Thousands of children each year end up in hospital through accidental poisoning. But in Take Action Today areas, emergency admissions for under-fives have dropped by almost 50% since 2013.
Take Action Today helps parents keep their young children safe from accidental poisoning through free safety resources, checklists and fact sheets.
Join the 1 million families who have benefited from Take Action Today – access free safety resources at www.rospa.com/home-safety/household-cleaning-products
SCIENTISTS in Glasgow are launching a new Cancer Research UK-funded project to find a way to stop bowel cancer cells hijacking the body.
The team, based at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in the city, will focus on a particular system inside the human body, called the Wnt pathway – a key messaging system controlling growth.
A specific genetic mutation can cause this system to tell cells to grow and produce new cancer cells out of control.
The cancer cells then hijack the pathway and prevent it from growing healthy cells, effectively starving the body of healthy growth. This can eventually lead to the growth of tumours in the lining of the bowel.
Dr Nadia Nasreddin, researcher at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Professor Sansom’s group, said: “We hope to find a way to help healthy cells fight the mutant cell colonisation of the bowel lining, by using drugs that can promote healthy cell growth.
“If we boost the Wnt pathway in normal cells, we can improve their health, restore their capacity to divide and produce new healthy cells, and reduce the ability of cancer cells to grow in the bowel.”
With funding of £357,759 from Cancer Research UK, the project will help tackle bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK.*
Treatment options for bowel cancer remain limited, particularly for patients who are diagnosed at later stages of the disease, making the search for new therapies vital. Scotland is disproportionately affected by the disease with around 4,000 people diagnosed each year. **
Bowel cancer is caused by changes in the DNA (called mutations) in important cells in the intestine called intestinal stem cells.
These cells maintain the intestine’s lining by constantly dividing to replace old or worn-out cells with healthy new ones. These cells live within a specific environment, characterised by high activity of the Wnt pathway.
Eighty per cent of colon cancer cases are caused by mutations in a particular gene which is responsible for controlling the Wnt pathway environment and can be inherited.
When this mutation occurs, it creates a very high Wnt environment which results in the cell’s dividing and producing new cells faster than normal.
It also produces a molecule that deprives normal cells of their Wnt environment causing normal intestinal stem cells to stop dividing and producing new ones.
This results in mutant cells in the lining of the intestine that, over time, replace the normal cells eventually forming into a tumour.
The team will test four different molecules to determine which best supports the health of normal intestinal stem cells in mouse models.
Researchers will further develop any which show a clear benefit to survival into drugs for human use.
Science engagement lead at Cancer Research UK, Sam Godfrey, said: “We are delighted to fund this exciting research project which looks at the beginnings of cancer and seeks ways to prevent it developing.
“Harnessing our own body’s power to support healthy growth and halt the excessive growth which results in tumours could lead to the kind of breakthrough which transforms the way we see, and treat, bowel cancer.”
Bowel cancer kills 16,800 people in the UK (1,700 in Scotland) every year and is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people.*
A recent study by the American Cancer Society published in The Lancet Oncology showed early-onset bowel cancer rates in adults aged 25-49 are rising in 27 of 50 countries studied and are rising faster in young women in Scotland and England than in young men.**
Our clubs are back this week, with an exciting new addition to our What’s New Wednesday!
We will be running a 4-week boxing programme in partnership with BLAST Boxing at Fetlor for P6+.
To sign up, please fill in the link below:
Time is running out for voters to register to have their say in the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May, with the deadline for registrations at 11.59pm TONIGHT.
Registering takes minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. All voters need is a name, address, and National Insurance number.
Those who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “We want everyone to be able to have their say in this election, but first they need to be registered to vote.
“If you’re voting for the first time, have moved house, or changed any of your details, it’s especially important that you register online before the deadline tonight.
“It takes just five minutes and all you need is your name, address, and National Insurance number. You can do it now at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“If you want to vote by post or by proxy, you still have time to apply, but you’ll need to be registered to vote first. Anyone not registered in time won’t be able to vote on Thursday 7 May.
“Once you’re registered, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April.”
CARERS TRUST are proud to be supporting #CarersWeek 2026!
This year’s theme is Building Carer Friendly Communities and from 8-14 June we’ll explore how to build communities that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers.
