prevention strategy is essential to reduce preventable injuries and deaths.
By linking these strategies, the UK can create a more holistic approach to improving public health and social welfare, ensuring that both poverty and preventable accidents are addressed through comprehensive, targeted policies.
