Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

First Minister appoints Cabinet ‘to deliver for Scotland’

FM: “Government will be focused on people’s priorities.”

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has appointed his new Cabinet, unveiling a streamlined team of Cabinet Secretaries to deliver on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland.

Comprising eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, the First Minister has said his Cabinet will focus on the priorities of the people, including supporting people through the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

The focused and streamlined Cabinet will include the first ever Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, who will lead cross-government work to ensure public services are responsive to the needs of the people of Scotland.

Responsibility for independence and the constitution will now sit directly with the First Minister.

The Cabinet, which is made up of a majority of women, consists of: 

  • Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Jenny Gilruth
  • Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform Ivan McKee
  • Cabinet Secretary for Justice Neil Gray
  • Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance
  • Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin
  • Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan
  • Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville
  • Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am immensely proud to appoint this Cabinet with the experience, energy and drive to deliver on the mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.  This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.

“As a leaner, more agile government, our full focus will be on delivering on the things that matter most to the people of Scotland, including supporting people with the cost of living crisis, ensuring easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“This new team will hit the ground running, delivering major progress on our priorities within the first 100 days, before continuing to deliver on the emphatic mandate given to us by the people of Scotland.

“This team of Cabinet Secretaries will bring experience, drive and a determination to deliver for Scotland – and this government will work harder than ever to repay the trust that people have placed in us.”

Excluding Law Officers, the new Cabinet of nine, including the First Minister, is down from twelve before the election.

Scottish Ministers appointed

First Minister John Swinney has also appointed Scottish Ministers, following the completion of a new Cabinet.

The Scottish Government now consists of eight Cabinet Secretaries, including the Deputy First Minister, and eleven Ministers.

Seven new Ministers have joined the Scottish Government, including six who enter government for the first time. This includes Stephen Flynn, Stephen Gethins, Hannah Mary Goodlad, Kirsten Oswald, Alison Thewliss and Simita Kumar.

Newly appointed Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy Stephen Gethins will report directly to the First Minister. The First Minister will hold direct responsibility for independence and the constitution.

Newly appointed Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad will support both the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, and the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform.

The full Scottish Government ministerial team consists of:

First Minister, John Swinney

Minister for Europe, External Affairs & Energy, Stephen Gethins

Minister for Parliamentary Business & Veterans, Jamie Hepburn

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth

Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform)

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform, Ivan McKee

Minister for Public Finance, Hannah Mary Goodlad (reporting jointly to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government)

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray

Minister for Victims & Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance

Minister for Community Care, Alison Thewliss

Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol & Drugs, Maree Todd

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, Gillian Martin

Minister for Agriculture, Marine & the Islands, Jim Fairlie

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan

Minister for Children, Young People, & The Promise, Siobhian Brown

Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education, Ben Macpherson

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville

Minister for Equalities & International Development, Simita Kumar

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn

Minister for Business & Fair Work, Tom Arthur.

Drama@Drylaw

Drama@Drylaw is a friendly, informal group, facilitated by Freda O’Byrne, which comes together to move, chat, laugh and explore everyday life through simple drama activities.

The work they do is based on familiar, real-life situations, so it’s great for building confidence, communication skills and vocabulary – including for people who already have a good level of English and want to practise in a natural, supportive way. Everyone’s contributions are valued, and people bring their own experiences to the group.

Each session begins with gentle, mindful bodywork to help us relax and feel comfortable working together. There’s also time to catch up, share news and enjoy being part of a group before moving into creative activities.

The work is different every week, so if you miss a session because of appointments or family commitments, you can drop straight back in the following week.

There’s no acting, no scripts and no pressure to perform – just a chance to try something new in a safe, encouraging space.

Drama@Drylaw meets every Tuesday at the centre 10:30am – 12:30pm.

Everyone welcome.

Edinburgh athletes benefit from share of sportscotland funding ahead of Glasgow 2026

Team Scotland Commonwealth games Glasgow 2026 Scottish Bowls team Mary Wilson

New investment from sportscotland will support Scotland’s top athletes as they prepare for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The national agency for sport has today announced that 43 athletes from eight sports will share £210k of National Lottery funding from the sportscotland Athlete Personal Award programme (SAPA).

The programme is designed to ease financial pressures and allow athletes to dedicate more time to training, recovery and competitions as they build towards as representing Team Scotland on home soil.

The latest group of awarded athletes is a mix of those who are still aiming for Team Scotland selection, and some who have already booked their place at Glasgow 2026.

Edinburgh judoka Sarah Adlington and bowler Mary Wilson are among the athletes receiving awards. The list also includes Glasgow 2014 gold medal winners Neil Fachie OBE, Alex Marshall MBE and Paul Foster MBE.

