Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Community guests enjoy special service ahead of Lumo launch

  • New Lumo West Coast service officially launches Monday 25 May
  • Low-cost fares start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling
  • Community partners given the chance to experience the service with surprises including a Scottish bagpiper and a Caribbean steel drum performance

Excitement is building as Lumo prepares to launch its much-anticipated new West Coast rail service on Monday 25 May – and lucky guests have already been given the chance to give it a try.

Community partners, Lumo apprentices and other special guests from along the route all came together to experience the breathtaking views on the route and a first taste of Lumo’s renowned customer service onboard the refreshed trains connecting Stirling with London Euston.

The iconic sound of Scottish bagpipes rung out across Stirling as guests set off on one of Lumo’s six-coach eye-catching blue trains, which have received widespread critical acclaim, with refreshed interiors and a single-class service designed to offer the best value fares; replicating the success of Lumo on the East Coast Main Line.

There are just days to go until customers will be able to get big savings on the popular route. Tickets start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling. Travelling from London to Preston starts from just £23.90 and Preston to Stirling from an impressive £14.90. The service will also call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

As part of the launch celebrations, Lumo has partnered with Pride Radio, an inclusive station broadcasting across the UK. The radio station’s Breakfast Show was broadcast live from a special ‘Rail Roadshow’ at Stirling Station, giving listeners the chance to win a range of exciting prizes and find out more about the new service. The bus will also be at Carlisle Market on 22 and 23 May.

Residents of Stirling, meanwhile, were treated to a stunning display as iconic local landmarks including the National Wallace Monument were illuminated in Lumo’s distinctive blue on the evening before the special preview train departed for London. The Jamsalana Steel Band treated guests to a vibrant performance as the train arrived in London Euston.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director at First Rail Open Access, said: “We’re just days away from officially launching our new West Coast service and we couldn’t have reached this point without a great deal of hard work and planning from our dedicated team and network of brilliant partners across the industry.

“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us for our special preview train which offered a glimpse of what’s to come. We’re passionate about the benefits that Lumo can offer the West Coast, with a service that is important for both customers and communities along the route.”

Lumo’s West Coast service is creating around 100 jobs, with a new rail base which opened in Preston in March. New roles include customer drivers, instructors and customer experience ambassadors. A recruitment drive has been underway with a particular focus on encouraging people to join the industry from a variety of backgrounds and previous careers.

Graeme Cook, Rail Director, Transport Scotland said: “Lumo’s new Stirling to London route is a very welcome addition to cross-border services which will provide wider economic and connectivity benefits to Scotland.

“The new services will not only boost tourism and hospitality for Stirling and the Forth Valley, but also increase connectivity by now providing customers from Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert with direct access to rail connections on the West Coast Main Line and London.”

Colin Howden, Director of National Sustainable Transport Alliance – Transform Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see this new service connecting Stirling with London. It delivers a lower carbon option than flying or driving at an affordable price.

“We’re confident that the new service will provide a catalyst for Stirling’s sustainable tourism ambitions. It provides a direct connection for visitors from London as well as for international inbound visitors arriving in London.”

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “We are delighted to mark the launch of Lumo’s new rail service between Stirling and London by lighting up some of our world-class visitor attractions and venues in blue.

“The additional four daily journeys between Stirling and London will enable more people to travel here to visit these landmarks and enjoy everything else we have to offer in the city and the wider region.

“They will also enhance Stirling’s already superb rail and transport connections across the UK, driving economic growth and job creation, as well as providing more sustainable travel options for residents and visitors.

“The sight of the first blue Lumo train in Stirling is an exciting moment, and we will continue to work closely with Lumo to ensure the new service is a success and delivers lasting benefits for everyone across the region.”

The operator has already successfully served the East Coast Main Line for a number of years, linking Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh with the North East of England and London.

Lumo has already established several community partnerships on the West Coast including the popular ‘Bloody Scotland’ crime writing festival and Stirling Pride with more to follow in the coming months.

Lumo has been successfully shortlisted in the Proud Scotland awards taking place on 30th May in Glasgow in the Best Small Employer category.

Fungi Fun for Kids at Granton Castle Walled Garden!

MycoKids with Vii 🍄

Friday 29 May, 2-3 pm at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Join Vii from MycoBee Mushrooms CIC for a fun and hands-on introduction to the fascinating world of fungi. This family-friendly session is designed for children and parents to explore nature together through engaging, outdoor activities.

At MycoKids, you’ll discover the hidden world of fungi and learn why they are so important for our ecosystems; all in a playful and accessible way.

