It’s been over half a century since community councils came into existence in Scotland in 1973 – and in that time, we’ve seen over 1,200 established across the country (writes Culture and Communities Convener CLLR VAL WALKER).
These bodies are groups of residents who are passionate about their communities and play an important role in grassroots democracy.
Here in Edinburgh, the election period for our community councils has begun. Last week nominations opened to stand for election as a community councillor, this closes on 27 February. Following that we’ll hold an election only if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.
This is your chance to take a lead in your local area and make your community a better place. From campaigning on key local issues, organising meetings, chairing debates, looking out for vulnerable individuals and groups, to liaising with local and national representatives and much more – the life of a community councillor in the Capital is never ordinary.
I’m continually inspired by the stories I come across of community councils. In Lady Nairne, the Northfield and Willowbrae Community Council worked tirelessly to ensure that a solution was found when the previous 69 supported bus service ceased operations several years ago.
Following extensive engagement with ward councillors and Council officers a new route was implemented just in time for Christmas last year, which I know was a welcome gift to those residents who had long campaigned for its reinstation.
We’ve also seen Longstone Community Council lead a campaign to erect a new bridge to link their community to the Hutchison/Chesser community, as part of a new active travel project.
Initially a bridge was not part of these plans but following successful meetings with their ward councillor, Council officers and the developer some £170,000 worth of contributions were earmarked to support the delivery of the bridge. This will now go to consultation as part of the as the Longstone Link project.
These are just a couple of the many examples of the excellent work community councils are doing across our city every day. I’d encourage all residents to consider standing as a community councillor.
“From Pilton to Portobello, Muirhouse to Morningside and beyond, Edinburgh draws its strength from its people, and we need their views, ideas and expertise to move forward together.
Find out more about community councils and how to stand for election on CEC website.
The Competition & Markets Authority has set out comprehensive proposals to deliver better outcomes for parents in the infant formula market – both in terms of the choices they make and the prices they pay
We’re recommending standardised infant formula packaging in hospitals; providing clear information to parents and banning the advertising of follow-on formula.
CMA infant formula study finds that a combination of factors is leading to poor outcomes for parents, who could be saving around £300 a year by switching to a lower priced brand
Issues include the design and operation of current regulations and the responses of consumers to advertising which emphasises branding when, in fact, all infant formula will meet babies’ full nutritional needs
CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are disproportionately affected due to higher rates of formula feeding
CMA final recommendations cover standardised packaging in hospitals; providing clear information to parents in healthcare and retail settings on the nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula; making it easier to compare prices of different brands; extending the ban on advertising to include follow-on formula; and allowing parents to use vouchers and loyalty points to buy infant formula
Given the steer from governments that regulatory restrictions on price promotions of infant formula support breastfeeding, the CMA is not recommending removing this ban at this stage, but stands ready to support further consideration of this option if asked
Following a market study into the infant formula and follow-on formula market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final recommendations.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “Every parent wants to give their baby the best possible start in life. Many whom need, or choose, to formula feed, pick a brand at a vulnerable moment, based on incomplete information, often believing that higher prices must mean better quality. This is despite NHS advice stating that all brands will meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of brand or price.
“Governments across the UK are committed to the tight regulation of infant formula for public health reasons. So, our proposals are designed to help parents make the best choices for them and their babies, with access to better information, while sharpening the effectiveness of the existing rules.
“Our proposals will also make it easier for regulations to be properly enforced, while ensuring manufacturers and retailers can be more confident in what they can and can’t do according to law.
“We strongly encourage governments to act on the recommendations to stop well-intended regulation driving poor outcomes for consumers. We’re ready to help implement the changes and support thinking around further measures, including removing the ban on price promotions, should governments consider it necessary at a later stage.”
CMA findings
Advertising and labelling of infant formula is strictly regulated. For example, advertisement and promotion, including price reductions or deals, is restricted so as not to discourage breastfeeding.
