Social housing residents in Scotland will be given greater protection against issues of disrepair in their homes such as damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.
Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale.
The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers’ powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector.
The regulations will build on provisions already in the Bill on strengthening tenants’ rights and Scotland’s existing legal protections for social tenants such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Right to Repair Scheme.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.
“Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.
“However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.
“Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”
The development of 75 affordable, ‘net-zero ready’ homes at Granton Station View, led by the City of Edinburgh Council, has reached its final phase now that rigorous testing is underway to validate performance standards.
Across three pilot projects, including the Granton site, the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme is set to deliver 324 homes designed to achieve a ‘net-zero ready’ standard. This is achieved by improved building fabric performance that exceeds the current Building Regulations coupled with a zero-emissions heating system. Granton Station View was built by construction and manufacturing group, CCG (Scotland).
The University of Edinburgh is now conducting detailed, in-situ performance tests to measure and monitor the performance standard before occupancy, with results expected in Spring 2025. The University is measuring the u-value and airtightness of the buildings as well as thermal imaging the homes, to name a few.
A 12-month monitoring period following occupancy will further assess the homes’ performance. During this time, occupants will also be asked to participate in surveys to understand behaviour that influences energy efficiency and to capture insights into the impact of and experiences with zero-direct-emissions heating systems.
The University will also be capturing the electricity usage via the property distribution board, monitoring the efficiency of the communal heating system and internal air temperature analysis using surface-mounted sensors.
Now that the EHD programme is well underway with the delivery of its pilot projects, the six local authority partners of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City region Deal have committed to establish and manage the Regional Delivery Alliance (RDA) to apply the lessons learned from the EHD programme to refine and scale the performance standard.
By consolidating outputs from the EHD programme, the RDA is applying a cohesive approach to procurement, housing typologies, and performance specifications across the six local authority areas.
The Regional Delivery Alliance has secured funding and endorsement from regional partners for an initial two-year term, running until March 2026. The RDA will play a vital role in supporting local authorities, registered social landlords, and the private sector in the South East of Scotland, ensuring the successful delivery of affordable, energy efficient housing.
City of Edinburgh Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Thanks to the collaborative efforts with our partners at the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme, we’ve been able to deliver high-quality, energy efficient homes that will provide much needed housing for individuals and families.
“The testing being performed will verify that the homes achieve the high standard expected and I look forward to seeing the results.
“The homes at Granton Station View are designed with the latest technology to keep energy bills low, ensuring that families can live comfortably while benefitting from a sustainable, future-proofed living environment. Not only will they reduce carbon emissions, but they also provide another avenue for tackling the housing emergency.”
Dr Julio Bros-Williamson, Chancellor’s Fellow in Net Zero Buildings at the University of Edinburgh said: “The evaluation of the homes is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the stakeholders of this pilot project, from the initial design and energy aspirations to the construction and delivery on site.
“The tests we are conducting will help to verify and provide in-depth knowledge of the initial performance of a sample of flats representative of the whole development. Projects like this provide a beacon of knowledge to transition to net zero homes of the present and future.”
CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “Granton Station View is a pioneering development that will help to shape the future of affordable, net zero housebuilding in the Edinburgh and South East City Region.
“As main contractor, CCG led its delivery through use of our advanced, offsite methods of construction – a key strand of the EHD initiative’s philosophy and an integral component to achieving the rigorous design standard and future operational net zero carbon capability.
“We look forward to receiving the results and once again give thanks to The City of Edinburgh Council, the design team and wider delivery partners for their support throughout the project’s journey.”
To keep up to date about the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator and Regional Delivery Alliance, follow the EHD LinkedIn page:
SATURDAY 26th APRIL from 11am at STRACHAN HOUSE CARE HOME
In order to support residents’ relatives and friends, and the local community, Barchester’s Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh is hosting a free Falls Prevention Talk on Saturday 26th April from 11.00 am and is inviting members of the community to attend.
Staff and physiotherapist, Kirsten Macleod BSc Hons who are specially trained in Falls Prevention from Strachan House will deliver the talk which will cover topics such as learning valuable tips and techniques to reduce the risk of falls and promote safety for yourself and your loved ones at home.
Our expert team will guide you through practical exercises and offer advice. There will be plenty of time for Q&A during and at the end of the session.
Please come along to Strachan House, 93 Craigcrook Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3PE on Saturday 26th April, if you would like to attend.