Book your space: https://www.mycobee.org/…/mycokids-fungi-fun-for-kids…

PLEASE NOTE: All children must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

Holyrood launches search for local community heroes

A search for 129 local heroes from all over Scotland has today been launched by the Scottish Parliament.

Each Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is being asked to nominate a person in their constituency or region who has made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people or who has made a significant impact on their community.

Local heroes who have been selected will be invited by the Scottish Parliament, as a special guest of their MSP, to attend the Parliament’s Opening Ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday 27 June to formally mark the new session of the Parliament.

Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Kenneth Gibson MSP said: “The start of a new Parliament is to me all about optimism, hope and a renewal of the purpose behind why the Parliament exists.

“It’s about bringing the people of Scotland along with us at the start of that journey as well as celebrating the very best of our culture and heritage too.

“People from all over Scotland, from Shetland to Selkirk, from Aberdeen to Arran, are at the centre of our plans to commemorate this milestone. Which is also a reflection of our aim – to be at the heart of communities across the country.

“I am always humbled by the selflessness of people across the country who go to extraordinary lengths to give back to their communities. I look forward to celebrating our local heroes and hearing more about their achievements.”

Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Previous local heroes have included people who have volunteered their time for charities, set up creative ways to fundraise to help local causes or supporting others.

To find out more please contact one of your local MSPs. You can find out who your MSP is by searching by your postcode on our website.

Search your postcode

Joint Statement on the situation in the West Bank: 22 May 2026

Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and the EU on the situation in the West Bank:

Over the past few months, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. Settler violence is at unprecedented levels. The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution.

International law is clear: Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Construction projects in the E1 area would be no exception.

The E1 settlement development would divide the West Bank in two and mark a serious breach of international law.

Businesses should not bid for construction tenders for E1 or other settlement developments. They should be aware of legal and reputational consequences of participating in settlement construction including the risk of involving themselves in serious breaches of international law.

We call on the Government of Israel to end its expansion of settlements and administrative powers, ensure accountability for settler violence and investigate allegations against Israeli forces, respect the Hashemite custodianship over Jerusalem’s Holy Sites and the historic status quo arrangements, and lift financial restrictions on the PA and the Palestinian economy.

We strongly oppose those, including members of the Israeli government, who argue for annexation and forcible displacement of the Palestinian population.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security within secure and recognised borders.

MORE WORDS, BUT ALL THE WHILE OUR UK GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO ARM ISRAEL AND IS COMPLICIT IN THE DEATHS OF THOUSANDS OF PALESTINIAN PEOPLE.

JUDGE THEM NOT BY WHAT THEY SAY, BUT WHAT THEY DO – Ed. …

First-ever vote launched to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly!

Nation invited to choose its inaugural butterfly champion

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is today launching the first-ever vote to crown Britain’s Favourite Butterfly.

From Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June, people across the country are being asked to choose the butterfly they love most, whether that be a familiar garden visitor like the Red Admiral, Orange-tip or Holly Blue, or an elusive rarity like the aristocratic Duke of Burgundy or the mighty Purple Emperor.

With a plethora of species to choose from, Butterfly Conservation has launched a dedicated website with fun facts about every single species, where people can cast their vote and even take a fun ‘what’s your butterfly personality?’ quiz to choose their champion.

The charity hopes to encourage children and adults to marvel at butterflies this summer, reconnect with nature and celebrate the diversity and importance of the UK’s most iconic insects.

Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said: “It’s clear Britain is a nation of butterfly lovers. From Sir David Attenborough and the Royal Family, to the hundreds of thousands of people who have taken part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count, these incredible insects hold a very special place in our hearts.

“Now, for the first-time ever, we want to find out which of our much-loved butterflies takes the nation’s top spot. From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful and we look forward to officially crowning Britain’s favourite.”

The UK is home to 60 species of butterfly, 58 resident including Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Green Hairstreak, and two regular visitors – Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow. 

For many of us, butterflies are one of our earliest memories of wildlife; in a recent survey they were voted most-loved creatures in childhood.

Julie says: “It’s no surprise butterflies are loved by people of all ages. Their journey from caterpillar to adult is both fascinating and joyful.

“It is in this almost magical story of transformation that butterflies have the power to connect people to the natural world, and inspire us to keep fighting for a wilder future.”

But these incredible insects, which evoke childlike joy, delight and visions of balmy summer days, are in trouble. 80% of species have declined in the last 50 years due to habitat loss, land use change, and climate breakdown.