Many parents choose a brand for the first time in vulnerable circumstances – often in hospital immediately after birth – and frequently without the clear, accurate and impartial information needed to make informed decisions. People often feel under pressure, naturally wanting to do what is best for their baby. Many actively choose a more expensive product, assuming this means better quality.
However, NHS advice makes clear: “It does not matter which brand you choose, they’ll all meet your baby’s nutritional needs, regardless of price”.
Against this backdrop, rather than competing strongly on price, manufacturers place significant emphasis on building brand awareness to secure customers. For example, some regularly supply the NHS with below cost formula to reach new parents – and once parents have found a brand that works for their baby, they rarely switch.
Regulation states that the labelling and presentation of infant and follow-on formulas should be ‘clearly distinct’. Despite this, manufacturers use similar branding and labelling – including similar colour palettes, fonts and imagery – across infant and follow-on formulas. When combined with large marketing budgets, this approach indirectly supports the sale of infant formula, with CMA evidence indicating that parents are disproportionately influenced by such branding practices (be it in hospitals, online or in store).
The CMA heard concerns that parents on lower incomes are more likely to formula feed so are disproportionately impacted by infant formula pricing. While some government support is available to those eligible, most infant formulas exceed the weekly value of benefits available through schemes such as the Healthy Start and Best Start Food. This can lead to parents foregoing food in order to provide for their babies.
On pricing, differences between brands can have a sizeable impact on parents’ finances. Evidence reviewed by the CMA shows that they could make a saving of around £300 over a baby’s first year of life by switching from a popular mid-priced product to a low-priced brand.
Recommendations
The 4 recommendations from the CMA are:
Removing brand influence in healthcare settings: Parents should be provided with timely, clear, accurate and impartial information on nutritional sufficiency of all infant formula products as early as possible. Where parents are given infant formula in healthcare settings, labelling should be standardised to reduce the influence of branding on their decision making. For example, branded formula could be put into non-branded containers, or the NHS could have a white-label formula.
Equipping parents with the right information when they are shopping: Information about nutritional sufficiency should be displayed clearly and prominently on shelves and when buying online. In store, all brands of infant formula should be displayed together and in a separate cluster from other formula milks to enable quick and easy price comparisons.
Strengthening labelling and advertising rules: All packaging should clearly display information on nutritional sufficiency. Claims that are intangible, or cannot be easily checked by parents, should be banned. Like infant formula, advertising (including price promotions and deals) for follow-on milks should be banned. To help shops, manufacturers and enforcers, government should clarify what constitutes ‘advertising’, outlining exactly what shops and manufacturers can and cannot do regarding formula milks. Parents should be allowed to use gift cards, vouchers, loyalty points, and coupons to purchase infant formula.
Effectively enforce current and future rules: Strengthen the roles played by relevant authorities so they must approve the packaging of all infant formula products before sale. At present, companies can put products onto the market before the relevant authority has reviewed the label.
Public Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said: “I welcome this report and would like to thank the Competition and Markets Authority for their thorough investigation.
“There are many benefits of breastfeeding but for those families that cannot or choose not to breastfeed, it is vital that they can access formula that is affordable and high quality. Families should not be paying over the odds to feed their babies because of outdated regulation.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re determined to ensure every child has the best start to life. We will carefully consider these recommendations and respond fully in due course.”
Competition and Markets Minister Justin Madders said: “The government has been clear through our new Strategic Steer to the CMA that competition and consumer protection will drive economic growth.
“That work to drive better outcomes for consumers across the infant formula market delivers on this priority. We look forward to working closely with the CMA across government to continue to deliver growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Next steps
Recommendations are made to UK, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh governments, working in collaboration with other organisations, where appropriate. The CMA will now engage to explain these measures and support their implementation.
Equalities Minister urges UK Government to change family visa rules ON Valentine’s Day
Changes to the UK Family Visa Route would support the wellbeing of married couples and families by helping them reunite in Scotland, according to a new Scottish Government report.
