Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

John Swinney: Scotland ‘leading charge on global health’

Supporting innovation to tackle inequalities

Scotland’s contribution to tackling global health challenges continues to lead to sustainable, meaningful and lasting impact, First Minister John Swinney said.

In Lusaka, the First Minister visited the Blantyre-Blantyre research lab which has been supported by Scottish Government funding to improve health outcomes in Zambia and Malawi. He announced £125,000 for charity Kids Operating Room to support adapting NASA technology to generate oxygen in low-resource settings.

Ahead of arriving in Malawi today, the First Minister also announced a further £4 million funding over three years to help tackle non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and sickle cell.

Delivered in partnership with other international donors and the Government of Malawi, this new approach to funding represents a major shift away from fragmented aid – aligning directly with Malawi’s national health priorities, to drive more effective, harmonised, and sustainable health improvements.

The First Minister said: “Over the 20-year period of our development programme, Scotland has a strong history of supporting health systems in our partner countries, with innovative projects between universities, NHS staff and institutions, as well as support throughout the COVID crisis.

“These partnerships have transformed healthcare in many ways – such as launching Malawi’s first dental school and supporting a programme which has trained psychiatrists, established the first dedicated A&E centre, and supported on cancer. 

“This latest investment of £4 million for the Malawi Health Service Joint Fund is a new, innovative approach that delivers on our commitment to partner-led development, helping establish life-saving and sustainable healthcare in Malawi.

“The work of Kids Operating Room, supported by Scottish Government funding, has helped open more than 100 state-of-the-art children’s operating rooms in 36 countries, including Zambia and Malawi.

“The charity’s ground-breaking project is another example of how Scotland is demonstrating leadership in tackling global health challenges – helping ensure that children no longer die unnecessary deaths because of a lack of oxygen.”

Kids Operating Room Chief Medical Officer Dr. Maija Cheung said: “This ground-breaking technology has real incredible potential.

At Kids Operating Room, we’re contributing because we believe this innovation could one day transform how oxygen is delivered safely to children undergoing surgery around the world. Oxygen is a vital medicine, yet in many low-resource settings it is unreliable or unavailable – and that makes surgery far more dangerous for children. That’s why this project is so important.”

Global health – International development – gov.scot

Kids Operating Room project with NASA.

University of Glasgow – Explore – Internationalisation – Partnerships for the world – The Blantyre-Blantyre partnership

£6 million repaid to workers as UK Government cracks down on employers underpaying their staff

Nearly 500 employers fined over £10 million for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage

  • Nearly 500 employers fined over £10 million for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage.
  • £6 million put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its Plan for Change.
  • Enforcement of workers’ rights is set to be beefed up through new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who flout the law.

Almost 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named today (Friday 17 October) as the Government takes direct action to Make Work Pay.

Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.

This strong enforcement doesn’t just protect workers; it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut. By taking swift action against these employers, the Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff.

“I know that no employer wants to end up on one of these lists. But our Plan to Make Work Pay cracks down on those not playing by the rules.

“This ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe whilst workers receive the boost to their living standards they deserve.”

This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million, or half of all UK, workers.

As well as ensuring hard work is properly rewarded with fair treatment and decent pay, from April 2026 the Employment Rights Bill will also establish a new Fair Work Agency with more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay.

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said: “This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they’ve earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones.

“We are proud to have delivered a strong minimum wage and enforcing it thoroughly is crucial in our mission to put pounds back in your pocket.

“I know this news will be welcomed by brilliant businesses across the country, those who know that happy well-paid staff are at the heart of building a successful company.

“With our new Fair Work Agency and the coming Employment Rights Bill, this government is keeping our promise to Britain to make work pay again.”

Today’s announcement follows significant increases to National Minimum Wage rates earlier this year. From April, millions got a pay rise with those on the National Living Wage who work full-time seeing their families supported by an extra £1,400 per year.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Low Pay Commission Chair, said: “We are pleased the Government is keeping up momentum with the publication of today’s naming round.

“It is vital that businesses understand the mistakes which can lead to underpayment, and that workers know where to go to enforce their rights.

“Continuing to raise the profile of the NMW enforcement system will give the Fair Work Agency a solid foundation when it comes into operation next year.”

