Author: davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer

Royal Ballet and Opera announces 2026/27 Cinema Season

  • Cinema Season shares the very best of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet with audiences around the world
  • Programme includes new productions of Götterdämmerung from Barrie Kosky and Così fan tutte from Netia Jones
  • Beloved favourites return, including The Royal Ballet’s Manon and Swan Lake, and The Royal Opera’s Carmen and Tosca
  • UK audiences can also enjoy Macbeth and La Fanciulla del West from The Metropolitan Opera
  • Tickets on sale from 27 May at rbo.org.uk 

The Royal Ballet and Opera has announced an exciting programme of cinema screenings throughout the 2026/27 Season.  

The two companies present a range of works across the Season. The Royal Ballet performs beloved favourites including Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon and Romeo and Juliet, and Liam Scarlett’s Swan Lake. Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be specially broadcast over the Easter period, an ideal ballet for all the family, and The Royal Ballet celebrate Christmas with Peter Wright’s enduring classic The Nutcracker. 

The Royal Opera present a mixture of revivals and new works. There will be two new opera productions, including the final installment of Barrie Kosky’s acclaimed Ring cycle, Götterdämmerung. Associate Director of The Royal Opera Netia Jones makes her Main Stage debut with a new staging of Così fan tutte, screened live in February. Two celebrated productions will also return to cinemas: the first revival of Director of The Royal Opera Oliver Mears’ Tosca, and a revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Carmen.  

The UK cinema season also includes two new productions from The Metropolitan Opera, New York. In October, opera fans will be treated to a brand-new production of Macbeth from director Louisa Proske, who makes her debut with the company. 

UK audiences will also be able to enjoy The Metropolitan Opera’s La Fanciulla del West in a new staging by British director Richard Jones. 

Offering audiences a view from the best seat in the house, the RBO cinema Season shares the joy of live performance and the beauty of world-class ballet and opera with audiences in more than 1,500 cinemas and 50 countries around the world.

Cinema audiences can enjoy exclusive extra rehearsal and behind the scenes films during the intervals with specialist presenters offering an insight into the workings of the Royal Ballet and Opera. 

Director of The Royal Opera, Oliver Mears said: “It is fantastic to be able to share our exhilarating productions with our cinema audiences and this season there is much to enjoy. 

“Barrie Kosky’s Ring cycle continues to thrill and excite audiences, and I have no doubt that Götterdämmerung will complete the cycle with breathtaking wonder. 

“Our Associate Director Netia Jones makes her Main Stage debut with a contemporary spin on Mozart’s Così fan tutte whilst enduring classics such as Tosca and Carmen also demonstrate why opera is the most captivating and visceral artform out there.” 

Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O’Hare said: “Sharing The Royal Ballet’s live cinema relays with audiences across the globe is always incredibly special, and this Season we are delighted to bring you a wonderful selection of ballets to delight and entertain.

“Our magical productions of The Nutcracker and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will enchant families and audiences of all ages, while the dramatic tension of Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet contrasted with the pure classicism of Swan Lake make for a brilliant showcase of the artistry and virtuosity of our dancers. I very much look forward to sharing these special moments with you all.” 

2026/27 Cinema Season

Macbeth | The Metropolitan Opera 
In cinemas: Tuesday 20 October 2026 
UK only 

With hair-raising drama and spectacular singing, two of opera’s most extraordinary artists star in Macbeth, Verdi’s thrilling take on the immortal Shakespearean tale of the scheming couple determined to seize power at any cost.

Following past triumphs in many of Verdi’s signature baritone roles, Quinn Kelsey is the Scottish king haunted by the ghosts of his murderous ascent to the throne, opposite Lise Davidsen—the world’s reigning dramatic soprano—as the power-mad Lady Macbeth, whose ruinous ambition damns them both.

Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium for a penetrating production by Louisa Proske, a brilliant young director making waves around the world. Rounding out the all-star cast are tenor Freddie De Tommaso as the heroic Macduff and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green as Macbeth’s friend-turned-victim Banquo. 

Manon | The Royal Ballet 
Live in cinemas: Tuesday 27 October 2026 

In the seedy underbelly of 18th-century Paris, money is king. Nothing is sacred – even love itself can be bought for the right price. A native of this hedonistic underworld, Manon is caught between twin desires when she falls in love with the student Des Grieux. Steadfast and devoted, he offers the possibility of an honourable life. Yet, the riches promised by the world of Parisian society remain tempting…  

In this signature work of The Royal Ballet, Kenneth MacMillan’s nuanced understanding of human psychology makes for an unflinching look into the moral degradation of Manon’s Paris, while all its decadence and decay are brought to life through Jules Massenet’s score and Nicholas Georgiadis’ designs.

