Proposals to help alleviate workload pressures faced by teachers have been announced by the Scottish Government.
Work is underway with councils and teaching unions to create a plan to reduce class contact time for teachers, which is supported by increased funding for councils of £186.5 million to restore teacher numbers to 2023 levels.
In addition, independent work will be taken forward to examine how reducing unnecessary bureaucracy in Scottish education can improve teacher workload. This will be supported by guidance from the Chief Inspector of Education.
Greater use of digital technology will also be explored to help free up teachers’ time.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Scotland’s schools are responding to far greater pressures post-pandemic than they did five years ago, and this is having an impact on the teaching workload and, ultimately, children and young people.
“We recognise the pressures facing teachers, and it is absolutely crucial that we continue to support a delivery of measures to ease workloads.
“These proposals will ultimately provide teachers with additional time to prepare lessons and reduce the number of hours worked outside of the school day, enhancing their wellbeing and benefiting children and young people by providing an improved learning experience.
“Collaborative working with trade unions and local authorities is essential and we want this work to be delivered at pace.”
Edinburgh’s new trial cycle hire scheme, delivered by Voi, has been launched.
The public will be able to use the city’s new scheme of dockless e-bikes from Wednesday 3 September via the Voi app. A guide to using the scheme is available on their website.
A typical 20-minute journey on the e-bike will cost £2.20. There are a range of discounts and concessions for many groups including those on low incomes, people with disabilities, those over the age of 60, blue light workers, veterans, students, apprentices and many more.
In addition to pay as you go fares, Voi also offer day passes and multi day passes.
There will be an initial tranche of around 50 e-bikes in the city centre. Alongside Voi, we’ll then gather rider feedback and monitor initial performance. This will then be used to expand across the city over the coming months, with a target of approximately 800 e-bikes for the full scheme.
The contract between Voi and the Council runs from 22 August 2025 for a period of two years with the option to extend for up to a further 18 months undertaken at the sole discretion of the Council.
The contract will also run at no cost to the Council.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:“I’m really pleased that we’ve returned a cycle hire scheme to Edinburgh. Voi is a highly experienced operator, with many successful schemes across the UK and abroad, and I’m looking forward to working with them in this exciting new chapter for our city.
“The new scheme will allow everyone to be able to move around our city in a healthier and more sustainable way. We’re also ensuring that the scheme is accessible for all our residents and visitors, with a wide range of concessionary and discount fares available.
“We know that the demand and appetite for cycling is already strong, and getting stronger, here in Edinburgh. Just last week we saw the record for daily cycle journeys on Leith Walk being broken with 2,147 at the Picardy Place counter.
“Meanwhile, our other major active travel routes such as the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and Roseburn to Union Canal have also seen increasing patronage since opening.
“The scheme will complement our existing active travel and transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity, while also cutting congestion and reducing emissions. I look forward to seeing the benefits the scheme will bring to the city and our residents.”
James Bolton, Voi’s UK General Manager said: “We’re excited to set up in Scotland, starting in the historic capital.
“We are working closely with the council to make an affordable scheme that is sensitive to, and learns lessons from, the previous scheme and our experience in similar cities like Oxford, Dortmund, and Regensburg.
“At Voi we see massive amounts of untapped potential in Scotland, where people are really looking for affordable, quick and convenient ways to get around.”
Problem debt affects many people, and the impact on mental health can’t be ignored. Debt problems can cause anxiety, stress, and sleep problems – and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide.
As well as seeking mental health support, it’s important to get help with debt.
Free, impartial advice is available – and it’s never too late to get help.
Read more about debt and mental health on our website:
CAKE lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free slice tomorrow (Saturday 23rd August), as Cake Box opens its new store on St John’s Road, Corstorphine.
Cake Box is known for its fresh cream celebration cakes, cupcakes, brownies and cheesecakes, all of which are 100% egg-free. The bakery is popular among those who enjoy a more delicate textured cake, people simply looking for quick and delicious sweet treats, and those looking for cakes that meet specific dietary requirements.
To celebrate the launch, the first 100 visitors will be given a free slice of celebration cake (while stocks last). Families can also enjoy free face painting and balloons on the day.
The launch event will run from 11am tomorrow – Saturday 23rd August.
Sukh Chamdal, founder and chief executive officer (CEO), at Cake Box said: “We’re really excited to be bringing our delicious celebration cakes and sweet treats to Edinburgh, and we’re encouraging locals to stop by to try them on us, to mark the occasion!
“The timing couldn’t be better – families who are running out of ideas for entertaining their kids at the end of the school holidays will love being able to pick up a free slice of cake and have their faces painted on the launch day.”
