Craigmillar – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Extensive enquiries ongoing into series of wilful fire-raisings

Detectives investigating a series of wilful fire-raisings in Glasgow and the West have visited more than 100 properties as part of extensive door-to-door enquiries and seized almost 700 hours of CCTV footage.

Intelligence is also being gathered, with one stolen vehicle been recovered so far.

A dedicated team of officers are being supported by specialist resources as enquiries continue.

One week on from the first incident, officers are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Cortmalaw Gardens, Glasgow on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

Extensive enquiries are also ongoing into wilful fire-raisings at four other properties across the city.
• Premises in Milton Road, Kirkintilloch on Friday, 4 April, 2025
• Properties in Gala Street and Ashgill Road, Glasgow on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Property in Meadow Court, Stepps, on Monday, 7 April, 2025
• Premises in Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025

A team of detectives are investigating these incidents and a number of reports of discharges of firearms and fire-raising in the East of the country, which are all being treated as potentially linked at this time.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

“While we believe these to be targeted attacks, the consequences could have been far more serious and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would urge anyone with information about any of these incidents to please get in touch.

“We would also be keen to speak to anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, from the areas where these incidents have taken place.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

A number of arrests have been made in the East and a number of warrants have been executed in the city.

On Thursday, 10 April, 2025, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth were arrested in connection with wilful fire-raisings in Edinburgh.

The 18-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024, a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, Friday, 11 April, 2025.

The 17-year-old male youth has been released pending further enquiries.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, have been seized, along with drugs and cash during the execution of warrants in the past few weeks.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ferry added: “A number of arrests have already been made in connection with incidents in the East and arrests will continue across the country over the coming weeks.

“I want to reassure the communities in the East and West of Scotland that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our continued action in recent weeks demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Two further arrests in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth have been arrested in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh.

Both have been arrested in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024.

The 18-year-old has also been arrested in connection with a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.

Enquiries are ongoing into the incidents, which are linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A 24-year-old man was earlier arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings. He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 8 April.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “I want to reassure the community that extensive enquiries are ongoing into this investigation and arrests will continue over the coming weeks.

“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

Police appeal following another deliberate fire in Niddrie

Detectives are appealing for information after a house was deliberately set on fire in Hay Drive in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1.20am on Friday, 4 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a fire, which also spread to a neighbouring property. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished.

There were no reports of any injuries but substantial damage has been caused to both properties.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, officers believe this incident may be linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is vital that we trace whoever is responsible for this reckless act as soon as possible.

“While we believe this was a targeted attack, the fire has spread to a neighbouring property and the consequences could have been far more serious.

“Our enquiries suggest this incident is linked to groups who are actively targeting each other but we understand this will be concerning for the local community.

“Please be assured we are working hard to trace those involved. Our action this week demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.”

A motorbike carrying 2 individuals was seen in the area around the time of the fire and officers are keen to anyone who may have seen this vehicle.

Detective Superintendent Grainger added: “We would urge anyone with information, or anyone with dash-cam, doorbell footage or personal footage, to review it and get in touch with officers.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this motorbike in the area.

“Please think back – did you see this vehicle? Or did you see anything suspicious in the area around the time?

“If you have any information at all, please contact us.

“Plain-clothed and uniform officers will remain in the area while our investigations continue.

“Anyone with any concerns, or any information, can approach these officers.”

Two further arrests have been made after more warrants were executed this week in Edinburgh following this series of incidents.

On Thursday, 3 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at five addresses across Edinburgh and Musselburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation, including weapons, were seized, along with drugs and cash.

Two men, aged 25 and 33, were arrested and charged with drugs offences. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A 38-year-old man was also reported to the Procurator Fiscal, and a 30-year-old man was given two recorded police warnings, for drugs offences.

Detectives, supported by firearms officers, also executed two additional firearms search warrants in the Leith area of Edinburgh this morning (Friday, 4 April). The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have arrested six people in total, checked around 1600 vehicles and recovered eight which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “These incidents could have had much more serious consequences and I want to make it clear this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to carry out additional high-visibility patrols and disruption activity across the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers, so we can take action.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 0562 of Friday, 21 March, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

Tracy Gilbert MP presents North East Edinburgh with CAP+ Community Alcohol Partnership of the Year Award

On Wednesday (April 2nd), Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert presented the Community Alcohol Partnership award to the North East Edinburgh division for their Innovative Youth Engagement and Community Impact efforts at an event at Westminster.

