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UK launches world-first study to assess antibiotic resistance levels in healthy dogs and cats

SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE TO LEAD RESEARCH

New, groundbreaking research to protect both animal and human health from antibiotic-resistant infections is underway to develop the world’s first dedicated surveillance system in healthy dogs and cats, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced.

Over half of UK adults own pets and live with them in a shared environment, meaning that bacteria, including resistant bacteria, can spread easily between animals and people. All animals and humans have bacteria in their bodies and in many cases these bugs do not cause any harm.

However, some bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics which can lead to serious human or animal health consequences if they cause an infection. Through this study, the VMD seek to understand more about the levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in household pets across the UK, to better protect public health and the health of our pets.

Pet owners across the UK will be contributing to the research programme; the study aims to identify the most reliable methods for understanding AMR in dogs and cats and will include outreach to households and veterinary practices to submit faecal samples from the animals they live with and look after.

These samples will generate AMR surveillance data in healthy companion animals for the first time.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will conduct the pilot study over 4 years and bring huge expertise in this field of work, having established surveillance programmes in other countries.

Abi Seager, VMD CEO said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious global health threats that we face.

“I am proud to launch this ground-breaking AMR surveillance project in healthy cats and dogs with SRUC, who have a proven track-record of establishing surveillance programmes from the ground-up, and this new study is a truly One Health intervention to tackle AMR.

“A recent report published by the Public Accounts Committee on AMR, highlighted the need to address surveillance gaps in animals and we are pleased the VMD is already driving progress in this area.”

John Berezowski, Professor in Disease Surveillance at SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) in Inverness, said: “This initiative is critical for a better understanding of the transmission and maintenance of AMR in our pets. Our experts have worked hard to develop a practical AMR surveillance system.

“We plan to follow a team approach, working with pet owners and their vets as we explore how best to collect samples for surveillance throughout the UK.”

This work will build on existing surveillance programmes in animals, coordinated by the VMD. Currently, in companion animals in the UK, surveillance for AMR only covers a limited number of clinically unwell animals and no country currently has representative national surveillance of AMR in healthy dogs and cats.

The work also follows a similar study recently carried out by UKHSA, looking at the levels of resistant bacteria in healthy people.

VMD are also working to address gaps in clinical surveillance data from companion animals under veterinary care, by addressing barriers to public-private AMR data sharing. This work is being funded by the Integrated Security Fund Biosecurity Portfolio and is being conducted in partnership with the University of Liverpool and private veterinary laboratories.

Gaza crisis: Emergency cabinet meeting to be held following Trump – Starmer meeting

The Prime Minister met US President Donald Trump in Scotland yesterday.

The leaders began by discussing the appalling scenes in Gaza and agreed that urgent action was needed to bring an end to the suffering, which has reached new depths. Humanitarian aid had to be allowed in at scale and pace.

They committed to work together to bring an end to the misery and starvation and continue to press for the immediate release of the remaining hostages, who have been held so cruelly for so long.

They reiterated their calls for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for peace in the region and the Prime Minister welcomed the President’s efforts to secure this, and shared the plans he is working on with other European leaders to bring about a lasting peace.

Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed that they must maintain momentum to bring about an end to the war with Russia, including by putting economic pressure on Putin to come to the table without further delay.

On the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal, the leaders remarked on how beneficial the deal is for working people in the UK and the US and agreed to continue to work together to build further on their close and strong economic relationship.

The leaders discussed plans for the President’s upcoming State Visit in September, which they both looked forward to.

The Prime Minister will update the cabinet on the peace plan proposals at an emergency meeting later today.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney is scheduled to meet the US President this morning.

Volunteers host sustainability workshops for Scottish schools

A group of employees from Amazon’s fulfilment centre have visited seven schools across Dunfermline to host sustainability workshops for pupils.

The workshops were hosted at Commercial Primary School, St Margaret’s RC Primary School, McLean Primary School, Masterton Primary School, Milesmark Primary School and Carnegie Primary School.

These schools provide inclusive, supportive learning environments where pupils are encouraged to thrive academically and emotionally, preparing them for future success.

41 employees from the sustainability team at Amazon in Dunfermline lead recycling workshops, sharing their tips, tricks and skills for creating a sustainable environment with the pupils. The Amazon team also planted seeds in school gardens and created scavenger hunts for the pupils.

Natasha Blyth is an employee at Amazon in Dunfermline who visited the schools. She said: “I really appreciate the opportunities Amazon gives us to volunteer. The more we raise awareness around sustainability, the more chance we have for our children to live in a clean, healthy environment.”

Eleanor English, from Masterton Primary School, added: “Thank you to the team from Amazon in Dunfermline for giving their time to raise awareness on sustainability.