General Manager, Fran Fisher says: “We want to help and support relatives, friends and members of our local community to better understand fall prevention.
“We are inviting everyone to come along and listen to our talk to raise awareness and to help give people some information and coping strategies. Please RSVP to StrachanHouse@Barchester.com if you would like to attend.”
Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides dementia care, nursing care and respite care.
Fewer driving test slots will be wasted as the UK government announces an extension to the window for test cancellations to prevent last minute changes.
From 8 April 2025, learner drivers will need to give more notice when changing or cancelling their car driving test to avoid losing their fee. Currently, customers can cancel up to 3 days ahead of their test without losing their test fee.
Under the new rules, learners must give 10 full working days’ notice to change or cancel their test without losing the fee.
Extending the window will also encourage customers to be better prepared and ready to pass when they book their test – as well as encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner if they’re not ready and so give more chance for appointments to be used by someone else.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Driving is more than just a means of transport; it is a lifeline for many, opening doors to jobs, opportunities and ultimately contributing to the growth of our economy.
“The measures announced today are another vital step in tackling the driving test backlog and ensuring that more learners who are ready to take their test can do so without unnecessary delays.
“These new measures will ensure that driving test appointments are used efficiently, encouraging learners to make adjustments to their schedules sooner, should they not be fully prepared.”
The change announced yesterday (17 March 2025) is part of the government’s 7-point plan to help reduce driving test waiting times.
Announced in December 2024, the plan includes:
recruiting and training 450 driving examiners
reviewing and improving the rules for booking driving tests
introducing tougher terms and conditions for the service driving instructors use to book and manage car driving tests for their pupils
Loveday Ryder, DVSA’s Chief Executive, said: “Extending the short notice cancellation period for driving tests forms part of our 7-point plan to reduce driving test waiting times.
“This will encourage learners to change or cancel their test sooner so we can offer up those slots to other customers.
“We remain committed to reducing driving test waiting times and supporting learners in getting on the road when they are truly ready and safe to do so.”
To further protect motorists given continued cost-of-living pressures and potential fuel price volatility amid global uncertainty, the government has also frozen fuel duty at current levels for another year, saving the average car driver £59.
As the dust settles on the Men’s Six Nations and anticipation builds for the Women’s Six Nations, the Lions Tour, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup, there’s never been a better time to celebrate rugby’s power to unite and inspire.
Rugby isn’t just about the game—it’s about community, resilience, and making a difference. That’s exactly what Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, has been doing since 1983.
This National Wooden Spoon Day, on 19th March, we invite rugby fans and communities across the UK and Ireland to come together, honour the rich history and incredible impact of Wooden Spoon.
Whether you’re passing a rugby ball, fundraising, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Let’s turn our passion for rugby into a force for good..
Get ready to join the celebration as National Wooden Spoon Day takes place on 19th March, marking the anniversary of Wooden Spoon’s founding in 1983. This special day is a chance to honour the rich history and incredible impact of Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, dedicated to supporting children with disabilities or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland.
Wooden Spoon’s supporters, beneficiaries, and the wider rugby community are coming together to raise awareness and funds in a fun and meaningful way. We are inviting all to get involved. Whether you choose to host a fundraising event, take part in a rugby match, wear Wooden Spoon colours, or simply spread the word on social media, every action – big or small – makes a difference!
How You Can Get Involved
There are countless ways to celebrate #WoodenSpoonDay and show your support:
Post on Social Media: Either using the National wooden Spoon Day graphics or getting involved with The Pass the ball campaign
Organise a Mufti Day or Wooden Spoon Decorating Competition: A fun way for children to participate while raising funds.
Host a Fundraising Event: Plan a charity lunch, bake sale, or raffle to support the cause.
Wear Wooden Spoon Colours: Show solidarity and spread awareness by donning Wooden Spoon-themed outfits.
Join the ‘Pass the Ball’ Social Media Campaign: Take part in the viral movement kicking off on the 19th March
Donate to Wooden Spoon
Recent impact : Sensory room at Murrayfield Stadium
In February 2025, a new sensory room was officially opened at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh by HRH, The Princess Royal.
Funded by a £9,000 grant from Wooden Spoon Edinburgh, this facility provides a quieter, supportive space for rugby fans and concertgoers who may feel overwhelmed by the passionate atmosphere at Scotland’s largest stadium.
Scottish Rugby introduced this dedicated sensory space to ensure that everyone, including individuals with sensory sensitivities, can enjoy events in a comfortable and inclusive environment.
Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon, encourages everyone to take part: “National Wooden Spoon Day is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage.
“Whether you’re passing a rugby ball, hosting an event, or simply spreading the word, every action helps us continue our mission. Join us on 19th March and be part of something truly special.”
Make Some Noise for Wooden Spoon!
With your help, we can make National Wooden Spoon Day bigger and better than ever. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts and use #WoodenSpoonDay to spread the word.
The University and College Union (UCU) Scotland has warned the principal of the University of Edinburgh that strikes and other forms of industrial action are a real possibility if senior management don’t roll back on threats of £140million cuts and take compulsory redundancies off the table.
UCU members at the university were asked in a consultative ballot if they would be willing to take strike action if the university didn’t rule out compulsory redundancies. In a turnout of 59%, easily beating the anti-trade union threshold, 75% of members voting said that they would be willing to strike.
85% said that they would also take part in action short of strike which could include working to contract and refusing to cover for absent colleagues or undertake voluntary duties. If the same vote was repeated in a statutory ballot, which could open in the coming weeks, then the university will face the possibility of strikes and other action on campus.
The consultative ballot result follows the announcement on 25 February by the university principal, Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, that the university was looking to make cuts of £140million, and that cuts of this scale could not be made by voluntary redundancy alone.
The announcement, sent by email, left university workers fearful that senior management are planning to sack staff using compulsory redundancies.
The union said that cuts of this size are unknown in Scottish higher education and questioned the role of management and the decision making at the university given there is currently no deficit, and to date, unions have not been shown any evidence that there is the prospect of one.
The union cast doubt* on the necessity of the cuts, and said that, instead, the university should look to using some of its reserves to mitigate job cuts, as well as cutting back on capital expenditure. Recent accounts for the university show net assets of over £3billion.
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, said: “Edinburgh University management need to listen to their staff. The consultative ballot results show a clear willingness to take action against cuts and to defend jobs.
“Instead of pressing on with plans to make the biggest cuts ever seen in Scottish higher education, Peter Mathieson needs to work with UCU, use the university’s reserves and rule out compulsory redundancies.
“Politicians need to up their game as well and make clear that cuts of this scale are completely unacceptable, unnecessary and will cause lasting harm to one of Scotland’s most respected universities.”
Branch president, Sophia Woodman, said: “This is a strong vote for industrial action by members in this consultative ballot. Senior managers at the university should be under no illusion about the strength of feeling of staff.
“Instead of manufacturing a crisis, senior managers should be sitting down with the union for talks and looking to resolve this dispute before it escalates further. Members have been clear that they strongly oppose compulsory redundancies and we expect the principal to heed that message.”
State of Caring in Scotland 2024: Health and social care support for unpaid carers
36% of unpaid carers reported their mental health as ‘bad or very bad’– a 29% increase in 12 months.
65% stated they need more support with their health and wellbeing.
56% often or always feel overwhelmed by their caring role.
59% said that support services were not there when they needed them.
80% have been unable to take a break because of a lack of support from social services.
There is a growing mental health crisis in Scotland’s unpaid carer population – this is the message from Carers Scotland in ‘State of Caring in Scotland 2024: Health and social care support for unpaid carers’.
This new research, based on a survey of over 1,700 unpaid carers in Scotland, saw a 29% increase in the last 12 months of the number of unpaid carers who reported their mental health as “bad or very bad” – 36% of respondents in 2024, compared to 28% in 2023.
This statistic was even more severe when a carer reported struggling financially, with 59% of carers who are struggling to make ends meet saying they had “bad or very bad” mental health. 28% of respondents also rated their physical health as “bad or very bad”, with this number rising to 49% among carers struggling to make ends meet.
80% of unpaid carers from the research stated that the main challenge they will face over the next year is the impact of caring on their physical and/or mental health.
These new findings show that unpaid carers are not receiving the support they need to maintain their health and wellbeing whilst managing their caring responsibilities. More support with health and wellbeing was the number one need cited by unpaid carers in the research, with long waiting times for appointments, inflexible GP appointment systems, and insufficient replacement care all highlighted as barriers to support.
Another challenge is the inability of many unpaid carers to take a physical and mental break from their caring role. Taking a break from caring is essential for carers to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and engage with their own hobbies and interests to improve their wellbeing. However, 63% of carers who stated in the research that they felt overwhelmed in their caring role said that this was due to them not having a break from caring.
