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New guidance for phone-free learning before law change

Schools urged to ban phones during teaching time ‘as a minimum’

Schools are being encouraged to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national guidance, published today ahead of planned legislation to create phone-free learning environments.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said schools should introduce restrictions during teaching and learning time “as a minimum”, while also considering implementing whole school restrictions.

Publication of the updated guidance meets a commitment for the first 100 days of the Scottish Government. The guidance sets out how schools should work with the whole community to develop phone-free learning policies informed by children, young people, parents, carers and school staff. It also suggests possible exemptions for pupils with caring responsibilities, medical conditions or additional support needs that require them to use their phones.

A consultation will be launched early in the new academic term on legislation to restrict the use of phones in all of Scotland’s schools.

The Education Secretary said: “We know that mobile phones are causing distraction in the classroom and we must end this so our children and young people can reach their full educational potential.

“Beyond distraction, we know there is a spectrum of other harms associated with the online world from issues with sleep, mental health and loss of concentration through to exposure to harmful, violent or misogynistic content and, in extreme cases, incitement to self-harm, severe bullying and grooming.

“The Scottish Government intends to introduce new laws to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools. As we develop the legislation, I am encouraging Scotland’s education authorities, headteachers and schools to act now, following our refreshed guidance.

“As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban. Any steps taken by schools should be informed by consultation with the whole school community, including with pupils and staff.”

COSLA Spokesperson for Children and Young People Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “Supporting our Children and Young People to use new technologies is essential and COSLA supports an evidence-based approach to mobile phones in schools. Councils continue to take steps to ensure that learning environments are safe and healthy spaces for all learners.

“We look forward to working with children and young people and colleagues across Scotland to respond to the full consultation and will work with Scottish Government to carefully consider any proposed changes to ensure our schools continue to be and are positive spaces of learning.

“We must work with our communities, partners and governments and ensure this is not the sole responsibility of schools, rather a whole society discussion on how best to support our children and young people.”

Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools – Update 2026 – gov.scot

Phone-free learning in Scottish schools – gov.scot

Sponsorship opportunities with Craigroyston FC

Craigroyston CYFC U15s – Sponsorship Opportunity

As we prepare for the upcoming season, we’re looking for local businesses and individuals who would like to support our team through sponsorship.

Your support will help provide training equipment, matchday kit, and give our players the best possible experience throughout the season.

In return, we’ll proudly promote your business on our social media and proudly have your logo on our strips

If you’d like to support a fantastic group of young players and become part of our journey this season, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send us a message or get in touch to discuss our sponsorship opportunities.

Chris : 07341441894

Facebook : Craigroyston 2012s

Thank you for your continued support of Craigroyston CYFC U15s!

Scotland to provide aid to support Venezuela earthquake victims

£250,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts

Humanitarian aid efforts in Venezuela will receive £250,000 Scottish Government funding following the devastating earthquakes that have struck the country.

The support will help those affected by the earthquakes, which have caused significant loss of life and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.

The funding will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support people to access shelter, food, water and medical care in the worst affected areas.

International Development Minister Simita Kumar said: “My heart goes out to everyone in Venezuela who has lost their loved ones or their home in the wake of these devastating earthquakes.

“The scale of suffering is immense, and I am deeply concerned for everyone caught up in the crisis, including the hundreds of thousands of children who most urgently need support.

“Scotland has a proud tradition of standing with communities in their darkest hours and will play its part in supporting the international humanitarian effort in Venezuela. This funding will help get vital assistance to those who need it most.”

https://twitter.com/DECScotland/status/2072207916313067580/video/1

Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid in Scotland and spokesperson for the DEC Scotland Appeal, said: “This is an unimaginably difficult time for the people affected by the earthquake.

“From the terror and chaos of the earthquakes to the ongoing anguish of missing or injured loved ones. People are coming to terms with the fact that their whole lives have changed in seconds. Many have lost their homes and belongings, whole neighbourhoods have been destroyed.

“Many of DEC’s member charities were already working in Venezuela so are able to work well with local and national experts. They responded immediately by delivering basic aid from the very beginning – food, water, emergency medical care. But so much more is needed now and in the coming days and weeks.

“We’d like to thank the Scottish Government for their generous support for this latest appeal, the 80th we’ve launched in the DEC’s 60 year history. We hope the £250,000 they have provided will encourage people from all over Scotland to dig deep and help make a difference right now.”

https://twitter.com/DECScotland/status/2072207916313067580/video/1

The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of humanitarian crisis overseas, with 10 of its 15 member agencies already operational in Venezuela or working with local partners on the ground.

To make a donation to the Venezuela earthquake appeal, visit the DEC website.

National Lottery funding brings Commonwealth Games spirit to communities in Edinburgh

LOTTERY BOOST FOR BIG HEARTS

People in Edinburgh are going All In for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, as local groups prepare to host National Lottery-funded arts, sport and community activities, inspired by the Games.

With just three weeks till the Games begin, four projects in Edinburgh have received over £26,000 (£26,919) of National Lottery Awards for All funding, including Big Hearts Community Trust, Edinburgh Giants Inclusive Sports Club, Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival and Fischy.