“The staff and pupils absolutely loved sprucing up the garden area with our new plants. The support from Amazon is greatly appreciated by all of us at Masterton Primary School – thanks again!”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded The Big House Multibank in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 8 million surplus goods to over 600,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.

Opera Highlights tour unites four singers and a pianist in one-of-a-kind show this autumn

Saturday 22 November: Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh 7.30pm

Tickets are now on sale for the new production of Scottish Opera’s Opera Highlights, which hits the road from 2 October to 22 November, bringing world-class opera to 17 communities across the country.

The audience will follow the story of four very different characters, watching how their personal relationships intertwine at the office party.

With no shortage of messy romance and an unforgettable work soiree, this will be a night of opera to remember!

Performing in this one-of-a-kind show, created specifically for Scottish Opera each season, are 2025/26 Emerging Artists mezzo-soprano Chloe Harris and tenor Luvo Maranti, along with soprano Ceferina Penny and baritone James Geidt, both making their Company debuts. Accompanying the singers on piano is Music Director Meghan Rhoades, Emerging Artist Repetiteur.

Transforming smaller venues into a local opera house, the show travels to East Kilbride, Ayr, Gartmore, Brechin, Ellon, Crail, Castle Douglas, Melrose, Crawfordjohn, Birnam, Nairn, Lochinver, Glenuig, Castlebay (a return visit following the Company’s Opera Highlights performance in February being cancelled due to bad weather), Lochranza, Johnstone, and Edinburgh.

Scottish Opera’s extensive touring programme is one of the largest of any European opera company, ensuring performances are within reach of as many of Scotland’s dispersed population as possible.

Over 4000 people of all ages attended the Spring Opera Highlights tour this year, with audience members commenting how it was ‘wonderful that Scottish Opera comes to some of the more remote and rural areas’, bringing the show ‘to our doorstep’.

The show’s Director is Emma Doherty who last worked with Scottish Opera on the Outreach & Education show, The Giant’s Harp, and was Assistant Director in 2024 on Oedipus Rex and Marx in London! Designs are by the award-winning Kenneth MacLeod, who worked on last Season’s Opera Highlights.

The playlist cleverly combines a fabulous collection of much-loved classics with a treasure trove of lesser-known pieces. These include music from Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Gounod’s Romeo and Juliette, Massenet’s Werther, Handel’s Alcina, Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus and Samuel Barber’s one-act opera, A Hand of Bridge.

These operatic snapshots are curated by Fiona MacSherry, Scottish Opera’s Head of Music. All are sung in English or an English translation, making the story immediate and accessible for the audience.

Director Emma Doherty said: ‘I am delighted to be directing the next Opera Highlights tour, which showcases some beautiful music and deals with the themes of forbidden love and deception. In the show, designed by the brilliant Kenneth MacLeod, audiences can expect to see four colleagues with complicated love triangles who are gearing up for their office party!’

While on tour with Opera Highlights, Scottish Opera is running school and community workshops, with more details to be announced soon. At these free ‘How to stage an opera’ interactive sessions, those attending will learn about the process of powerful storytelling through opera, using scenes from the tour as inspiration.

The creative team will explore how music can illustrate dramatic context on stage, and the mechanics of staging and directing scenes from an opera.

Participants learn how singers use their voices and stage techniques to generate atmosphere and create mood to develop character, and how basic props can support the time, location and even the weather in which the story is unfolding.

These sessions, lasting approximately one hour, are open to all ages, and no previous experience is required.

Opera Highlights goes on the road again in Spring 2026, when Emerging Artist Repetiteur Toby Stanford accompanies singers including Emerging Artists Daniel Barrett and Kira Kaplan with Alexandria Moon and Connor James Smith.

The tour runs from 3 February to 14 March, with performances in Glasgow, Tillicoultry, Helensburgh, Town Yetholm, Newton Stewart, Dunlop, Dalmally, Dornie, Stornoway, Gairloch, Newtonmore, Banchory, Fraserburgh, Cromarty, Orkney, Wick, Lairg, and Bathgate.

Opera Highlights is supported by Friends of Scottish Opera and JTH Charitable Trust.

Tickets are on sale now at Opera Highlights 2025/26 | Scottish Opera

Marginalised Edinburgh communities could receive major funding as national Parkinson’s charity launches new grants offer

Parkinson’s UK has launched a new physical activity grants programme for marginalised communities across the UK to help more people living with the condition to get active.

The pilot grants programme will run from Monday 2 June to Sunday 10 August 2025. It will run in conjunction with the charity’s established physical activity grants programme, which has been delivering funding of up to £3,000 for exercise professionals and local Parkinson’s groups since 2021.

In that time, more than £700,000 has been delivered and more than 200 physical activity projects have benefitted from the funding.