Under current rules, people living in the UK need to earn a minimum of £29,000 to bring an immediate family member from abroad to live here.
Planned increases to this threshold were paused in July 2024 by the UK Government, which is currently seeking views on whether the requirements should continue in their current form.
The Scottish Government report sets out evidence that the minimum salary requirement does not support Scotland’s interests, and disproportionately impacts women and part-time workers.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “This Valentine’s Day, I am calling on the UK Government to make the changes needed so that couples and families who do not meet the current financial requirements can be reunited.
“People who live in Scotland should be able to build a life with their spouse and raise children here – wherever in the world their husband or wife is from. Allowing more people to bring their families to live here would enrich communities, support public services and contribute to the economy.
“The UK Government’s review of the income threshold is welcome, and the Scottish Government is clear that the minimum income threshold needs to be reduced or removed altogether to allow more families to build their lives here in Scotland.”
Sarah Douglas is from the Scottish Borders. She is currently living in Perugia, Italy with her husband and their three children. Sarah would like to return to Scotland with her family, however due to the minimum income requirement, they are unable to move to the UK.
Sarah said: “The minimum income requirement is currently preventing me from living in Scotland with my Italian husband.
“As a mother to three young children meeting the threshold is challenging especially since I’m expected to do so whilst being separated from my husband and caring for my children alone.
“I am faced with a choice between separating my family or permanent exile. It is a cruel policy which places unnecessary emotional and financial strain on families. A new policy should be implemented to ensure that families like mine can stay together.”
Demi Kara is from Edinburgh. She married her husband, who is from Adana, Turkey, in 2024. Due to the minimum income requirement, the couple are currently living separately in Scotland and Turkey.
Demi said: “A price on love seems very much unfair. Younger long distance couples have no chance in this generation – you pay the price and put your life on hold, or you leave, it’s as simple as that.
“I put my degree on hold to fight for my husband to be by my side – a basic right every person should have. A change the minimum income requirement would allow my life to be whole, allow my heart to be full of love and not broken and torn between two countries.”
Love is in the air at an Edinburgh care home, as Olive and Gavin McCrone celebrate their first Valentine’s Day at Glencairn.
After 27 years together, the couple made the decision to move into Glencairn, part of Renaissance Care, in November 2024, to ensure that they could continue sharing life’s special moments side by side.
To mark the occasion, staff at Glencairn presented the couple with a special Valentine’s Day treat of chocolates and prosecco, kindly contributed by Edinburgh’s One20 Wine Café.
Dressed in their Sunday best, Gavin presented Olive with a bouquet of flowers, just as he did on their first date all those years ago – lunch at the Oxford and Cambridge Club in London in 1998, when Olive was 62 and Gavin was 64 years old.
Reflecting on their journey together, Olive, now 89, said: “For us, it wasn’t love at first sight, we were friends for a long time before it became something more. I never imagined when we first met for lunch all those years ago, we’d be here celebrating our first Valentine’s Day in our new home. But here we are, still together, and still making new memories.”
Originally from Bellshill and Pitlochry, the pair had known each other through their late partners before romance blossomed later in life.
“We had a long-distance relationship for a while as Olive was in London, and I was in Edinburgh,” said Gavin, 91. “But love finds a way, and eventually, we made a life together.”
That life has been filled with travel, music, and cherished family moments. Between them, they have five children and seven grandchildren, and their shared love of adventure has taken them across Scotland’s islands and beyond.
Having married in 2000 in Hatch End, the couple’s bond has remained unshakable ever since. “We’re best friends as well as partners, we can sit together in silence and be completely content,” said Olive. “That’s the mark of a love that lasts.”
Making the move to Glencairn has given them a new sense of home. “At this stage in life, just being together is enough,” continued Olive. “Glencairn is a beautiful place, and we feel very lucky to have found somewhere where we can still be together.
When asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Gavin’s advice was simple: “Be best friends, always be honest, and never forget to laugh together.”
Renaissance Care is a nationwide provider of quality, personalised care across a range of care homes across Scotland.
With a focus on personalised care, dignity, independence, and respect, Renaissance Care tailors care to meet the unique needs of each resident, ensuring they lead fulfilling lives in a supportive, homely environment.
It is with regret that we share the news our Golden Years service is closing in the spring of 2025.
As two significant grants come to an end simultaneously we are no longer able to continue delivering our much beloved service.
We know that lots of people across Edinburgh who have found company and solace at our Golden Years events, lunch clubs, and community groups will now be looking for that support elsewhere. We are doing our utmost to signpost all of our attendees and clients to other projects in the area who may be able to provide that support.
It is with great sadness that we will be saying goodbye to our brilliant volunteer befrienders and the staff that support them. They have worked tirelessly over the years to provide consistently high quality, compassionate support to older people in our community, and we wish them the very best and thank them for their service.
Whilst we are saddened by this loss, we are proud of the work that has been done and are working hard to look at viable options that will allow the lunch clubs to continue within the community and will share updates as and when we have further information.
COMMUNITIES across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
Taking place on February 28th, Purple Friday encourages people to celebrate the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and allies by wearing purple, raising funds, and participating in activities celebrating the resilience, creativity and diversity of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ youth.
This year’s theme, “Nothing Rhymes with Purple,” offers a poetic twist, encouraging participants to channel their creativity through the written word.
Budding poets can submit their work for the charity’s first-ever anthology, with selected entries seeing their works published to raise vital funds for LGBTQ+ services.
Celebrating its 10th year, the LGBT Youth Scotland awareness day, with the support of Lauren Mayberry from CHVRCHES, is on a mission to raise £20,000 for LGBTQ+ young people.
Lauren, the lead singer of the internationally acclaimed band CHVRCHES and long-time ally of the LGBTQ+ community, is among the high-profile supporters lending their voice to the cause.She said: “As someone who strives to be a visible and vocal supporter of the community, I’m thrilled to support Purple Friday and the incredible work that LGBT Youth Scotland do.
“This initiative is an opportunity for young people to live proudly as their authentic selves and for communities across Scotland to show they care. It’s so important to stand together and celebrate diversity.”
The poetry submissions form part of a wider campaign to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, especially those of young people aged 13–25, and to raise funds for life-saving services provided by LGBT Youth Scotland.
Mhairi Crawford, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, added: “Visibility is life-changing for LGBTQ+ young people. When they see allies stand up for them, it builds confidence and fosters more inclusive, safer communities.
“This Purple Friday, we’re asking people to embrace creativity – whether it’s by writing a poem, hosting an event, or simply wearing purple.
“Purple Friday isn’t just a fundraising day – it’s a movement for change. Every pound raised helps us break down barriers, giving LGBTQ+ young people the opportunity to thrive.
“Together, we can ensure LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, supported, and valued.”
Selected poems will feature in the “Nothing Rhymes with Purple” anthology, a professionally published collection celebrating the richness and resilience of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community.
Proceeds will support LGBT Youth Scotland’s ongoing work, including youth groups, mental health services and advocacy initiatives.
Community events are also at the heart of Purple Friday. Schools, workplaces, and organisations are encouraged to host their own poetry nights, wear purple, and raise funds to support LGBTQ+ equality.
Purple Friday also takes place during LGBT History Month, offering a platform to reflect on progress while addressing ongoing challenges. With young LGBTQ+ people still facing significant barriers, particularly trans youth in a hostile media climate, public support is more vital than ever.
LGBT Youth Scotland is calling on schools, businesses, and individuals across Scotland to get involved and make this year’s Purple Friday the most impactful yet.
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25.
LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential, and LGBT Youth Scotland collaborates with young people to remove those barriers, working with them individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.