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “Not only is it important for employers to pay the correct minimum wage rates, it is also the law.

“Failing to do so can result in grievances and potentially legal action, including costly employment tribunals, as well as being named and shamed.

“Acas has advice on how employers can ensure they calculate the correct rate to pay their workers and what employees should do if they think they are not being paid the correct amount.”

  • If workers suspect they are being underpaid, they can visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to find out more about what they can do.
  • Workers visit the Acas website for free, impartial and confidential advice or complain to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at Pay and work rights helpline and complaints
  • The minimum wage law applies to all parts of the UK.
  • Employers should always carry out the necessary checks – see the guidance: Calculating the Minimum Wage
  • HMRC consider all complaints from workers, so workers are being reminded to check their pay with advice available through the Check your pay website
  • National Living Wage and National Minimum wage rates:
2024 rate2025 rate
National Living Wage (21 and over)£11.44£12.21
18 to 20£8.60£10.00
Under 18£6.40£7.55
Apprentice£6.40£7.55

Code Concepts announces new design-led boutique hotel in Edinburgh New Town – The Bindery

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Code Concepts, the Edinburgh-based hospitality operator known for its boutique hotels and urban hostels, announces the future opening of The Bindery, a new design-led boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Construction is set to begin on 20 October 2026, with an expected opening in Q1 2027.

The Bindery will occupy the historic Stewart House Book Bindery, offering 84 private rooms including  a mix of double, twin, and family rooms, across approximately 24,000 sq ft. Located on Thistle Street Lane, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s golden rectangle and surrounded by some of the city’s finest boutique restaurants, The Bindery will offer premium accommodation alongside a dynamic ground-floor experience.

Guests and locals alike will be able to enjoy a bar, daily food menu, co-working spaces, and flexible event areas, creating a vibrant community hub at the centre of the city. These offerings will be open to both guests and locals, creating a vibrant community hub.

The hotel’s interior has been crafted by award-winning design studio a-nrd, blending contemporary design with a nod to the building’s bookbinding heritage.

The interiors will feature a refined loft aesthetic with exposed features, a mix of vintage and modern furniture, bespoke detailing, and subtle references to the building’s historic past.

The soothing, nature-inspired colour palette draws from the landscapes surrounding Edinburgh, creating a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests.

Sustainability is central to The Bindery’s design, with smart, demand-driven systems set to optimise energy use throughout the building. An all-electric heating and cooling system, intelligent ventilation with heat recovery, and a central management system will minimise waste and maximise efficiency.

Native planting in the rear garden will support biodiversity, while local supplier partnerships and a walkable city-centre location will further reduce the hotel’s environmental impact.

The Bindery marks Code Concepts’ desire to grow into the boutique hotel segment, expanding beyond its capsule hostels into a more premium market.

“With The Bindery, we are responding to the growing demand for unique, design-led hospitality in Edinburgh,” said Andrew Landsburgh, CEO of Code Concepts.

“We are creating more than just rooms, with a focus on an exciting F&B offer, flexible spaces, events, and partnerships with local businesses will differentiate us in a highly competitive market.”

Edinburgh continues to see strong growth in tourism and hospitality, attracting both domestic and international travellers. With increasing competition in the city, hotels must offer distinctive experiences to stand out.

The Bindery’s combination of unique design, community-focused events, and collaboration with local suppliers positions it as a compelling choice for modern, digitally savvy travellers seeking authentic, curated stays.

The Poverty Alliance: Scotland Demands Better march and rally

SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER from 11am in EDINBURGH

On Sat 25 Oct, join us in Edinburgh as #WeDemandBetter!

Start: 11am at Scottish Parliament

March through the city

Rally at The Meadows for music, speeches, food & family fun!

Find out more:

https://scotland-demands-better.com/march-and-rally

Police appeal following serious crash in Drumbrae

Road policing officers are appealing following a serious crash in the Drumbrae Terrace area.

The incident happened around 1.30am this morning (Thursday, 16 October), and involved a black Suzuki Jimny car which hit a building at Drumbrae park.

Emergency services attended and a 20-year-old man, a passenger, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where his condition is described as critical.

The driver, an 18-year-old man, and another passenger, a 19-year-old man, were treated at hospital for minor injuries.