A partnership set up to tackle underage drinking has been rewarded for its work. The North East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership was named ‘CAP+ of the Year’ by national organisation Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on 2nd April 2025.

CAP sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was honoured to present the 2025 CAP+ Award to North East Edinburgh.

“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication being recognised, especially in light of the remarkable achievement of a 56% reduction in weekly alcohol consumption among 13-15 year olds in Edinburgh and Orkney. This progress is a direct result of the strong local partnerships that have been established.

“These services are vital for our young people. CAPS’ commitment to working alongside them has produced incredible outcomes.

“I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the divisions across the UK for their remarkable achievements.”

North East Edinburgh CAP was recognised for its exceptional efforts in addressing underage drinking and fostering positive change among young people in the local community.

Led by Police Officers Lauren Munro and Ania Morrison, the CAP has demonstrated outstanding creativity and dedication in tackling complex youth-related issues.

Lauren and Ania commented: “We had another great year working with CAP. With the invaluable mentoring and continuous support from the national CAP team we were able to come together with other partner agencies to deliver numerous projects over the course of 2024.

“We’re really honoured to accept this award.”

Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “The North East Edinburgh CAP, under the leadership of PC’s Munro and PC Morrison, is a brilliant example of innovation and effectiveness.

“Their creative initiatives and unwavering commitment to engaging with vulnerable young people have made a real difference in their community. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding work.”

Edinburgh incidents: Four Arrests

Four people have been arrested after warrants were executed at five properties as part of a pre-planned operation following a series of incidents in Edinburgh.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 2 April, divisional officers from Edinburgh and the east of Scotland, supported by specialist resources from Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism and firearms officers, attended at addresses across Edinburgh.

A number of items relevant to the investigation were seized at four of the five properties, including a stolen Range Rover.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident on Thursday, 20 March, 2025. He is due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

A 38-year-old man was arrested and charged for reset of a stolen motor vehicle. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Thursday, 3 April, 2025.

A 34-year-old woman was also arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle but was released pending further enquiries.

A 16-year-old man was arrested for reset of a stolen vehicle, various road traffic offences, and being in possession of an offensive weapon for incidents which occurred on Friday, 7 March, 2025. He has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

The activity was part of an ongoing investigation into the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents in the city last month.

So far officers have gathered intelligence around 1600 vehicles and recovered seven which had been stolen. Around 2400 hours of CCTV footage are being examined and officers on patrol have delivered 500 leaflets in the community to reassure them.

Extensive enquiries are ongoing and from our investigations so far, we believe the discharge of firearms and fire-raising incidents may be linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “It is imperative that we trace whoever is responsible for these reckless acts as soon as possible.

“I want to reassure the community that we have a team of detectives working on this investigation and our action today demonstrates our commitment to tackling this type of crime.

“This operation is a result of extensive investigatory work over a number of weeks and we will continue to utilise detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland as this continues.

“Disruption is just one area of our work and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to relentlessly pursue individuals who engage in violence within this city.

“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”

“Significant enquiries are ongoing in relation to all of these incidents, and we are utilising all available resources to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“If anyone has information that can help with our enquiries then please contact us immediately.”

Major investigation into criminal incidents in Edinburgh continues

POSSIBLE LINK TO THIRD INCIDENT NOW BEING INVESTIGATED

The major investigation into the discharge of firearms and associated criminal incidents in Edinburgh is continuing.

A team of detectives, along with specialist and divisional officers, are working on this inquiry. Significant CCTV footage has also been collected which is being scrutinised and officers continue to gather additional information via door-to-door enquiries.

On Saturday afternoon, officers conducted road and vehicle checks in the Ferry Road, Niddrie and Pennywell areas. These road checks will continue as part of the ongoing investigation.

A report of a suspicious fire in Hay Drive today – Sunday, 23 March – is now also being investigated.

Superintendent Paul Gillespie said: “We understand this will be concerning for local communities, but I want to reassure everyone that we are pursuing those involved and are using every tool and tactic at our disposal.