However, all is not lost. Recent scientific evidence proves that, as well as benefiting our wellbeing, as little as 15 minutes watching butterflies can increase people’s feelings of being connected to nature, which has a direct correlation with how motivated they are to protect it. 

In short, time spent simply enjoying spotting butterflies could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.

Butterfly Conservation’s President, Sir David Attenborough, famously said: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” 

“A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.” 

With different butterfly species appearing in different areas of the UK, the search for Britain’s Favourite Butterfly could prove fascinating and show some big regional variations in voting.

After analysing 50 years of data, researchers have discovered a clear northward spread for some species, including common garden favourites the Peacock, Comma and Holly Blue, the result of climate change creating warmer habitats for them to survive in. 

Julie explained: “It will be interesting to see if people in different parts of the UK have different favourites. Some of our native butterflies are garden visitors across much of the UK, some live only in certain areas, and some are more secretive, living in very remote, specialised habitats. But all are equally important as indicators of the health of our natural environment.

“The exciting thing about this vote is that anyone, anywhere can take part and root for their favourite. You don’t have to know anything about butterflies! So whether you choose based on a lovely colour, a fun name, what you spot in your garden, or your fondness for a specialist species, it’s what’s important to you that matters.”

The highly coveted title is up for grabs. The nation will decide…

The vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly takes place from Friday 15 May – Sunday 7 June, and the result will be announced later in June.

Vote for your favourite at https://britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk

PM: Government ‘turning progress into results for working people’

Keir Starmer has set out how the government is delivering real progress now while rebuilding Britain’s foundations for the future. But does anyone believe him?

  •  PM says “our plan is working” as government delivers results on costs, migration control and growth 
  • Net migration down sharply to its lowest since 2021, inflation down faster than expected to 2.8%, and UK the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first quarter of the year  
  • “Great British Summer Savings” to help families afford more time together this summer 

The Prime Minister has set out how the government is delivering real progress now while rebuilding Britain’s foundations for the future.  

Recent figures show the plan is working: 

  • Net migration has fallen by almost three quarters to its lowest level since 2021. 
  • Inflation has dropped faster than expected to 2.8%. 
  • The UK is the fastest growing economy in the G7, with growth beating expectations at 0.6% in the first quarter. 

Together, this progress is strengthening the UK’s resilience in an uncertain world – easing immediate pressures on families while putting the economy on a more stable footing for the long term. 

That progress is being felt more widely across the country, as the government rebuilds the public services working people rely on: 

  • Homicide is at its lowest levels since the 1970s, knife crime is down by 10%, and we have taken more than 63,000 knives off our streets. 
  • NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level for three and a half years, with the largest single month performance improvement in 17 years.
  • There are 4,000 additional teachers across secondary schools, special schools and further education. 

With families still feeling the squeeze – and global instability continuing to drive uncertainty – the government is going further to help households with the cost of living, so people can enjoy the everyday moments that make life better. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We now have the fastest growing economy in the G7, net migration has fallen, and NHS waiting lists are at their lowest level in three and a half years.  

“Our plan is working. And as summer begins, we are going further to bring down the cost of living and make life easier for families, so they have more room to enjoy it. 

“This government will keep pushing forward to deliver the change the country voted for.” 

Building on that progress, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have acted to ease pressure on families, announcing further cost of living support including VAT cuts on hospitality, free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 in England throughout August, and targeted tariff reductions to bring down the price of everyday essentials. Together, these measures will help families go further while supporting high streets and local businesses. 

That action is being underpinned by growing economic strength. GDP has increased every quarter since 2024, forecasts have been exceeded in the first quarter of this year, and the IMF has upgraded the UK’s growth outlook – all clear signs that economic stability is returning and resilience is being rebuilt. 

The government is also driving that resilience by backing businesses to invest and expand, including a landmark trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council – the first such deal by a G7 country – and new legislation to give small firms stronger protection from late payments and the certainty they need to grow.

This comes alongside action to make work pay and back working people – with the National Living Wage increased, 30 hours of funded childcare delivering savings of up to £8,000 per child each year, and stronger rights for 11 million renters through the Renters’ Rights Act. 

At the same time, the government is restoring control and strengthening security – closing more than half of asylum hotels and taking further action to tackle the criminality that undermines communities. 

Alongside this, the government is rewiring the state to support delivery, with a delivery team in every department, led by a senior civil servant, and performance incentives strengthened so that senior leaders are rewarded for driving results. 

This week, the government confirmed senior civil servants’ pay rises will be directly linked to performance to reward the doers, not the talkers. As a package, this is the biggest change to senior civil pay in decades. 