Sergeant Grant Hastie said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and we are asking people in the area to check any private CCTV from the surrounding streets to see if they have captured anything that could assist.

“If you were driving in the area please also check to see if you have any dash-cam that might help with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0194 of Thursday, 16 October, 2025.

Frailty services ‘delivering results’

Specialist teams improving care and easing hospital pressures

All NHS Boards now have frailty services in emergency departments to help older and vulnerable patients as soon as they arrive – improving care and reducing pressure on A&E departments.

On a visit to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary Acute Frailty Unit, Health Secretary Neil Gray saw the impact the service is having on patient care, including:

  • the average hospital stay for those admitted to the Acute Frailty Unit was 3.4 days – compared to a typical 17.5 day average hospital stay for older frail patients.
  • no increase in re-admissions
  • two thirds of frailty patients admitted have been discharged directly home.

Frailty services provide specialist, multidisciplinary assessment and care for older patients where required. They are designed to accelerate early discharge, reduce delays, and shorten hospital stays — helping patients recover more quickly and return home sooner.

This expansion of frailty services across the country is backed by a share of the £200 million investment from the 2025-26 Budget, aimed at reducing waiting times, improving hospital flow, and minimising delayed discharges.

After his visit, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The success of the frailty service here in Dumfries and Galloway is something we are replicating across Scotland.

“By shifting the balance of care from acute hospitals to community-based services, we can ensure that people experiencing frailty are supported earlier – whether through GP referral or direct access via the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“This is about making sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“The work being done here is making a real difference, particularly for older patients, with average length of stay reduced by 14 days and no increase in re-admissions.

“Improving patient flow is a key priority, and services like this show how targeted, well-coordinated care can lead to better outcomes.”

Chief Operating Officer of NHS Dumfries and Galloway Nicole Hamlet said: “This work is making a real and measurable difference.

By reducing unnecessary time in hospital, we’re helping people get home or to a homely setting safely and sooner. It also frees up vital capacity in the hospital, which helps us deliver better care across the board.

“I’m very proud of what the team has achieved.

“The project builds on previous frailty work in Dumfries and Galloway and continues to evolve with input from those delivering the care. The team is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership’s management team and project leads.”

NHS Board hears of service results and progress towards key target

ECHC Halloween Stall at Gyle Shopping Centre

Join us on Saturday, 25th October, 10 AM–4 PM for the ECHC Halloween Stall – a spooktacular day of games, glitter tattoos, and a chance to meet your favourite Star Wars characters!

Plus, don’t miss the tombola packed with fang-tastic prizes!

All in support of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity 💜

#GyleHalloween

#ECHC

Yule Love This! Christmas Night Market at The Pitt

Friday 28th November | 4 – 11pm

✨Yule love this!

Step into a merry mash-up of mistletoe, music and mulled wine as The Pitt transforms into a festive playground of flavour, fun and fashionable market picks. On top of our usual weekend antics of piping hot international street food and cold frothy pints, our Christmas Night Market kicks off our festive calendar with a bang, bringing together over 40+ local makers, artists and traders offering everything from:

– Unique and thoughtful gifts

– Funky fashion

– Artisan homeware

– Cheeses, chutneys, olives and sweet treats heaven

– Festive decor

– Stocking fillers

– Handcrafted artwork

What’s On:

– Santa’s Grotto: say hello to the boy himself

– Workshops & crafts: wreath-making, face-painting, and make-your-own gifts for wee and big kids alike

– Seasonal sips: mulled wine and local brewskis for the grown-ups, plus fruity mocktails and soft drinks for the wains and drivers

– International street food: piping hot and perfect for keeping you fuelled

– Live DJs: bangers spinning late into the night

– Cosy wee nooks: for toasting, tasting, checking the bank account…

Join us for a night of festive magic, market mayhem, mistletoe and wine etc etc, and soak up our signature blend of industrial charm, cosy vibes and boozy cheer. Shop til you drop on homeware to spice up your gaff or gifts to make your pals laugh. Tear up the dance floor. Gorge yourself silly on truffle fries and momo dumplings. It’s all to play for at our Christmas Night Market!

– Free entry

– All night

– 4-11PM

– The Pitt, 20 West Shore Road

#christmasmarket

#edinburghchristmas

#edinburghchristmasmarket