Scottish Green Party members have elected Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer as their new Co-leaders, following a closely fought contest.
In her acceptance speech Gillian Mackay hailed the vital work that Scottish Green MSPs have done and promised to go further.
Gillian Mackay said: “From free bus travel for people under 22, increasing the roll out of free school meals, restoring Scotland’s natural environment, the introduction of Ssafe Access Zones, and the scrapping of peak rail fares, the Scottish Greens have already started improving the lives of millions – But we can and will go further.
“We need to be clear; the Scottish Greens have delivered real change, and we are the party for you. For many, the cost-of-living crisis is still taking its toll, but the focus from our governments and our media continues to distract from the real issues facing working-people.
“As a disabled woman and a new mum, I am getting to know some of the struggles that so many families are facing. That’s why I will champion a four-day week, better parental pay, and universal basic income. These are policies that will transform lives.”
In his speech, Ross Greer promised to bring back the hope that many have lost following years of cuts and chaos from Westminster. He said: “About a decade ago there was a real sense of hope in Scotland. People really believed that this could be that better, fairer, greener country. But that sense of hope has all but disappeared, and we should be honest about that.
“Whether it is through the re-election of Tory governments that we didn’t vote for or a Labour government that looks like another one of those Tory governments, Brexit or even Trump.
“The Scottish Green Party will bring back that hope. And we will bring it back through action. We will cut people’s bills and tackle the climate crisis. That’s why I have proposed ideas during this contest like universal free bus travel.
“We shouldn’t be afraid to make the super-rich pay for the transformation that we know our society needs. For example by ending the tax breaks that the aristocracy get for their shooting estates.
“Fixing Scotland’s problems means replacing a system that is rigged in favour of the super-rich with one that works for people and planet.”
Candidate
1st Preferences
Dominic Ashmole
7%
Gillian Mackay
34%
Lorna Slater
28%
Ross Greer
31%
Gillian MacKay was elected at Stage 1.
At stage 2 Dominic Ashmole was then excluded and votes transferred to the remaining candidates.
A free chickenpox vaccination will offered for first time to children across England on the NHS from January – Scotland expected to follow suit
Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work
Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.
It’s expected that the vaccination programme will also be introduced in Scotland.
From January next year, GP practises will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) – the clinical term for chickenpox – as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.
It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents won’t need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We’re giving parents the power to protect their children from chickenpox and its serious complications, while keeping them in nursery or the classroom where they belong and preventing parents from scrambling for childcare or having to miss work.
“This vaccine puts children’s health first and gives working families the support they deserve. As part of our Plan for Change, we want to give every child has the best possible start in life, and this rollout will help do exactly that.”
The vaccination programme forms part of the UK government’s wider ambition to raise the healthiest generation of children ever as part of the Plan for Change — boosting the nation’s health and ensuring the future sustainability of the NHS as we shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention.
The vaccine will help reduce cases of chickenpox and protect children from serious complications that can cause hospitalisation, such as bacterial infections like strep A, brain and lung inflammation and stroke.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency said: “Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness, but for some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and tragically, while rare, it can be fatal.
“It is excellent news, that from next January, we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme – helping prevent what is for most a nasty illness and for those who develop severe symptoms, it could be a life saver.
“We now have extensive experience from a number of countries showing that the vaccine has a good safety record and is highly effective. The programme will have a really positive impact on the health of young children and also lead to fewer missed nursery and school days.”
The government’s decision to roll out the MMRV vaccine in January is based on expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), following research showing the significant impact of severe cases of chickenpox on children’s health, hospital admissions and associated costs.
Private vaccinations for chickenpox at pharmacies and clinics currently cost around £150 for a full course of two doses. This rollout will mean the vaccination will be available free of charge on the NHS to eligible children.
Other countries where the MMRV vaccine is already offered — such as Germany, Canada, and the United States — have seen substantial decreases in chickenpox cases and related hospital admissions since introducing their vaccination programmes.
Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England said: This is a hugely positive moment for families as the NHS gets ready to roll out a vaccine to protect children against chickenpox for the first time, adding to the arsenal of other routine jabs that safeguard against serious illness.
“We will work with vaccination teams and GP surgeries across the country to rollout the combined MMRV vaccine in the new year, helping to keep children healthy and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses.
“The MMRV vaccine rollout forms part of the government’s overall aim to ensure young people thrive, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan. This includes expanding access to vaccines, as well as free school meals, mental health support and dental care.”
This is the first time protection against another disease has been added to the routine childhood vaccination programme since the MenB vaccine in 2015.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education has recently announced plans to roll out Best Start Family Hubs in every local area, relieving pressure on parents and giving half a million more children the very best start in life.