The grants for marginalised communities aim to deliver more innovative exercise, wellbeing and physical activity projects in targeted areas across the UK. They will also offer more opportunities for those in these communities to shape the future delivery and development of the Physical Activity Grants programme.

Funding of up to £3,000 is available for any of the following social groups affected by Parkinson’s:

Global majority (including all those who are previously categorised as ethnic minorities)
People with other disabilities, be it a physical, neurodiverse or hidden disability
People from a low socio-economic background
People from the LGBTQIA+ community
People from Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant communities
Women

The following community groups and organisations that support the Parkinson’s community are also eligible to apply:

Community-based not for profit organisations (including charities, CICs, and constituted community groups, excluding Parkinson’s UK Local groups/branches)
Community Amateur Sports clubs (CASCs)
Community benefit societies and Co-operatives
Social Enterprises

Funding can be offered for exercise classes, consultation with the Parkinson’s community and towards engagement events.

Applicants will need to complete a brief project description and discuss their ideas with local Parkinson’s UK staff and area managers. Once they have spoken with a local Parkinson’s UK representative, applicants will be invited to complete an application form.

Selected locations across the UK are now eligible to receive funding if they work with Parkinson’s communities from marginalised groups.

A full list of these locations can be found by visiting the Parkinson’s UK grants for marginalised communities page.

Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re really excited about launching the Physical Activity Grants for Marginalised Communities pilot programme this year.

“The Physical Activity Grants Programme was established to support the Parkinson’s community and the leisure industry to develop and deliver opportunities to be active at a local and regional level.

“However, we’ve since recognised that there is an increasing number of people from marginalised communities getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis who have limited access to support groups or programmes.

“Every grant aims to support people with Parkinson’s from marginalised communities to engage in physical activity, to improve their wellbeing. Their insights will also help us understand their needs and shape the future development of exercise and physical activity from Parkinson’s UK.”

For more information about the pilot grants programme for marginalised communities, contact physicalactivity@parkinsons.org.uk

or visit

www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/physical-activity-grants-marginalised-communities

Carena shortlisted for UK-wide ‘What is Care?’ photography award

A powerful photograph taken by Carena Schmid, a Registered Veterinary Nurse from Linlithgow in West Lothian, has been shortlisted in a UK-wide competition by leading home care provider Caremark, as part of its ‘What is Care?’ photography competition.

Launched to mark 20 years of Caremark championing home care in communities, the competition asked the public to capture what care means to them in everyday life, from small gestures to big moments. Out of hundreds of entries, one finalist was chosen from each of the UK’s 12 regions, following a rigorous judging process carried out by Caremark’s head office.

Carena is representing Scotland with a photograph capturing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies Venice and Jasper receiving their second vaccinations in a setting carefully adapted to their needs.

The image shows the pups in their favourite “paws-up” position, supported by their owners Claire Staines and Tracey Grant at Lothlorien Dog Services in Linlithgow, where the vaccinations took place — making the experience completely stress-free for the animals.

The image is now part of a nationwide public vote on social media to determine the overall winner of the competition. The photographer of the winning entry will receive a £1,000 luxury getaway.

Carena said: “This photo shows how working together can result in a calm, positive care experience — not just for animals, but for people too.

“The owners worked with me and the pups ahead of time to make sure their second vaccinations were completely stress-free. They chose the environment, used their favourite position, gave them treats, and practised gentle handling the week before.

“To me, care means compassion, kindness and adapting what you do to suit the individual, whether human or animal. This image is important to me as it shows how the best level of care can be achieved when everyone works together. Little things like this can have a such an important and powerful impact in animal welfare.

“I was shocked and surprised to be selected as a finalist — in a good way! I’m very happy that a photo which promotes positive care for dogs is representing Scotland.

“If I were to win, I’d love to go somewhere rural in Scotland with my husband and our lovely arthritic Border Collie Miss Darcy and spend some quality time together.”

Voting is open to the public via Caremark’s Facebook page and will close at 9am on 29^th September 2025. The entry with the highest number of public votes will be announced as the winner shortly after voting closes.

Emma Scholes, Caremark’s Director of Marketing, said: “We’ve been genuinely moved by the creativity and thoughtfulness behind so many of the entries.

“With such an incredible standard from across the country, narrowing it down to just 12 finalists was tough because each photograph carried a personal story, so judging them was emotionally challenging. We felt that Carena’s photograph stood out as a powerful reflection of what care can mean.

“This competition marks 20 years of Caremark championing care in communities across the UK. It’s about shining a light on what care looks like in everyday life, from small gestures to life-changing support, and how differently people experience and express it. Each finalist has brought a unique perspective, and it’s been inspiring to see care interpreted so personally through their lens.

