The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for Erasmus+.
In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “Erasmus+ offers a major funding boost to support Scotland’s place at the heart of cross-European cooperation on youth and learning opportunities.
“As the National Agency for Erasmus+, we will work closely with the Department for Education, the Scottish Government and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for Scotland.
“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.
“We know from stakeholders across higher education, schools, technical and vocational education and training, and sport how valuable the programme will be in Scotland. It offers enormous benefit to people from a wide range of backgrounds, helping to build skills, confidence, an international outlook and lifelong connections to European peers.”
The British Council is set to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+.
Erasmus+ opens new opportunities for people from across the UK to gain knowledge and experience by studying, training or working abroad.
The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK’s cultural relations activities.
During that period, the programme enabled over 37,635 young people, students and staff from Scotland to study, train or volunteer overseas, including 10,831 in higher education, 8,285 in schools, 8,865 in vocational education and training, and 3,867 in youth programmes. Scottish organisations also led 503 Erasmus+ projects.
In total, Erasmus+ funding in Scotland amounted to approximately €142 million, supporting higher education (€84.51 million), vocational education and training (€29.79 million), schools (€13.82 million), adult education (€8.54 million) and youth (€5.17 million).
Scottish organisations and institutions can find out more and register for updates on Erasmus+ opportunities at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) has teamed up with the Capital’s Kellar Taproom to support women in whisky, with all proceeds going to Smart Works and OurWhisky Foundation this month.
Inspired by the easy conversation and coming together of a Book Club, Notes in the Margin is a one-night-only event on Wednesday, 22 April, from 7pm to 8pm.
This is a women’s whisky tasting that brings people together to explore an unknown selection of drams from across the Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers portfolio. Tasted blind, discussed openly, and shaped by guests’ own “notes in the margin” along the way.
On the night, guests will also have the rare opportunity to sample the sold-out inaugural release of Aberargie Single Malt Whisky, a debut expression released last month that’s not currently available to purchase.
Hosted by MSWD brand managers Lauren Doherty and Rebecca Davidson, the guided tasting will introduce a curated line-up of “secret” whiskies, encouraging attendees to share their thoughts and impressions as they go, creating their own ‘notes in the margin’.
Rebecca Davidson of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillerssaid: “Whether you’re new to whisky or love a good dram, come and join us for our first women in whisky event. It’s relaxed, friendly and a great way to meet new people whilst trying new whisky you can’t get anywhere else.”
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is an independent, family-owned business representing five generations of Morrison whisky heritage. Based in Perth, the company focuses on single-malt production, blending, and bottling, with a portfolio that includes Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr, and Bruadar.
At the heart of the business is Aberargie Distillery, located on a family-owned farm near Perth. Established in 2017, the distillery marks the Morrison family’s return to whisky production following the sale of Morrison Bowmore to Suntory in 1994.
Tickets are £10 from Skiddle and include three whisky drams, with all proceeds going to Smart Works and OurWhisky Foundation.
The OurWhisky Foundation is a non-profit organisation that recognises, supports and empowers women working in whisky around the world, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Scotland’s TikTok sensation Just The Brave have modelled the rail operator Lumo’s iconic tartan pattern at the New York Tartan Day parade.
The parade is held every April to mark the end of the annual Tartan Week, a celebration of Scottish-American heritage. Several thousand marchers made their way down Sixth Avenue, with Outlander actor Sam Heughan leading the parade this year.
Just The Brave, who have racked up 5.7 million views on TikTok, proudly represented Lumo at the event in special tartan waistcoats. The operator is famous for providing affordable, direct links between Glasgow, Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London.
Lumo recently enlisted the help of Houston Kiltmakers to design an official tartan to cement its dedication to serving Scotland. The eye-catching design was formally accepted into the Scottish Register of Tartans in January this year.
As well as taking part in the official New York Tartan Day parade, Just The Brave were selected to appear on a large billboard in the city’s iconic Times Square. The group made the most of the unique opportunity by taking selfies with the huge digital screen.
