Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

UK government’s welfare reforms will be ‘devastating’ for sick and disabled people in Scotland, says CAS

CITIZENS Advice Scotland says the Westminster Government’s proposed welfare reforms will be devastating for sick and disabled people in Scotland.

Emma Jackson, CAS head of social justice, says: ““The proposed welfare reforms will be devastating for sick and disabled people across the UK.

“However, Citizens Advice Scotland is deeply concerned that the UK Government is not sufficiently considering the unique impact of these proposed reforms on people in Scotland.  

“Around two thirds of the people accessing support from the Scottish CAB network have a disability or health condition, and our evidence shows that people already cannot afford the essentials. These cuts will force more people into debt, destitution, and despair.  

“From what we understand, alongside reducing incomes, there is a high risk that welfare reforms could make the claims process even more complicated for people in Scotland, increasing the likelihood that they will not access their full support entitlements. 

“It is crucial that the UK Government halts and reconsiders these reforms. Meaningful consultation is required with the Scottish Government, disabled people and the third sector in Scotland.

“We strongly urge MPs to vote against the proposed welfare reforms because they will expose sick and disabled people in Scotland to significant harm.” 

KEIR Starmer’s Labour government has performed another U-Turn and has watered down their proposals in an attempt to stave off a humiliating defeat in a Commons vote on Tuesday.

They believe they will be able to convince enough Labour MPS to support the controversial Bill and remain hard at work persuading rebels to come into line before the crucial vote.

The Tories have ‘helpfully’ offered to support the Labour government’s welfare bill, albeit with conditions attached.

A substantial number of Labour MPs remain unconvinced, however, and are determined to reject legislation they see as punishing ill and disabled people:

Left wing MP Richard Burgon said: “It is significant that Disability Labour – the Labour Party’s official disabled person’s affiliate organisation – has issued a statement that the government’s concessions are insufficient and is calling on all MPs to vote against the benefits Bill on Tuesday:

Helen Barnard, director of policy at Trussell, said: “The significant concessions made by the UK government are welcome, but proposals still present a bleak future for future claimants and still risk placing the government’s commitments to end the need for emergency food and tackle poverty in serious jeopardy.

“Being disabled isn’t a choice. Our fears remain the same, and key MP concerns still remain to be addressed. As it stands, we still have a pledge to review the PIP assessment that has no clear bearing on these changes.

“MPs will still be voting without a full picture of the impact on their constituents, particularly of the proposed ‘4 point rule’ for PIP claims – which are expected to impact nearly half a million people, and force more disabled people to the doors of food banks.

“We urge MPs who stood against the bill to continue to do so, and protect the people these changes will affect in the near future.”

Plans submitted to transform Leith’s ‘iconic’ Cables Wynd House and Linksview House

The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture.

Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent.

These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes.

The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2.

Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the Council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.

Key elements of the proposal include:

  • Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Improved insulation, window replacements, and energy-efficient heating systems to meet EESSH2 standards.
  • Fire Safety Enhancements: Installation of sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a new fire-fighting lift, and improved fire compartmentalisation in communal areas. The removal of legacy bin chutes and inclusion of internal waste management facilities will also contribute to enhanced fire safety.
  • Resident Safety and Security: Upgraded internal and external lighting, a comprehensive review of CCTV systems, and improved access control throughout the buildings.
  • Landscape and Placemaking Improvements: The refurbishment project presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the outdoor environment surrounding both towers. Proposals include new play areas, external seating, wildflower meadows, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and a full review of parking and waste facilities.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I am delighted that the proposals for the Council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.  

“Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen.  

“Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued.  I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses.”

Carl Baker, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer – Collective Architecture said: “Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House.

“Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings.

“As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty.

“As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction.”

Subject to planning approval, the Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project.

£4.1 million to help restore secure care capacity

Funding of over £4 million to establish new secure care houses has been announced by the Scottish Government.