This will help bring people together, encourage participation and help local communities by creating inclusive, locally led activities and events that build excitement, pride and connection ahead of an unforgettable summer of sport.

The awards are part of an additional £2.2 million investment through National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, delivered jointly by The National Lottery Community Fund, sportscotland and Creative Scotland.

The announcement is part of the wider All In campaign, Glasgow 2026’s Scotland‑wide movement inviting communities, schools, sports clubs, cultural and voluntary organisations and businesses to celebrate the Games in their own altogether brilliant way.

Big Hearts Community Trust will use its funding to expand its Together Equality Achieves More (T.E.A.M) project, providing access to free activities for children and young people, aged between eight and 12 years old from multicultural communities across Southwest Edinburgh.

Amanda Farquhar, Head of Delivery at Big Hearts said: “The Big Hearts’ TEAM project is about building a community that celebrates our young people in all their diversity and helps them thrive emotionally and physically through sport.

“We are grateful to National Lottery players whose support has enabled our charity to bring the spirit of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to south-west Edinburgh. We look forward to hosting more opportunities for young people to get active and build friendships outside of school.””

Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival will deliver a five-month community Carnival Arts programme and a street parade to coincide with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Explaining how the funding will be used, Giles Agis, Carnival and Community Manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this National Lottery Awards for All Scotland funding.

“This support will help Edinburgh International Jazz and Blues Festival bring communities together through carnival arts, music, dance, and cultural celebration, marking the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in a way that is inclusive, creative, and rooted in Scotland’s diverse communities. We are very grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”

Other projects to receive funding, include Edinburgh Giants Inclusive Sports Club, will help train and certify 12 people in wheelchair rugby league coaching and first aid so they can then develop, run and evaluate a 9-month wheelchair rugby league programme for around 100 disabled children and young people living in Edinburgh.

Fishcy received support to deliver a free, celebratory Commonwealth Games 2026 online music and movement event to engage primary schools and Additional Support Needs schools across Scotland.

The funding is helping remove barriers to participation, enabling more people to take part in sport, arts and community activities while supporting health, wellbeing and social connection. Projects will also celebrate Scotland’s cultural diversity and ensure communities across the country can feel part of Glasgow 2026.

Announcing the first 40 grants totalling £317,456, on behalf of National Lottery Awards for All Scotland distributors, Neil Ritch, The National Lottery Community Fund Director for Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to support Big Hearts Community Trust, Edinburgh International Jazz & Blues Festival and Edinburgh Giants Inclusive Sports Club and Fischy to bring the spirit of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to their community through The National Lottery Awards for All Scotland.

“It’s really exciting to see so many communities go All in and get inspired to deliver sports, arts and cultural activity. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re helping make sure the benefit of the Games is felt in communities right across Scotland.”

Chris Ansell, Glasgow 2026 Director of Live Programmes and Engagement, said “From Shetland to the Borders, we want every community in Scotland to feel part of Glasgow 2026.

“The response from communities across the country has been brilliant with the nation really embracing the spirit of the Games and channelling it into sport, arts and cultural activity. Thanks to support from the National Lottery, we are gathering communities together to celebrate the Games in their own way.

“These projects are proof that the impact of the Games reaches far beyond our incredible venues, sparking something real and lasting in communities. We couldn’t be more proud to see that happening right across Scotland.”

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland has awarded grants of up to £10,000 to help groups deliver activities that resonate with local communities. Funding remains available for projects taking place after the Games, helping extend the legacy of Glasgow 2026 long after the closing ceremony.

Community groups interested in applying can find out more about National Lottery Awards for All Scotland on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Jousting at Linlithgow Palace

Exhilarating horsemanship and medieval hijinks made a gallant return to Linlithgow Palace over the weekend as part of Historic Scotland’s annual Spectacular Jousting event.

The event featured a range of medieval-themed experiences for visitors, including falconry displays and a historical reenactment camp.

In the jousting arena, the thundering of hooves and clash of lances accompanied four knights who battled it out to become the tourney’s champion.

For more information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

Nepali Mela 2026 in Edinburgh

13th JULY 10am- 7pm

ROSS BANDSTAND in PRINCES STREET GARDENS

Join us at the Nepali Mela on 13 July at Ross Bandstand, Princes Street Gardens

We warmly welcome people from all communities, cultures, and backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity, enjoy great food, music, and cultural performances.

Bring your family and friends and be part of this wonderful event.

We look forward to welcoming you all!

Claudea and Zeus to walk 100 miles in support of Scotland’s Veterans

An Edinburgh woman is preparing to take on a unique fundraising challenge that will see her and her beloved pet pooch walk 100 miles and visit 30 war memorials across Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Claudea Rizzo and her dog Zeus will embark on their ‘Paws for Remembrance’ fundraiser on July 1^st, 2026, walking 100 Miles to 30 memorials in 30 days in a bid to raise funds and awareness for veterans and their families while encouraging remembrance within local communities.

