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NORTH EDINBURGH TRAM HITS THE BUFFERS

South Edinburgh first: Next phase of tram network expansion agreed

Plans to extend Edinburgh’s tram network took another step forward today, with the immediate priority being the southern section of the route.

The Strategic Business Case (SBC) to build a new tram route, from Granton in the north to the Edinburgh Bioquarter in the south, was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee this afternoon (Thursday 10 September).

The next step will be to position the plans within the findings of SEStransit, a study for transport in the South East of Scotland region, which is expected to be delivered in the autumn of next year.

This work will also be aligned with the feasibility study on the potential reintroduction of passenger services on the South Suburban Railway line, currently being undertaken by Transport Scotland and Network Rail.

In prioritising the southern section of the route as a first phase, councillors were also clear on the need for further work to be done on taking trams from Granton to the city centre as part of a future phase of the project.

Advisory work on funding and financing options with the National Wealth Fund (NWF) will also continue, alongside a wider benefits realisation study for Trams to Newhaven, which is expected to be considered later this year.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “This is a key milestone in our ambition to expand Edinburgh’s tram network.

“Let’s not forget why we’re developing these plans. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, growing at twice the rate of Glasgow, in the fastest growing region in the country.

“Whilst this trend brings exciting opportunities, inward investment, and economic growth, it also presents real challenges on housing, education, and of course on our transport infrastructure. Doing nothing in the face of these significant issues is simply not an option.

“From our groundbreaking £1.3 billion development at Granton Waterfront, through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond – our overarching vision remains to effectively link the whole of Edinburgh, and the wider region, for the benefit of all.

“We only need to look at the success of the existing route and, in particular, Trams to Newhaven, and the new lease of life that this connection has breathed into communities across Leith and the north of the city, to see the potential.

“Whilst we’re prioritising the southern section of the planned expansion, I’m clear that the whole city should ultimately enjoy the many benefits of a truly integrated public transport system.

“One of the key questions around this project is rightly on funding. To progress not only to the next phase of the business case but potential future construction costs, we need to demonstrate clearly how our plans will positively impact our region and Scotland as a whole. While I’m in doubt that this is the case, it makes good sense to wait for the wider SEStransit study to conclude next year.

“To be clear, this is one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking schemes in the country and represents huge potential benefits not only for Edinburgh, but regionally and nationally.

“My focus remains on making the positive case for Edinburgh’s future and ensuring that we’re ready to meet the challenges ahead. We need to be bold and create a better, more sustainable and connected city, rather than putting our heads in the sand and hoping for the best.”

Bright Horizons marks International Literacy Day

Children at Bright Horizons Cramond in Edinburgh are being encouraged to explore stories, songs, rhymes and language through everyday play and interactions, helping to build the foundations for literacy from an early age.

Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write, and International Literacy Day is an opportunity to highlight how parents can support their child’s language and literacy development through simple activities at home.

Zoe Austen, Director of Education at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write. From the moment babies have their first interactions with others, hear their first stories, songs and rhymes, they are building the foundations for literacy.

International Literacy Day gives us a great opportunity to remind parents that some of the most important steps in this journey happen through simple, everyday interactions at home.

“The best way parents can support early literacy is by making language a part of everyday life, without it feeling like a lesson. Talking, singing, sharing stories, rhymes and play can all help develop their vocabulary and confidence.

“Babies and young children are constantly tuning into the rhythm and patterns of our speech, as well as our facial expressions, tone and gestures. It all helps them to understand language and build connections with the people around them.

“Giving children plenty of opportunities to interact, listen and explore language in a fun, pressure-free way helps build their confidence and encourages them to see literacy as something enjoyable, rather than something they must learn.

“These positive early experiences can lay the foundations for a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

Swinney writes to Prime Minister on Scotland’s right to decide

Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism

First Minister John Swinney has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding his comments on the constitutional future of Scotland. The First Minister invited the PM to meet to turn the accepted principle into a legal mechanism for a referendum.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham:

Dear Andy

I am writing with regards to your comments at Prime Ministers Question’s in response to my colleague Chris Law MP’s question.

Earlier today, you said; “on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country – when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered. I would say that it is exactly the same situation in Scotland.”

The Good Friday Agreement, as implemented in UK domestic law by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, makes clear that if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification, a referendum should be held.

Your acceptance of the fact that majority support for independence in Scotland also means that a referendum should take place is welcome.

I am encouraged that you have reconsidered your previous comments that the democratic right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is “off limits.”

This is a long-overdue acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future, not the UK Government, and a clear endorsement of the fact that the UK must be a voluntary union.

In May, the SNP won a historic and unprecedented fifth term in office, and the people of Scotland elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history.

Given that, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.

You have rightly identified that there must be a discussion about where power lies across these islands.