The funding will allow for restored capacity and enable a different approach to be developed to ensure children with the greatest need are able to access intensive support. Additionally, this investment will support the creation of three four-bed secure houses, as well as a further four-bed contingency resource.

There are currently 82 contracted secure places provided by four independent charitable organisations in Scotland – Rossie, Good Shepherd Centre, Kibble and St. Mary’s Kenmure.

Children’s Minister Natalie Don-Innes said: “It is imperative that we continuously improve how we care for those children who have the greatest need of support. 

“We also need to address the challenges currently facing the secure care system, and this funding will ensure that both these aims can be met.

“Scotland is rightly proud of our unique, welfare based and focused approach to care and justice for children and young people. We want to build on that tradition and the current strengths of the system, while embracing a future vision for change as set out in the ‘Reimagining Secure Care’ report. And with that change, it is important that we maintain a resolute focus in ensuring that children and young people’s needs and rights remain at the heart of this process.”

Reimagining-Secure-Care-Final-ReportDownload

This follows the publication of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice’s (CYCJ) report on ‘Reimagining Secure Care’ which outlines a transformative vision for the future of secure care, and broader children’s care, in Scotland. The Scottish Government has responded to this report.

Edinburgh pupils discover the world of Beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird

Pupils from Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.

During the session, 12 pupils from Niddrie Mill Primary and Castleview Primary learned about the world of bees – including how they are essential to the local environment, how hives function, and what it takes to care for bees first-hand.

The visit was delivered in partnership with Colin Mackie of Fine Scottish Honey Ltd – a local beekeeper who has maintained the centre’s two on-site hives since they were installed in May 2024.

The experience follows a series of in-school sessions delivered by Colin in partnership with Fort Kinnaird as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its co-owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, which aims to encourage children to read and learn outside of the classroom.

More than 230 pupils at Niddrie Mill Primary, Castleview Primary and Brunstane Primary took part in the sessions, which included honey tasting, candle rolling, creative craft activities and an interactive storytelling session. As part of the project, pupils also decorated bird boxes which are due to be installed at Fort Kinnaird.

Liam Smith, Centre Director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We’re proud to work closely with local schools and community partners to offer educational experiences that are fun, hands-on and genuinely inspiring.

“Opportunities like this give children the chance to learn in a different way – not just by reading about nature, but by seeing it and asking questions in real time.

“It’s been brilliant to see our beehives come to life and thrive over the year to support both the centre and local community biodiversity – this is all part of our sustainability plan which includes zero waste and 98% renewable energy use.”

To plan your visit to Fort Kinnaird, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

High School pupils honoured at inaugural Ken Muir Awards

Young achievers from the capital are recognised for personal development beyond academic success

Ten pupils from across Edinburgh have been recognised for their exceptional personal growth, resilience, and workplace readiness as recipients of the first-ever Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement—an award which celebrates the skills and attributes that go beyond exam results.

Meshaym Nadeem, Matthew Caballero, Saif Mohammad, Milo Potter, Michael Godley, Leoni Morrison, Elena Munoz, Anna Thomson, Amber Denholm and Hazel Szeto, all S5 and S6 pupils from Balerno High School, Craigroyston Community High School, Drummond Community High School, Liberton High School, Portobello High School and St Augustines RC High School in the city, were among 86 recipients from across Scotland of the inaugural Ken Muir Award. 

All recipients of the coveted Ken Muir Award had successfully completed the Powering Futures Challenge Programme – a nationally-delivered course equivalent to a Higher, which supports senior-level pupils in becoming workplace ready.

While over 1,000 pupils nationally earned a formal SCQF Level-6 qualification through the process, the Edinburgh award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme – with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers. 

Clare Thomson, a teacher at Portobello High School, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our pupils for receiving the Ken Muir Award.

“What’s been most rewarding isn’t just seeing them earn a qualification, but witnessing the confidence, maturity and resilience they’ve developed along the way.