Richard Meade from Carers Scotland said: “Unpaid carers in Scotland are in a mental and physical health crisis, which only threatens to get worse without immediate action.
“Unpaid carers continue to bear the weight of an overstretched health and social care system as they are increasingly expected to fill the growing gaps in service provision without increased support for themselves.
“Whilst the Scottish Government has focused on reducing NHS waiting lists, improving hospital discharge delays and access to essential health services there still remains an urgent need for investment in social care and support for unpaid carers.
“Unpaid carers provide the equivalent of £15.9bn in health and social care support and without them the system would collapse, yet they receive a fraction of the support they need.
“The stalled National Care Service provided hope for many unpaid carers that things could change. However, many feel their needs have been lost to a wider political debate and little has changed to improve their lives.
“The Scottish Government, the NHS, and local councils must act now to ensure that carers can access the support they need to continue to care without such devastating consequences to their physical and mental health.”
The monetary value of the contribution of unpaid carers in Scotland estimated at £15.9 billion(1) a year. Despite this, unpaid carers face deteriorating physical and mental health, loneliness and isolation, with too many driven to despair and unable to access to the supports they need to maintain a healthy life.
Carers Scotland has included a range of recommendations alongside this research for the Scottish Government, NHS Boards and Health and Social Care Partnerships to ensure all unpaid carers get the support they need to look after their health and wellbeing and receive the right help for caring.
Download and read the report in full at the link below:
People struggling with Council Tax arrears will have access to enhanced advice through the expansion of a Citizens Advice Scotland project.
Backed by an additional £2.2 million in Scottish Government funding, the project provides tailored support to affected households and works with local authorities to support good practice in Council Tax debt collection.
The project has already been delivered in nine local authority areas, where it has helped to promote dignified and empathetic approach to debt collection and supported more than 1,600 people with advice on Council Tax issues.
This additional funding will allow the project to be extended across the whole country.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Any type of debt, including council tax debt, puts pressure on households and can cause real difficulties for family finances. Empathy and dignity must be at the heart of debt support.
“This project has already made a big difference to the way debts are collected in the local authorities where it is in place, including supporting people who cannot access digital technology, making connections with mental health services where needed and encouraging people to seek advice early.
“By helping families manage debts, this project will help us deliver on our driving mission of eradicating child poverty. Other steps we are taking to support this include investing £6.9 billion in social security for the year ahead, £37 million to deliver the expansion of the free school meals programme, and continuing to put more money in families pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.”
Advice and support are available for people experiencing problem debt –
A special, one-off exhibition at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh will chart the remarkable reign of King James VI and I, marking the 400-year anniversary of his death. Explore over 140 rare objects, many displayed together for the first time. Tickets are on sale now.
The World of King James VI and I will take visitors on afascinating journey through the complex lifeof a king who changed the shape of the United Kingdom. From 26 April until 14 September 2025, uncover more about this often-misunderstood monarch through ornate paintings, dazzling jewels, lavish textiles, and rare book and manuscripts, alongside some of the most iconic historical portraits from Scotland’s national collection.
Discover tales of friendship, family, feuds and ambition and dive deeper into the life of King James through key moments in his reign including his early childhood, the infamous Scottish witch trials, the Union of the Crowns, the treasonous Gunpowder Plot and early colonial ventures overseas.
This exhibition will not only bring King James’s story to life, but it will transport visitors into the world in which he lived and ruled, celebrating craft, visual arts, literature and performance from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, successor to Elizabeth I and the first monarch to rule over Scotland, England and Ireland, King James was born in Edinburgh Castle on 19 June 1566 during one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history.
Following his mother’s forced abdication in 1567, James was crowned king of Scotland at just 13 months old. Religious reform and noble power struggles dominated his early reign, however his accession to the English throne in 1603 saw him become the uniter of kingdoms.
The World of King James VI and I will offer new perspectives on the King’s life by drawing on themes of contemporary relevance including national identity, queer histories and spirituality and belief.
Meet some of the most famous faces of the period through key artworks from Scotland’s national collection. Uncover more about his family ties and his closest confidants, and see striking portraits of Mary, Queen of Scots, his wife and Queen Consort, Anna of Denmark, and his father, Henry, Lord Darnley.
Accompany James as he grows from an orphaned boy king to established ruler of nations through a range of portraits and objects which document his life, loves and achievements.