By concluding a clear, understandable mechanism, both sides of the constitutional debate can move forward constructively in the full knowledge of an agreed process by which the Scottish people can exercise their democratic right at a time of their choosing.

Now that you have agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence, it is important for us to meet to discuss how we turn that principle into an agreed legal mechanism, as exists in Northern Ireland.

I have asked my office to take forward the necessary arrangements.

John Swinney MSP

Boosting neurodevelopmental support for children in Scotland

Investment to help children and families access support

Children, young people and their families will benefit from £7.6 million funding to strengthen and expand local neurodevelopmental support.

The Scottish Government funding, which will be distributed to local councils, will mean more flexible support is provided to children, young people and their families to get the help they need, when they need it, informed by local circumstances.

It is part of wider work by the Scottish Government, local authority body COSLA and partners to improve neurodevelopmental support for young people across health, education, local government and the third sector, as set out in the new Programme for Government.

This includes the work of the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, alongside other action to improve support and services.

Announcing the funding on a visit to Windygoul Primary School in East Lothian, Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd said: “Demand for neurodevelopmental support has increased significantly in recent years and I want families to access the help they need, when they need it.

“This £7.6 million investment will help local areas build on existing services and further invest in the support that works for their communities.

“There is no single action that will solve all the challenges people face in getting timely and consistent support. This investment is just one part of the wider work to improve neurodevelopmental support.

“Through our continued partnership with local government, health services and the third sector, we will ensure a more joined-up, sustainable system of support for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People, Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Along with our wider partners, Local Government has seen rising demand for support for children and young people’s neurodevelopmental needs both pre, post and regardless of diagnosis.

“We very much recognise the value of early, neuro-affirming support for children, young people and their families in preventing the negative impacts caused where children’s needs are not met and helping them achieve their full potential.

“A whole system response is essential to support children and young people with neurodevelopmental needs and their families . We look forward to continuing to work with our cross sector partners to deliver improved outcomes as this work progresses.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD.

A statement from the RNLI Chief Executive

I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in the Channel.

Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.

The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and their families.

The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you.

For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour.

When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help.

It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is our hallmark.

RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK Border Force.

‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesaving work’

Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigration authorities.

While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations.

These rumours are completely baseless and untrue.

Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning at sea.

I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.

With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making that possible.

Sincerely,

Peter Sparkes
RNLI Chief Executive

PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently asked questions.

Colleges’ financial challenges increase

Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.

Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. Five colleges needed a cash advance from the SFC in the same year – three more than in 2023/24. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year.

Despite an increase of over nine per cent in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It is not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government and its partners have been slow to progress reforms, including to how the sector is funded.

The sector has cut its workforce by 13 per cent since 2019 to reduce costs, and most colleges have limited ability to generate income. Student numbers continue to fall but the sector has proven resilient. The proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25, and most students went on to further study, training or employment.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘The financial pressure on Scotland’s colleges is increasing, and their situation remains extremely challenging. Without urgent and successful reform of the sector, it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.

‘The recommendations I made in 2025 remain important, but they are still in the early stages of being addressed. The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and colleges need to take action to implement them at pace.’

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Step forward for Princes Street and ‘Waverley Valley’ as design approach is agreed

‘AMBITIOUSLY PRAGMATIC’?

Councillors at yesterday’s Planning Committee have voted in favour of an ‘ambitious pragmatic’ option for the development of Princes Street and Waverley Valley.

Plans incorporate a range of enhancements to Princes Street, the Gardens and surrounding area, including:

Improved accessibility

Widened pavement by 1.5m at the southern footway of Princes Street, with new high-quality stone pavement installed – reducing congestion for those walking and wheeling
Improved accessibility for Princes Street Gardens with new ramps or potentially lifts installed
Upgrade and refurbishment work to the Ross Bandstand and amphitheatre – making it more accessible to meet the needs of audiences and performers

New features and facilities

Shelters in Princes Street gardens repurposed for use as small cafes and potential community use
New or improved public toilets and drinking fountains installed
Princes Street Gardens extended opening hours, with new lighting to highlight the cityscape
New landscaping to include public seating and rest points

Transport efficiency

A new cycle hub at Waverley Station with safe cycle access and improved cycle parking along Princes Street
Narrowing of the carriageway at the south side to make more space for walking and wheeling, maintaining it as two lanes in each travel direction for bus and tram services
Potential introduction of a new bus gate at the east end of Princes Street as part of measures to reduce congestion and delay along the thoroughfare

The design approach is based on the outcome of discussions at a workshop in June where Councillors, officers and representatives from partner organisations including Historic Environment Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Essential Edinburgh, Network Rail and Edinburgh Access Panel, among others, met to hear proposals and share feedback.

Individual project plans including designs and costs for the works will be taken forward at Transport and Environment, and Finance and Resources committees.

The option being taken forward is aligned with current approved Council strategies and plans, supporting delivery of adjoining projects and the existing transport network.