For more information on Purple Friday 2025, to submit your poem, or to find inspiration for community events, visit lgbtyouth.org.uk/purplefriday
An Edinburgh man has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for explosives offences and possession of incident images of children.
Ryan O’Donnell, 37 was sentenced yesterday, Wednesday, 12 February, 2025, at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Mixed powders, including potassium nitrate, were found at his home address in Edinburgh, as well as equipment that could be used to make homemade explosives.
He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years for possession of almost 1500 images of children.
Detective Sergeant Jordan Sharp said: “The substances O’Donnell possessed were dangerous and could have caused serious harm if they had been used.
“The unlicenced manufacturing of homemade explosives is illegal, irrespective of the intention, and places the public at risk.
“He will also face the consequences of his actions for possessing indecent images of children. Sexual exploitation is despicable, and we remain committed to protecting children.
“We have highly trained, specialist officers, across the country who can investigate such offences and, working with partners, ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Sunday 9th March GIG 7-10pm / Workshop 3-5pm Leith Arches 6 Manderson Steet EH6 8LY
EMERGING ‘Woman band’ Machine Orchid are hosting an event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025.
MACHINE ORCHID are Aurora Engine Harp, synths / vocals, Caro Bridges guitar / vocals and Emma Lloyd Violin, vocals and electronics.
All profits will go to WOMEN’S AID EDINBURGH.
Other sets will come from harpist ESTHER SWIFT, folk singer KIRSTY LAW andGlasgow artists CURLEW.
Blending electronics and real instruments MACHINE ORCHID will present a set focused on women’s rights to include an acapella protest song ‘3 Rings’ about women’s safety / victim blaming, ‘Sharks, Bears Wolves,’ a song about toxic masculinity.
Sprinkled with electonic fizzles, polyrhythms their pefomance will also embed an electronic soundscape made up of Trump’s comments on women– ‘In His Own Words’.
In the afternoon the group will host an interactive women focused dynamic and empowering singing workshop that explores what it means to be a woman in 2025.
Woman band ‘Machine Orchid’ (Aurora Engine / Emma Lloyd / Caro Bridges) Host International Women’s Day gig and singing workshop raising money for WOMEN’S AID
Machine Orchid are an emerging ‘woman band’ from Edinburgh blending harp, guitar, and violin with lush harmonies, electronic fizzles, and a deep connection to the natural world made up of Emma Lloyd (contemporary composer and violinist, harpist Aurora Engine /Deborah Shaw (“Magical and Delicate’” Tom Robinson) and Caro Bridges, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.
The one off International Women’s day gig also hosts trailblazing harpist harpist Esther Swift, provocative folk singer Kirsty Law and the Glasgow based roots and electronic artist Curlew (Gill Higgins).
In the afternoon the band who are all composers and choral leaders will host an interactive women focused dynamic and empowering singing workshop that explores what it means to be a woman in 2025.
Through songs addressing themes like women’s safety and the impact of the Trump era on women’s rights, this two-hour afternoon session aims to inspire, uplift and unite.
Join us for hands-on leather-making workshops at the centre, guided by our volunteer leather crafter, Bence! Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about crafting with leather.
Thursday 20th February 6-8pm: Create your very own leather card holder – a practical and stylish first project.
Thursday 27th February 6-8pm: Build on your skills with a simple leather wallet, ideal for those who’ve attended Workshop 1 (but not required!)
Details:
Cost: £5 per workshop Capacity: a few spaces still available for each session! Important: We’ll be working with sharp tools and needles. Participants must feel comfortable and confident using these.
Booking is essential – spaces are limited! Message or call us to reserve your spot.
Scottish politicians have been urged to listen to ‘marginalised’ voices within coastal communities, as part of a major multi-media touring exhibition showcased at the Scottish Parliament.
The Coastal Testimonies project features over 60 portraits of people all around Scotland about their first-hand experiences of Scotland’s inshore seas.