Event details:
Date: Saturday 23rd August 2025
Time: From 11am
Address: 217 St John’s Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh. EH12 7UU
Giveaway: 100 free slices of cake, face painting and balloons (while stocks last)
The new store has also created local jobs, further strengthening Cake Box’s commitment to communities across the UK.
Cake Box is the UK’s leading retailer of handmade, fresh cream egg-free cakes. Its 250+ stores nationwide offer beautifully handcrafted celebration cakes and sweet treats for every occasion. Stores also offer quick and beautiful personalisation, for an extra special touch.
Visit www.cakebox.com to find your local store, or click and collect in as little as one hour.
Retired women have to struggle with £7,600 a year less than men on average.
Women approaching retirement have only built up half as much in a workplace or private pension as men.
More action needs to be taken to close the gap for women set to retire in the years ahead.
The recent revival of the Pension Commission is a much-needed opportunity to ensure that in the future everyone receives a decent retirement income.
The gender pension gap in the UK means that retired women effectively go over four months each year without getting a pension – the equivalent of losing out on £7,600 a year on average.
This means that compared to men, retired women effectively stop receiving pension income from yesterday (Thursday 21 August), the TUC warns.
The income gap between men and women in retirement is now 36.5%, according to research from Prospect union – more than double the level of the gender pay gap (currently 13.1%).
Reasons for the gap
The TUC says that the main drivers of the gender pensions income gap are:
Unpaid caring responsibilities: women are five times more likely than men to be out of paid work to look after children, elderly or disabled family members – missing out on workplace pension contributions as a result. BME and disabled women are among the worst impacted – respectively at seven and nine times more likely than White and non-disabled men to be out of work due to caring responsibilities.
Gender pay gap: across their working lives, women persistently earn less than men and therefore accrue lower pension contributions. In particular, women are three times more likely than men to earn below £10,000 – the threshold for employers to have to put workers into a workplace pension.
State pension: historic differences in state pension have left currently retired women with lower state pensions on average.
Lasting solutions
The TUC has highlighted three key solutions for narrowing the gender pension gap for women retiring in the future:
Addressing the gender pay and employment gaps. This should include improving childcare and social care, continuing to strengthen rights to work flexibly as well as reforming the parental leave system to enable more equitable sharing of caring responsibilities. The Employment Rights Bill – which will introduce a right to request flexible working from day one of employment – and the Parental Leave and Pay Review are important opportunities to achieve changes.
Reforming the occupational pension system so that people on low pay don’t miss out on employer’s pension contribution. This should include phasing out the £10,000 automatic-enrolment earnings threshold that excludes many women from workplace pensions and paying pension contributions from the first pound of earnings.
Ensuring the pension system better recognises the value of unpaid caring and addresses the penalty faced by those who take time out of paid work because of caring responsibilities. This should include introducing a Carer’s Credit in addition to existing National Insurance credits for carers, to replace lost workplace pension contributions. This would mean carers qualify for extra state pension to replace some of the workplace pension they miss out on building up.
The Pension Commission
Last month, the Government revived the Pension Commission, which will bring together unions, employer and independent experts to look into the causes of the gap, among other issues.
It aims to reach a consensus on long-term changes needed to ensure that millions of people benefit from a more secure retirement – including women.
And where consensus already exists – like calculating pension contributions from the first pound of earnings and bringing more young workers into auto-enrolment – the government should press ahead quickly.
This is a much needed opportunity to ensure that everyone receives a decent retirement income and the gender pension gap is closed.
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Everyone deserves dignity and security in retirement. But right now, too many retired women have been left without enough to get by.
“We must make sure that these inequalities are addressed for future generations.
“That’s why reviving the Pensions Commission – bringing together unions, employers and independent experts – is a vital step forward.
“We now have a chance to make sure everyone, including women, receive the decent retirement income that all workers need.”
Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary Sue Ferns OBE said: “The Gender Pension Gap is very slowly moving in the right direction but without a more concerted effort millions of women will continue to suffer from unequal earnings in retirement for much of the rest of this century.
“The first step was the success of Prospect’s campaign for the government to recognise and measure the Gender Pension Gap. The next step is for government to show the way as an employer and take real action to close the gap by adopting trailblazing reforms across all public sector pension schemes.
“That the gender pay gap sits at 14% is unacceptable, for the gender pension gap to be more than twice that is nothing short of disgraceful and shames a society that doesn’t take action.”
Karen & Katy Koren and the Gilded Balloon are delighted to announce Madeleine Brettingham as winner of the 38th edition of So You Think You’re Funny? – the UK’s most prestigious comedy newcomer competition.