This is a government taking a different path – not returning to a status quo that failed working people, but building a stronger, fairer Britain. 

From lowering costs and backing families to restoring control and driving growth, the government is delivering the security and stability people expect – and laying the foundations for long-term change.

SECURITY? Peter Mandelson scandal

STABILITY? Internal civil war forcing unneccesary by-election

Renewal and re-engagement: A Parliament for all of Scotland

Measures to make the Scottish Parliament more efficient, topical and effective are to be put into place by Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson MSP. 

The changes, which the Parliament was informed of today, will be part of what the Presiding Officer calls “renewal and re-engagement”.

There will now be two First Minister’s Questions a week, with 30 minutes on a Tuesday for backbenchers and 30 minutes on a Thursday from Party Leaders.

MSPs were informed of the changes by the Presiding Officer during a meeting of the Parliament on Thursday. 

The Presiding Officer also informed Members that:

  • Time taken for interventions will be added, to protect the time of speakers who most engage
  • Labour and Reform will alternate each week in leading off on questions in First Minister’s Questions, debates and statements
  • Chamber Business will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to provide more time for scrutiny in the Chamber
  • Chamber Business will run from 1.30pm to 5pm on Thursdays to accommodate more time for committee business in the morning
  • Questions to the First Minister will no longer be published in advance
  • There will be 18 general questions a week, 10 more than previously
  • Members will have to identify relevant procedure when making points of order
  • Events and cross-party groups will be permitted during Members’ debates to prevent delays to visitors 

Informing MSPs of the changes, the Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson MSP, said: “Parliament needs renewal and re-engagement – with independent, innovative and open-minded leadership. That’s of critical importance and exactly what I’ll provide. 

“We need to de-clutter and simplify how we work, make Parliament more efficient, topical end effective for those we represent. 

“The collegiate working anticipated in the 90s, prior to Devolution, has not fully transpired. The status quo is not an option – and I’m keen to push at the boundaries of what’s possible within my remit.” 

Watch Presiding Officer’s Proposals for the Parliamentary Week 

Man arrested following major diamorphine recovery

Drugs worth an estimated £325,000 have been recovered following the search of a property in South Edinburgh.

Officers searched an address in the West Powburn area around 6.25pm on Thursday, 21 May, 2026 and discovered a large quantity of Diamorphine.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Callum Mill said: “Drugs cause misery in communities and we work tirelessly every day to prevent them being circulated on our streets.

“We are committed to addressing the concerns of local people and information from the public is vital to helping us tackle this type of harmful criminality.

“If you have information or concerns about drugs activity in your area please contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

LifeCare Edinburgh launches new free watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello

LifeCare Edinburgh has announced the launch of a new weekly watercolour class for unpaid carers in Portobello, offering much-needed opportunities for relaxation, creativity and social connection.

Unpaid carers—those who support family members, friends or neighbours without pay—play a vital role in communities but often face significant challenges, including social isolation, stress, and limited time for themselves. Access to regular short breaks and supportive activities can have a profound impact on their wellbeing.

This new class aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where carers can take time out, learn new skills, and connect with others who understand their experiences. No previous art experience is required, and all materials are provided.

Sarah Duckmanton, Community Activities Lead at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “Caring for someone can be an honour—a deeply meaningful and loving thing to do—but we also understand the toll it can take.

“That’s why we’re here to make sure unpaid carers have the chance to take a meaningful break, so they feel valued, recharged and better equipped to continue in their caring role.

“As part of that commitment, we’re continuing to grow our free support for carers by launching these activities in Portobello for the first time.

“We’ve been delivering day club support for people living with dementia in the area for many years, so it feels like a natural step to expand our carers programme here too. We know there are many carers who need time out, and we’re here to provide that opportunity.

“These groups are about so much more than the activity itself—they create space for people to relax, build connections, and feel supported. We’d encourage carers to get in touch and come along to give it a try.”

The new workshop builds on LifeCare’s wider programme of free health and wellbeing activities for unpaid carers, delivered from its fully accessible hub in Stockbridge. The programme includes a range of physical, creative and social sessions designed to support carers in maintaining their own health while continuing in their caring roles.

The Watercolour Workshop will take place every Monday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at 53 Milton Road East, Edinburgh (EH15 2NL).

The class is free to attend and is open to anyone who provides unpaid care for an adult.  Carers are also welcome to attend with the person they care for.

All activities are funded by the Short Breaks Fund.

To book a place or find out more, contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk  or visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/free-activities-for-unpaid-carers/ the full timetable of activities.