The exhibition will give visitors the rare opportunity to view objects that were owned, or associated with King James, including books from his library and gifts he presented to his favourites, such as an intricate silver watch and a 17th-century penknife believed to have belonged to his son, Prince Henry Frederick. Skillfully hand-painted manuscripts by the Edinburgh-based writer and artist Esther Inglis, which were dedicated to the king and members of the court, will also be on display for the first time.
Embrace the pageantry and ceremony of the Jacobean court through sumptuous dress, jewellery, objects and designs from the 16th and 17th centuries. Come up close to original textiles, including a beautifully constructed ladies’ waistcoat on loan from the Fashion Museum in Bath. Embroidered with delicate flowers and adorned with ribbon fasteners, this stunning example of courtly fashion brings to life the lavish outfits depicted in the portraits on display.
The impressive Eglington Jewel (1610), on loan from The Fitzwilliam Museum, will also feature in the exhibition alongside related artworks. A rare surviving example of work by Edinburgh jeweller George Heriot, it comprises of a miniature portrait of Anna of Denmark enclosed in a crimson enamel case and adorned with the Queen’s initials set in diamonds beneath an imperial crown.
Visitors will be given the unique opportunity to view this exquisite jewel alongside a portrait of Lady Anne Livingstone, Countess of Eglinton (1612) in which she can be seen wearing the jewel.
Delve into the belief system in Scotland during a time where spirituality, healing and folklore were entwined with strict religious views. The World of King James VI and Iwill include an early example of the revolutionary King James Bible, on loan from the National Library of Scotland.
The King ordered a new translation of the Bible in 1604, with the version on display dating to 1611. Along with his deeply religious beliefs James was very superstitious and fixated on the occult, particularly the perceived practice of witchcraft.
His beliefs lead him to become instrumental in the origins of the Scottish witch trials. Amongst a variety of objects related to witchcraft will be an original copy of Daemonologie (1597), also from the National Library of Scotland.
This book was written by King James himself and documented the evils of Satan and the covens of witches who acted on his behalf. Daemonologie would go on to set a standard for identifying and persecuting thousands of people, mostly women, as witches, causing lasting notoriety to King James’s legacy.
Travel across the seas to explore James and his government’s reach into North America and East Asia in the 17th century as the exhibition uncovers Jacobean trading ventures and early colonisation projects.
The establishment of the first British colony on North American soil took place under James’s reign. In May 1607 the king granted a warrant to The Virginia Company and The Virginia Colony was founded on the indigenous lands of the Powhatan people called Tsenacommacah.
The colony base was named ‘Jamestown’ in the King’s honour. These colonial projects and settlements lead to the displacement and objectification of many indigenous peoples. Artworks and objects on display will include a print of the Powhatan woman Pocahontas, loaned by The British Museum.
Taken captive by the English colonists when hostilities between the Powhatans and the settlers escalated into conflict, Pocahontas was converted to Christianity and married to an English tobacco merchant John Rolfe. Pocahontas and Rolfe travelled from Virginia to England in 1617.
The print shows Pocahontas aged 21, dressed in Jacobean fashions, which she may have worn when she was presented at court to King James and Queen Anna. Pocahontas died in England and is buried in the cemetery of St George’s Church in Gravesend, Kent.
Experience the great loves and relationships that influenced King James’s time as monarch, from his marriage to Anna of Denmark, to his role as a father to Prince Henry Frederick, Princess Elizabeth and the future King Charles I.
The exhibition will also shed light on the King’s own identity and his role within contemporary queer culture, through exploring his relationships with his court favourites.
Personal letters and portraits will spotlight King James’s inner circle and favoured courtiers, including George Villers, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Robert Kerr, 1st Earl of Somerset, with whom he established close, intimate relationships and who harnessed great influence over his reign.
Thanks to a collaborative research project funded by The University of Edinburgh visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to be immersed in the sounds, sights and even the smell of King James’s world.
In collaboration with Dr Catriona Murray (The University of Edinburgh) and the historic scent designer Clara Weale, a bespoke scent has been created especially for The World of King James VI and I. Inspired by a 17th-century apothecary list, also on display, this unique aspect of the exhibition will allow visitors to experience the scent of the Jacobean court.
The World of King James VI and I at the Portrait gallery will be a unique exhibition experience, painting famous historical figures in a new light and connecting the people of the past with the people of today.
The exhibition is yours to discover at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait from Saturday 26 April 2025.