Screenshot
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, led the project to commission the tartan design. He said: “We’re committed to celebrating Scotland and the communities that we serve. As Lumo continues to better connect Scotland with new routes including Glasgow and Stirling, our tartan is an ideal way to reflect our cross-border connectivity.
“Seeing our officially registered tartan being worn at such an iconic event that celebrates Scotland is a very special moment to further showcase Scotland on an international stage.”
Just The Brave also wowed guests with a performance at the official opening of Lumo’s new rail base in Preston last month. Lumo is preparing to launch a brand new service for the West Coast this spring, connecting destinations including Stirling, Carlisle, Preston and London Euston.
Just The Brave added:“Visiting New York City to take part in the Tartan Day Parade has genuinely been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Thank you so much to Lumo for their support in helping us to do this and for sorting us out with the perfect waistcoats to model on Sixth Avenue.
“It was particularly amazing to see our photo shining bright in Times Square! Gestures like that sum up why Lumo is so loved in Scotland.”
Lumo journeys between Glasgow and London King’s Cross start from just £33.90 when booked direct, with journeys between London Euston and Stirling on Lumo’s upcoming West Coast route starting from just £29.90.
Lumo recently celebrated Scottish Tourism Month by partnering with Visit Glasgow to showcase the best places to visit in the city, with video content featuring BBC Radio 1 presenter Emil Franchi.
The operator also proudly supports Glasgow’s Pride, Stirling’s Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.
Do you want to be part of Scotland’s anti-poverty movement? Then join the Poverty Alliance!
For over 30 years, we’ve been campaigning for the changes needed to end poverty, and we know that our strength comes from our network. Our members include individuals and organisations from across Scotland, from grassroots community groups to national charities, trade unions, faith groups, and research institutions.
Together, they bring the diversity of perspectives needed to build a Scotland rooted in justice and dignity for all. We work collaboratively with our members to influence policy and practice, support communities to challenge poverty, build evidence through research, and grow public support for lasting solutions.
Membership is open to all organisations committed to tackling poverty, and it’s free for civil society organisations with an income under £500,000. Individuals can also join as supporters.
As a member, you’ll gain access to the latest briefings and research, invitations to exclusive events and networking opportunities, and the chance to help shape our policy work.
Interested? Find out more and join us via our website.
Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 weekends (Sat 18/Sun 19 & Sat 25/Sun 26 April), celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.
‘More Than a Hospice’ will rebuild, renew and reimagine children’s palliative care across Scotland as stays at CHAS’ hospices increase by 45% in the last 3 years.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) launches More Than a Hospice, a £20 million appeal to change how Scotland cares for dying children, no matter where they live, and ensure all families have real choice in joined up care, so no one faces the death of their child alone.
The bold £20 million initiative appeal will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families.
Stays at CHAS’s hospices have increased by 45% in the last 3 years* underscoring the increasing pressure on services and the urgent need for facilities and world-class models of care to keep pace with families’ needs. The surge is being driven by medical advances meaning more children and families need specialist support over longer periods whether at home, in hospital or in hospices.
CHAS supports babies, children and young people with life‑shortening conditions, and the families who care for them, providing specialist palliative care. For families, that can mean months or years of round‑the‑clock care, exhausting routines and constant emotional and practical pressure, while trying to protect ordinary moments together.
More Than a Hospice is an urgent call to Scotland to recognise what children’s hospice care really means today, and to back a long‑term plan to ensure families continue to have choice, comfort and support for decades to come.
Caroline Johnstone, from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, was introduced to CHAS when her daughter Ayla was born in 2011. Ayla lives with Edwards’ Syndrome and has been receiving support from CHAS for the past 14 years.
Caroline said:“Since Ayla was diagnosed, CHAS has supported us as a family at Rachel House in Kinross. CHAS makes sure we have a choice in care for Ayla. We feel part of a community of families who are going through the same challenges and experiences. CHAS and the Rachel House team have helped Ayla continue to thrive and are always just a phone call away”.