Carmen | The Royal Opera 
Live in cinemas: Tuesday 10 November 2026 

Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera.

An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. 

The Nutcracker | The Royal Ballet 
In cinemas: Tuesday 1 December 2026 

Nothing says Christmas quite like The Nutcracker, and this year, The Royal Ballet celebrates the festive season with Peter Wright’s beloved ballet. Since its premiere in 1984, this much-loved production has become a Christmas classic. With Tchaikovsky’s stunning score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s sumptuous designs, this festive favourite is a treat for the whole family, bringing the spirit of the original fairy-tale to life. 

La Fanciulla del West | The Metropolitan Opera 
In cinemas: Tuesday 26 January 2027 
UK only 

Puccini’s exhilarating drama of the Wild West returns in a new staging by celebrated British director Richard Jones, marking the company’s first new production of La Fanciulla del West in more than 30 years. Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky adds to her already remarkable Met repertoire, making her role debut as the larger-than-life Minnie, the tough tavern owner with a heart of gold who finds love when she least expects it. Tenor SeokJong Baek is the dashing bandit who rambles into the remote California mining town to steal her heart, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as the lawman determined to deliver rough justice—and win Minnie for himself. Maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the podium to conduct one of opera’s most action-packed adventures. 

Götterdämmerung | The Royal Opera 
Live in cinemas: Wednesday 3 February 2027 

For the long-awaited finale of Wagner’s epic saga, director Barrie Kosky situates the rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, returns to take on the impassioned, otherworldly music – including Siegfried’s transporting Funeral March and Brünnhilde’s electrifying Immolation Scene.

The brilliant cast is led by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who together with the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus bring opera’s greatest journey to its shattering end. 

Così fan tutte | The Royal Opera 
Live in cinemas: Tuesday 23 February 2027 

In her Main Stage debut, Netia Jones, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, reimagines Mozart’s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens, where 18th-century romantic trickery meets deeply satirical high-tech deceit. Taking on the roles of the lovers is an exciting young cast led by Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei and Huw Montague Rendall, with Gerald Finley as their manipulative game-master Don Alfonso and Emily Pogorelc as Despina. Thomas Hengelbrock conducts, bringing out the exquisite melodies that underpin the provocative, and resolutely modern, themes at the heart of the opera. 

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland | The Royal Ballet 
In cinemas: Tuesday 23 March 2027 

Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland bursts onto the stage in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography.

Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real. The result shows The Royal Ballet at its best, bringing together world-class dance with enchanting family entertainment and ingenious music and design.   

Swan Lake | The Royal Ballet 
Live in cinemas: Thursday 22 April 2027 

Princess Odette is bound by a curse, turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart. The spell can only be broken by a pledge of eternal love. When she meets Prince Siegfried, he is immediately enamoured by her fragile beauty and pledges to free her. but freedom is not promised for Odette as Von Rothbart conspires to thwart the lovers’ plans. 

Liam Scarlett’s production for The Royal Ballet brings together Tchaikovsky’s towering score and John Macfarlane’s picturesque designs to create an enduring ballet spectacle of love, treachery and forgiveness. 

Tosca | The Royal Opera 
Live in cinemas: Wednesday 5 May 2027 

Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi live for each other and for their art. But when Cavaradossi helps an escaped prisoner, the lovers make a deadly enemy in the form of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police. 

Oliver Mears’ acclaimed production returns, setting Puccini’s operatic thriller in a contemporary, war-torn Rome. Daniel Oren conducts Aleksandra Kurzak, who returns to the title role, joined by Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi and Christopher Maltman as Baron Scarpia. 

Romeo and Juliet | The Royal Ballet 
In cinemas: Tuesday 25 May 2027 

Shakespeare’s great love story is brilliantly retold through this modern ballet classic. The fervent longing of the star-crossed lovers is perfectly captured by Kenneth MacMillan’s impassioned choreography.

The flourishing of young love is just as present in Romeo and Juliet’s meeting on the balcony as in their final moments when they desperately cling to life in the tomb.

MSPs vote for transfer of energy powers

Control over Scotland’s energy

The devolution of energy powers to Scotland would help deliver fairness for families and bring energy bills down, Energy Minister Stephen Gethins told MSPs yesterday.

The Scottish Parliament has supported a motion calling for the formal transfer of energy policy to Holyrood.

Mr Gethins said such powers would enable the Scottish Government to lower the cost of energy and set policies that work for households, communities and businesses by reducing bills, tackling fuel poverty and securing high-quality jobs.

