Category: North Edinburgh News

Nationwide returns £2.8 BILLION to members as it announces third Fairer Share Payment

Over 24,000 in Scotland to receive the Fairer Share Payment

  • Nationwide announces £2.8bn of member value as it reports full year results
  • Includes £1bn of direct payments to eligible members and £1.8bn in better than average rates and incentives
  • New Fairer Share Payment means over 4m eligible members with current account & qualifying savings or mortgage get £100
  • Launch of new market leading 5% Member Exclusive Bond and a £200 member switching incentive
  • Nationwide number one for customer service for 13th year running amongst peers

Nationwide returned a record £2.8 billion in value to members last year, including £1 billion in direct payments to eligible members. It also delivered £1.8 billion in better than average rates and incentives, with deposit rates over 30 per cent higher.

Britain’s biggest building society today announced outstanding full year results with record growth in retail deposits and net mortgage lending, including help for more first-time buyers than any other lender in the UK. Statutory profit before tax rose to a record £2.3 billion, even after returning £1 billion directly back to members through last year’s Fairer Share Payment and The Big Nationwide Thank You.

Nationwide announced a new Fairer Share Payment today, with over four million members receiving £100 each. The payment goes to eligible members choosing Nationwide for their everyday banking, in addition to holding a qualifying savings or mortgage product. It will be paid directly into their Nationwide current account between 18 June and 4 July. 

It is also launching a market-leading 5% Member Exclusive Bond and a £200 member-only switching incentive.

Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide’s Chief Executive, said: “Nationwide has had an outstanding twelve months.

“We returned a record £2.8 billion in value to our members and recorded our highest ever year for growth in mortgage lending and retail deposit balances, and we remain first for customer service.”

The Member Exclusive Bond is available from today to all 16 million existing members and can be opened in branch, online or via the Banking App. Members saving the maximum £10,000 would receive £762.50 in interest after 18 months – over £150 more than they would receive over the same period in our next highest-rate bond (4% 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond).

Members who didn’t have their main current account with Nationwide on 31 March can benefit from a £200 Member Exclusive Current Account Online Switch Offerfrom today.

Nationwide remained first for customer service for the 13th year running, and increased its year-end lead to the highest it has been for eight years. It was also named as the Which? Banking Brand of the Year last week.

Nationwide has a unique Branch Promise and 5.7 million customers visited its branches last year – a year-on-year increase of four per cent. Over 30 per cent of new current accounts and 40 per cent of ISAs were opened in branch last year. 

Nationwide also continued to invest in digital channels – providing members choice in how they bank. 

The Society saw an 11 percent increase in app usage last year. It added over 30 new features to the Nationwide and Virgin Money apps last year; other innovations included an automated income verification and valuation tool that enable mortgage borrowers to receive an offer within just 20 minutes from application. 

Nationwide’s products are now drawing younger people. It attracted more than a quarter of the student current account market and helped more first-time buyers than any other UK lender.

Rain but not recovery – water scarcity concern remains for much of Scotland

Following rainfall at the beginning of the week, some parts of Scotland have seen temporary improvements in water conditions. However, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that parts of the country, particularly in the east, remain under pressure.

Most of the East Coast from Moray and Aberdeenshire down to the Borders remains at Moderate Scarcity.

The rain has improved ground conditions and permitted widespread recovery in the west. In the south-west, the river catchments of the Almond, Annan, Nith, Dee (Galloway) and Cree have recovered from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. It has also caused a similar recovery in the Almond catchment further east.

To the north, the Leven (Dunbartonshire), Loch Fyne, the Argyll coast, Loch Linnhe, the Lochy (Invernessshire), Loch Shiel, Loch Alsh and Loch Maree have all recovered and are now in Early Warning alongside the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The Awe and Etive area has recovered from Alert to Normal Conditions, due to the heaviest rain falling here.

The rest of Scotland remains at Alert.

Scotland experienced a drier than average autumn, winter and spring, leaving many rivers and aquifers struggling to recharge. Even with recent rain, groundwater remains low in many places.

The UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) forecast we would see hotter drier summers, heavier but more unpredictable rainfall and growing pressure on water resources. This is part of a long-term shift, and Scotland is already seeing the changes the climate models predicted.

Kenny Boag, Head of Environmental Performance (National) from SEPA said: “We’ve had rain in some areas but not widespread recovery. There has been some relief in parts of the West, for many river catchments the long-term deficit remains. It’s a complex picture, and while we welcome signs of recovery in some areas, most of the East Coast continues to experience water stress.

“Many catchments remain under significant pressure and the water environment is still in a vulnerable state. More rain is forecast over the next few days, but we need sustained rainfall in the right places over weeks, not just days, to make a real difference.

“SEPA continue to work closely with abstractors and sectors using water from our environment in the areas facing sustained water scarcity.

“Clear, early communication is being provided so no one is caught off guard. We know how important water is to the Scottish economy, particularly sectors like farming, food and drink, and energy – but we also know that without a healthy water environment those sectors cannot thrive.

“Balancing economic and environmental needs is at the heart of our role as a regulator. If restrictions are put in place, they will be proportionate and in place for a short time as possible. But we will act where necessary to protect the water environment because it underpins Scotland’s economy, communities and way of life.”

SEPA continues to urge everyone from farmers and producers to industry and manufacturers to continue using water efficiently and manage this shared resource responsibly. Advice is available on SEPA’s website, as well as from SEPA staff contacting abstractors with licences in areas at risk.

  • In Early Warning areas conditions are dry but no action is currently required. Abstractors should begin preparing for potential action.
  • In Alert areas water levels are low. SEPA advises voluntary reductions in non-essential water use.
  • In Moderate Scarcity areas there are clear environmental impacts. Action is expected from abstractors to protect rivers and the species that rely on them.

Shining light Reg dresses to impress for 97th birthday

Festivities have been in full swing at Strachan House Care Home, as one of its residents celebrates his 97th birthday in style.

Reg Lacon was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as he was piped in to celebrate his birthday. A buffet and beverages were available to all celebrating with Reg at Strachan House, and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home’s chefs Ross and Paul.

Reg, looked the part as he dressed to impress, proudly wearing his Northern Lighthouse Board uniform. Reg, served with The NLB for many years. He had an adventurous career, with great memories. Staying in service as long as he could before retiring, Reg moved into Strachan house Care Home in August 2024, where he is enjoying a new chapter of his life, making new memories with friends.

The birthday boy said: ‘I have had a truly wonderful day, it’s been wonderful to see everyone and to have such a great piper was exceptional!’

Fran Fisher, General Manager of Barchester Strachan House, added: “We’re delighted to be celebrating Reg’s birthday. He is such a popular resident, who always has an interesting tale to tell about his travels and his career with the Lighthouse board.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides Residential, Nursing and Dementia care for short and long term stays.

ASH Scotland welcomes unanimous MSPs’ vote in favour of the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill

ASH Scotland has welcomed the unanimous vote by MSPs in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Thursday 29 May 2025) to pass the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill Legislative Consent Motion (LCM).

The health charity believes this will be a positive step towards the opportunity of bringing in strong measures to drive down the use of tobacco as well as addictive, health harming nicotine products in the next generation.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “In supporting the World Health Organization’s 2025 World No Tobacco Day campaign in Scotland, the predatory tobacco and nicotine industry’s marketing tactics must be stopped to prevent a new wave of addiction and today’s vote sends a signal that our elected representatives are rising to that challenge.

“We welcome the cross party support for the proposed robust measures in the UK Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill and the Scottish Government’s LCM to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.”

@scotgovhealth

#WorldNoTobaccoDay

Tomorrow: PYCP Youth Committee Pentland Hills sponsored walk

Support Our Youth Committee’s Sponsored Walk!

TOMORROW, Saturday May 31st, our intrepid young Youth Committee from Pilton Youth and Children’s Project will be embarking on a sponsored walk on the Pentland Hills to raise funds for our charity. We are reaching out to our amazing community for support.

Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference.

Your contributions will help us continue providing essential services and opportunities for children and young people living in Pilton and the surrounding area.

https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/28035#!/DonationDetails

for anyone making a business donation use this link or email Debbie@pycp.co.uk for bank details https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sponsoredwalkpy…

Super Strikers at Royston Wardieburn

“Welcome to Super Strikers!

 Edinburgh and Lothians answer to toddler football!

Start at 18 months and going up to 5 years old, Super Strikers offers fun and energetic classes.

With classes at the Royston Wardieburn Community Centre every Friday!

Our sessions help your little one not only improve and learn football skills but also helps builds confidence. 

 We offer a 3 week trial for all of our classes, across 7 different venues! 

 Find out more info and how to book here – https://superstrikers.kids.

Friday football!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️

We are Super excited to have 8 classes on today! 🥳

You can still join us in #Granton or #Morningside in the morning! Or join us in the afternoon in #Bonnyrigg👋

More info and booking here – https://superstrikers.kids

We can’t wait to see everyone! ⚽️🏆

#superstrikers

#edinburgh

#superstrikersedinburgh

#football

#preschoolfootball

#supertots

#superkickers

#friday

#toddler

#edinburghmums

#toddleractivities

#toddlerlife

#ToddlerClasses

#toddlergroup

UK Government urged to abandon ‘immoral’ disability benefit cuts

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to UK Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, calling for an urgent change to the UK Government’s “immoral and reckless” social security reforms.

Ms Somerville welcomed the suggestion by Prime Minister Keir Starmer that cuts to winter fuel payment could be eased, but said this was not enough.

In the letter the Social Justice Secretary said: ‘I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister announce plans to ease the Winter Fuel Payment cuts in Parliament last week.

‘I am also aware of various media reports suggesting that a change in the UK Government’s two-child limit may be announced shortly. I welcome these developments and recognise that it is a step in the right direction to delivering a more robust Social Security system.

‘However, deep concerns remain around the UK government’s damaging social security reforms, including those announced in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper.

‘Given the speculation on the reversal or partial reversal of policies on Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Cap, I call on you to urgently scrap these immoral proposals on disabled benefits.

‘These plans will only push more into poverty. It is therefore reckless and totally unacceptable for the UK Government to press ahead, not least due to the expected severity of the impact they will have on all our efforts to end child poverty – completely undermining the work of the UK Child Poverty Taskforce.’ 

Appeal following serious sexual assault of teenage girl in City Centre

POLICE are appealing for information after a teenage girl was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.

The incident happened shortly after 5am in a basement storage area on York Place.

The 15-year-old girl was approached by a man at a bus stop by Marks and Spencer on Princes Street at around 5am. He then took her on foot to York Place.

After the assault the suspect left the area in the direction of Dublin Street.

The suspect is described as a white man with blond stubble/beard who spoke with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a black zip up hooded top, khaki green trousers, and Nike trainers. He wore a black balaclava.

Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “This was a frightening incident for the girl and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family.

“From extensive enquiries within Edinburgh City Centre, we know the suspect approached her on Princes Street and then led her onto South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, then to York Place.

“Despite the early morning there was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward.

“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible.

“We continue to carry out door to door enquiries and I’d appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.”

Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, said: “We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.”

Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0136 of 27 May 2025. An anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

New National Park? Not For Now!

Galloway and Ayrshire residents split over National Park plan

Ministers have decided not to pursue a proposal to designate Galloway and Ayrshire as a National Park.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed that opposition to the nomination and the Reporter’s recommendations against it meant that the region in southwest Scotland would not join the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs as the country’s third national park.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Gougeon said: “While there is substantial support for a National Park and what it could deliver for the southwest of Scotland, there is also significant opposition. 

“I realise that this decision will be very disappointing for those who have been campaigning for a new National Park in Galloway over many years. 

“I also recognise the huge amount of work and time that has been invested by a great many people throughout this process.  I would like to thank everyone involved, including members of the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

“I would also like to thank NatureScot for its work carrying out such an important and extensive public consultation in a robust and professional way that was commended in the review of the process carried out by the Scottish Community Development Centre. The consultation raised some really important issues that local people care deeply about and we now have the opportunity to look at how we can address these.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to our existing National Parks and the vital leadership role that they play in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, promoting sustainable land management and supporting the economic and social development of local communities.

“Our National Parks are achieving for people and nature.”

The proposal to designate a new National Park in Galloway and Ayrshire was jointly put forward by the Galloway National Park Association and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, in response to the Scottish Government’s invitation to communities and organisations across Scotland to nominate their area to be considered for designation as a new National Park.

Five nominations were received through that process – from Galloway and Ayrshire, Lochaber, Loch Awe, Scottish Borders and Tay Forest. 

NatureScot was appointed as the statutory Reporter, as specified in the National Parks legislation, to carry out this investigation, undertake a public consultation and report to the Scottish Government.

Following an initial period of engagement with local communities, public bodies and stakeholders, NatureScot ran a 14-week public consultation process from 7 November 2024 until 14 February 2025.

Over 5,000 surveys were completed and more than 1,000 people attended events that were held across Galloway and South and East Ayrshire – with the final results showing around 54% of responses opposed the National Park proposal and around 42% of responses supported it. 

The Report found: “Our recommendation as Reporter is therefore not to proceed with the designation but instead to strengthen a range of existing arrangements, including a better resourced and more influential Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve, a renewed focus on people and nature alongside commercial forestry operations in the Galloway Forest Park and a new commitment to the implementation of management strategies for the three National Scenic Areas.”

A report on the proposal for a National Park in Southwest Scotland – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The High Life – The Musical Takes Flight in 2026

  • New musical announced – touring in Spring 2026, based on the legendary 1990’s TV show.
  • The High Life reunites Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson with original cast members Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart
  • Acclaimed artists join the creative team including writer Johnny McKnight and director Andrew Panton
  • The first production announced, for the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th anniversary programme in 2026.

National Theatre of Scotland and Dundee Rep Theatre in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Capital Theatres present 

WORLD PREMIERE 

The High Life. 
The Musical. 
Still Living it! 

Story, Script and Lyrics by Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson and Johnny McKnight

Music by Forbes Masson, additional music by Alan Cumming 
Directed by Andrew Panton 

Cast includes Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart. 

Colin Richmond – Set & Costume Designer; Emily Jane Boyle – Choreographer; Musical Supervisor – Sarah Travis; Lighting Designer – Grant Anderson 

Touring Scotland from Saturday 28 March until Saturday 16 May 2026. 

Touring to Dundee Rep Theatre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King’s Theatre, Glasgow. 

After a 30-year delay in the departure lounge, The High Life returns in a new musical spectacular featuring all four original cast members – Alan Cumming, Forbes Masson, Siobhan Redmond and Patrick Ryecart akaSebastian Flight, Steve McCracken, Shona Spurtle and Captain Hilary Duff. 

The production will tour Scotland in Spring 2026, with previews and opening performance at Dundee Rep Theatre from 28 March, then onward touring to HMT Aberdeen, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Eden Court Theatre and King’s Theatre Glasgow until 16 May 2026. 

The High Life is a creative collaboration between trailblazing, multi-award-winning artist Alan Cumming (US Traitors, X2 and Avengers: Doomsday and Cabaret on Broadway) and his long-time writing and performing partner, prolific stage and screen actor and writer Forbes Masson (Only Child, The Crown, Eastenders). 

The creative team is joined by celebrated writer, performer and panto-maker Johnny McKnight (Wendy Hoose, Radiant Vermin, River City) and the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Artistic Director of Dundee Rep, Andrew Panton (August: Osage County, No Love Songs, A History of Paper). 

Oh deary me! Air Scotia has been sold, and unless our intrepid cabin crew can prove they’re still fit for purpose it looks like the future destination for Air Scotia is the scrap heap. In this flight for their lives, our cut-price cabin crew must get themselves (and their passengers) to their destination safely, testing their mettle and putting decades old friendships and rivalries finally to rest. 

The High Life was first commissioned and broadcast by the BBC, created by and featuring Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson. It was a launchpad to its creators’ long and illustrious careers. Since airing in the 90s it has attracted cult status for its sharp wit, farcical storytelling and joyous buffoonery. Taking place in the fictional Air Scotia airline, it centres around air stewards Steve, Sebastian and Shona – the most useless cabin crew ever to push a drinks trolley while asking ‘U Fur Coffee?”.   

This revival sees our iconic characters finding themselves growing older in an ever-changing world. It will feature new and original music, is stuffed full of camp silliness and is cleared for take-off. 

Siobhan Redmond reprises her TV role as the iconic Shona Spurtle on stage. Siobhan has worked extensively in theatre, film and television and is known most recently for appearances in Two Doors Down, Death in Paradise and Rain Dogs. She is joined on board by Patrick Ryecart as the absent-minded Captain Hilary Duff. Patrick’s screen credits include The Crown, Poldark and The King’s Speech.  

Cumming and Masson met at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 1982 and  formed the beloved comedy double act Victor and Barry. This momentous showbiz event was recently chronicled in the book Victor and Barry’s Kelvinside Compendium – A Meander Down Memory Close, a 40th anniversary celebration of their birth.  

The pair later transmogrified Victor and Barry into Steve and Sebastian when they wrote the BBC sitcom, The High Life. 

The High Life was first introduced to TV audience in an initial pilot in 1994 and then in a series of six episodes which were broadcast in early 1995. The series is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.  

Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson said: “Never say never! We are both beyond excited to be donning those nylon slacks and crimpelene blazers and connecting with our inner trolly dollies after all these years.

“Returning to these characters alongside the genius that is Johnny McKnight has been a joyful experience and we can’t wait to share what madness we’ve come up with around Scotland!”

Johnny McKnight said: “I am absolutely thrilled to join the Air Scotia cabin crew. I grew up watching The High Life, wishing that one day I could get to fly thirty thousand feet with Alan, Forbes, Siobhan and Patrick.

“I never believed that a reunion show would happen, let alone that I would get to be part of the team working on it. The bags are packed, the tena-man pants on, and I am ready for check in. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for the flight of a lifetime.”

Andrew Panton said: “Having been a High Life fan right from take-off in 1994, it’s been a total joy to work with this amazing team of pure talent.

“Our development time together has been a riot of creative energy, hilarity and brilliant music and songs and I feel sure our new stage musical will appeal to both fans of the TV show and folks new to The High Life!

“I’m thrilled that we’re creating the show at Dundee Rep Theatre before it jets off to entertain audiences across Scotland.”

Touring to Dundee Rep Theatre; His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen; Festival Theatre, Edinburgh and King’s Theatre, Glasgow in Spring 2026.

More information here.