The eligibility criteria for children will be set out in clinical guidance covering which age groups will get the MMRV vaccine and when, to ensure the most effective protection for children.
As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted by their GP surgery to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.
The Eric Liddell community day care service in Edinburgh recently held a scam awareness session for their clients living with dementia and their care partners.
They decided to organise this session due to some clients being duped by fraudsters going door-to-door and online. The session was organised by day care manager, Caroline Heenan and was run by PC Stuart Fraser from the Community Policing Team at St Leonards Police Station.
Peta Randall, day care officer, said: “It was very interesting and makes you think how prepared fraudsters are”.
Carmel Riley, admin assistant, added: “I feel more equipped to deal with the nuisance calls I get.”
Christine, 82, said: “My husband gave money to a gardener but he made a mess and never came back.”
Beverley, 73, added: “I was scammed online, but I now understand how it can happen”.
Caroline, day care manager, said: “For others who are thinking about holding a session, I’d say go for it!
“Police Scotland are more than happy to facilitate these sessions.”
BBC ALBA is set to feature Arnold Clark Premiership champions Corstorphine’s latest challenge in the defence of their title as they travel to play Watsonians tonight (Friday 29 August), with coverage starting at 7.30pm.
The coverage is part of BBC ALBA’s plans to show the top domestic rugby competitions in Scotland for free on TV, including both the men’s and women’s Arnold Clark Premiership finals and 12 league matches throughout the 2025/26 season.
These matches will be available live and on demand on BBC ALBA, via BBC iPlayer, on the BBC ALBA YouTube channel and on bbc.co.uk/rugbaidh, with the games available worldwide on a live and on-demand basis.
Corstorphine started the defence of their title earlier this month with a hard-fought 26-17 win away to Biggar. For Watsonian FC, they will be hoping home advantage will help them bounce back from an opening day 34-17 defeat to Stirling County.
The players of all Premiership clubs were given a free weekend last week so they could take the opportunity to travel and support Scotland’s national women’s side as they made a successful start to their Rugby World Cup campaign, beating Wales 38-8.
Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said:“BBC ALBA will be showing the best of Scottish women’s rugby across the season, thanks to our renewed agreement with Scottish Rugby as the popularity of the sport continues to grow.
“Interest will, of course, also be heightened across Scotland thanks to the impressive start our national team made against Wales in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Watch champions Corstorphine’s trip to Watsonians tonight live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer:
Eleven organisations are set to share £650,000 as part of a drive to grow the Scots language across the country.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the funding on a visit to Bill and Bain printworks in Glasgow where she unveiled a new Scots language children’s book. The Auchtermichty Aw-Stars is being produced by Scots Hoose Yaldi and features three Scots language plays about a youth football club.
It is part of a series of Scots books and comics which will be printed and distributed to hundreds of schools and nurseries through the investment.
Census figures published last year found that 35% of people aged 15 or under had some Scots skills, an increase of 6% from 2011.
Other initiatives receiving support include:
new Open University courses to help teachers introduce Scots into their lessons
the Dictionaries of the Scots Language project, which aims to detail the origins and meanings of every known Scots word
Doric Film and Scots Radio, which promote the broadcast of Doric, a form of Scots spoken in North East Scotland, across television, film and radio
Ms Forbes said: “These plays are part of a series of free Scots books, comics and poems which aim to provide young people with a better understanding of the language so that it can continue to grow.
“Scots is a treasured part of our history, heritage and culture. It enriches communities and research shows that learning the language benefits young people’s literacy skills and confidence.
“The funding represents a £150,000 uplift compared to last year. To grow Gaelic and Scots, we also brought forward the Scottish Languages Act to establish Scots and Gaelic as official languages and introduce teaching standards for Scots.”
Matthew Fitt, a co-owner of Scots Hoose Yaldi, said: “For many children and young people, reading a story or comic in Scots for the first time can be a transformative learning experience.
“We work very hard to improve Scots language provision for young Scots speakers in Scotland’s schools.
“It’s good to be recognised by the Scottish Government for our efforts, especially if it means we can help more young Scots speakers enjoy and learn about their own Scots language.”
A new bespoke cargo bike commissioned by National Museums Scotland will bring hands-on learning and cultural experiences directly to communities across Edinburgh.
Developed by National Museums Scotland and designed by XYZ CARGO UK, the bike will enable museum staff to deliver accessible creative workshops and storytelling sessions with local communities. It will be based at the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton in the north of Edinburgh.
The Collection Centre is home to some 12 million objects and is also a regular part of National Museums Scotland’s community outreach work, hosting visits from local groups and schools.
