Changes in family spending – which Westminster’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) forecast will ultimately save the average household £1,080 a year in 2050 – will be the key to the next phase in Britain’s decarbonisation drive, but policy must ensure these gains are shared with poorer families, the Resolution Foundation said this week.
The CCC’s Seventh Carbon Budget shows that households cannot continue spending in the same way, with close to half of emissions reductions needed by 2040 made by changes to spending on surface transport (27 per cent), home upgrades (14 per cent), and flying (5 per cent).
The scenarios set out show that these changes should benefit families in the form of net savings in every year from 2026. The Foundation calculates that by 2050, the poorest fifth of households could see the share of their spending that goes on energy bills and driving cut by 6 percentage points.
But while the net zero transition will bring savings overall, there are also costs to switching to new technologies, particularly heat pumps, which the CCC estimate will still cost three times more a year than a gas boiler in 2050. And without government support, high upfront costs risk locking lower-income families out of the future savings that net zero will bring.
The Foundation notes that the poorest fifth of households currently have only 9 per cent of electric vehicles, while over the past decade heat pumps were more than twice as likely to be installed in the richest neighbourhoods than the poorest ones.
A successful net zero transition must ensure the costs and benefits are spread fairly. The CCC analysis suggests that a household without a car in the lowest-income quintile would save nothing, while a richer car owning household would see average benefits of £1,400 a year.
The Government should therefore look at ways of smoothing the transition by helping poorer families with the additional costs of heat pump installation and by designing fair alternatives to taxes like Fuel Duty.
Zachary Leather, Economist at the Resolution Foundation, said:“The CCC’s report highlights how the next phase of Britain’s decarbonisation drive will directly affect families’ day-to-day lives.
“While politicians fret and argue about the cost of net zero, today’s report shows that there are long-term benefits for consumers and the environment.
“But the high upfront costs of net zero technologies like EVs and heat pumps risk locking lower-income households out of the savings that they bring in the long run.
“A successful transition will require Government to get serious about supporting lower-income households in accessing heat pumps and EVs.”
Pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s brought its Projecting Life campaign to London yesterday, highlighting the impact of pregnancy loss and the need for more research to save babies’ lives.
The campaign features children and their shadows in different scenarios, always with at least one more shadow than there are living children.
Millions in the UK are touched every year by pregnancy complications and baby loss.
But in a recent YouGov survey for Tommy’s, 53% of respondents said either they ‘would not know what to say’ or ‘would worry about saying the wrong thing’ to a friend, family member or colleague who had experienced a loss.2
Only 12% were ‘very confident’ they would know what to say to someone whose pregnancy ended in loss, or who had a premature baby in need of hospital care.
Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charitable funder of pregnancy research – has developed a guide to help people begin conversations with others who have been affected.
Dr Jyotsna Vohra, Director of Research, Programmes and Impact at Tommy’s, said: “The trauma of pregnancy loss or giving birth prematurely is too often compounded by a sense of isolation and even shame.
“We must end the silence around these experiences, and move further and faster towards our goal of making pregnancy and birth safe for everyone.
“Projecting Life shows very powerfully that children who are lost are never forgotten. It encourages us all to recognise that and to talk about it without fear. Through those conversations and by raising awareness, together we can drive the change needed to save more babies’ lives.”
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine Until 27 Apr 2025 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Free
Injecting Hope is a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
This exhibition brings together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK. Learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.
Cold War Scotland Until 4 Jan 2026 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future.
The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
LAST CHANCE TO SEE Theravada Buddhism Until 9 Mar 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today.
The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Morning 6 Apr 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free admission, drop-in
Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.
Sensory Sunday 6 Apr 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 Free, booking required
Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions.
Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
Magic Carpet Explorers Block 2 (3, 10 & 17 Mar) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Explorers introduces little ones to some of the wonderful galleries, objects, and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Taking place in different spaces around the museum, explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures, and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects, and short activities.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 2 (5, 12, 19 Mar) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way.
Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. During this session, visitor numbers will be reduced, and sounds will be lowered to create a more relaxed experience.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Creative Workshop: Hand Embroided Stories 9 Mar 11:00-16:30 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join textile artist Louise Goult to create your own unique hand embroidered artwork. Taking inspiration from the treasure trove of creativity in our Fashion and Style gallery, you will learn the skills, stitches and techniques to make a unique hand embroidered artwork.