“We are taking strong action to disrupt this criminal activity and a lot of work, which may not always be visible, is ongoing. Additional officers are currently deployed to specifically target criminals and disrupt their activities.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into a number of incidents in Edinburgh. From our investigations so far, we believe these are linked to groups who are actively targeting each other.

“The local division and senior management are being provided with support from our national Specialist Crime Division and Operational Support Division.

“We are carrying out additional high-visibility patrols and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach these officers.

“We understand the significant impact this has had on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.

“Finding those who carried out these reckless acts is paramount. If you know anything that could help, please do the right thing and speak to police.”

Young People: Time to Talk

Granton Youth have partnered up with The Junction – Young People, Health and Wellbeing, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe, Canongate Youth & Wester Hailes Youth Agency to be apart of a project called ‘Time to Talk’ – to try and support more young people across Edinburgh.

If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.

#grantonyouth

#gy

#timetotalk

Invest in libraries, invest in communities: the cost of cuts is too high

An OPEN LETTER from ALISON NOLAN, chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)

Did you know that over the past decade, 53 public libraries across Scotland have closed their doors for good – without replacement ?

The same public libraries which provide essential access to trusted information and education for all, which ignite a lifelong love of reading from early years, and which serve as warm, welcoming spaces where everyone is welcome without any expectation to spend. The same public libraries which, time and again, deliver enormous value to communities across the country, only to find themselves at risk when budgets are debated.

I’ve written to councillors across Edinburgh, before crucial budget decisions are made for the next financial year, to remind them what investment in public libraries truly means.

At the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), the advocacy body for Scotland’s network of over 500 public and mobile libraries, we understand the delicate financial situation that councils must navigate but we would urge those considering cuts to their library services to think again.

It’s no secret that the cultural sector is under unprecedented pressure but the narrative that austerity measures justify these cuts is shortsighted. This isn’t just a story of diminishing buildings and bookshelves; it’s a story of lives disrupted.

These closures are deeply felt because libraries represent so much more than the sum of their parts. Public libraries remain the most popular service local government delivers. Closing these doors means cutting off opportunities — a cost far greater than any savings achieved.

Libraries are proven to deliver significant economic and social returns, with research from Suffolk Libraires revealing a £6.95 return of economic benefit for every £1 invested through improved literacy, better mental health and stronger communities. And of course, when this investment figure is flipped, we see that the closure of public libraries will result in the community losing out on £6.95 of economic and social benefit for every £1 that is invested elsewhere.

The troubling trend of closures and cuts to library services across the country all too often disproportionately affects rural communities, exacerbating existing inequalities by stripping away vital access to education, digital resources and safe spaces for social interaction.

For these communities, libraries are not a luxury but a necessity. They provide essential services to support job applications, digital literacy training and social connection. To lose them is to deepen the isolation already felt by many.

Ask yourself: where else can citizens turn for support with their health, finances and employment? Libraries do it all under a single roof. They make real change to people in communities right across Edinburgh and play a central part in how the council brings about change.

Libraries drive forward crucial national agendas including preventative health – with the Health on the Shelf research report showing they save NHS Scotland £3.2m every year, bridging the digital divide by offering free access to PCs, Wi-Fi and digital support for a range of essential services, and fostering social cohesion by hosting a diverse range of community events. And this is all in addition to their core function: to encourage reading and provide a range of trusted reference materials.

As cuts and closures loom across the country, we’re urging local decision-makers to prioritise sustainable investment in libraries. Cutting library budgets is a false economy. The cost of losing libraries extends far beyond financial savings, impacting education, mental health and community cohesion. But it’s not just closures that we’re concerned about.

The slow, salami-slicing effect that has been seen over recent years, with opening hours cut – decreasing by 13%, on average – budgets slashed and staffing numbers reduced is felt across communities, with 1 in 3 voicing fears that their whole service is at risk.

Where councils have embraced the importance of libraries, the benefits are clear. 22 out of the 32 local authorities have not made any cuts to their library services in the last decade; instead, they are choosing to invest in their future, from creating learning hubs which have seen unprecedented loan figures, to developing dedicated ‘Maker Spaces’, reinforcing the role that libraries play as the originators of the sharing economy by offering access to emerging technology, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, as well as sewing and embroidery equipment.