The bike is completely electric, generating low carbon emissions in its outreach. It has a large storage compartment which enables it to transport objects from the Museum’s handling collection, including replicas of the Lewis Chess pieces, Pictish chains and Roman helmets, and even a 3D-printed chimpanzee skull.
Jane Miller, Community Engagement Manager at National Museums Scotland, said: “While admission to the National Museum of Scotland is free, we know that there can be all sorts of barriers to access traditional museum spaces.
“That’s why it’s important that we have an active programme of community engagement, and the Museum in Motion cargo bike is a colourful, fun and sustainable way of bringing the Museum to communities on their doorsteps.”
The project is funded in part by the Edinburgh Airport Community Fund. Gordon Robertson, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “Our Community Fund is designed to support a wide range of groups and organisations within our neighbouring communities, and this project is a fantastic example of the fund in action.
“By contributing to the purchase of this cargo bike, we’re helping National Museums Scotland reduce its carbon footprint and enhance the accessibility of its collections by bringing them directly into local communities.”
Anyone interested in inviting the Museum in Motion cargo bike to visit their community or wants to find out more, can contact the Community Engagement team at National Museums Scotland by email at communities@nms.ac.uk.
THREE Edinburgh Labour MPs – Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West), and Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) – came together with Places for People Scotland and tenants from across the city on Wednesday to build on joint engagement activity addressing housing queries.
After being elected, Tracy Gilbert MP noticed a trend in complaints and organised this meeting to support both tenants and Places for People Scotland.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Edinburgh MPs arranged the meeting with Places for People Scotland and Edinburgh Tenants Federation to support local tenants to proactively seek support on matters relating to their communities.
The meeting is a further step in the work Places for People Scotland has undertaken in the past 18 months in increasing customer engagement across the city.
The meeting covered matters raised by customers including understanding service charges, heating, and repairs and maintenance, as well as customer engagement.
By bringing all parties together, the MPs sought to bring together tenants’ voices to continue open, constructive, and effective dialogue.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:“Tenants deserve to feel heard and supported by their housing provider. As Edinburgh MPs, we were pleased to facilitate this meeting so residents could raise their concerns directly and begin to build stronger channels of communication.
“A lot of the issues raised centred on the transparency of bills from factors and the lack of clarity in communications.
“We hope that over the coming months these matters can be resolved, giving residents the confidence and reassurance they deserve.”
Dr Scott Arthur MP added:“Tenants in Edinburgh South West have understandably lost confidence in the service provided by Places for People Scotland.
“I’m therefore pleased that this meeting offered a chance to reset the relationship. It’s now in everyone’s best interest to work together constructively to rebuild trust and deliver the high-quality services that residents rightly expect and deserve.”
Chris Murray MP said: “I welcome Places for People Scotland’s commitment to an open, engaged, and transparent relationship with their tenants – demonstrated by our community meeting tonight.
“However, an engaged, transparent, and supportive housing provider and property factor should not be an exception, but an expectation.
“I will continue to work alongside residents, my fellow MPs, and Places for People Scotland, to ensure this is achieved.”
Kelly Brown, Director of Places for People Scotland, commented: “We recognise that there have been times in recent years where our communication with customers should have been better and we have taken the appropriate steps to improve this.
“Yesterday’s meeting marked another positive step forward, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together.
“We are always listening. Over the last 18 months, we’ve worked closely with our customers and local MPs to improve the overall customer experience. For those whose homes are powered by a district heating system, we’ve brought in an internal expert to review all tariffs and procure a new partner.
“We remain committed to driving further improvements to ensure we provide a service that our customers can be proud of.”
Housing is a matter devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
Delivering a new approach to disability assistance ‘rooted in compassion’
Almost 350,000 disabled people who were getting Personal Independence Payment have had their benefit awards successfully transferred to Social Security Scotland – meaning everyone in Scotland who was receiving the benefit is now getting Adult Disability Payment.
This month marks the third anniversary of Adult Disability Payment being available across Scotland and the complete transfer represents the delivery of an entirely new approach to disability assistance based on dignity, fairness and respect.
For example, while the UK benefits agency outsources assessments to private firms, Social Security Scotland uses information from professionals who know the disabled person when making decisions, such as their GP or a support worker.
Adult Disability Payment provides money to help with the additional costs that come with being disabled or having a long-term health condition that affects someone’s life. People who are terminally ill can apply via a dedicated fast-track route.
On a visit to learning disability charity Garvald Edinburgh, Social Justice Secretary @S_A_Somerville confirmed everyone in Scotland who was getting Personal Independence Payment is now receiving @scotgov's Adult Disability Payment. pic.twitter.com/DOhHvTSXlo
Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: “The transfer to Adult Disability Payment from PIP was a monumental challenge that we’ve delivered for people across Scotland.