Sarah Adlington is aiming to make her third Commonwealth Games appearance after winning gold at Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022.

COVENTRY, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: Gold medalist Sarah Adlington of Team Scotland celebrates during the Women’s Judo +78 kg medal ceremony on day six of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at Coventry Stadium on August 03, 2022 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Sarah Adlington said: “Balancing other commitments with training and competitions is always difficult.

“In a Commonwealth Games year we know we have to do everything we possibly can in terms of our preparation.

“The SAPA funding from sportscotland is a huge help with that, it allows me to attend more international competitions and camps leading up to the Games.”

Mary Wilson (pictured top) has already been selected for her Commonwealth Games debut, the Dudley BC member will compete in the B6-B8 Pairs with Pauline Wilson.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: ““Scotland is set for a truly memorable summer of sport. Hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow once again is a huge moment for Scottish sport and our athletes.

“This National Lottery investment from the SAPA programme will ensure our athletes can focus fully on their training and performance as they prepare for one of the biggest events of their careers.”

Kenny More, Scottish Gymnastics Performance and Pathway Lead, said: “Scottish Gymnastics was delighted by the news that seven athletes were to receive SAPA funding. In a sport where the costs of daily training, performance camps, and competitive opportunities need to be met it is such a boost to the athletes.

“It settles many of their worries, allows them to reduce or eliminate working commitments, and supports their mental and physical readiness to meet the challenges ahead of them. We get regular comments from their club coaches about the positive impact this funding has on their gymnasts.

“We are grateful to sportscotland for this specific funding and the ongoing support of sport science and medicine practitioners who positively influence these and other gymnasts on a daily basis.”

Bowls Scotland Head of High Performance, Kareena Cuthbert, said: “The investment through sportscotland SAPA funding is massively beneficial for our bowlers, giving them the best possible support and preparation for the 2026 Games.

“This backing allows our athletes to train, compete and perform with confidence and reflects a shared ambition to deliver continued success on the biggest stage.”

Athletes receiving funding

Aquatics

Kara Hanlon

Charlie Hutchison

Evie Davis

Ciara Schlosshan

Athletics

Nick Percy

Sarah Tait

Erin Wallace

Bowls

Paul Foster MBE

Alex Marshall MBE

Jason Banks

Caroline Brown

Beth Riva

Sophie McGrouther

Pauline Wilson

Mary Wilson

Garry Brown

Stuart Sloan

Robert Barr

Mary Stevenson

Sarah Jane Ewing

Jim Aitken

Boxing

Alan Perrie

Caitlin Kelly

Leo Church

Robert McNulty

Niamh Mitchell

Stephanie Kernachan

Cycling

Neil Fachie OBE

Gymnastics

Cameron Lynn

Reuben Ward

Hamish Carter

Euan McLellan

Crystelle Lake

Ava McFarlane

Lottie Smith

Judo

Sarah Adlington

Finlay Allan

Nicole Wood

Eva Ewing

Kevin Gordon

Weightlifting

Drew Burns

Madeline Rosher

Wheelchair basketball

Finlay Erskine

Thousands dismissing the signs

Everyday symptoms could signal serious autoimmune condition

This Coeliac Awareness Month (May), Coeliac UK is warning that thousands of people in Scotland could be living with an undiagnosed autoimmune condition, after new research reveals many are brushing off key persistent or recurrent symptoms as part of everyday life.

24% of adults in Scotland say that they wouldn’t speak to their GP at all about the symptoms of coeliac disease. Meanwhile, nearly half (40%) of people in Scotland dismiss persistent tiredness as normal, and 30% say the same about brain fog or difficulty concentrating – despite these being common warning signs.

Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people; only 36% of people with coeliac disease are diagnosed, yet awareness remains worryingly low.

Symptoms ‘hidden in plain sight’

Despite its prevalence, coeliac disease can affect the whole body – but many of its most common symptoms are overlooked and often mistaken for everyday issues or other conditions.

While issues like bloating or diarrhoea are more widely recognised, others – including fatigue, anaemia and neurological symptoms such as brain fog – are frequently dismissed or misattributed.

New YouGov research commissioned by Coeliac UK highlights the critical awareness gap in Scotland:

  • Over half of UK adults (56%) aware of coeliac disease don’t realise coeliac disease causes symptoms beyond digestion
  • Myths and misconceptions remain widespread. More people attribute symptoms to stress or lifestyle rather than a serious medical condition. 21% blame diet/lifestyle, 13% blame stress and 14% think it’s part of ageing, over a medical condition (21%).
  • Only 11% of people know how common the condition is in reality

Coeliac disease is not a food intolerance or lifestyle choice. It is a serious autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own tissues when gluten is consumed, damaging the gut and preventing nutrients from being properly absorbed.