“They’ve learned to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively under pressure, and reflect meaningfully on their own growth.

“These are life skills that will stay with them far beyond school and into the world of work. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Professor Ken Muir – after whom the awards are named – has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education.

As a key contributor to the 2023 report It’s Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland’s system of education to better prepare learners for the world of work. 

Professor Muir said: “We need a culture shift in Scotland’s education system. Of course, grades are important – but so is working hard, reflecting on progress, and growing as a person.

“These Awards are symbolic of this shift. They celebrate personal development, resilience, communication, and teamwork. These are all critical attributes that help young people thrive in life and in work.”

The Powering Futures Schools Programme, now in its fourth year, sees pupils tackle real-life business and industry challenges in teams, developing vital meta-skills while building links with employers. 

Jennifer Tempany, Co-Founder of Powering Futures, said: “These Awards highlight the often-overlooked achievements that sit beyond academic results, but which can inspire confidence and purpose in young people as they go into the world of work.

“We are proud to play our part in helping young people see their potential, and congratulate every recipient, including those from Edinburgh, for their well-earned achievement.”

Operation Portaledge: Two further arrests brings total up to 50

A 50th arrest has been made in connection with Operation Portaledge, the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with wilful fire-raisings which occurred at three properties on Pitcairn Grove, Prestonfield Crescent and Niddrie Marischal Crescent in Edinburgh on Thursday, 17 April.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 27 June, 2025.

Earlier today police announced that a further arrest was made in connection with the investigation into violent incidents in the East and West of the country, bringing the total to 49.

A 17-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh during the early hours of Monday, 9 June, 2025, in Niddrie Marischal Crescent and Campion Road.

The 17-year-old was arrested on Tuesday (24 June, 2025). He was released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Exploratory plans lodged to turn Edinburgh’s iconic Wonderland Models shop into restaurants

Exploratory plans have been lodged with the city council to transform the beloved Edinburgh hobby shop Wonderland Models into new restaurants.

Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years.

As part of the shop’s future planning, the team behind the store are investigating the option of converting the properties in their current location into restaurants, with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere.

Wonderland Models has operated out of 97-103 Lothian Road for decades, serving generations of capital residents with a selection of niche toys, crafts, and models. Documents have been submitted to Edinburgh Council for a potential change of use, transforming the shop into two separate restaurants with new signage, replacing the classic Wonderland storefront.

The interior, currently outfitted with shop rooms, would be refitted to include kitchens, dining rooms, food preparation areas, and restrooms.

Wonderland Models has been one of Scotland’s leading model shops for 53 years. The shop has a global reputation as a model-making emporium for enthusiasts and is a signature part of the Edinburgh retail landscape.

Managing Director Iain Reid said: “For over 50 years, our bespoke range of paints to modelling kits have captured the minds of families. Not a day goes by when we do not see parents bringing their children in for the first time, just as their mums and dads did with them.

“Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years, and as part of our future planning, we are investigating the option of turning the properties in our current location into restaurants with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere. We are currently exploring several options as part of this process.

“Lothian Road has changed beyond recognition since we started here back in the 1980s with many retail shops closing to be replaced by food and beverage outlets and the number of office workers (many now working just 3 days per week in the office) in the area similarly declining since the Covid pandemic. This has resulted in a substantial decline in foot traffic.

“It is critical to note to our loyal customers this is an exploratory move. It’s business as usual for us and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. If a change does come, you can rest assured we will still be a fixture in the capital.

“Wonderland Models remains utterly committed to our customers. We’re a unique shop in the Edinburgh retail landscape, and we are enormously grateful to our customers who have given us their business, love, and loyalty for over half a century.”

Team GB athlete Jennifer Dodds visits Trinity Primary School to deliver Positive Energy workshop

Team GB athlete Jennifer Dodds made a special appearance at Trinity Primary School last week to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.