Reb Day and Joel Walker came second and third place respectively, coming out top from over 435 initial applications and entertaining a sold out crowd at this year’s final at Appleton Tower, hosted by all-star MC Laura Lexx.
Following hilarious heats across the UK, comic Madeleine Brettingham claimed the crown for this year’s competition after a judging panel including special guest judge Doon Mackichan (Comedian and TV Star) plus Angela Squire (Artistic Director of the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Comedy Festival), Bruce Dessau (Editor of Beyond the Joke), Arusa Qureshi (Editor of Fest Mag), Julia Chamberlain (So You Think You’re Funny? Producer) as well as Karen and Katy Koren (Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon) watched 7 minute sets from all 10 finalists, before convening to choose the winner.
Since it began in 1988, previous winners of SYTYF? have included Aisling Bea, Maisie Adam, Ivo Graham, Tommy Tiernan, Alana Jackson, David O’Doherty and more, with the competition renowned for kickstarting the careers of dozens of the UK’s top comics and providing essential support to comedy newcomers.
Madeleine Brettingham is a writer-turned-performer who, after years of avoiding the spotlight, tried stand-up when a famous comedian appeared in a dream and told her to. Against all odds, it turned out to be pretty solid advice. She lives in London.
Madeleine Brettingham and Doon Mackichan – credit Steve Ullathorne
Karen & Katy Koren and the So You Think You’re Funny? team would like to offer a huge congratulations to 2025’s finalists (in alphabetical order) :
Joel Walker – second runner up
Madeleine Brettingham – winner
Noni
Oro Rose
Peter Josip
Qasim Akhtar
Rachel Porter
Reb Day – first runner up
Sean Chalmers
Valeria Vulpe
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon and So You Think You’re Funny? said: “Huge congratulations to Madeleine Brettingham – 2025’s fantastic winner of So You Think You’re Funny?
“This year’s competition was extremely competitive with over 435 applications, so it’s an outstanding feat for these 10 finalists from across the UK to have made it this far and perform in front of our sold out crowd tonight.
“Each year it’s fantastic to see so many So You Think You’re Funny? alumni return to the Fringe to make their debut or take part in mixed bill runs. 2024’s winner Alana Jackson has had a huge sold out run with us this August, as well as brilliant shows from the likes of Sophia Wren, Christopher Donovan, our Best of So You Think You’re Funny acts and many more.
“A massive thank you to every comic who entered the competition this year, and all our esteemed judges who joined us at heats across the UK to ensure we could provide a platform to some of the very best new up and coming comedians in the country.
“We’ve all been blown away by the talent on display tonight and we’re sure they will go on to do wonderful things!”
Celebrity guest judge Doon Mackichan said: “I’m absolutely bowled over and amazed at the talent tonight – it was a really difficult decision and such a high standard. I laughed at every single person, but we had to make a decision.
“This is brutal – it’s worse than The Voice and X Factor!”
Judges who chose this year’s finalists included: special guest judge Doon Mackichan, journalists Arusa Qureshi and Bruce Dessau, plus Katy and Karen Koren and more.
Since it began in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has kick-started the careers of dozens of the country’s top comics including Dylan Moran, Peter Kay, Maisie Adam, Rhod Gilbert, Tommy Tiernan and many more.
It is the longest running and most established comedy competition of its kind, solely funded by Gilded Balloon without external sponsors.
This year’s winner will receive…
A cash prize.
A fully paid for solo show (or mixed bill) run as part of the Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
Up to 4 mentorship meetings (virtual or in person) with Channel 4’s Comedy Commissioning team in the year following the final.
A paid performance slot in the Comedy Arena and weekend pass at Latitude Festival in the year following the competition thanks to Festival Republic.
Opportunity to perform at Cat Laughs comedy festival in Kilkenny, Ireland (subject to programmer approval and slot availability)
Opportunity to perform at Glasgow International Comedy Festival (subject to programmer approval and slot availability)
Opportunity to take part in Soho Theatre’s Soho Labs programme in the year following the final.
Other paid performance slots at the UK’s best comedy clubs including the Glee Club, the Boat Show and more.
Complimentary headshot photoshoot by professional photographer to the stars, Steve Ullathorne.
Complimentary filmed copy and professional photographs of their spot from the Final to use in their show-reel.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer for over 20 years.
There are also prizes for the runners-up including;
A cash prize for the first and second runner up.
Potential to be invited to take part in a fully paid for mixed bill show as part of Gilded Balloon’s Fringe programme.