“I’ve phoned at midnight and during the day and they’re always there. If I’m lying awake during the night worrying about something to do with Ayla and need to chat to someone, I know I can phone CHAS – that truly is a lifeline.”
“Ayla absolutely loves the sensory room and going out for walks around the beautiful grounds. She is quite sassy and loves a bit of nonsense but is also tactile and affectionate and the staff all know her personality so well which is great”.
Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said:“More Than a Hospice is a movement to rebuild, renew and reimagine what children’s palliative care can be.
“We want to unite communities, medical professionals and policymakers behind a shared mission: that every family has genuine choice and unwavering support during the hardest moments of their lives. Real choice is what we would all expect to have when we are facing the most devastating times.
“Every week, in Scotland, three children die from an incurable condition, and CHAS provides unwavering care at every step on this hardest of journeys for families facing this devastating reality, in our two hospices, in hospitals and at home.
“We welcome advances in medicine which mean more children are living longer with complex needs, but too many families still lack real choice about where and how their child is cared for.
“This is our biggest ever fundraising appeal since Rachel House was built over 30 years ago. Back then CHAS was founded thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Scottish public, today, this More Than A Hospice Appeal is an invitation for the people of Scotland to stand together again behind a simple belief: that no one should face the death of their child alone.”
The £20 million will allow CHAS to bring real choice to families as their child dies by:
Rebuilding Rachel House, Scotland’s first ever children’s hospice as a modern, flexible space designed around the needs of today’s families, including those caring for children with the most complex conditions.
Renewing Robin House so it continues to be a welcoming home‑from‑home where families can access specialist care, respite and support.
Reimagining care for the long term by strengthening children’s palliative care across Scotland, including closer working with the NHS and improving support for families at home at the end of life.
Together, these improvements will help ensure CHAS can continue to deliver highly specialist, family‑centred care as needs evolve, supporting families not just through the hardest moments, but through the long journey that often comes before.
To mark the launch of the appeal CHAS is asking people to ‘Make Their Mark’ on a giant fingerprint tree. Each print is a pledge to support CHAS More Than A Hospice Appeal and help transform hospice and palliative care for Scotland’s children and families, now and for the future.
The beautiful large-scale visual, created in partnership with artist Marion Deuchars, starts with a single fingerprint and grows with every addition from children and their families. It will create a lasting reminder that no family should face the death of a child alone.
Make your mark by donating today and ensure no one face the death of a child alone at chas.org.uk
The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.
Prime Minister calls senior leaders from some of the biggest social media companies into Downing Street
Follows government taking powers to act quickly once its consultation concludes, including on measures to protect kids from social media harms
PM puts children’s safety first and tells companies this is the time to meet the moment, address parents’ concerns and prepare for next steps
The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.
For parents, the stakes could not be higher – this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility. When it comes to keeping young people safe online, the Prime Minister has been clear this is not a question of if the government will act, but how.
Throughout the government’s consultation, he has heard first hand from parents on the worries they have about the growing grip of social media on their children’s lives and the need for greater support.
The Prime Minister has said his government will not sit on its hands after the consultation, but instead has acted swiftly to take the legislative powers needed to move quickly once it has concluded to deliver change within months, not years.
Some social media companies have already stepped up by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving parents greater control over screen time and introducing curfews. But the Prime Minister has argued we must go further to protect children and meet the moment.
During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will set out the government’s principles and values when it comes to protecting children, and press for answers from companies on what they are doing to keep children safe online and responding to families’ concerns.
Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.
“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.
“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.
“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/2028788258843328611
The meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses to proposals aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing online.
With around six weeks left before the consultation closes on 26 May, the government is urging parents and children to get involved and help shape the next steps.
The consultation is the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It explores key questions including whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.
Almost 6,000 young people have already taken part, and more than 80 organisations – including schools, charities and community groups – have participated in engagement sessions with ministers and officials in recent months.