The Dreadnought was recently declared Edinburgh Pub of the Year by members of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch of CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale.
During the previous year, CAMRA members had been visiting pubs and scoring their beer – making an assessment of how well it had been kept and served, submitting their scores online.
In February, members met to consider a short-list of the highest scoring pubs. This had been compiled using an algorithm that takes account of the number of people scoring, the number of visits the scores related to, as well as the scores themselves. The pubs on the short list were those which consistently offered well kept beer. By secret ballot, members then voted for their Pub of the Year, in the 3 areas the Branch covers – Edinburgh, the Lothians outside Edinburgh, and the Borders.
The photograph (TOP) shows pub landlord, Toby Saltonstall, on 15 April, being presented with a framed commemorative certificate by Chris Miller, Branch Chair, at a gathering in the pub.
The presentation was greeted by much applause, from the crowd of regular patrons who had assembled to celebrate this special event.
The pub has been runner-up on a number of occasions, so this win was not entirely a surprise!
Edinburgh Castle became a shining tribute to Scotland’s female footballers on Saturday night, with striking images of players of all ages and stages projected onto the iconic landmark to mark ScottishPower signing up to support the women’s game for another three years.
From the Castle Esplanade, players, coaches and parents gathered at dusk as the historic fortress was illuminated with projected footage showcasing the journeys of young players developing into emerging professionals alongside existing stars and professional players, bringing to life what is increasingly possible through ScottishPower’s continued support.
The projection marks the extension of ScottishPower’s exclusive Principal Partnership with Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL), first announced back in 2023 as the biggest single investment in Scottish women’s football.
The leading green energy company also confirmed it will continue to sponsor the Scottish Youth Challenge Cups at all three age groups, SWF’s National & Regional league cups and is again backing the fast-growing Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League and Cup.
Over the next three years, ScottishPower will continue to actively support both the SWF and the SWPL as they accelerate the growth of the women’s game, all the way from grassroots to elite up and down the country.
Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive, said: “At ScottishPower, we’re committed to equality of opportunity, and over the past three years our partnership with Scottish Women’s Football and the Scottish Women’s Premier League has shown just how powerful the right support can be for girls and women across Scotland.
“We’re proud to back the elite end of the game, but just as importantly, to help strengthen the entire pathway – from grassroots and youth football right through to the highest level.
“Together, we’ve focused on making a real, practical impact, from providing kit and boots to girls across the country to supporting development in areas like the Highlands and Islands that can too often be overlooked.
“Renewing our support for another three years is a clear statement of our intent. We’re in this for the long term, committed to building momentum and helping women’s football in Scotland reach its full potential.”
Aileen Campbell, CEO at Scottish Women’s Football, added: “ScottishPower’s continued commitment is a hugely important vote of confidence in the women’s and girls’ game across the country.
“This partnership has already helped us strengthen the foundations of football in communities, supporting participation, improving the player pathway, and creating more opportunities for girls to stay in the sport and progress, whatever their starting point.
“The continuation of support for our National and Regional cups, the Youth Challenge Cups and the Highlands and Islands League and Cup is especially significant, because it reaches players and volunteers at every level. We’re proud of what has been achieved so far, and we’re excited to keep building real momentum over the next three years.”
Fiona McIntyre, Managing Director of Scottish Women’s Premier League, said: “This renewal is a powerful statement about the future of women’s football in Scotland.
“The SWPL has been on a clear journey of growth in standards, visibility and ambition, and having a long-term principal partner like ScottishPower enables our clubs and players to keep driving progress both on and off the pitch.
“Crucially, it also strengthens the connection between the top of the game and the grassroots and youth pathway, ensuring young players across Scotland can see a clear and achievable future in football.
“We’re immensely grateful for ScottishPower’s continued belief in what women’s football can become and the positive impact it can have on communities nationwide.”
ScottishPower is at the heart of communities across the country, whether it’s through the thousands of green jobs being created, the renewable power it generates or the secure, stable electricity it supplies –keeping the lights on from power to plug.
This landmark football partnership aligns with parent company, Iberdrola, which has been promoting equality through sport since 2016, through competitions and federations in Spain and Brazil.
Outside the UK, it supports more than 100 competitions, 32 of them as Iberdrola leagues, reaching an estimated 600,000 female athletes.