The visit formed part of British Gas’ Get Set for Positive Energy Roadshow which aims to educate pupils across the UK on energy saving behaviours and habits.

Through an engaging session led by Jennifer and British Gas representatives, 77 pupils at Trinity Primary School participated in a range of activities including designing posters to encourage energy saving at home and school, spotting ways to prevent energy misuse, and suggesting improvements to make their school a greener place.

During the summer, the Get Set for Positive Energy regional Roadshow will see British Gas and a group of Olympic and Paralympic athletes visit a selection of other schools across the UK, leading workshops and inspiring the minds of the future to get involved in energy saving from a young age.  

Aimi McIntosh, Deputy Headteacher at Trinity Primary School, said: “It was lovely to see the children enjoying themselves so much during the workshop hosted by Jennifer Dodds and British Gas – they particularly loved suggesting creative ways to make our school a greener environment and hearing all about Jennifer’s journey as a Team GB athlete. 

“It was a really inspiring and educational session and a fantastic opportunity for our school, so we’d like to thank all involved!”

Hannah Lawrance, Strategic Brand Partnerships Lead at British Gas, said: “We really enjoyed visiting Trinity Primary School last week alongside Jennifer Dodds for our Get Set for Positive Energy workshop. We met some brilliant pupils who threw their all into the energy saving activities we had planned which was great to see.  

“The programme aims to educate children on building a more sustainable future, which helps us to create a more sustainable community for all. We’re using our partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB to inspire schools to get more active and consider different ways to create a positive impact.”

The Get Set for Positive Energy Roadshow makes up part of British Gas’ wider Get Set for Positive Energy initiative, a free cross-curricular programme that aims to educate young people aged five to 11 on the importance of saving energy to drive change, getting active and building healthy everyday habits.

Through Get Set for Positive Energy, British Gas aims to reach up to 8,500 schools and 1.5 million young people and families across the UK by 2028, taking inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic values to motivate young people to be active in creating a greener future for themselves and their community.

The partnership between Team GB, ParalympicsGB and British Gas launched in 2023. The five-year collaboration will last up until the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.

For more information on the Get Set for Positive Energy programme, visit: Get Set | Get Set for Positive Energy

Spreading hope: Maggie’s launches cancer card collection at Scotmid

Scotmid has partnered with leading cancer support charity Maggie’s and greeting card brand Hallmark to become the only retail store selling a unique and heartfelt collection of cancer support cards, helping customers show they care while supporting a vital cause.

Developed by Hallmark in collaboration with Maggie’s, the six-card range was created to provide honest, compassionate messages for those living with cancer and their loved ones.

Each card features thoughtful, emotionally resonant wording such as “I’m here for you”, “Treatment completed”, and “I loved you before cancer and love you now”,  offering a powerful way to express support and solidarity during difficult times.

The collection is illustrated by Hallmark designer Lisa Ellson, who was inspired by her own cancer diagnosis and the loss of both parents. Her personal insight brings warmth and authenticity to each design, moving away from traditional ‘battle’ language and focusing instead on empathy and connection.

 As part of Scotmid’s 2024–2025 charity partnership with Maggie’s, 10p from every card sold in Scotmid stores will be donated to Maggie’s, helping to fund expert, free cancer support services through their network of welcoming centres across Scotland and the UK.

 Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, said: “We’re proud to be the exclusive retail partner bringing this beautiful and meaningful card range to our customers.

“These designs help say the things that are often hardest to express, and every card sold helps Maggie’s continue their extraordinary work supporting people through cancer.”

Hannah Harding, Partnerships Lead at Maggie’s, added: “This partnership with Scotmid and Hallmark brings together compassion, creativity, and community.

“These cards offer a way to connect and comfort – and by purchasing them in Scotmid, customers are also helping Maggie’s be there for more people when they need us most.”

The cards are available now, in Scotmid stores across Edinburgh, offering a way to support loved ones with sincerity, while raising vital funds for one of the UK’s most trusted cancer support charities