Friday Friends 14 March 14:00 – 16:00 Free, booking required
Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.
Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland 18 Mar 09:15-10:00 £12, £10 (Members & Concessions)
Join this tour of our current exhibition Cold War Scotland to better understand a time when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war.
Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology, will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.
Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope 19 Mar & 9 Apr 09:15-10:00 £12 Adults, £10 Members & Concessions
Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition which details the rapid research, development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discover the science behind the creation of the vaccine, the logistics behind its global roll-out and some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.
Museum Socials 21 Mar & 18 Apr 10:30-12:00 Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Free, booking required
Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
The Sunday Sketch 23 Mar 14:00-16:00 £15 or £13 (Members & Concession) Ages 18+
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities in our Ancient Egypt Rediscovered gallery. This session will focus on the representation of the human form in ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Relaxed Magic Carpet 24 Mar 10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45 £ 3 per child
Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play.
This is a monthly, relaxed version of our Magic Carpet event, for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-6 with additional support needs or for anyone who would prefer a calmer session and a slightly more relaxed pace. This is not a set age range for participants and we welcome all families who feel they may enjoy these sessions.
Curiosity Club 29 Mar 10:30-12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9) Ages 7-11
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits.
Relaxed Curiosity Club 29 Mar 14:30-15:30 £10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.
Content is aimed at ages 7–11, but this is not a set age range and we welcome all children and families who think they might enjoy these sessions.
Edinburgh Science Festival 2025 5 – 20 Apr All pricing and booking through Science Festival website
Join us as we host two weeks of science-fueled exploration, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events. The 2025 Edinburgh Science Festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Tractor Tots Block 1: 7, 14 & 21 Block 2: 10, 17 & 24 10:30 £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 Ages 0-4
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play.
Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
Spring Explorers 8 – 11 Apr Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Become a Spring Explorer this April at the National Museum of Rural Life. Our Spring Explorers family activities are back, and this time they’re all about pollination! Get hands on with seeds, soil and planting and sign up for storytelling, before exploring the museum galleries and historic farm.
This free family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Conservation Hangar Talks Until 30 Mar 14:00-15:00 Free with museum admission
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
Sustainable Skies 14 – 18 Apr 11:00-16:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for family activities across five days at the National Museum of Flight, as part of Edinburgh Science Festival. As well as family-friendly fun, you’ll also learn about the future challenges faced by flight and their solutions.
This free family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
POLICE have responded to a number of incidents of football-related disorder and violence in Edinburgh in recent months.As a result, Chief Superintendent David Robertson has authorised the use of powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
This allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.
This power allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.
The Section 60 stop and search power will be in force in various areas, including the city centre and Leith, from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, 2 March,2025.
It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “Over the past few months, we have responded to several incidents of disorder and violence linked to football events in Edinburgh.
“Attacks on police officers, possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, and attempts to evade justice by concealing their identity will not be tolerated. Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety.
“This type of behaviour impacts the local community and the vast majority of football fans who simply want to enjoy these events safely.”
PENTLANDS MSP Gordon Macdonald has announced that he is to step down at the next Holyrood elections.
The SNP MSP told constituents:
‘It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency over the last fourteen years. The Boundary Commission has decided to retire the name of the constituency in May 2026; this will coincide with reaching my own retirement age which I believe is the right time for me to step down from the Scottish Parliament at the forthcoming election.
I have during my time in office tried to serve you diligently and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support you have extended to me over the years.
Since my election in 2011, I have strived to be a voice for our community, working on issues ranging from the need for local affordable housing to national policy that affects our daily lives.
Whether it was advocating for local retail businesses, pushing for better health services, or ensuring our education system serves every child, I have sought to represent the spirit and needs of Edinburgh Pentlands with integrity and passion.
I want to express my thanks to my office team and party activists, past and present, who have been tireless in their support, and to all the residents, community groups, and stakeholders I have had the pleasure of working with. Your engagement has been the cornerstone of my work here.
As I prepare to leave this role, I commit to using my remaining time to ensure a smooth transition and to continue addressing the issues that matter to us all.
