One Block Too Many? MSPs take on Scotland’s Tumbling Policy Tower at Tourism and Hospitality Event

The ASSC and SHG host parliamentary reception to introduce MSPs to the visitor economy for the new parliamentary session, inviting politicians to test how much regulatory pressure the sector can take before it all comes tumbling down

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) and the Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) hosted a drop-in reception at the Scottish Parliament to introduce MSPs to Scotland’s vital tourism and hospitality industry as the new parliamentary session gets under way.

The event, hosted by Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Tourism Daniel Johnson MSP, was attended by politicians from the SNP, Labour, Reform Scotland, Conservative and Liberal Dem benches, alongside self-caterers and hospitality operators from across the country.

Amongst the MSPs in attendance was Scottish Government Minister for Innovation Alyn Smith MSP and Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Joe Fagan MSP. Speeches were provided by ASSC and SHG leads, Fiona Campbell MBE and Stephen Montgomery.

To bring the sector’s message to life, guests were invited to try their hand at a giant tumbling tower, built from blocks representing the many regulatory and fiscal pressures facing tourism and hospitality businesses. As with any such tower, removing a single block rarely brings it down but each one removed brings the whole structure closer to collapse. MSPs and industry figures took turns testing exactly that.

The exercise also illustrated the argument behind a new infographic released by the two leading industry bodies: that businesses do not experience government policy one intervention at a time, but absorb the combined cost and administrative burden of everything introduced across government at once.

For self-caterers, that ranges from short-term let licensing and planning controls; and for hospitality businesses, from alcohol advertising restrictions, the deposit return scheme to Low Emission Zones. Moreover, that’s on top of shared pressures including visitor levies and rising business rates.

Tourism and hospitality are among Scotland’s greatest economic strengths, supporting jobs, businesses and communities in every constituency. But behind those numbers are people: the owners, operators, employees and entrepreneurs who welcome visitors, create jobs, invest locally and help make Scotland one of the world’s most welcoming destinations.

The ASSC and SHG hope the reception gave MSPs the chance to hear directly from some of those people, and to understand both the contribution they make and the challenges they are currently facing.

With all that in mind, the ASSC and SHG are now calling on national and local government to embed cumulative impact assessment into policymaking, so that any new measure affecting the visitor economy is considered not just on its own terms, but alongside the pressures businesses are already carrying.

With visitor spend reaching £11.4bn, the organisations argue that protecting the sector’s ability to invest, employ and grow is a matter of national economic importance, not just an industry concern.

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the ASSC, said: “Businesses do not experience government policies one at a time, they experience them all at once. Each new measure adds yet another block to an already growing burden.

When the regulatory burden keeps stacking up, businesses have less capacity to invest, employ and grow. We were therefore delighted to see MSPs get involved with our tumbling tower but while it was a fun visual, but there was serious thought behind it.

“Namely, that good policymaking must consider how various interventions interact and what the cumulative impact means for business. The reception was a valuable chance to start that conversation with cross-party MSPs and we look forward to building on that engagement throughout this parliamentary session and beyond.”

Stephen Montgomery, Director of the SHG, said: “Hospitality businesses are being asked to carry an ever-growing stack of taxation, regulation and additional costs, without the cumulative impact always being properly assessed.

“Every new block has to be paid for somewhere and government must look at the whole structure rather than adding measures one by one. What we now need, is government to speak to and include us in all the discussions, and take our factual evidence into account, before any policy is determined or implemented.

“Nevertheless, it was fantastic to welcome MSPs from across the political spectrum and we were greatly encouraged by the appetite for genuine engagement with our sector. We want to build on those conversations so that the industry and parliament are working together in partnership in the years ahead.

“After all, when hospitality and self-catering thrive, our communities thrive, our economy grows, and Scotland succeeds.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP backs greater choice for children with life shortening conditions

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP has highlighted the importance of ensuring children with life-shortening conditions and their families can access the right care, in the right place and at the right time, after hearing directly from families supported by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

At a recent event in the Scottish Parliament, Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP joined families, health and care leaders, charities and community organisations in making their mark on a special CHAS installation, reflecting a shared commitment to improving support for children and families across Scotland.

The event heard how children’s palliative care helps babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions live as well as possible, while supporting their families emotionally, practically and clinically throughout their journey.

During 2025-26, 59 children and families across Edinburgh and Lothians East received support from CHAS through a combination of hospice care at home, and 24/7 specialist support. Alongside 1279 CHAS at Home hours and 483 specialist hospice bed nights, CHAS provided 1585 out-of-hours contacts, ensuring families could access advice and support whenever they needed it.

With the number of children and young people in Scotland living with life-shortening conditions having increased by 40 per cent over the past decade, CHAS is calling for continued focus on coordinated, family-centred support that gives families greater choice about how and where care is delivered.

Rami Okasha, Chief Executive of CHAS, said: “Every child with a life-shortening condition deserves access to the care and support they need, wherever they live in Scotland.

“As more children live longer with increasingly complex conditions, it is vital that services work together around children and families, providing coordinated support and genuine choice about how and where care is delivered.

“Children’s palliative care is a lead case for what public service reform looks like in practice, with health services, local government, communities and charities working together around shared outcomes rather than organisational boundaries.

“Families should not have to navigate disconnected systems to access support. By working together across health, social care, communities and the voluntary sector, we can improve outcomes for children and help families make the most of their precious time together.”

Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP added: “Hearing directly from families who received support from CHAS was an extremely powerful reminder of the vital importance of this service. Families should not need to worry about whether and how they can access the right care and support at such a difficult time.

“Every child in Scotland facing a shortened life should be able to get the absolute best care and support, no matter their postcode.”

‘We read to know we are not alone’: A global reading adventure inviting everyone to get involved

To mark the National Year of Reading, the National Literacy Trust and the British Council are teaming up to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for ‘The most people reading together online over 12 hours’ on 8 October
The new record will highlight the wellbeing benefits of reading in the run up to World Mental Health Day
A host of National Year of Reading ambassadors including Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Nathanael Lessore, David Larbi, Nadia Shireen, Ben Mercer, Alice Loxton and T.J. Power to take part
People wanting to get involved can sign up now

Children, young people and adults around the world are being invited to pause for 10 minutes and read together to experience the wellbeing benefits of reading for a brand-new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title taking place in the lead up to World Mental Health Day (10 October).

The new record for the ‘most people reading together online over 12 hours’ will be held on 8 October where schools, families and people in workplaces, libraries and community settings will be invited to take part in online events designed for different age groups: 5-8 years, 8-12 years, 12-16 years and 16+.

Each event will feature a special author or guest, alongside ten minutes of dedicated reading time, and the event for adults (suitable for ages 16+) will be hosted by BookTok personalities Coco Omer and Zubs J Malik with contributions from National Year of Reading ambassadors. Registration is now open, so people can sign up and get involved.

This marks a collaboration between The National Literacy Trust and the British Council in the National Year of Reading 2026.

Author, screen writer and National Year of Reading Ambassador Frank Cottrell-Boyce said: “What a treat it is to be part of this record attempt. Stories belong to the whole world – all our stories are shared, and that’s a wonderful thing.

“Some of the most important reading experiences of my life have been when someone else was reading to me – my dad, a teacher and, more recently, my own children.

“I’m honoured to be able to join in taking ten minutes to slow down, share a story and remind ourselves just how brilliant reading together can be.”

The new record attempt coincides with the National Literacy Trust’s annual #Take10toRead campaign which aims to make reading an accessible part of everyday life, while highlighting the opportunities reading can provide for relaxation, reflection, creativity, connection and exploring different perspectives.

The partnership with the British Council offers the opportunity to reach up to 700 million people across 150 countries around the world through its culture and educational networks, making the record attempt truly global.

David Hayman, Director of The National Year of Reading 2026, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the British Council on this exciting GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt during the National Year of Reading to take the National Literacy Trust’s Take 10 to Read campaign global.

“Take 10 to Read highlights the wellbeing benefits of reading and encourages people of all ages to take just 10 minutes to read in the run-up to and around World Mental Health Day.

“Together, we’ll create a shared reading moment that transcends borders and demonstrate the power of reading to bring people together, support wellbeing and inspire a lifelong love of reading. In the National Year of Reading, the message is simple: whatever you’re into, take 10 to read into it.”

Fiona Iglesias, Head of Schools at the British Council, said: The British Council is proud to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust as part of the National Year of Reading on this brand-new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title.

“By bringing together young people, educators, libraries and communities in a shared reading experience, we are celebrating the power of stories to unite people across borders.

“Reading has the power to inspire imagination, spark curiosity, broaden horizons and build understanding across countries and cultures.

“As an organisation committed to supporting peace and prosperity through cultural relations and educational opportunities, we are delighted to play a part in an initiative that brings people together through a shared love of reading and celebrates its ability to connect communities around the world.”

Greens hail support for Data Centre halt

TIME TO HALT AI DATA CENTRES?

The Scottish Greens have hailed Outlander star Sam Heughan’s support for a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centres ahead of a crunch vote in the Scottish Parliament today brought by the Green MSPs.

The Outlander star has urged politicians to “listen to what communities and environmental organisations are saying” and halt climate-wrecking data centre applications until a national strategy is in place.

The Scottish Greens have called for all applications for data centres above 50MW to be paused until a clear national strategy is in place, but the Scottish Government has fallen short of committing to a moratorium.

Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: “Sam Heughan is right that the Scottish Government should listen to communities and campaigners who are calling for a moratorium.

“We need an immediate pause on these applications until we can assess the impact on our energy systems and local environments. The current approach from the Scottish Government is unsustainable.

“MSPs can show support for local communities by backing our calls for a proper national strategy and demanding the halt that is needed.”

You can ask MSPs to vote for a moratorium with a quick e-action from Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is calling for a moratorium ‘because of our profound concerns about the environmental impacts of these mega data centres’.

The campaigners say data centre proposals that are already known about would require more electricity than Scotland’s total peak winter demand.

And the number of applications could triple under projections from the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

That would divert far too much renewable energy from heating our homes, charging our EVs and powering our public transport, and decarbonising our industry – all of which is needed to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and tackle the climate crisis.

Tomorrow: Creative Wellbeing at North Edinburgh Arts

We’re delighted to invite you to free Wellbeing Sessions for Women 50+ delivered in partnership with Creative Edinburgh.

Join us for one (or more!) of three upcoming wellbeing sessions this autumn, each designed by artists to offer a welcoming space to learn new skills, share experiences, and connect.

First up: Paper Weaving Workshop with Sally Price

Thursday 17 September, 10am

You may know Sally from her work across some of our much-loved projects taking place at North Edinburgh Arts: Saturday Arts & Dance, Room for Art, and Art Buds Collective, and now she’s bringing her creativity to this new workshop.

In this session, Sally will guide us through a simple yet effective paper weaving technique, playing with colour, pattern and process. Repetitive and relaxing, paper weaving keeps your hands busy and your mind focused, using a mix of papers, including recycled and hand-painted pieces, to create beautiful results.

These sessions encourage personal expression and joyful creativity, helping build confidence and a sense of wellbeing.

A healthy shared breakfast is included

For women aged 50+

Free, but registration required

Butterfly Conservation: Drought could leave Britain’s butterflies fighting for survival next summer

This year’s Big Butterfly Count results show a good summer for most widespread butterflies
However, Butterfly Conservation warns the impact of the hot, dry weather may have hit caterpillars hard, with many facing starvation
Charity shares three top tips to ‘drought-proof’ gardens and help butterflies

The results of Butterfly Conservation’s 2026 Big Butterfly Count are in and show it was a very good summer for butterflies. But experts warn that despite a good year, what comes next could be dire …

With the Met Office confirming it ‘increasingly likely’ to be the hottest summer on record, August saw the UK’s National Drought Group declare that more than 70% of England was officially in drought, with almost all of the UK experiencing drier than usual conditions.

As a result, the charity fears that the real cost of this summer’s extreme weather may not be felt until next year, when this year’s drought-stressed caterpillars should be emerging as adults.

Professor Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “This has been one of the hottest, driest summers on record, and the figures certainly suggest that was good news for many of the widespread butterfly species monitored by the Count. In fact, it was the second-best year in the 16 year history of the Big Butterfly Count!

“Adult butterflies love hot, sunny weather for flying, feeding and breeding, and that’s exactly why people saw so many this summer. But a good summer for adult butterflies is not the same as a good summer for butterfly populations.

“What matters far more is what’s happening on the ground, to the butterflies’ caterpillar offspring and the plants they depend on. The very same weather that made it a good year for butterflies – lots of sunshine and very little rain – could mean we’re actually on course for a population crash, which could take years to recover from.”

Butterfly Winners and Losers

During this year’s Big Butterfly Count, 101,565 participants recorded almost 1.4 million butterflies and moths across the UK.

Among individual species there were winners and losers. More species had above-average counts this summer than below-average. Holly Blue and Gatekeeper both had their best ever Big Butterfly Count results, and Small Copper its third best. Holly Blue abundance has increased by 42% over the 16 years of Big Butterfly Count and Small Copper has increased by 93%.

No species had its worst Big Butterfly Count in 2026, but it was the second-worst year for Small Tortoiseshell, which has now decreased by 66% since the Count began. Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and Ringlet, all species known to be sensitive to drought, were seen in below-average numbers and show declines of 44%, 54% and 39%, respectively, since 2011.

One of the standout stories was the Painted Lady, up 335% on last year, in what’s been widely described as a ‘Painted Lady summer’. It was the second-best year for Painted Lady since the Big Butterfly Count started and its abundance has increased by 74% over that time. Painted Ladies undertake one of the most remarkable insect migrations in the world, arriving in Britain via a relay of several generations, each flying a leg of the journey from Africa, across the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea, before reaching UK shores.

Small White topped the national table this year, with 281,634 recorded, ahead of Gatekeeper (211,029), Large White (190,295), Red Admiral (141,178) and Meadow Brown (134,335) rounding out the top five.

A difficult year ahead

Butterfly Conservation’s greater concern lies not with this summer’s results, but with the impact of the extreme summer weather experienced across much of Britain on butterflies next year and in the longer term.

This year, many of the plants that caterpillars depend on had withered or died before the caterpillars had finished feeding on them, and the charity fears the impact on butterfly and moth populations will become fully apparent in 2027.

Professor Fox added: “Our real worry isn’t this summer, it’s what happens next. We’ve been here before and it’s not good; the extreme droughts in 1976 and 1995 had severe impacts on butterfly populations, with some species never fully recovering.

“And the major problem we have now is that 80% of the UK’s butterflies have declined since the 1970s, so many are already struggling for survival, without these extreme weather pressures.

“With increasingly hot, dry summers and droughts predicted to become more and more frequent due to climate breakdown, degraded habitats and already depleted butterfly populations, some species may be pushed further and faster towards extinction, which is a very sombre thought.

“They are, quite simply, less resilient to these events, which means we could be looking at very difficult years ahead.”

Three top tips to ‘drought-proof’ gardens for butterflies

Butterfly Conservation is calling on people across the UK to take three simple ‘drought-proofing’ actions in their gardens and outdoor spaces this winter to help caterpillars, and in turn, butterflies and moths:

1. Plant more trees and shrubs

Holly, Ivy and Buckthorn are among the best choices for butterflies. Holly and Ivy together support garden favourite the Holly Blue, while flowering Ivy is also a valuable late-season nectar source for the colourful Red Admiral and charming Comma, as well as a host of bees, moths and hoverflies.

Buckthorns are the food source for Brimstone caterpillars, whose sunshine-yellow butterflies often herald the start of spring.

Species such as oaks, Hawthorn, birches, apples and willows all provide homes for caterpillars of a wide array of native moths.

All are widely available, low-maintenance, and provide shade and shelter from heatwaves as well as food for caterpillars and adult insects. Their deep roots and dense structure also help them cope with dry conditions once established.

2. Set up water butts

Collecting rainwater through autumn and winter, when it’s plentiful, means there’s a reserve to fall back on for key plants during a dry summer.

With numerous hosepipe bans enforced in 2026, preparing now could be the key to helping butterflies next year when the hot, dry weather is predicted to return.

3. Leave patches of grass to grow long

Left uncut, grass develops deeper roots and stays green for longer than a closely mown lawn, which browns off quickly in a drought. Longer grass also provides caterpillar foodplants for species like Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, and creates cooler, damper conditions for butterflies to seek refuge during heatwaves.

Research by Butterfly Conservation scientists showed that gardens with a patch of long grass saw up to 93% more butterflies and a wider range of species, so this is one free and simple change that could really help butterflies when they need it most.

The Big Butterfly Count will return in 2027, when citizen scientists across the UK will be more important than ever before to help discover the true impact of this summer’s extreme weather.

Mark your diary now… Big Butterfly Count 2027 – Friday 9 July – Sunday 1 August.

For more butterfly friendly gardening tips visit www.butterfly-conservation.org

BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT RESULTS 2026 – UK TOTALS

	Species	Total count	Change from 2025 (%)^*	Change from average year (%)^*	Trend2011-2026(% change)^*
1.	Small White	281,634	-13	32	12
2.	Gatekeeper	211,029	17	50	-7
3.	Large White	190,295	-39	19	46
4.	Red Admiral	141,178	-13	39	63
5.	Meadow Brown	134,335	-6	-15	-19
6.	Painted Lady	85,508	335	161	74
7.	Common Blue	54,430	17	-16	-52
8.	Peacock	54,414	-3	39	3
9.	Holly Blue	43,849	221	128	42
10.	Small Tortoiseshell	33,123	-30	-53	-66
11.	Speckled Wood	31,512	-17	-28	-44
12.	Green-veined White	27,877	-22	-13	-54
13.	Comma	23,220	-33	-2	-3
14.	Small Copper	19,406	-28	38	93
15.	Ringlet	15,606	0.1	-0.5	-39
16.	Jersey Tiger	12,628	–	–	–
17.	Silver Y	8,180	–	–	–
18.	Brimstone	6,087	27	67	11
19.	Six-spot Burnet	4,304	–	–	–
20.	Marbled White	1,897	19	7	-14
21.	Scotch Argus	935	–	–	–
	Total	1,381,447

*This year, Butterfly Conservation has developed and applied a new analysis to account for variations in flight times of butterflies. Many species emerged earlier than normal in 2026 due to the heat, and some had almost finished before this summer’s Big Butterfly Count started. The new analysis adjusts for such changes to ensure accurate representation of butterfly populations.

**Flight period adjustment is not available for moths or Scotch Argus at present.

PICTURED TOP: Small Copper in a very dry landscape – Pete Hughes

WICKED at Royston Wardieburn!

FREE MOVIES AT ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Book your seats today !!

Donations welcome.

Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & Snacks can be purchased from our cafe.

Doors Open Days Can Help Us Fall In Love With Edinburgh Again

Over 100 venues across Edinburgh and East Lothian to open their doors for Scotland’s largest free heritage festival

Fall in love with Edinburgh again – that is the challenge to residents as Doors Open Day returns with its most accessible ever programme of events.

The two-day festival on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 will give locals free access to buildings, unique experiences and a new perspective on the spaces and stories that shape Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Coordinated locally by The Cockburn Association, Edinburgh’s civic trust, this year’s event will bring together over 100 venues spanning the length and breadth of the city, and beyond, with a programme ranging from guided walking tours, events for children and young people, novel partnerships, and rare behind-the-scenes opportunities.

This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine, invites participating venues and visitors to explore how Edinburgh’s built heritage is being protected, adapted for new uses, and reimagined for the future.

As the coordinators of Doors Open Days in a region shaped by the pressures of over-tourism, The Cockburn Association believes residents should also benefit from their own city’s cultural landscape, and that engaging with local heritage brings genuine benefits to health and wellbeing.

This year’s festival builds on our digital offerings, making it more accessible than ever and giving residents more ways to take part without leaving their homes.

Now in its 36^th year locally, after beginning in France in 1984. Doors Open Days first arrived in the UK in Glasgow in 1990. It has since grown into Scotland’s largest free cultural festival, with more than 950 venues taking part nationally last year.

Unlike much of Edinburgh’s cultural offer, Doors Open Days is aimed squarely at residents, encouraging people to see their own city with fresh eyes, and it’s FREE.

Stephen Jardine, President of The Cockburn Association, said: “At a time when Edinburgh is under more pressure than ever, it’s easy to overlook what makes Scotland’s capital so special.

“Doors Open Days is a chance for us to encounter the amazing heritage we have all around us. I’d encourage everyone to use it as an opportunity to explore the city with fresh eyes….and to fall in love with Edinburgh again”

Rowan Brown, Director of The Cockburn Association, said: “I’m thrilled that the Cockburn is coordinating part of Scotland’s largest free heritage festival and delighted that it’s set to be our most accessible yet, with something for all ages, interests, and abilities.

“There is unequivocal evidence that engaging with heritage makes you happier, and healthier, so be kind to yourself, your friends and your family and join in one or, ideally, several, free Doors Open Days events.

“I’m extremely grateful to our Doors Open Days Venue Hosts and Volunteers, my colleagues and our sponsors, the City of Edinburgh Council and the Neilson Family Foundation, whose collective civic spirit is simply inspiring.”

INVITING EVERY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD IN EDINBURGH, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IMPACT ARTS

This year’s festival also includes a landmark initiative to send a Doors Open Days invitation to every primary school child in Edinburgh, extending the festival’s reach to the city’s youngest residents and helping build a lifelong relationship with the city’s heritage from an early age.

Delivered in partnership with Impact Arts, a Scottish charity established in 1994 that uses creativity to tackle inequalities and transform young people’s lives, engaging communities across almost all of Scotland’s local authorities, the first 10,000 primary school children to attend selected venues on the 26 and 27 of September will receive a free box of Cockburn-branded coloured pencils and a monochrome artwork created by Impact Arts.

Due to a shipment delay, free boxes of Cockburn-branded coloured pencils will be available at some, but not all, participating venues.

Children are then invited to colour in their artwork and submit it as part of a competition, with prizes generously donated by Camera Obscura, Filmhouse, the National Galleries of Scotland and Contini which will be awarded by our President. Competition entries must be submitted by Friday, 9^th of October.

Winners will be notified on Monday, 26^th of October, ahead of our prize-giving ceremony on Thursday, 12th of November (venue to be announced).

Impact Arts will also host an exhibition at St Michael’s Parish Church, accompanied by a booklet showcasing the artwork and participating venues, available in print and online.

PARTNERING WITH INVISIBLE CITIES

This year’s festival also includes a partnership with Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that trains people with experience of homelessness to become walking tour guides.

The Cockburn Association has funded four tours over the Doors Open Days weekend, giving residents a unique perspective on the city.

PARTNERING WITH THE TRINITY NETWORK

As part of the digital offerings, The Cockburn Association is also partnering with Jill Harrison, a research associate at the Open University and the lead of the Trinity Network to curate an online exhibition on Trinity Apse, one of Edinburgh’s finest medieval structures, and all that remains of a church built in the 1460s for Mary of Guelders, Queen of Scotland.

Built around this year’s Doors Open Days theme, Heritage at Risk, the exhibition revives the story of the apse and its founder, resists their slide into obscurity, and reimagines what the building’s future could hold.

All events are free to attend, but on some experiences, spaces are limited.

The full programme of venues and activities went live on the Doors Open Days website on 31 July 2026, at www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

Poverty Alliance National Conference

WEDNESDAY 18th NOVEMBER at HAMPDEN PARK, GLASGOW

Scotland’s political landscape is changing fast. The question for everyone working to end poverty is what we do about it.

At this year’s National Conference, we will bring campaigners, community organisations, policymakers and people with lived experience of poverty into one room to work on that question together.

*Book your place before 18 September to receive an Early Bird rate!

https://www.povertyalliance.org/delivering-change-our…

New estimates reveal the impact of physical inactivity on health

A new report published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) estimates the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity from selected mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in Scotland.

The analysis was jointly commissioned by PHS, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Active Scotland team within the Scottish Government. It builds on previous analysis of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, to provide a more complete picture of the impact of physical inactivity on the nation’s health.

The report estimates that more than 12,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to physical inactivity from mental health and musculoskeletal conditions alone. When combined with the previous analysis, physical inactivity is estimated to account for nearly 24,000 DALYs each year in Scotland. Mental health conditions account for around 38% of the newly identified total burden, with anxiety the largest contributor.

DALYs are a measure used to help show the impact of ill health on both length and quality of life. They combine years of life lost due to premature death with years lived in less than full health.

While the relationship between physical inactivity and conditions such as cardiovascular disease is well established, these findings show that it also contributes significantly to poor mental health, disability and reduced quality of life.

Addressing the social, economic and environmental barriers that influence activity levels is key to supporting active lifestyles, helping those who are least active to move more and preventing others from becoming inactive.

Dr Dionne Mackison, Head of Place, Environment and Health Harms at Public Health Scotland said: “This report reinforces the importance of physical activity as a key determinant of health, underlining its role supporting good mental wellbeing, mobility and independence throughout life.

“Our Together We Can strategy, focuses on prevention and creating the conditions that enable people and communities to live healthier lives. Supporting people to be more active is crucial in preventing ill health and reducing health inequalities.”

Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Delivery and Service Development at Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) said: “This research project yet again highlights the importance of good mental health and its foundation in us all leading healthy, active lives.

“Creating the conditions which enable people to be more active, is an early and preventative approach to mental health. Supporting active, connected communities can help reduce the wider burden of disease and improve the quality of life for people impacted by mental health.”

Responding to the Public Health Scotland report, Lauren Bennie, Head of Scotland for Arthritis UK, said: “This report highlights the significant impact musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions have on people’s health and quality of life across Scotland, and the important role physical activity can play in prevention and management.

“Importantly, it notes that MSK problems are ‘among the most common reasons for GP consultations and work absence’, highlighting their wider impact on individuals, health services and the economy.

“While the report estimates that physical inactivity contributes to the loss of more than 3,000 years of healthy life through MSK conditions, for people living with arthritis, being active is not always easy. Pain, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility can themselves create major barriers to physical activity, creating a vicious cycle that can further impact people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“The substantial contribution of mental health and musculoskeletal conditions to the disability burden demonstrates that increasing physical activity is critical not just for living longer, but for living healthier lives, benefiting the individual, society and the economy.

“With around 1.7 million adults in Scotland living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, we need a much greater focus on prevention, early intervention and access to the right treatment and support.

“That is why Arthritis UK is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce Scotland’s first MSK Action Plan and include MSK conditions in the upcoming Long Term Conditions Strategy, providing the coordinated national approach needed to improve MSK health and help people live healthier, more active and independent lives.”

Read the full report

Find out more about PHS’s 10-year strategy Together We Can.

final-summary-estimating-the-pia-msk-mental-health Download