The exhibition has been commissioned and curated by the Our Seas Coalition, an alliance of 140+ coastal businesses, community groups, fishermen’s associations and environmental organisations who are campaigning for the environmental recovery of Scotland’s coastal marine environment and the revival of sustainable inshore fisheries.
The exhibition gives a voice to often marginalised and underrepresented perspectives, including a large proportion of fishermen, with an aim to uncover the issues that go unnoticed in areas of Scotland where the coast is not as engaged.
The exhibition also aims to give a platform to cultural knowledge on the coastal ecosystems and communities throughout Scotland. The exhibition which has so far toured venues in Stornoway, Eyemouth, Lochaline, Glasgow, Ullapool and Ardfern, arrives at Holyrood as the Scottish Government publicly consults on its Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement programme.
The Coastal Testimonies project has so far gathered testimonies from all eleven Scottish marine regions, including coastal businesses, marine conservationists, divers, commercial fishermen, sea anglers, local politicians, scientists, community groups, and those with recreational interests.
Portraits of each person are accompanied by a verbal testimony about their own connections to the sea, including moving witness-style accounts of environmental changes and reflections on sustainability and political decision-making.
Everyone in Scotland can participate in this #CoastalTestimonies project, by contributing a testimony of their own on the Our Seas website www.ourseas.scot.
A parliamentary reception featuring the exhibition was hosted by Rhoda Grant MSP and attended by politicians from all major parties, including acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP. Copies of ‘Coastal Testimonies – Speaking up for Scotland’s seas’ were distributed to all 129 MSPs.
Speaking on behalf of the Our Seas Coalition at the Scottish Parliament, Alasdair Hughson, scallop diver and chair of the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation said: “We need clear plans that acknowledge the public benefits and support for protecting our seas and safeguarding sustainable inshore fishing.
“This means urging government action and effective parliamentary scrutiny to make sure that such plans are implemented. This is why I implore our MSPs to take some time to read through the testimonies and consider the power of the voices within our own communities.
“There is bravery in these testimonies. It’s difficult to speak up. We must change. We are looking for you to make these changes and decisions for our future generations.”
Sponsor of the Coastal Testimonies event at Scottish Parliament, Rhoda Grant MSP said: “Community-led marine management leads to fair resource allocation and sustainability, and there’s many ways to help communities become involved and more active.
“There are groups of organizations…that we can learn from that are currently leading the way on this. Nobody wants to see fish numbers dwindle and habitats degraded, and equally, nobody wants to see livelihoods at risk with people leaving their communities due to a lack of opportunity.”
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This exhibition showcases life at the water’s edge through striking photographs and moving testimonies, celebrating the interconnected roles of fishers, scientists, artists, and local communities in shaping Scotland’s coastal heritage.
“Fishing is an integral part of life in many of our coastal communities, and we all want a sustainable Scottish fishing industry; one with space to thrive alongside other users of the sea, and one that can fully capitalise on a healthy marine environment and improving fish stocks.
“Yet, we must also acknowledge that our seas are under pressure, placing unprecedented demands on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Challenges such as climate change and pressure from human activities calls for collective action, and they remind us that the responsibility to protect and enhance our seas lies with all of us.”
Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury attended the event, emphasising: “The current consultation for the National Marine Plan 2 needs to be comprehensive and the Scottish Government should not remove key sectors like fisheries.
“We need to protect our shores, from Portobello to Cramond.”
Hayley Wolcott, Coordinator of the Our Seas Coalition said: “The primary focus of the Coastal Testimonies project is to promote a better understanding of inshore environmental and fisheries issues through the collection of personal accounts and inspire greater dialogue and action within communities.”
“The testimonies speak for themselves and are now empowering people within their communities to speak up, share their first-hand experiences and talk with each other about how to safeguard their precious interconnections with our seas.
“We encourage anyone to get involved, be it a community organisation or local business, you can host an event or contribute a testimony of your own. Please get in touch.”