EDINBURGH SHERIFF COURT – THURSDAY 16 APRIL from 9am
COURT SUPPORT IN EDINBURGH
Leonardo 5 – Trial
Thursday 16th April 2026 (Day 1, day 2 not yet scheduled)
Edinburgh Sheriff Court & Justice of the Peace Court, 27 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LB
From 9AM
Please support these 5 SPSC members who, from early morning on 10th December 2024, blockaded Leonardo arms factory in Edinburgh with vehicles, disrupting production for 8 hours.
After arrest, they were treated disgracefully at Livingston and Dunfermline stations, released at 10.00pm without coats in sub-zero temperatures, (confiscated) to make their way home to the Borders without breaking their bail conditions of not entering Edinburgh.
*Two are very bravely self-repping* to ensure they can have their say in court.
PLEASE LET FRIENDS KNOW AND GET A GREAT TURN OUT FOR THESE BRAVE ACTIVISTS BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE COURT
Chancellor confirms the UK has sent the third £752 million payment as part of its £2.26 billion loan for Ukraine to buy military equipment
Ahead of meeting the Ukrainian PM on Wednesday, Reeves says the UK will keep pressure on Russia – including action against sanctioned “shadow fleet” vessels – and keep options open to join the EU’s €90bn loan effort
Announcement comes as Chancellor flies to Washington for IMF Spring Meetings, setting out Britain’s plan to keep costs down for people and build a more resilient economy.
The Chancellor has confirmed the UK has sent £752 million to Ukraine, as part of the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to spend on military equipment.
Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings, where she is urging international partners to act together on global security and stability, including sustained support for Ukraine.
She will be setting out Britain’s plan for economic security through the Middle East crisis — prioritising stability, keeping costs down for families and businesses, taking back control of our energy costs, and going further and faster on our plan for a stronger, more resilient economy.
The loan to Ukraine is backed by the profits of immobilised Russian sovereign assets held in the EU, and will help Ukraine procure equipment to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression. This does not count as part of the UK spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.
This funding will be spent on critical military equipment to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, including long‑range strike capabilities, air defence missiles and systems, and Ukrainian‑produced drones to help protect civilians and national infrastructure from Russia’s attacks.
The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary confirms that the UK is set to deliver 120,000 drones as part of a separate £3.75 billion UK military support package for Ukraine.
In Washington tomorrow, Reeves will meet with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and hold talks with G7 finance ministers, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Russia.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: ““The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. This funding will help deliver the military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war.
“I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more while keeping pressure on Russia.”
The Chancellor also confirmed the UK would look carefully at options to enable participation in the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
She also highlighted how the UK is increasing pressure on Russia following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK is ready to deploy Armed Forces and law enforcement to interdict UK‑sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” vessels transiting UK waters, stepping up pressure on Putin’s war effort.
Sir Thomas Allen’s production of Mozart’s comic masterpiece, The Marriage of Figaro, opens in Glasgow this May, before touring to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness. With 17 performances, including two Access shows, this sumptuous Scottish Opera staging is sung in English and set to reach up to 22,000 audience members all over Scotland.
A revival of his 2010 show, the great British baritone’s take on this timeless tale of social revolution and change is full of humour, subtlety, and wit. Allen directed recent Scottish Opera productions of The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and The Barber of Seville, the latter also sung in English with the same central character of Figaro.
Conducted by Dane Lam (Carmen 2023) and Scottish Opera Chorus Director, Susannah Wapshott (Don Pasquale 2024), Mozart’s bubbling score shows him at his theatrical best – with a true genius for getting to the heart of each character.
Simon Higlett’s lavish designs provide the backdrop for this much-loved production of an opera that is as relevant today as ever.
By presenting this revival in English, it lets the laugh-out-loud comedy speak for itself and allows a better understanding of the fast-paced plot and quick-witted dialogue. The storytelling is prioritised, and audiences can better connect with Mozart’s energetic music.