I have worked tirelessly for 50 years to achieve independence and will continue to campaign for Scotland to join the family of nations. The members of my local branch have been informed of my decision.
Thank you, once again, for the privilege of serving as your MSP.
Nine of the UK’s leading book festivals are delighted to announce an exciting new collaboration as they join together in membership of the British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA).
In light of the common funding challenges that arts organisations face and an ever-evolving media landscape, the Edinburgh International Book Festival has united with eight of its peers to create a new platform for discussion and collaboration.
This move to help futureproof literary festivals across the country is made possible courtesy of a generous donation from award-winning, independent publishers Canongate, which will support the festivals’ membership fee.
All nine festivals were until last year sponsored by Baillie Gifford.
Joining Cheltenham and Stratford, who are existing BAFA members, Edinburgh International Book Festival joins the Association alongside other UK book festivals – Borders Book Festival, Cambridge Literary Festival, Hay Festival, Henley Literary Festival, Wigtown Book Festival and Wimbledon BookFest.
BAFA, which has other book festivals as members, offers vital support to UK arts festivals at all levels, from volunteer run organisations to some of the most iconic names in the UK arts calendar including BBC Proms, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, London Soundtrack Festival and many more.
Membership of BAFA will not only offer a shared forum for festivals to liaise and co-ordinate mutual support, bolstering their lobbying power, it will also afford each festival access to additional resources and academic links, as well as discounted services that prove invaluable in the running of large-scale arts events. Ultimately, this new common membership of BAFA will enable a stronger collective voice for communicating the value and benefit of book festivals.
Despite their significant profile in the wider festivals landscape, this will mark the first time that book festivals have engaged in such a UK-wide collaboration.
It is hoped that BAFA will build on the work already achieved by Scottish book festivals via the Scottish Book Festivals Network, collaborating on a national scale and thus reaching a wider audience.
BAFA supports the arts festivals sector through networking, training, advocacy and support. As a united voice for the sector, BAFA champions arts festivals and will be using the findings of its Festivals Forward research, commissioned by BOP Consulting in 2024, to make the case for the sector’s unique contribution not only to the UK’s cultural life but to its audiences and communities.
Annie Ashworth, Director of Stratford Literary Fetsival, said: ‘We have been members of BAFA for many years and enjoyed the benefits.
“Book festivals are a vital part of the UK’s cultural landscape and, by more of us linking with each other under its umbrella, we can share our challenges, best practice and ideas, and offer even more value to audiences, authors and publishers.’
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: ‘We are really excited to announce this partnership. Our group of festivals has been working more collaboratively since last summer, and see real opportunity in continuing to share expertise and strengthening our partnerships.
“Joining BAFA is a great example of how working together can really bolster our collective impact. Book festivals are critical for writers, and are a vital part of both publishing and of the wider cultural landscape.
“We look forward to working together to navigate an ever changing arts landscape and championing the huge value of what we do, all across the UK.’
Fiona Goh, Director of BAFA, said: ‘BAFA is delighted to welcome these acclaimed and diverse literary festivals to our membership, joining other arts festivals from across the UK, including the BBC Proms, Harrogate International Festivals and Cheltenham Festivals.
“We’re looking forward to working together to support book festivals to develop and flourish, and to champion the extraordinary work of these events in enriching the lives of communities across the UK.‘
THE Gandhian Peace Society (GPS) has shared ‘an urgent and transformative development’ – the recent publication of their new report,Hinduphobia in Scotland: Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice:
As a charity rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, GPS is proud to announce that this pioneering study has been presented to the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice of Hinduphobia in the UK (writes DHRUVA KUMAR, General Secretary of Gandhian Peace Society).
Our report, presented to the CPG on 23 January 2024 and discussed in a meeting chaired by Foysol Choudhury MSP and convened by Professor Peter Hopkins, blends rigorous statistical data with firsthand accounts from Scotland’s Hindu population—approximately 0.3% of the country’s 5.4 million residents.