Throughout the challenge, Claudea, who works as the Events & Communications Coordinator at Legion Scotland, and Zeus will visit war memorials and places of remembrance across the region, sharing photographs and reflections from each location through social media and a dedicated fundraising page.

Claudea said: “Working for Legion Scotland, I see first-hand the importance of supporting veterans and preserving remembrance. This challenge is an opportunity to combine both.

“Every memorial tells a story, and I hope this journey encourages people to pause, remember those who served, and support veterans who may need help today.”

Funds raised will support the work of Legion Scotland, which aids, advocacy, community support and remembrance activities for veterans and their families throughout Scotland.

Supporters will be able to follow the journey online as Zeus becomes the face of the campaign, accompanying the challenge every step of the way.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can do so through the challenge’s JustGiving page.

Challenge at a Glance:

• 100 Miles

• 30 Memorials

• 30 Days

• Supporting Legion Scotland

• Edinburgh and East Lothian

Instagram: blacklabtrails_

JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claudea-and-zeus26?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Summer arrives at Fort Kinnaird with free ocean-inspired family activities

Families can enjoy free ocean-inspired fun at Fort Kinnaird this summer, as the centre launches its summer holiday activity programme.

Running from Saturday 27th June until Saturday 1st August, the Ocean Putt Trail will give visitors the chance to take on a free eight-hole mini golf experience while discovering facts about local sea life and marine conservation along the way.

Located outside ODEON Cinema, the trail has been created using recycled ocean-inspired materials, including driftwood, netting and bottle caps. Visitors of all ages can take on a series of putting challenges while learning more about the local ecosystem.

Throughout the summer, families can also get involved in the Sea-to-Shore Trail. Trail sheets are available from the Ocean Putt Shack outside ODEON Cinema and will guide families on an adventure around the centre to uncover facts about the natural world and Edinburgh’s oceans.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know it’s not always easy keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, so it was important to us to offer something free for all of the family to enjoy on a day out this summer.

“The trails are a fun way to spend time together, try something new and learn a little more about marine life and the importance of looking after our oceans. We’re also really proud that the Ocean Putt Trail has been created using recycled materials, and we hope it sparks some great conversations with visitors while they enjoy a day out with us.”

The Ocean Putt Trail is open daily from 11am to 4pm, with times subject to change.

For more information and to plan a visit to Fort Kinnaird, go to:

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Council call for help to develop and protect future communities

A consultation on how the Council should shape our communities, and the wider city, to meet the needs of local people and a growing population, is open from today until 30 September.

‘Call for Ideas’ is an opportunity for those living and working in the city to give their ideas and proposals at this early stage in the process to help set the direction of the next local development plan – City Plan 2040. The consultation is asking residents including young people, community councils and groups, businesses, social enterprises, the public and private sector, developers and landowners to share their vision, proposals and every idea will be considered.

Anyone passionate about how their community will look in the future and how City Plan 2040 can help to protect it should get involved. Ideas need to relate to a specific area but can be any size covering a whole district, neighbourhood, a single plot of land or building.

Planning Convener, Councillor Joan Griffiths said: “Your idea could cover proposals for new buildings and homes, improving how you get around, additional spaces for playing, sports or growing food or ideas to reuse important buildings.

“It would be good to know why you think it’s important for your area and why it would a make a difference. Your local knowledge will help us focus on making change where it is needed.

“I’d encourage you to find out what others think by reaching out to your community to find out what is most important to them. You could ask about the changes you’d like to make, what you’d like to protect, what they think is missing in the community and you can point out planning policies you think could be changed.

You could do this through surveys and questionnaires, drop in events, exhibitions and by attending planned local events.

“My vision is that you can help us create City Plan 2040 to strengthen communities and make sure that they look after the wellbeing of their residents.

“We want to build attractive places where people can afford to buy or rent their homes, walk to educational and healthcare facilities, enjoy cultural and sporting activities and easily access sustainable transport to visit other parts of Edinburgh.”

Further information:

The Evidence Report outlining the critical information which should be considered to create City Plan 2040, compiled following engagement with residents including young people, government agencies, politicians, and other stakeholders over the last couple of years, was agreed by Council on Thursday 24 June.

The document, which also sets out the implications of the evidence examined, will now be considered by the Scottish Government for ‘Gate Check’.

When the Scottish Government decides there is sufficient evidence, the next step is for the Council to prepare a proposed plan and consult on it.

Evidence Report for City Plan 2040 – Approval to Submit for Statutory Gate Check Stage – referral fr Download

Finished Business art exhibition

Members from The Heart Dementia Meeting Centre The Heart of Newhaven have an arts exhibition coming up soon titled Finished Business.

This is a collaboration with the family of the late Kate Sharp whose unfinished canvases have been ‘finished’ by members of the Heart of Newhaven Dementia Meeting Centre.

Kate was an architect who loved to paint and stopped painting when she received a diagnosis of dementia and so our members were encouraged to pick up a paint brush and finish what Kate had started.

See the dates in the flier = we hope to see you there!