Power, class, gender and complicated personal relationships, including between the working and upper classes, as well as husband and wife, are all examined during The Marriage of Figaro, which is set over the course of one chaotic day.
The once charming Count Almaviva, now a scheming bully, spends his days pestering the serving girls. Figaro, his head of staff, is engaged to Susanna, but Almaviva has a particular soft spot for her and is doing everything he can to delay their wedding. Figaro, Susanna and Rosina, the Count’s disillusioned wife, conspire to expose his schemes but then Figaro’s old foe Dr Bartolo turns up, with a revelation of his own to tell.
Emerging Artist Edward Jowle (Tristan und Isolde 2026) and Emyr Wyn Jones (Oedipus Rex 2024) share the lead role of Figaro, with Ava Dodd (in her Company debut) and Emerging Artist Kira Kaplan (The Office Party 2026)as Susanna, Ian Rucker (also making his debut) as Count Almaviva, Alexandra Lowe (The French Collection 2022) as Countess Almaviva, and Simone McIntosh (The Barber of Seville 2023), and Emerging Artist Chloe Harris (The Great Wave 2026) alternating Cherubino. Also in the cast are Jeni Bern (The Magic Flute 2019) as Marcellina, Edward Hawkins (The Great Wave 2026)as Doctor Bartolo, Emerging Artist Luvo Maranti (The Great Wave 2026) as Don Basilio/Don Curio and Francis Church as Antonio.
Sir Thomas, who was awarded The Gramophone Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, and performed in The Marriage of Figaro as a singer at opera houses all over the world during his illustrious career of more than 50 years, said of the production: ‘The Marriage of Figaro, recognised worldwide as one of the greatest cultural creations known to man, returns once more to Scottish Opera.
“But this time it’s different. The opera will be sung in English, making it even more accessible for audience, and personally I am very excited to bring the piece to life for a cast and audiences alike, relishing a language that speaks directly to them. It’s where I began my acquaintance with Figaro nearly sixty years ago. I wonder what I’ve learnt in the meantime?’
Conductor Dane Lam (Music Director of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of State Opera South Australia, and Principal Conductor & Artistic Director of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra) said: ‘For me, The Marriage of Figaro is where opera really begins. Mozart marries his musical wit to librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte’s razor-sharp words to create an opera that speaks to us almost 250 years after its premiere.
‘In this era of renewed examination of class, power and privilege, The Marriage of Figaro is unusually timely. Gone are references to Kings and Queens, Gods and Titans. Instead, we have ordinary people, getting one up on ‘the man’. And throughout it all, we have some of most sublime, perfect music that any human has written.’
Scottish Opera is offering two specially created Access performances of The Marriage of Figaro, whichrun alongside the mainstage productions in Glasgow and Edinburgh. With Dementia Friendly values at their core, afternoon Access performances are for those who enjoy a more relaxed opera experience.
With a shorter running time (under two hours including an interval) and tickets at just £12.50, these performances are open to all, including those who may be living with dementia or Long COVID, more comfortable at a shorter show, struggling to get to evening performances, or would simply benefit from the more relaxed atmosphere.
Those who are visually impaired can also take advantage of audio-described performances where live commentary is provided by a specialist audio-describer during the show, describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance, as well as a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.
At select performances, audiences can book on to a free Touch Tour to become more familiar with the set, scenery, props and costumes. Pre-show talks are also available. These half-hour sessions delve into the detail of each opera, enhancing the audience’s enjoyment and extending knowledge of the piece.
Do you want to be part of Scotland’s anti-poverty movement? Then join the Poverty Alliance!
COURT SUPPORT IN EDINBURGH
Leonardo 5 – Trial
Thursday 16th April 2026 (Day 1, day 2 not yet scheduled)
Edinburgh Sheriff Court & Justice of the Peace Court, 27 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LB
From 9AM
PLEASE LET FRIENDS KNOW AND GET A GREAT TURN OUT FOR THESE BRAVE ACTIVISTS BOTH OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE COURT