In line with the Scottish Parliament’s position, the Energy Minister will now urge UK Ministers to formally engage over the devolution of powers.

Mr Gethins said: “This government has been returned with a clear instruction to deliver the benefits of Scotland’s abundant energy resources to households, communities and businesses. That is what we intend to do.

“The future lies in clean, affordable and secure power – strengthening affordability, resilience and competitiveness, and protecting Scottish people and businesses from their energy bills being dictated by events halfway across the world. After the UK Government announced bills would go up again, that is more important than ever.  

“Now, with the backing of the Scottish Parliament, we are formally requesting the devolution of powers that we need to maximise our remarkable energy potential, so that it helps to deliver prosperity, security and fairness for the country.”

The Westminster government is unlikely to concede, however.

Final Signs of Spring sightings wanted across UK

  • The Royal Society of Biology and Field Studies Council are asking members of the public to log sightings of key spring indicator species in Signs of Spring citizen science survey.
  • Sightings of bumblebees, butterflies, bluebells, ladybirds, and dragonflies are being recorded across the UK.
  • The survey closes on 14 June.

Across the UK, members of the public are being encouraged to get outside and track their sightings of insects and flowers as part of the annual Signs of Spring survey run by Field Studies Council in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology.

Now in its third year, the results of the survey will help to log species emergence across the UK, particularly in light of the climate crisis.

Sightings of dragonflies, bumblebees, bluebells, ladybirds, and butterflies are in high demand.

Daniel Asaw, Biodiversity Training Programme Team Leader at Field Studies Council, said: “It’s been amazing to see this year’s records coming in for the Signs of Spring citizen science survey.

“We’ve already passed the 3,000 record mark, and there’s plenty of time for people across the UK to get involved and help us build an even clearer picture of how nature is responding to the seasons.

“As we move closer to summer, bumblebees are out in force alongside an array of ladybird species. Bumblebees have traditionally been the most commonly recorded insect in the survey, but this year, ladybirds could easily give them a run for their money.

“Every record counts, so we’re encouraging everyone to get outside, enjoy nature, and submit their sightings before the survey closes.”

Log your sightings in the survey before 14 June.

Police: Bike Marking Event at Craigleith Retail Park

SATURDAY 31st MAY from 3 – 6pm

Reminder: Bike Marking Event – This Saturday

Craigleith Retail Park (car park)

15:00 – 18:00

w3w: ///pocket.treat.trying

No booking needed – just bring your bike and drop by!

Grand Départ GB launches call for Tour de France volunteers in Edinburgh

The nationwide search is on to find 9,000 volunteers across the country who will be at the heart of the historic Tour de France Grand Départs in summer 2027.

Officially known as JOY Makers, named in line with the Grand Départs’ social impact programme, volunteers will be the heartbeat of both races, bringing the joy of cycling to fans and communities throughout the six stages, and helping to ensure the sport’s most iconic races runs seamlessly.

You can apply now to be a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grand Départs via www.letourgb.com/volunteer with registrations open from Wednesday 27 May until Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply to be a JOY Maker, with no prior volunteering experience needed to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience – playing a part in what is set to be Britain’s most-attended sporting event, whilst making lasting memories and developing new skills.

A range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with full training provided.

To mark the opening of applications and launch the programme, TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya joined a group of current volunteers getting behind the Grand Départs.

Radzi Chinyanganya said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t a volunteer when I was in my teens. I was a media volunteer and now I’m working in media – I’m living proof that volunteering can lead to something amazing. I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience.

“Knowing what you want to do when you’re young can be intimidating and it’s also unprecedently hard to get work experience at the moment. Applying to be a JOY Maker can help you explore new opportunities and navigate your career path, all whilst being part of making history.

“Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone – if you want to bring joy, we want you.”

The JOY Makers programme is designed to be accessible to all, from those with experience volunteering at major events and British Cycling activities to first-time volunteers, in particular from underrepresented groups in volunteering, including 16–25-year-olds. 

Those aged 18 to 25 years old will be eligible to join the Readiness to Work scheme, that will be launched as part of the JOY social impact programme. The scheme will provide a comprehensive package of employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors. Coupling this with the volunteering experience will provide young people with a well-rounded and practical work experience offer.

Together, the volunteer programme and Readiness to Work scheme aim to leave behind a passionate and skilled collective of volunteers, creating a lasting legacy for the Grand Départs in communities across the country.  In addition to this legacy, British Cycling – supported by partners across the three nations – is urging government to commit £30million critical capital investment to deliver a range of new and upgraded cycling facilities across Britain, reaching underserved communities.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “The Tour de France Grand Départ is a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a chance to share the beauty of our city with millions of people across the world.