“Nearly 350,000 individuals had their data safely and securely moved from the DWP’s systems to ours without having to make a new application for assistance. We also ensured there was no break in their payments.
“This month marks three years since Adult Disability Payment was available across Scotland, the achievement of our ambitious plan to deliver an entirely new approach to disability assistance rooted in compassion.
“That approach will continue to be at the heart of social security in Scotland. That is why I can assure people the Scottish Government will not cut Adult Disability Payment. We will never seek to balance the books on the backs of disabled people.
“While the UK Government has caused so much anxiety for disabled people in recent months, that is not an approach the Scottish Government will take. We will ensure disabled people will get the support they are entitled to and be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”
CEO of learning disability charity Garvald Edinburgh, Colum Porter, said: “It is good news that all adults in Scotland have now moved to Adult Disability Payment and will be supported by a benefits system built on dignity, fairness and respect.
“Many people do not understand how expensive it is to be disabled. Disabled adults and their carers can face many additional costs, and it is vital they get the financial support they need.
“Applying for benefits can be daunting and many people have had difficult experiences applying for PIP.”
The most recently published statistics show over 470,000 people in Scotland were getting Adult Disability Payment in April, including around 150,000 new applicants.
Six areas of Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, the highest level, as prolonged dry conditions continue across the east.
The Upper Don and Lower Don reached Significant Scarcity on Wednesday, with the Lower Tweed catchment being escalated today (Thursday). The North Fife, Ythan and Deveron catchments were announced earlier this week.
Temporary restrictions have been issued on some abstraction licences in these areas, limiting the amount of water that can be taken from the environment.
This week’s report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows that a number of other areas in the country also remain under pressure. Without sustained rainfall, further eastern catchments are at risk of reaching Significant Scarcity in the coming week.
Six areas of Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity. The Upper Don, Lower Don, and the Lower Tweed have now reached the highest level of water scarcity. These areas join the North Fife, Ythan and Deveron catchments already at Significant Scarcity.
— Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (@ScottishEPA) August 28, 2025
Moderate Scarcity
Escalated this week: Findhorn, Firth, Forth and the Dee in Aberdeen.
Already at Moderate Scarcity: Spey, Esk (Angus), Almond, Tyne (Lothian) and wider areas of the Ythan, Firth of Tay Tweed catchments.
Alert
Escalated this week: Tay, Clyde and Helmsdale
Already at Alert: Orkney and Earn
Early Warning
Escalated this week: Conon and Ness
Already at Early Warning: Wick, Forth, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Irvine and Ayr, Leven (Dumbartonshire), Naver, Thurso.
How did we get here?
The current situation is the result of prolonged, cumulative pressures on Scotland’s water environment.
A dry autumn and winter in 2024/2025 meant rivers and groundwater did not receive their usual recharge, and a lack of snow over the winter denied eastern rivers the gradual spring replenishment that snowmelt normally brings.
Every month of 2025 so far has recorded below-average rainfall in the east, leaving rivers increasingly vulnerable.
While the west of Scotland saw some improvement after heavy rain earlier in the summer, those gains have not been sustained, and conditions there are also beginning to deteriorate.
Rain is forecast for parts of Scotland over the coming days, with showers expected Thursday and Friday and heavier, more widespread rain likely in the northeast on Saturday. However, it remains uncertain whether this will provide meaningful relief to rivers that have been under sustained pressure for months.
David Harley, Head of Water and Planning at SEPA, said: “Six areas of Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, the highest level of water scarcity we have. It’s a critical moment for farmers, businesses and communities who depend on these rivers.
“We’ve been warning about water scarcity and the impact it could have on Scotland since May and communicating directly with abstractors across the summer.
“We also been working with key partners, including Fisheries Management Scotland, NFUS, Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Golf to help the country prepare for potential restrictions.
“We’ve spoken directly to farmers, distillers, golf courses, industry and hydropower businesses over the past few months – this should not come as a surprise to anyone.
“SEPA officers will be out in areas where restrictions are in place, ensuring abstractors understand their obligations and helping with any questions they may have.
“While rain is forecast in the coming days, it is too soon to know if it will bring real relief. SEPA will keep monitoring conditions closely and take the action needed to protect our rivers, the environment, and the livelihoods that rely on them.”
A 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault of a woman in Restalrig.
Around 1am this morning (Thursday, 28 August, 2025), officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property in Restalrig Avenue.
Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital where she died a short time later.
The 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault and enquiries are ongoing.
Restalrig Avenue remains closed while enquiries are carried out.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman at this extremely difficult time.
“There will be a continued police presence in the area while our investigations continue and I would urge anyone with any concerns, or information, to approach these officers.”
