davepickering

Protecting young people from online harms

Surveys to explore families’ experiences of smartphones, social media and going online

Families are being invited to share their experiences of using smartphones, social media and the internet through surveys aiming to identify what support they need to stay safe online.

The first survey explores how children and young people use screens, apps and social media, as well as assessing the possible effects on their wellbeing and their confidence in staying safe on the internet.

The second asks parents or carers about their own screen use, how confident they are in supporting their children’s screen use, and what resources they would find helpful, among other questions.

While legislation to manage online safety lies with the UK Government, Scottish Ministers are focused on what more can be done within devolved powers.

The Scottish Government is therefore also conducting a review of more than 140 post-Covid research papers examining the impact of digital media use on the wellbeing of children and young people. The findings from the surveys and the review will be used to deliver new policy to reduce the impact of online harms.

Children and Young People Minister Siobhian Brown said: “Going online and using social media gives young people access to huge amounts of information, which can have positive benefits for their learning and connection to friends, family and the world.

“However, it can also have a harmful impact on their physical and mental health and wellbeing. We also know parents and carers are worried about how long young people spend online, what content they may be viewing and the addictive nature of some apps.

“We will continue to push the UK Government to go further – for example we want to see a Social Media Levy applied to online platforms which can then be reinvested back into our young people. However, we are also focused on what we can do within our powers in Scotland to ensure children and young people are safe and supported in their online lives, as part of a public health approach to online safety.

“To that end, we are seeking the views of as many people as possible, particularly around what support and information they would find most helpful. The surveys are completely anonymous and will help us to inform any public health campaign on this important issue.

“This work comes on top of our action to create phone-free learning environments to ensure pupils can learn free from the disruption associated with mobile phones.”

Digital wellbeing survey – children and young people

Digital wellbeing survey – parents and carers

The Scottish Government has provided funding to organisations supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people, including:

Mind Yer Time, an online hub on digital wellbeing designed by children and young people from the Children’s Parliament and the Scottish Youth Parliament
the AyeFeel online hub and award-winning ‘This is How AyeFeel’ podcast, delivered by Young Scot in collaboration with children and young people.

Parent Club provides advice for parents and carers on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their children and families, including on how to manage screen time and ensure children have a healthy balance of screen-based activities and offline play and exercise.

Kia Ora, Edinburgh!

New Zealand Army Band brings the Haka to Jupiter Artland

The New Zealand Army Band swapped Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the great outdoors as they took to Jupiter Artland’s iconic Cells of Life to perform the Haka as part of their appearance at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The band’s powerful performance provided a striking Kiwi soundtrack to one of Scotland’s most distinctive art installations, as the musicians join more than 800 performers from around the world at the spectacular “A Call To Gather”.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August at Edinburgh Castle.

Underbelly raises £20,000 for Brain Cancer Research through Big Brain Tumour Benefit

The eighth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £20,000 for groundbreaking research into new treatments for brain tumours.
Eight acts performed for this year’s benefit: Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Rhys James, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.

Underbelly announces the 8th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £20,000 for Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab at The Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge, helping to fund new treatments for the most aggressive forms of brain tumours in children.

This year’s star-studded lineup included performances from Nish Kumar, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.

Underbelly created the Big Brain Tumour Benefit in 2017 following co-founder Ed Bartlam’s son Alfie being diagnosed with Ependymoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Alfie passed away two years later, at the age of seven. 100% of the profits from the Big Brain Tumour Benefit will be donated to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab to fund brain cancer research.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: I am so grateful to everyone who attended Underbelly’s 8th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit last night, and to the fantastic line up of comedians who gave their time and talent to make it such a success.

“It’s incredible that as a community we have raised more than £20,000, with all of the funds going to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab and directly funding cutting-edge tumour prevention and treatment.

“The Big Brain Tumour Benefit is always such a special night, and together we can continue to raise vital funds that save lives.”

Professor Richard Gilbertson said: “We are truly excited and humbled by the amazing partnership with Underbelly and Angel Child. Everyday, we work to end the devastation caused to children and their families by brain tumours.

“We will accept nothing less than total eradication of these devastating childhood cancers. Thanks to the support we have already received we are about to take a completely new therapy to the clinic.

“We could not have done this without Underbelly and Angel Child. Together with our collaborators, we have developed a number of other, completely new and kinder treatments, taking us even closer the day when no child will suffer or die from a brain tumour.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.

The principal aim of Professor Richard Gilbertson’s Lab is to improve the accuracy of brain tumour classification and treatment, with a particular focus on children’s brain tumours.

Their research involves conducting genomic analyses of brain tumours to identify cancer-causing abnormalities, and using that knowledge to develop effective new cancer cures through clinical trials of molecular targeted therapies.

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here.

Football focus for Muirhouse

FOOTBALL was firmly in focus after Muirhouse Housing Association scored a winner with new kit for local young players.

The housing association has provided the team with winter kit – bringing a boost to their football activities during the colder months.

Muirhouse said this week that the sponsorship is another example of its commitment to supporting the local community and investing in opportunities for young people.

The sponsorship came about after Scott Lockhart, one of the coaches of “Craigroyston 2013 Yellows”, approached the Association looking for support.