“Beyond the excitement of the race itself, the event will bring lasting benefits by supporting local businesses, improving health and wellbeing, and helping strengthen our commitment to active travel.

“We know how valuable volunteering is to make sure major events and festivals run safely and smoothly, as they have done so often here in Edinburgh, but also how rewarding it is for the volunteers themselves.

“I’d urge anyone interested to get involved and apply – and to play a part in this incredible occasion.”

Commenting on the launch of the application portal, Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.

“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.

“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker. We can’t wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”

To stay up to date with the 2027 Grand Départs and find out more about all six stages, visit letourgb.com

Girlguiding Scotland appoints Kim Atkinson as new Chief Executive

Girlguiding Scotland has today announced the appointment of Kim Atkinson as its new Chief Executive. She joins the organisation’s board of trustees, chief commissioner team, staff team and 9,000 volunteers in supporting 40,000 girls and young women across Scotland.  

Kim will lead the organisation’s strategy, recognising the vital role volunteers play in delivering Girlguiding Scotland’s mission. The strategy is focused on innovation and inspiration, making volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland more attractive, more welcoming and even more rewarding.  

Kim joins from the Scottish Sports Association, where she has served as CEO for 16 years, having previously been Chief Officer at Scottish Squash. She is also a trustee of both SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) and Foundation Scotland and previously chaired ACOSVO (the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations, now Charity Leadership Scotland).  

Elaine Rough, Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Girlguiding Scotland, I’m delighted to welcome Kim as our new Chief Executive.

“She brings a wealth of experience from across Scotland’s voluntary sector, a strong understanding of volunteering, and a clear commitment to empowering girls and young women. We look forward to working with Kim to help even more girls know they can do anything, supported by our dedicated volunteers.”  

Kim Atkinson said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of Girlguiding Scotland at a time when girls have never needed more support and inspiration to know they can do anything. Girlguiding Scotland is an organisation shaped by girls, for girls, and I am proud to become part of its future. 

“If there is anything more inspiring than seeing girls achieve something they did not think was possible, it is helping them to do it. That means building confidence and skills, helping them find and amplify their voice, removing barriers, and showing them they can make a positive difference in the world.

“That is what makes Girlguiding unique, and the opportunity to play even a small part in that is truly compelling. Through Girlguiding, girls can find a place where they belong and can thrive. 

“Reading the manifesto created by Girlguiding Scotland’s youth voice panel, Speak Out and learning that 1 in 3 girls feel sad most days, 79% experience anxiety, and 54% believe it will be difficult to progress in a male-dominated field, motivated me to join this movement.

“After 16 years of advocating to decision-makers across Scotland, I am deeply committed to helping empower this panel as they champion a better future for girls across the country.

“Like 1 in 3 women in Scotland, I am an alumna of the movement, and I strongly believe in the power of guiding to provide a unique and safe space where girls can have fun, be happy, and fulfil their potential. My experiences as a Brownie and Guide were immensely formative, and they sparked lifelong commitments to volunteering and women’s leadership.  

 “As Chief Executive, I look forward to working alongside our incredible volunteers and staff to deliver a shared vision of an equal world, where girls can find their voice, discover their best selves and make a positive difference, today, tomorrow and together.”  

Kim will take up her role at Girlguiding Scotland in August when current CEO, Denise Spence, who has been CEO of Girlguiding Scotland since 2013, will retire.    

Rise in serious cases strengthens need for criminal justice reform

The Scottish Government and its partners have made progress in cutting the criminal courts backlog and modernising justice services – but risks remain to delivering much needed reforms.

There were around 13,268 outstanding scheduled trials at the end of 2025/26 – around a third of the number of the backlog’s peak in 2022. However, a rise in complex cases, such as historic sexual abuse and organised crime, has led to high levels of backlogs for courts dealing with the most serious issues. Outstanding scheduled High Court trials rose to 1,002 at the end of 2025/26 – almost three times pre-pandemic levels. This is creating pressures across the system.

The Scottish Government has published a delivery plan for modernising the criminal justice system. There has been mixed progress with projects designed to improve efficiency, with some delayed or still to start. There has also been limited evaluation and public reporting on progress, making it difficult to know what impact projects are having.

The Scottish Government and its partners have improved how they engage with people who use court services. But services users are not actively involved in work to make the system more efficient.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Criminal court business has changed significantly. The overall number of outstanding trials has reduced considerably since 2022. But the rise in serious, resource-intensive cases in recent years is impacting on the High Court backlog and the wider justice system.