The findings reveal a troubling rise in prejudice and systemic barriers:
56% Surge in Hate Crimes: Police Scotland data shows a 56% increase in charges linked to anti-Hindu prejudice between 2019 and 2021. Notable incidents include the 2021 vandalism of Dundee’s Shree Sanatan Mandir and the 2020 arson attack on Edinburgh’s Radha Krishna Temple.
Systemic Workplace Discrimination: Hindus face the lowest public-sector recruitment rates among religious groups—1.99% at NHS Greater Glasgow, 2.7% at Glasgow City Council, and 1.39% at Renfrewshire Council. A 2022 study found that 93% of Hindu employees avoid wearing religious attire at work, while 38% report denied requests for religious holidays.
Social Stigma: A survey revealed that 16% of Scots would feel uncomfortable with a relative marrying a Hindu, a higher rate than for Muslims (14%), Jews (11%), or Buddhists (9%).
These findings, compiled over eight months of collaboration with academics, interfaith leaders, and community members, underscore the urgent need for action. Professor Hopkins praised the report’s evidence-based approach, while Peter lauded GPS for bringing Hinduphobia into public discourse.
Beyond documenting these challenges, our report proposes an actionable four-pillar strategy to address Hinduphobia:
Legal Reforms: Strengthen Scotland’s Hate Crime Act to explicitly recognize Hinduphobia as a distinct form of prejudice.
Education: Revise school curricula to include accurate teachings about Hindu history and culture, countering ignorance and stereotypes.
Workplace Policies: Mandate anti-discrimination training and clear guidelines for religious accommodations in public and private sectors.
Community Support: Establish interfaith networks and victim support hubs to foster solidarity and resilience.
As Dhruva Kumar, Sukhi Bains and Neil Lal, authors of the report, aptly stated: “This isn’t a Hindu issue alone. It’s about building a Scotland where diversity is protected.”
The significance of this report extends far beyond Scotland. It has sparked widespread dialogue, with coverage in over 110 media outlets worldwide, including ANI, Press Trust of India, HinduPost The Week, The Tribune, Business Standard, The Print and WashingtonDCDespatch, as well as prominent Asian platforms like Awaz FM.
Dhruva Kumar said: “Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming diversity. We must uphold those values by ensuring that no religious community faces marginalisation or discrimination.”
Explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh like never before with The Real Mary King’s Close ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience
The streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile which were home to real residents, will come alive once again.
For one evening only on Thursday, 13th March, The Real Mary King’s Close is inviting guests to a truly unique event that will cast The Close in an entirely new light. Unlike the usual guided experiences, this immersive event will let visitors wander the streets at their own pace, uncover hidden tales, and interact with the past in an environment brimming with atmosphere and characters.
The one-of-a-kind event will see the streets beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile buzz with life as guests stroll through preserved homes and businesses, stepping into the world of those who once lived, worked, and died here.
Recently crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction and ranked 11th best visitor attraction in Europe in the 2024 TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards – Best of the Best, The Real Mary King’s Close continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of history, storytelling, and immersive experiences.
Guests at ‘Underground Unlocked’ will come face to face with the people who once called The Close home. Encounter the enigmatic plague doctor, John Paulitious, and hear his grim warnings. Stop for a conversation with Mary Stewart, Mary Queen of Scots, who spent her last night in Edinburgh in Pearson’s Close.
Exchange words with renowned poet Robert Fergusson, or pause to listen to Janet Chesney, mother of the Close’s final resident, as she shares memories of a vanished way of life.
The two-hour experience will allow guests to wander leisurely and curiously as every turn reveals a new piece of history, character, and every shadow holds a secret.
Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Our new Underground Unlocked events give a rare chance to explore The Real Mary King’s Close at your own pace for up to two hours.
“During the one-off experience, guests will meet and interact with up to 13 historic residents, and step inside preserved homes and businesses, exactly as they stood centuries ago.”
“We wanted to give an idea of what the streets would have been like back in the 17th when the Close would have been bustling with life. At The Real Mary King’s Close, we are passionate about storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences that transport our visitors back in time.
“We can’t wait to welcome them to ‘Underground Unlocked’ and give them our most immersive experience yet.”
The special ‘Underground Unlocked’ experience will be running on Thursday 13th March from 18.00 until 21.00. Tickets are £40 per person. Spaces are extremely limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.