Looking for a relaxed way to start the week? Pop into our Monday Café from 9–11am at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
We’ll have hot drinks, breakfast rolls, and plenty of good chat.
Our cafe is free with a pay-what-you-want option – all donations go towards the centre.
‘AH DIDNAE KEN’ IS PM’s DEFENCE
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will address the Commons this afternoon as questions mount over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States.
Oppostion leaders have all called for his resignation and there is growing disquiet among his own backbenchers over Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson – a man who had previously been forced to resign TWICE for dishonesty and whose links to disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were in the public domain.
Despite Mandelson’s controversial background, Starmer appointed the lobbyist to a senior diplomatic post only to dismiss him in September when more Epstein revelations came to light.
Starmer is now claiming he was unaware that Mandelson failed security vetting and that, had he known, he would not have appointed the disgraced peer. The vetting process actually took place after the announcement of Mandelson’s appointment.
Exactly what Starmer knew, and when, may just become a little clearer this afternoon. ‘Furious’ Starmer will doubtless come out fighting, and Cabinet colleagues have been circling the wagons to protect their leader, but whether Westminster will believe the Prime Minister’s version of events is another matter.
The Mandelson affair is another self-inflicted wound, and an unwelcome distraction for a government facing elections across the country in just three weeks time.
Secondary schools in Edinburgh can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity’s life-changing Feed A School initiative.
Mary’s Meals provides meals to more than 3 million children every school day in some of the world’s poorest communities across 16 countries. The promise of a nutritious meal at school attracts these children into the classroom, where they can gain an education that can be their ladder out of poverty. Yet millions of children still miss out on going to school due to hunger.
Through Feed A School, secondary schools can ensure every pupil at a school in Malawi or Zambia receives a nutritious meal every day for a full school year.
The initiative is a transformative way to give hundreds of vulnerable children hope for a better future. Providing healthy meals for a whole school has a huge impact not only on the children, but also on their families and the wider community.
Feeding an entire school for a year is more achievable than many realise – with Mary’s Meals, it costs just 10p a day to provide a child with a nutritious school meal. Whether schools choose to fundraise on their own, or join with others in the area, they will develop a real sense of connection to their chosen school and to the children they are helping, with updates from the feeding programme and a final report from the Malawian or Zambian school at the end of the year.
A school’s support can bring hope to more children like Sean, aged 12, from Mbayani Primary School in Malawi. Hunger is a daily struggle for Sean and his classmates, but with Mary’s Meals, they have a chance at a brighter future.
He says: “Mostly there is no money, and we don’t eat at home, but I know I will get porridge at school. I am happy at school and I want to be a scientist. Porridge will help me take the next steps.”
Schools that choose to fundraise won’t be doing it alone. Mary’s Meals will be there to support schools throughout their fundraising year – and each participating school will be joining others up and down the country who agree that in this world of plenty, no child should miss school because they are too hungry to learn.
Every year since 2017, pupils at St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School in East Kilbride have organised a five day ‘porridge pledge’ to raise funds to feed all 288 children at Damu Primary School in Malawi for a full school year with Mary’s Meals.
During the pledge, the pupils eat only plain foods, like porridge, rice and toast – sacrificing their favourite foods so their friends at Damu can enjoy school meals for a whole year. In 2025, they surpassed their £5,515.20 target, raising an incredible total of more than £11,000.
Religion Moral Citizenship Education (RMCE) teacher, Jacqueline Nelson, says: “I can honestly say Feed A School with Mary’s Meals is one of the best things that we have ever done in our school.
“Through Feed A School, we live what we teach – we directly help our global brothers and sisters, those who we will never meet yet still love and it allows us to place the needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the world first. It’s beautiful. It brings true joy.”
Claire Benjamin, Director of Supporter Engagement for Mary’s Meals UK, adds: “Choose to Feed A School and you will make a lasting difference to children, their families and their whole communities.
“We serve children in schools of many different sizes, which means Feed A School offers a wide range of fundraising targets to suit every school community. Schools can sign up to Feed A School in Malawi or Zambia today and turn a year of school meals into a lifetime of impact.”
Find out more at www.marysmeals.org.uk/feed-a-school