Mentorship and support from Karen and Katy Koren and Julia Chamberlain, the So You Think You’re Funny? producer.
For more information on So You Think You’re Funny? visit:
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron writes about the improvements the city council is making to blocks in Edinburgh:
Across Edinburgh, hundreds of residents are seeing improvements to their homes and neighbourhoods, thanks to the Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Service (MTIS).
Launched in Wester Hailes in 2021, the initiative tackles the long-standing challenge of maintaining mixed-tenure buildings – where some homes are owned by the council and some by private owners. Many of these blocks need significant investment to common areas due to age, lack of formal factoring arrangements and regular maintenance of shared parts of the blocks.
In Magdalene, Bingham and The Christians, work has been underway since summer 2024, with many homes are now nearing completion. Entrances are brighter and more secure, paths are safer and more accessible, and anti-social behaviour has been reduced by creating more welcoming, well-kept communities.
These works are complex and necessary, and I am pleased that they are delivering positive and visible results.
Together with councillor colleagues I recently visited the area to see first hand the scale and quality of the work taking place. We visited original blocks, some mid-refurbishment and some nearing completion. What stood out to me is how much the work has had an immediate effect, not only on how buildings look and function, but also on how people feel about where they live.
Residents have told us how much they value the work being done and it’s encouraging to hear from residents the sense of community and pride these improvements are helping to support and flourish.
That is why the MTIS is such an important and valued part of the city’s wider housing strategy, by allowing us to tackle long-standing maintenance issues in a way which benefits all parties. Private owners are supported through the process, and council tenants and residents benefit from living in buildings that are properly looked after.
Of course, this work isn’t without its challenges. Co-ordinating works among different owners takes time, patience and care but the results we are seeing now clearly demonstrate the success of the service and more importantly, that residents value it.
As the programme continues to roll out across the city, we shall keep listening to residents, working with owners, and making sure these improvements deliver lasting value.
Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm, and well-maintained. Through this service, we are making that a reality and I look forward to seeing such progress continue.
With availability at its Edinburgh stores for further charities to get involved, local organisations now have the opportunity to be paired with their local Aldi stores to collect surplus food donations regularly.
Any organisations not already working with Neighbourly but interested in collecting unsold food from Aldi can find out more and sign up for free here.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our food donation scheme plays a vital role in ensuring that fresh and healthy food is accessible to those in need all year round, while also allowing us to redistribute surplus stock that would otherwise go to waste.
“Our charity partners provide vital support every day, and we’re proud to work with Neighbourly to help make a positive difference in communities across the UK. As we approach what can typically be a busier period for these organisations, we’re pleased to be able to bring even more charities on board to our donations scheme.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “Local charities and community groups continue to see high demand for their services, at times with limited resources. Aldi’s surplus food donations offer practical help, and we’d love to hear from more organisations who could benefit.”
Shoppers can also donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Britain’s fourth largest supermarket also works with Company Shop, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products, to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.
Five-star housebuilder Cruden has been granted planning permission to redevelop the former St John Vianney’s Roman Catholic Church site at 40 Fernieside Gardens in Edinburgh.
The plans will transform the vacant, deteriorating 1950s building into a high-quality, fully affordable housing development, delivering 35 much-needed new homes within one of the city’s well-connected 20-minute neighbourhoods.
The new development will comprise two flatted blocks of three to four storeys, offering a mix of 17 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and 7 three-bedroom homes. Located close to schools, shops, parks, healthcare facilities, and excellent public transport links, Fernieside Gardens will provide residents with convenient access to essential services while promoting sustainable, low-carbon living.
Making sustainable use of brownfield land, the sympathetic redevelopment supports the Scottish Government’s drive to protect greenfield sites and create thriving communities in existing urban areas.
An impressive 70% of the site will be open landscaped space, with almost half (44%) dedicated to green space, including central communal gardens, rain gardens, and green buffers to boost biodiversity and support sustainable drainage.
The homes will be built to high environmental standards and have a number of sustainability features. Plans include zero-emission heating, photovoltaic solar panels and high levels of insulation.
The car parking provision includes EV charging points, accessible spaces, and ample cycle storage alongside strong emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport.
Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “It is fantastic to have secured planning permission for Fernieside Gardens, which will deliver high-quality, affordable homes in a location that’s already rich in amenities and community spirit.
“This development breathes new life into a redundant, brownfield site by placing sustainable communities and green infrastructure at its heart. It’s another example of how thoughtful design can support Edinburgh’s net-zero ambitions while meeting the critical need for affordable housing.”
Work on Fernieside Gardens is expected to begin later this year.