“The Scottish Government and its partners have set out how efficiencies will be delivered. But their planned modernisation projects must be supported by more robust delivery arrangements, clarity on the resources required, and effective collaboration.”

World Cup Menu at CafeLife

FOOD FOR FOOTBALL: MONDAY 15 – FRIDAY 26 JUNE

Join us at our community café for an exciting World Cup menu!!⚽🏆

Each day we have a different dish on offer inspired by the teams playing that day.

We’ll be serving up all sorts like Haggis, Stuffed Peppers, Beef bourguignon, Mexican chilli and more..!

Millions to benefit from lower travel and food costs?

The UK Government has published a list of 125 everyday essentials – including fruit, oils and core pantry staples – targeted for tariff reductions, alongside uprating mileage rates to support working people with the cost of living

  • Government launches consultation on suspending tariffs on OVER 100 everyday essentials with the full list now available.
  • This Government is the first in 15 years to uprate mileage rates for 3 million people who use their own vehicle for work, saving over £120 a year for a worker doing 6,000 business miles.
  • The support is an additional saving for motorists following the Chancellor’s third extension to the fuel duty freeze which has put another £120 back into their pocket since last year.

Working people are set to benefit from further cost of living support, as the Government publishes a list of over 100 everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years.

The consultation is seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders on the potential impacts of a second package. It covers a wide range of everyday essentials, from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.

The list of 125 items include garlic, avocados, mangoes, nectarines, vegetable oil, olive oil and baked beans. This builds on the tariff suspension announced in April.

In parallel, we are also seeking views on whether suspension of tariffs on certain fertilisers could help farmers cope with the impact of rising fertiliser prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses.

“That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this Summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”

This comes as carers, plumbers, builders and millions of other workers across the country who use their own vehicle on the job will have cheaper journeys after the Chancellor uprated mileage rates last week.

In the largest ever uprating of the rates a 10p per mile increase in tax‑free mileage rates for this tax year, backdated to April 2026, has been introduced to ease the cost of living for hardworking Britons.

Increasing the tax free per mile rates from 45p for the first 10,000 miles to 55p per mile will save around £120 for a worker doing 6,000 business miles. Up to two million employees and one million self-employed people will benefit.

This is in addition to savings drivers will make from the Chancellor’s further extension to the fuel duty freeze until the end of the year. That’s the third time Rachel Reeves has frozen fuel duty to support motorists, saving them £120 since last year.

Recognising how farmers and hauliers have been particularly exposed to high fuel prices, and their importance to UK supply chains, more relief has been announced.

For farmers and others who use red diesel and rebated biodiesel, the rate for those fuels has been cut by over a third – the lowest in over two decades. For hauliers, a road tax holiday has been put in place for a year from 1 July.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We are a government firmly on the side of drivers, and that means acting when hardworking people are being left out of pocket.

“The people who use their own vehicle for work are the backbone of our country – the carers, the tradespeople and the public sector workers who keep services running. For too long, they have been expected to shoulder rising costs with support that simply has not kept up.

“We’re doing all we can to ease everyday pressures on working people – that means real money back in their pockets and delivering for the people who keep Britain moving.”

Andrea Egan, General Secretary, Unison said: “This simple measure will provide immediate help for countless frontline workers in public services. Particularly at a time when living costs are going through the roof once again.

“People who need their own cars for work have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket for far too many years.

“UNISON has campaigned hard for this long overdue change. It’s good to know the chancellor has listened to the concerns of staff penalised by frozen rates.

“There’s still more to do to ensure no one is losing out and the union will continue to campaign for more over the coming months.” 

This follows a much wider package of support rolled out by the Chancellor last week branded ‘Great British Summer Savings’.

It includes free bus travel for 5–15-year-olds in England, VAT slashed on children’s meals in restaurants, and VAT cut for all admissions to theatres, theme parks and other attractions.

This will help families enjoy the weekend treats, days out and staycations that make life enjoyable during the cost-of-living squeeze caused by the war in the Middle East while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.

Cutting £150 on average of costs from household energy bills, freezing prescription charges and rail fares, and increasing the national minimum and living wages by hundreds of pounds are some of the actions taken at the Budget that are continuing to support families each month.

PEP: Weekly Groups

📣 Want to know more about PEP groups? Now’s the perfect time to get in touch!

Whether you’re looking for support, guidance, or simply more information, we’re here to help. Reach out today and discover how PEP could make a difference for you.

Call us on 0131 315 4466, email us at hello@pepscot.org or message us now to find out more!

#PEP

#GetInTouch

#Support

#LearnMore