It was also agreed that a revised Princes Street and Waverley Strategy will come back to Committee in early 2027.

Planning Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said: “Princes Street is already going through considerable change and improvement, attracting millions pounds of new investment – but we know there’s still more to be done.

“The way forward we’ve agreed today is a positive step forward – and my thanks to officers for their hard work in getting us to this point. This is a sensible and pragmatic approach that takes on board much of what we heard during the public consultation, particularly around improving accessibility.

“Crucially, this differs from previous plans in that it is affordable and deliverable, and we have the resources to take forward these improvements immediately.

“I have no doubt these changes will improve how residents and visitors experience Princes Street and the Gardens and look forward to seeing these plans develop further in the future.”

Raise a Stein and back a winner at Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest

Musselburgh Racecourse takes on a distinctive Munich-style influence at its next race meeting this Saturday (12 September).

The popular Oktoberfest Raceday – supported by The Royal Regiment of Scotland – is now in its third year and continues to grow in popularity with thousands of racegoers embracing the famous German celebration.

Bavarian oompah bands and bratwurst will be to the fore while on the turf seven quality Flat races – including the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup – promises a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.

Live oompah band, the Jäger Maestros, will be performing a mix of classic tunes and oompah-style songs while the Oktoberfest Marquee will host a number of fun events, including a stein holding challenge, keg rolling and sing-alongs.

Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest which dates from 1810 and takes place throughout September and October, the East Lothian racecourse has tapped into a rich theme and is encouraging guests to enter the spirt of the raceday by donning traditional lederhosen.

Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has completed a soldier’s assault course at Glencorse Barracks and in return a soldier will complete a number of jockey-related challenges at the race meeting. The Regiment will also have a military stand at Oktoberfest setting out some challenges for gallus racegoers.

Street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race (scheduled for 7.20pm) the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.

The feature race of the day is the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first provisionally timed for 4.07pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German-inspired event with competitive horse racing.

“We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”

Gates open on 12 September at 2pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Children aged 17 years and under are admitted free with four children permitted per paying adult.

The racecourse provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations on each raceday.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Edinburgh landmarks shine a light of hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10^th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline will join landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.

Buildings and landmarks across Scotland will unite by shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on the 10^th of September. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura, and the Balmoral Hotel will be some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.

Joining the venues will be Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen.

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts.

It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.

For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life.

“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”

After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.

“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.

“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’

“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”

A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.

A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.

But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection. More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.

It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:

Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
Let them know they are not alone.
Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
Ask them what things they care about and what they like.

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.

“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.”

“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Find advice on how to start a conversation, listen and support someone at www.samaritans.org/interrupt.

Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.

Education convenor welcomes Knife Angel to Leith

Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish welcomes an anti-knife crime initiative to the city:

“This week sees an unusual – but vitally important – visitor to Leith.

“Knife Angel has been installed at Kirkgate, a huge 27ft statue constructed with 100,000 knives and bladed weapons that have been confiscated by police forces from all over the UK. Raising the important topic of knife violence within young people, the statue was brought to the town with the help of Leith mum Lisa Petrie.

“Lisa lost her 22-year-old son John to knife violence last year and since has tirelessly campaigned to make young people aware of the dangers of carrying a knife. Through her grief she is bravely doing all she can to make young people aware of the dangers of knife crime.

“Knife Angel will be in Leith for one month and I hope it creates thought provoking conversations and encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a blade and what the repercussions can be.

“The installation is part of a month-long anti-knife crime campaign aimed at children, young people and the wider community.

“The Council funded 500 high school pupils to attend Code at the Fringe, a gritty physical theatre piece centred on knife crime and country lines and the realities of getting involved with gangs. Using rap, parkour and BMX stunts, the show received rave reviews and pupils tell me it raised important discussions with peers and teachers.

“Theatre production company Strange Town have been funded, with support from Forth Ports, to take Balinsong to high schools across Edinburgh.

“The theatre performance centres on knife crime and how a split-second decision can have devastating impact on a young person’s life. Thousands of pupils will see the show which is hard-hitting and previous audiences have agreed the messaging lives on long after the curtain falls.

“For younger pupils, 92 pupils submitted artwork centred on the theme of safety with the art being turned into a mosaic that covers an entire Lothian Buses bus. Pupils were asked how young people can help make Edinburgh safer and I was blown away with some of the suggestions and the creativity of the young people.

“The bus was launched last week and I have already spied it travelling down Princes Street – it is certainly eye catching and was a good way to involve younger children in the anti-violence campaign in an age-appropriate way.

“Working with partner agencies, I was shocked to learn that carrying a knife makes you over 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of knife crime. While knife carrying and violence is decreasing in our society it is clear that we need to continue to do all we can to continue this downward trend.

“Every life lost to knife crime is a tragedy and I would urge young people, teachers and parents to use this initiative as a talking point and make sure they know the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.”