“We’re excited to now share these images with the public, celebrate the value of care in all its forms, and see who the UK public chooses as their overall winner!”

For more information about the competition and to view the finalists’ photographs, visit: www.caremark.co.uk/whatiscare

Additional funding for independent hospices in Scotland

Support for pay parity with NHS staff

The Scottish Government is to distribute £5 million of funding in 2025-26 to support independent hospices with pay parity for clinical staff with their NHS counterparts.

Hospices have now had their funding allocations confirmed and the investment, set out in the 2025-26 Budget, will ensure that frontline staff providing essential palliative and end-of-life care in independent hospices are fairly paid in line with NHS pay scales.

The funding aims to help hospices recruit and retain skilled healthcare professionals during a time of rising workforce pressures and increasing demand for palliative care services.

Health Secretary Neil Gray, said: “Independent hospices provide vital care and support to people and families across Scotland at the most difficult times in their lives. I am pleased we are able to support these organisations in supporting pay parity for their clinical staff.

“This funding recognises the skilled, compassionate care that hospice staff deliver every day, and helps ensure their pay reflects the immense value of their work.”

Chair of the Scottish Hospice Leadership Group Jacki Smart, said: “This is a welcome first step in recognising the needs of the hospice sector, which plays a key role in delivering specialist palliative care for Scotland.

“It is right for patients and staff that hospices can pay skilled professionals fairly and in line with NHS colleagues, and we need to keep pace on this.”

Independent hospices across Scotland are independent charitable organisations providing care tailored to local needs. Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) are responsible for the planning and commissioning of independent hospices to meet the needs of their local population.

Hospices work closely with a wide variety of health and social care services, including NHS Boards, to deliver high quality care and support.

The Scottish Government is committed to developing a new national framework to support more effective planning and commissioning between hospices and IJBs. This work will continue alongside discussions about long-term pay parity and funding arrangements.

Out of the Blue: What’s On in August

Programme reveal!

From Print Expo 2525, celebrating 10 years of Out of the Blueprint, to other workshops and performances, there’s lots going on at the Drill Hall in August.

What do you fancy getting involved in?

Just take a look at our website for the full programme.

https://outoftheblue.pulse.ly/o0h7qp8wur

Poster design: Out of the Blueprint

Active Inquiry

Edinburgh Flea Market

BALKANARAMA

Granton Nature Watch

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL NATURE WITH COMMUNITY GARDENERS

Can you help us learn about nature in Granton?

We have a new project to survey, map and learn about our local wildlife and how nature and people can live well together in Granton.

We’d love to see your nature photos and hear about the wildlife that you see!

We’re also looking for people who would be willing to do regular surveys on a walk, in a park or in your own garden.

No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Suitable for children too.

Get in touch with Katie on katie@grantoncommunitygardeners.org to find out more.

Heritage Portfolio and Mansfield Traquair Trust continue ongoing partnership amidst SCVO departure

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), Mansfield Traquair Centre’s primary tenant for many years, has formally given notice and will be vacating the building.

The Mansfield Traquair Trust is now welcoming expressions of interest from organisations that would value and complement the unique cultural and architectural character of this iconic heritage site, home to the celebrated murals of Phoebe Anna Traquair, often called ‘Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel.’

During this transition, event operations will continue as normal. The Trust has an existing partnership with Heritage Portfolio, the venue’s longstanding catering and events provider, which remains in place to support planned and future events.

With a track record of delivering exceptional hospitality across landmark Scottish venues including the Signet Library, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery among others, Heritage Portfolio brings continuity, experience and reassurance during this period of change.

Dr. Duncan Thomson, Chair of the Mansfield Traquair Trust, said: “For those planning special occasions, we know how vital reliability and consistency are.

“Our longstanding relationship with Heritage Portfolio reflects a shared commitment to making Mansfield Traquair a distinctive and memorable setting for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.”

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio said “We want to reassure all current and prospective clients that Mansfield Traquair is very much open for business and operating as normal.

“Working within the venue for over 20 years, our team knows what it takes to deliver unforgettable events with the exceptional service and attention to detail that Heritage Portfolio is known for, while respecting the building’s remarkable history and architecture.

“We look forward to working with the Trust through this transitional period and celebrating many more special moments with our guests.”

As we move forward, the Trust remains committed to ensuring Mansfield Traquair continues to thrive as a venue for celebration, culture, and community, supported by partnerships that reflect and uphold its unique character.

This commitment is further supported by the Friends of Mansfield Traquair Trust, a dedicated group of volunteers who help bring the building’s rich history to life.

The Friends provide trained guides for Open Days, lead private tours by arrangement. They also offer talks for local groups and societies, helping to share the story of Mansfield Traquair with wider audiences.

Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live! is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations.

Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates.

In Scotland partners include Musselburgh Racecourse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.