In a recent survey from the Association of Public Libraries in Scotland, over 93% agreed that using the public library improves their quality of life, reminding us of the immense value that a public library holds, evolving to meet the needs of modern Scotland with the emergence of whole-community assets that can be used by educators, small businesses, community groups, and individuals to help people right across Edinburgh achieve their potential, while retaining their fundamental purpose: to connect, inspire and empower.

These services are a source of inspiration, but they remain the exception rather than the rule. To fulfil this potential, they need more than goodwill — they need sustainable funding.

No other community asset can deliver the vast economic and social benefits that a thriving public library service can, and so we would urge decision-makers to prioritise investment in their communities.

Anything less would be a failure we cannot afford.

ALISON NOLAN

Chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)

Big wins for Edinburgh’s community groups as they celebrate National Lottery funding boost

MORE than seventy community groups across Edinburgh are shaking off the winter blues with the exciting news of their share of the latest round of National Lottery funding, announced today (Thursday 6th February).

Among the local projects celebrating this morning are Fresh Start, Living Rent, Granton Parish Church, Project Esperanza, LifeCare, Granton Youth and LIFT at Muirhouse Millennium Centre – who receive not one but TWO Lottery grants!

The Muirhouse centre recently launched an online fundraising campaign so today’s news of lottery success is a welcome boost.

LIFT receives £62,553 to continue delivery of their community support offering
within Muirhouse. Through support and advocacy LIFT aims to tackle child poverty, increase wellbeing for individuals and families, and allow them to move forward from poverty and crisis.

LIFT was awarded a further £23,187 to employ a staff member to work on and develop their ‘sharing shelf’. This is a space where members of the community can come, without a referral, to pick up some food essentials and acts as a link point to other services within the centre.

Hard-pressed community centres have done particularly well in this round of grants: as well as Muirhouse Millennium Centre there are big grants for Space at Broomhouse, Craigmillar’s Sandy’s Community Centre and Southside Community Centre.

This vital support will enable them to continue to bring together local people, deliver essential services, and provide much-needed support to their communities. 

This latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 549 projects across Scotland. A full list of projects is attached. 

Thanks to an award of £76,336, Craigmillar Literacy Trust will continue to deliver their programme of early and family literacy activities for families, parents and carers for the next two years.

Kara Whelan, Project Manager, Craigmillar Literacy Trust, said: “This funding will enable us to continue to deliver our literacy support programmes to families with babies and young children, specifically, early communication and family literacy through home visits and one-to-one support for individual families. ”

An award of £63,399 means that Living Rent will provide support and guidance around a range of housing issues affecting hundreds of people in Leith, Newhaven and Granton over the next three years.

Emma Saunder, National Organiser for Living Rent, said: “This will have a huge impact on our ability to continue to grow and empower our members.

“This award will support us to grow in the Leith area of Edinburgh, as well as building a thriving group in Granton. We can also continue our work, supporting members who are trapped in awful housing conditions through empowering them to know their rights and take action to receive compensation, repairs or stop evictions.

“The National Lottery funding is a continued source of strength and support for local communities helping us to support them to come together to ask for change.”

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) will expand their ‘Financial Wellbeing’ service for disabled people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians after an award of £25,000.

Florence Garabedian, Interim CEO, LCiL, said: “From our work, we clearly see the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the lives of disabled people, their families and carers.

“This funding will help us provide a targeted response to the current financial climate, help many more people who are struggling with day-to-day costs and offer accessible advice and information around welfare benefits, income maximisation and financial security.”

Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund said: “At The National Lottery Community Fund we are so proud to be able to support local groups to make a real and lasting difference and help address the challenges their communities face.

“It’s all made possible by National Lottery players and we’re excited to see the outcomes of all of the funded projects across Edinburgh in the months ahead.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.        

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk    

LOTTERY-GRANTS Download

Young Start funding helps bright young minds across Scotland to thrive

LOTTERY SUCCESS FOR THREE CAPITAL INITIATIVES

Projects working to improve the confidence and wellbeing of young people across Scotland are today (WEDNESDAY 5th FEBRUARY) sharing in £1,271,922 of Young Start funding this Children’s Mental Health Week.