This has real consequences. On average, it takes 13 years from the onset of symptoms for an adult to be diagnosed – more than a decade of potentially avoidable ill health.

Left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious long-term complications, including osteoporosis, infertility, chronic gut ulcers, increased risk of infections, and neurological damage.

Hilary Croft, Chief Executive at Coeliac UK, said: “This isn’t a lifestyle choice or a popular food trend – it’s a serious autoimmune condition. We’re seeing people normalise symptoms and ignore their body’s warning signs. Signs that could point to coeliac disease.

“The result is that many people end up waiting for over a decade before they find out what’s causing their pain and discomfort. Fatigue, brain fog or ongoing digestive issues shouldn’t just be dismissed as part of a busy life or getting older.”

This Coeliac Awareness Month, Coeliac UK is urging people not to ignore persistent or recurrent symptoms, and instead to take action and seek medical advice. Their free online self-assessment, Is It Coeliac Disease, helps people understand their risk and start conversations with healthcare professionals.

Hilary continued: “Take action today, and check whether your symptoms could be coeliac disease, with the Coeliac UK self-assessment.”

For nearly 60 years, Coeliac UK has advocated for people affected by coeliac disease by raising awareness, improving diagnosis pathways, funding research and working to ensure safe and affordable access to gluten free food.

Granton & District Community Council meets next Monday

NEXT MEETING MONDAY 25 MAY – FEATURING GRANTON WATERFRONT UPDATE!

All welcome at our monthly meeting on Monday 25 May, 6.30pm at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.

It’ll feature a presentation by Granton Waterfront Programme Director, Sat Patel, so come along for an update!

This is a hybrid meeting – if you’d like to attend online, please get in touch for the MS Teams link. Alternatively, we can raise any issues for discussion on your behalf. Simply email engagement@grantoncc.scot 😀

Jenny Gilruth is Deputy First Minister

Jenny Gilruth takes on “greatest honour of my life.”

Jenny Gilruth has been appointed Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.

Ms Gilruth described it as “the greatest honour of my life” as she accepted the role.

Ms Gilruth will support the First Minister in ensuring the Scottish Government delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

Her Cabinet portfolio will be confirmed in due course.

The First Minister said: “Jenny Gilruth has already shown she can deliver for the people of Scotland, not least in averting damaging teachers strikes earlier this year.

“Now, as my government takes on the emphatic mandate we were given by the people, she will play a central role in making sure we deliver on people’s priorities.

“This will be a Scottish Government working for Scotland.  We have pledged that we will support people with the cost of living, ensure easier access to the NHS and deliver a fresh start with independence.   That is exactly what we will do, and I am pleased that Jenny will bring her drive and determination to that task.”

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Being asked to serve as John Swinney’s Deputy First Minister is the greatest honour of my life.

“We are coming into government refreshed by the faith people have placed in us and determined to deliver on the job they have asked us to do – supporting people through the cost of living crisis, giving people easier access to the NHS and delivering a fresh start with independence.

“That is our task and it is one I will dedicate myself to delivering as Deputy First Minister, in a Scottish Government working for Scotland.”

Amount donated in Scotland to charities falls to £910m

People in Scotland donated an estimated £910 million to charity last year, declining from £1.1bn in 2024, according to new research by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

CAF’s research finds that the number of people giving to charity has been declining. Last year, 58% of people in Scotland donated or sponsored to support charities. Against the backdrop of household financial pressures, one in five (22%) people in the UK report they don’t donate to charity because they cannot afford it.

CAF’s UK Local Giving Report looks at levels of charitable giving, community engagement and local pride in every UK constituency. 

More than a third (38%) already engage in their local community in Scotland, but one in six (17%) would like more opportunities to get involved. More than half (51%) of people in Scotland have a sense of local pride, increasing to 65% in Mid Dunbartonshire which has the strongest sense of satisfaction and belonging.

The report highlights the virtuous circle that when people engage in their local communities, they are more likely to donate to charity and feel a sense of local pride.

Mid Dunbartonshire also gave the highest percentage of household income to good causes with an average of 1.14%. This compares to Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, where people donate 0.64% of their household income.

Mark Greer, Managing Director of the Charities Aid Foundation, commented: “Charities are at the core of our communities. Through their work up and down the country, they strengthen local areas and support those in need.

“When we are facing a sustained trend of declining donations, part of the solution to unlocking greater giving lies in understanding the power of place and community. It might seem obvious, but places matter to people.

“This report shows that when people are engaged in a local area, they tend to give more. It tells us that the people in areas with low levels of engagement and giving aren’t disinterested – they need and want more opportunities.

“We need targeted investment and collaboration from government, philanthropists and businesses to revitalise local cultures of giving and encourage community connections, helping to strengthen charities and the places they support, for the future.”