The Association was very keen to help as many of the young people who play, or have previously played for the team, come from Muirhouse and the wider local community.

In addition, several Muirhouse tenants are involved with the club as volunteers and supporters.

Two members of staff from Muirhouse – Asset Manager Glenn Rivers and Community Engagement Officer Debbie Brown handed over the kit during a visit to the club.

Susan Bell, Chief Executive of Muirhouse, said: ”We are delighted to support the young players, who undoubtedly look very smart in their new kit bearing the housing association’s logo.

“We place great importance on supporting our community whenever and wherever we can. Sport provides young people with opportunities to stay active, build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy positive experiences.

“Supporting the team aligns closely with our commitment to promoting wellbeing, strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.”

Temporary Bluetongue Control Zone introduced in Scotland

Animal movement restricted in an area around Dumfries and Galloway

The Scottish Government is strengthening bluetongue disease controls after a case was detected near Lockerbie.

A Temporary Control Zone has been put in place in an area around Dumfries and Galloway as a precautionary measure while further investigations are conducted on the source and extent of the disease.

All movement of livestock such as cattle, sheep and other susceptible ruminants in or out of the zone can now only take place under licence. There will be also be increased surveillance and testing of animals nearby.

In addition, from tomorrow (Saturday 22 August), cattle, sheep and goats and other ruminants that are travelling from anywhere in Scotland to the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in place in the rest of the UK must return to Scotland on the same day to minimise the risk of the disease spreading. This replaces the current rule allowing up to four days away.

From 10 September, all livestock susceptible to the disease that are being moved from a Bluetongue Restricted Zone in the rest of the UK into Scotland will need to be vaccinated, other than livestock returning to Scotland under the “same day” rule.

The Scottish Government continues to work closely with livestock industry representatives, including National Farmers Union Scotland, National Sheep Association, National Beef Association, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland, and the Livestock Auctioneers Association, to ensure industry concerns are heard and reflected in the approach taken.

Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands Jim Fairlie said: “The recent detection of bluetongue near Lockerbie, combined with the rapid rise in cases across the rest of the UK, means we must act now to strengthen our protections and minimise risk.

“This will allow essential time for further investigations and to allow vaccine uptake levels to increase sufficiently to provide greater protective immunity across susceptible livestock in Scotland.

“I recognise the significant impact this news will have on farmers and the wider industry in the area, and I do not underestimate the pressure this places on those affected. I am very grateful for their continued constructive engagement as we work together to introduce an effective control strategy while minimising restrictions on businesses as far as possible.

“We will ensure that control measures are proportionate. This is a dynamic situation while further investigations are carried out, and we will continue to monitor it closely, considering further control measures as necessary in partnership with industry.

“Vaccination remains our best long-term defence, and I would strongly encourage all farmers to discuss this with their vets and place vaccine orders now to ensure access to supplies.

“We continue to work with other UK nations, manufacturers and distributors to ensure timely access to vaccine, with more doses being brought in from continental Europe and additional supplies now in production.”

Bluetongue is a virus spread by insects, mainly Culicoides midges.

It is a disease of ruminant livestock and does not affect humans or food safety. Signs include nasal discharge, redness and swelling of the lips, nose and muzzle, lameness / reluctance to stand, milk drop (decreased production) and diarrhoea in cattle.

It is notifiable and suspicion of disease in animals should be reported to APHA Scotland.

City Council: Share your views in Call for Ideas consultation

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener appeals to those living and working in the Capital to help shape the city’s future development:

We’re at the very early stages of putting together our next local development plan City Plan 2040 to meet the needs of existing and new residents and the Capital’s growing population.

Our ‘Call for Ideas’ consultation is asking those living and working in the city to help us set its direction and your local knowledge will help us focus on making changes where they are needed. If you’re passionate about how your community will look in the future and how you’d like it to evolve, please give us your views.

We’re looking for proposals on new buildings and how they are used, what facilities and services are needed and homes you think we need. Ideas about how we could reuse important buildings and land would be helpful too.

Also, where you think additional spaces for playing, sports or growing food would be helpful for communities and any improvements you think are required to help you get around.

Your idea can be about any area and can be any size covering a whole district, neighbourhood, a single plot of land or building. It would be good to know why you think it’s important and why it would a make a difference.

I’d encourage you to find out what others think by reaching out to local people in the area to find out what is most important to them. You could ask about the changes you are suggesting, what they think about your ideas, and you can point out planning policies you’d like to influence. You could do this through surveys and questionnaires, drop in events, exhibitions and by attending planned local events.

My vision is that you can help us create City Plan 2040 to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents.

We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to shops, schools, green space and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural, community and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.

We’d love to hear from residents, young people, community councils and groups, businesses, social enterprises, the public and private sector, developers and landowners. The consultation is open until 30 September, and every idea will be considered.

We will be using the ideas to help us prepare the Proposed Plan including how we plan sites and areas. It could also help to shape what our planning policies might be and how the places that people value most can evolve.

We will be consulting on the Proposed Plan later in the process and we’ll let you know how you can get involved and give your views.

Scotland to host ‘first of it’s kind’ Festival of Remembrance

Scotland is set to host its first ever ‘Festival of Remembrance’ this November, with a poignant concert to commemorate all those who have lost their lives through Service.

Organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland, in association with Poppyscotland, the Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, on Saturday, 7^th November – a day prior to Remembrance Sunday.

The event will be hosted by broadcaster Mark McKenzie from British Forces Broadcasting Service and will include special performances from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums.

Singer/songwriter, vocal coach and Royal British Legion Scotland ‘sweetheart’, Amy Hawthorn will also take to the stage performing a moving wartime medley before Scottish Young Artist of the Year, Ben Walker, entertains the audience.

Indie-rock singer Ben, of Montrose, is delighted to be performing in Edinburgh during Remembrance weekend. He said: “To be asked to perform at the Usher Hall for such a special Remembrance event is a huge honour.

“It means a lot to be part of an event that brings people together to remember, reflect, and pay respect. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Scotland said: “Royal British Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland are thrilled to host this national event, supported by the Scottish Government, at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

“This will be a poignant evening telling the story of service personnel through the mediums of music, film and song, culminating in The Act of Remembrance.

“We look forward to welcoming you on the night.”

Tickets are priced from £24.20 and include a 10% per ticket booking fee.

Under-16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

To purchase tickets, please visit https://cultureedinburgh.com/events/scotlands-festival-of-remembrance-

Local Tesco Express store managers are going the extra mile for St Columba’s hospice

Tesco Express store managers throughout Edinburgh will be taking part in the Kiltwalk
Any funds raised will go to St Columba’s Hospice
Funds will help St Columba’s staff continue delivering end of life care

Managers from several Tesco Express stores in Edinburgh will walk more than 11 miles to raise money for St Columba’s Hospice at this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

They will be lacing up their walking boots and donning kilts to take on the route from Musselburgh, through the capital, to the finish line at Murrayfield on Sunday 13 September.

Since 2016, the Kiltwalk has brought together more than 216,000 people and raised millions of pounds for good causes across the country.

All money raised by the group will be donated to St Columba’s Hospice, helping it continue to provide important end-of-life care to people in and around Edinburgh, while also supporting their families.

Jonny Hunter, Store Manager at Tesco Haymarket Express, said: “The team at St Columba’s Hospice are fantastic, so we are more than happy to help in any way we can.

“I’m extremely proud of my fellow store managers for going the extra mile to raise funds for a vital service that supports so many people in the local area.”

Amanda Southey, Partnerships Fundraiser at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “A huge thank you to the managers at Tesco for their wonderful fundraising and support.

“It’s thanks to the generosity of local businesses and our community that we can continue to be there for patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing care, compassion and support when it matters most.

“We’re incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for us.”

Donations can be made to Jonny and his team’s fundraising campaign online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathanhunter-1785823649377.

For more information on St Columba’s, visit https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/.

Greens welcome boost for street art

EDINBURGH Greens have welcomed backing for a new project that will replace offensive, racist and damaging graffiti with street art.

Green Councillor Dan Heap added street art to the city’s new public art strategy last year, but no street art projects have started since then.

Last week (13 August), the city’s Culture and Communities Committee agreed to explore new street art projects, including a new scheme for walls and other spaces to be adopted by community groups for the purpose of painting murals.

Groups could include art groups, community councils, schools, and Edinburgh College of Art

Evidence suggests that street art discourages damaging graffiti, and has other benefits, such as improving mental health.

Speaking after the meeting, Dan said: “Edinburgh is a leading cultural city, but lags behind other cities in street art. We have some beautiful individual projects like the hugely successful Colinton Tunnel, but nothing like the large number of incredible murals that bring so much life to cities such as Glasgow.

We are hearing that many groups want to make their local are more beautiful and are willing to do the painting themselves, with minimal or no cost to the Council, but find it hard to engage the Council to get permission to paint on public walls.

“At the same time, residents are concerned about non-artistic graffiti that is meant purely to damage, offend or marginalise. There is, rightly, particular concern around racist graffiti.

“It is not hard to put two and two together here, and see that we can make our city more colourful, beautiful and welcoming by facilitating local communities to produce street art.”

First Minister visits Social Bite Village

It was great to welcome First Minister John Swinney MSP to the Edinburgh Social Bite Village to see first-hand the impact of our response to homelessness.

During his visit, the First Minister met with residents and staff to find out more about our innovative alternative to temporary accommodation.

FM John Swinney visits Social Bite’s Edinburgh Village – 19/08/26

Mr Swinney commented: “Social Bite, working with Cyrenians, is doing vital work to support people through crisis and help them rebuild their lives.

“I would like to express my gratitude to residents for welcoming me into their homes and giving me the opportunity to hear more about their experiences.”

We urge both the Scottish and UK Governments to explore adopting the Village Model in cities across the UK in a bid to address the nation’s homelessness crisis.

The Social Bite Village Model demonstrates how unused or derelict land can be transformed into high-quality, purpose-built communities, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional forms of temporary accommodation.

Find out more about building a Social Bite Village in your local area:

https://www.social-bite.co.uk/…/build-a-village-in…/