The funding, which comes from dormant account cash and is delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund, is used to support thousands of children and young people annually all over Scotland, many of whom face mental health and wellbeing issues.

Three Edinburgh projects receive funding in the latest round of grants:

Big Hearts Community Trust receives almost £85,000 to support the expansion of their Welcome Through Football initiative, using football to engage young refugees, migrants and asylum seekers aged 15-24 facing trauma, hardship and social
exclusion.

Across the city in Leith, Hibernian Community Foundation also score with £95,000 to support neurodivergent young people aged 16-25 to develop essential life skills by delivering a structured programme of activities and community participation. Over the next three years 240 young people are expected to take part and supported by 40 volunteers.

Making it a hat-trick for the capital is Castlebrae-based Edinburgh Development Group, who receive £100,000 to provide a three-year project, supporting neurodiverse and disabled young people, who are working towards employability.

Founded in 2005, Lochaber Hope supports young people facing crisis periods in their lives. In recent years the charity has concentrated its efforts on a number of peer support projects and activity groups which focus on the well-being and improvement of young people’s mental health and from this the Bright Minds Project was born.

Bright Minds is a local youth initiative, created for young people and guided by a youth advisory board. The project offers events and training opportunities, as well as campaigning for changes in mental health culture and advocating for better support systems for young people.

An award of £54,220 means they can help more young people like 24-year-old Shaun Wallace from Lochaber.

Shaun previously worked with the charity as a project assistant but left to go to college and study to be a veterinary care assistant. When he was going through a difficult time, Lochaber Hope offered him seven free counselling sessions.

Shaun explained: “I’ve always struggled with my mental health, all the way through high school I was dealing with anxiety, depression and bi-polar disorder.

“This would, at times lead to suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self- harm and did result in an incident where I had to be taken to hospital. Thankfully I decided to seek out support and this was the beginning of me getting better and going to counselling sessions provided by Lochaber Hope. I owe so much to Lochaber hope and don’t know where I would be today, if it wasn’t for them.

“I loved giving something back by helping at events and when the chance to get involved with the Bright Minds project came up, I was more than happy to. I might be the oldest in the group, but we all have big ambitions and I’m able to offer support and advice to the younger members of the group.

“We’re only small but we’re making a big impact. Ideally, I would love a lot more people to get involved and experience the huge changes in their lives that I have.”

Alyson Smith, Founder Manager, Lochaber Hope said: “Young Start has been a very special fund for Lochaber Hope.

“We can see how young people are better managing their mental health by building resilience and confidence, and we look forward to the events and activities they have organised that will be taking place over the coming months.”

Another organisation nurturing young people’s talent and wellbeing is Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre.

The north Glasgow based charity receives £100,000 to run its PROGRESS: Empowering Young People for Creative Careers project which provides a range of entry points and routes for training and employment for young people to enter the creative industries.

Jennifer Belle Baird, 25, from Glasgow, is a published writer but would never have dreamed of speaking in public before she joined Toonspeak three years ago.

Jennifer said: “I had gone through school living with anxiety and was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder at 14. Being part of the project I was able to get feedback in a supportive way, without criticism. It was so good for my self-confidence and helped rid me of imposter syndrome.

“There’s no pressure to perform because it’s not all about performance, they value all areas of creativity here. Being a writer can be so isolating and now I actually enjoy performing too. I’m a member of the Toonspeak performance collective, the Young Company and have even written a play for The Merchant City Festival.

“I now view myself as a working artist and hope to work in a theatre. I often think how lucky the younger people here are to have Toonspeak at their age, Hopefully I can continue being part of the organisation and my work can uplift younger people.”

Chi Nguyen, Funding Officer, Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from Young Start.

This funding allows us to create life-changing opportunities for young people to develop skills, confidence, and networks in the creative industries. Already, PROGRESS is helping them take big steps toward their future careers, and we’re excited to see the continued impact this will have.”

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still, said: “We are so pleased to announce our latest Young Start funding, which helps enable organisations to directly support the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

“Shaun and Jennifer’s stories are two examples of the many young people who’ve benefitted from Young Start funded projects and we are always keen to support more ideas. If your group has a project that could improve the lives of young people in Scotland, then we’d love to hear from you.”

“To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk “

See full list of projects: – Young Start Table of Awards February 2025 (1).pdf