Ten most generous constituencies in Scotland based on proportion of income donated to charity:

Mid Dunbartonshire1.14%
North East Fife1.14%
East Renfrewshire1.03%
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry1.00%
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine1.00%
Na h-Eileanan an Iar0.99%
Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West0.99%
Stirling and Strathallan0.99%
East Kilbride and Strathaven0.99%
Paisley and Renfrewshire North0.98%

Community Grants Fund now OPEN for applications

The Council’s Community Grant Fund is now OPEN for applications!

Got a project idea that could make a real difference in your local area?

You could apply for up to £5,000 to make it happen!

🗓️ Applications open: 18 May – 29 June 2026

🔗 Apply here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cgfapply

Spread the word!

#CommunityGrants

#Edinburgh

#Funding

Creative Connections Schools Exhibition at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh

Fruitmarket opens an exhibition championing the creativity of Edinburgh primary school pupils

Fruitmarket’s Creative Connections exhibition marks the culmination of a pioneering three-year programme that places artists in schools to embed creative learning in the classroom. This year’s Creative Connections exhibition will be open to the public on 29.05.26–31.05.26 from 11am–6pm at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh.

The exhibition features artwork inspired by Fruitmarket’s programme, created by Primary 5–7 pupils across six primary schools in South Edinburgh: Craigour Park, Gracemount, Gilmerton, Liberton, Prestonfield and St Catherine’s R.C. Primary.

Since 2023, Fruitmarket has worked in close partnership with classes across the six primary schools in South Edinburgh. The schools have been paired with practising visual artists who have been in residence at the schools, working with pupils on creative projects supported by regular visits to the gallery.

The six artists are Alice Dansey-Wright, Coral Brookes, Georgie Fay, Greer Pester, Kate Temple and Lorna Gallagher. Through regular professional development sessions, Lead Artist Louise Fraser has supported teachers to develop new skills and the confidence to embed arts pedagogy in the classroom across the three years.

Creative Connections was created by Fruitmarket, in close collaboration with participating schools, in response to a demand for creative provision in Primary schools and a focus on pupil wellbeing and confidence following the Covid-19 Pandemic. The project was made possible at this scale and depth through a multi-year grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and now has set a benchmark for educational visual arts programmes in Scotland.

Over three years, 757 pupils aged 8 – 11, 23 classroom teachers and six headteachers have participated.

Artists worked with the same classes across the academic year, providing consistent mentoring for pupils and ongoing support for classroom teachers. At the end of each year, pupils showcased their work in a public exhibition celebrating achievement and strengthening connections between schools, families and the gallery.

This year’s cohort has drawn inspiration from recent Fruitmarket exhibitions including What Is Us and What Is Earth, by Glasgow-based artist Ilana Halperin and Wilding, by the Indigenous American artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.

One Headteacher said: “I think what’s really made the difference in this project is the fact that we have had the opportunity to work over a number of years. It is not unusual for us to be able to have a project that comes in for a term or a couple of lessons and children enjoy it and they go away afterwards, but it’s that sustainable impact that we don’t necessarily see to the same degree.

“The chance to build up a relationship with an actual artist, to build up a relationship with a gallery has a huge impact for the staff, for the school, also for the children as well, who really, I think, feel that the Fruitmarket is their gallery because of this extended time they’ve had together.

“That depth of the project has been something I’ve not actually seen that before in a project I’ve worked with in my 30 years in education.”

Fiona Bradley, Fruitmarket Director, said: “Over the course of three years, though our ongoing project evaluation, we have seen how working closely with artists in the inclusive context of contemporary art spaces –where there are no right or wrong answers – can help both pupils and teachers express themselves and grow in confidence. 

“The annual exhibitions of pupils’ and teachers’ work at Fruitmarket are something we look forward to every year and give our audiences the opportunity to share in a moment of pride with pupils, teachers and families.

“We are very proud that the project has become so valued by the schools, and we have committed to continue to deliver the programme in the new school year in a sustainable form. We are actively fundraising for the continuation of the project and we are very grateful to the funders who are already help make this possible.”

Kevina Khan, Grants Manager, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: “Creative Connections shows the incredible things that can happen when artists, teachers and pupils collaborate.

“Through the programme, artists-in-residence and teachers have been building meaningful relationships and finding ways to bring the expressive arts into the curriculum for excellence.

“The impact on children’s educational outcomes, confidence, wellbeing and engagement is powerful.

“The professional learning element of the programme means that these creative approaches to teaching and learning will have a lasting legacy.”

Creative Connections Schools Exhibition

29.05.26–31.05.26, 11am–6pm daily.

Fruitmarket, 45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF