Scottish voters will be going to the poll to elect a new parliament on 7 May – but, as someone with sight loss, I know from experience that doing so independently and in secret is far from guaranteed.
Voting is still an overwhelmingly visual process of reviewing a list and marking a cross in a box. Without the right equipment, many blind and partially sighted people are forced to rely on others to mark our ballot in the way we wish, compromising our privacy and dignity. That simply isn’t good enough in a modern democracy.
After a number of years of RNIB Scotland working with election authorities, voters across Scotland who are blind or partially sighted will have the option to use a new card ballot paper overlay at this year’s Scottish Parliament election.
The new overlays are designed to fit the ballot paper for each constituency and region and have embossed and braille numbers with cut-out boxes that align with each box on the ballot paper. The accompanying audio allows voters to listen to an audio recording of the candidate list as many times as is necessary to make their mark confidently in the right box.
We welcome the introduction of this after so many years, with the ballot card and audio having been tried and tested by people with sight loss. This is a unique offering to voters in Scotland and will enable people with sight loss to cast their vote more independently and in secret.
The overlays will be available at every polling station in Scotland. We strongly urge anyone wanting to use the overlay to listen to their audio ballot paper before going to vote on 7 May. These can be accessed by visiting your local council website, ringing their election office, or via the RNIB Scotland elections webpage.
A truly fair election is one where everyone can vote independently and with confidence. On 7 May, blind and partially sighted voters deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Anna Tylor
Chair of Trustees at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Applications have opened for Scotland-based artists, creators and cultural innovators to secure Crowdmatch backing from Creative Scotland in partnership with Crowdfunder.
Now in its seventh year, the programme offers eligible Crowdfunder campaigns the chancechance to receive up to 50% of their total funding target to a maximum of £10,000 per project.
The fund offers an invaluable route to a wide range of creative projects, from theatre and visual arts to film, music and community-driven initiatives to access funding in a more adaptable way than other funding routes available.
Jackie Stewart, Creative Industries Officer at Creative Scotlandsaid: “The Crowdmatch Fund has grown beyond our initial expectations and has proven to be a real asset to the funding landscape for creators.
“Not only can they access funding more quickly and flexibly, but they’re building their community and audience while doing so. With a substantial budget available, we’ll be able to deliver a greater impact to Scotland’s creative community and explore how far Crowdmatch can go.”
The accessibility and track record of Crowdfunder UK, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, offers a streamlined pathway to National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland.
Simon Deverell, Founder & Co-CEO of Crowdfunder UKsaid: “We’ve loved working with Creative Scotland on Crowdmatch over the years, and it’s been incredible to see so many bold, brilliant ideas come to life through the programme.
“From music and film to grassroots community projects, the creativity we’ve seen has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we’ve helped projects raise over £1.7 million to date, showing just how powerful community-backed funding can be.
“We can’t wait to see the next wave of talent, ideas and imagination land on the platform this year.”
Examples of successful projects through Crowdmatch include:
Julie Fowlis’Live in Scotland album – raised £22,497 from 310 supporters (including £10,000 from Creative Scotland) to record live performances across a 2026 Scotland tour to produce a live album
Thrawn: A Scots Story – raised £12,755 from 140 supporters (including £5,000 from Creative Scotland) to create a documentary on changing attitudes toward the Scots as language
Dundee Radio Club – raised £6,532 from 96 supporters (including £2,950 from Creative Scotland) to grow its 2026 Listening Festival celebrating sound, creativity and connection over 72 hours
Individual artists, organisations and creative business in the arts, screen and creative industries can apply if they are:
An individual artist or creative practitioner based in Scotland
A freelance or self-employed creative aged 18 or over
A constituted creative, cultural or artistic organisation based in Scotland
A collective or creative business delivering creative activity
Two Edinburgh businesses were named winners at the British Business Awards on Thursday night (30th April) alongside some of the UK’s most recognisable and leading companies at the event, which featured special guest George Clooney and helped to raise almost £2 million for homelessness charity Social Bite.
The title of Legal Firm of the Year went to Shepherd & Wedderburn, while Large Business of the Year was awarded to homebuilder Miller Homes.
Major multi-nationals including AstraZeneca, Octopus Energy and Vanguard Asset Management were among the winners at the ceremony, which boasted a glittering line-up of celebrity guests including comperes Rob Brydon and Elaine C Smith, Keynote Speaker Sir Bob Geldof and international superstar, George Clooney, who did a fireside chat with Rob Brydon.
Other winners included Mackies of Scotland, Scottish Power and Morrison Community Care. The winning companies were named as judge’s top picks from the inaugural British Business Leaders List, a new designation recognising the organisations setting the benchmark for modern enterprise and shaping the UK’s economic future.
All 150 companies shortlisted this year, were independently evaluated across five core pillars: business performance, innovation, workforce and culture, customer impact, and contribution to society and the wider economy.
The highest performing businesses across all categories were then selected by 18 key figures from British industry, chaired by the former CEO of Unilever, Alan Jope CBE, and Emma Crystal, CEO of Coutts Bank.
Social bite dinner Gleneagles George Clooney
Chosen charity partner, Social Bite, will benefit from the almost £2 million raised at the event and a fundraising dinner which took place on Wednesday (29th April) at Gleneagles Hotel, allowing it to continue delivering a range of services to people who are experiencing homelessness.
The charity’s services range from free food services, employment programmes, and social enterprise coffee shops which generate money to support the amazing work Social Bite does across the UK.
Additionally, the generous donations from eventgoers will also support the Social Bite Villages which offer quality, bespoke built housing with around-the-clock support for people experiencing homelessness.
Josh Littlejohn, founding partner of the British Business Awards said: “The huge turnout to the awards tonight is testament to the strength in the business community, and the extremely high standard of the winners speaks to the strength and bright future of our economy.
“A huge thank you to all the winners, those who came to celebrate with us, everyone who donated, and, of course, to our wonderful keynote speakers and hosts throughout the evening.”
Alan Jope CBE, Chair of the judging panel, said:“Congratulations to all the winners! It was a tough shortlist – the calibre was extremely high, so the winners were up against some impressive competition.
“The money generously donated by guests at the awards will go a long way to supporting people in our communities who need it thanks to Social Bite.”
Rick Haythornthwaite, NatWest Group Chair, said:“The British Business Awards were a fantastic celebration of the ambition, creativity and excellence that is at the heart of so many great British businesses.
“It was fantastic to pay heed to the creativity, innovation and enterprising spirit of so many people all while raising vital funds for Social Bite which does such great work throughout the UK.”
UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving
There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.
If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.
Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?
UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.
Do you need to change your travel plans?
There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.
We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.
We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.
We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.
How are airlines being supported?
At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.
Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year. If they fall below this threshold, those slots can be reassigned to another airline. This is known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.
Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying. Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.
The government is also seeking industry views on slot rules for the summer 2026 and winter 2026 seasons. The temporary measures would allow airlines to consolidate schedules on routes with multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.
This means airlines can better plan ahead and focus on minimising disruption for passengers. It can also reduce fuel consumption by consolidating passengers onto fewer flights, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.
Local favourite, Bangla Kitchen, has scooped the award for Best Indian Takeaway in this year’s Scottish Curry Awards (SCA) held in Glasgow this week.
Run by Abdul Mohit Khan and his wife Naz with support from their families, they’ve been serving up deliciously authentic Bangladeshi food in Davidsons Mains for over 16 years.
No strangers to awards, Bangla Kitchen won the SCA previously in 2014 and 2015, as well as being finalists in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. They also won the Spice Awards in 2023 for Best Indian Takeaway – East.
Speaking about their recent win, Abdul says: “We could not be more proud to win this prestigious award. It’s huge recognition for us and our hard working staff who continue to do their very best to provide the finest quality meals and best service possible.
“We’ve been in business for over 16 years now and are so grateful for the support of so many loyal customers over the years – many who come from all over the city to get food from us – and it’s really thanks to all of them that we’ve won another award.
We are immensely grateful for the support and the opportunities the community gives us to grow more”.
Bangla Kitchen can be found at 67 – 69 Main Street in Davidsons Mains EH4 5AD and are open 7 days a week from 5pm – 11pm.
Order by phone 0131 312 6260 or online at Banglakitchen online.co.uk
An act of violence has been used to justify a dangerous narrative. We reject the weaponisation of fear and the targeting of communities and civil liberties.
Volunteers and staff from Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF) recently visited Newcastle City Council to meet with teams across the local authority and learn more about how tenants can be at the heart of housing decision-making.
During the visit, ETF met with staff from Newcastle City Council’s Housing Services, Safe Living, and Customer Insight and Engagement teams. Discussions focused on sharing processes in scrutiny groups, running tenants’ and residents’ groups, and improving communication between tenants and the council.
Tenants from both cities had the opportunity to exchange ideas, and share best practice around engagement strategies, and their experiences as council tenants in Edinburgh and Newcastle. These conversations highlighted common challenges as well as ideas for innovative approaches to tenant involvement.
The group also attended several estate walkabouts, where tenants and council staff were able to share examples of good practice and discuss how strong communities can be supported and developed.
Betty Stone, Convenor of Edinburgh Tenants Federation, said: “Tenants should get involved in their council’s engagement programmes to ensure their voices are heard. Having a space to be listened to is so important, especially when it comes to housing, which is a basic need and should always be delivered to a high standard.
“It’s been fascinating to compare the experiences of Newcastle City Council tenants with those of tenants in Edinburgh. One of the strongest themes from our discussions was the shared desire for tenants to be included and heard in shaping services across the sector.”
Edinburgh Tenants Federation membership is free. If you’d like to learn more about our work or to get involved, please get in touch at info@edinburghtenants.org.uk.
There are no immediate supply issues, but government is preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption
summer holidays to be better protected as government consults on relaxing flight take-off/landing rules, providing certainty for passengers and businesses
lightning consultation launched to provide airlines flexibility to lock in flight schedules early, prevent last-minute disruptions and cancellations
Transport Secretary reiterates passengers are entitled to be re-routed or refunded if their flight is cancelled by the airline
Passengers will have their summer holidays better protected as government sets out plans today (3 May 2026), which will help cut the likelihood of last-minute flight cancellations this summer in the event of significant disruption due to ongoing global uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.
The contingency preparations are designed to give families greater confidence when travelling this summer by enabling airlines to plan realistically and lock in schedules earlier so that people are less likely to be affected by short‑notice changes at the airport.
While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead.
These temporary measures would allow airlines to, for example, consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day.
Instead of cancelling flights at the last minute, the measures would:
help move passengers onto similar services much earlier, helping avoid stressful delays at the airport
prevent running flights which have not sold a significant proportion of tickets
reduce wasted fuel from flying near-empty planes
The Transport Secretary discussed the plans at a roundtable with key industry figures on 30 April 2026, including representatives from Heathrow, Gatwick, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet, reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping Britain flying this summer.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has been monitoring jet fuel supplies daily and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to stay ahead of any problems.
“There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer.
“This legislation will give airlines the tools to adjust flights in good time if they need to, which helps protect passengers and businesses. We will do everything we can to insulate our country from the impact of the situation in the Middle East.”
The measures being considered will allow airlines to proactively hand back a limited proportion of their allocated take-off and landing slots without losing the right to operate them the following season. ‘Hand backs’ help airlines build realistic schedules and avoid last-minute cancellations rather than flying empty ‘ghost flights’ or cancelling at short notice, putting passengers’ plans at risk.
This will build on the UK’s independent slot coordinators’ (Airport Coordination Limited) decision to update its guidance, ensuring airlines do not permanently lose their take-off and landing slots if they are unable to use them due to jet fuel shortages.
The measures the government is considering go further by allowing airlines to plan ahead and act on the best information they have available on fuel supply or wider impacts of the Middle East conflict, rather than wait for a shortage to occur.
The government continues to plan for a range of contingencies to increase flexibility on jet fuel supply and domestic jet fuel production has increased. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the Strait, including the United States.
As part of today’s action, the government is upping awareness of the existing rights available to passengers in the event of disruption. If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you have a legal right to a choice between being re-routed or a refund.
If a flight is subject to a significant delay – at least 2 hours for short-haul, 3 hours for medium-haul and 4 hours for long-haul - passengers are entitled to care and assistance, including food, drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Passengers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.
“Airlines have a duty to look after their passengers when they face disruption, and should offer a choice between a refund or alternative travel arrangements, including with another airline, if a flight is cancelled.
“Relaxing the rules around slots at airports will allow airlines more flexibility and so we expect them to give passengers as much notice as possible of cancellations during this period.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply. We are planning to take our customers on their well-earned holidays this summer and will always look after them in line with our obligations.
“We welcome the government’s contingency planning, including slot alleviation, which is one measure which enables airlines to adjust schedules responsibly, avoid unnecessary flying and continue operating efficiently while protecting connectivity for passengers.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: “While our partners across the aviation sector continue to report no shortage of jet fuel supplies, it is sensible for government to consult on possible action if this were to change.
“We will now work closely with our airport members, ministers and officials to examine the proposals and respond on the best way to proceed that will lead to the best outcomes for passengers.”
If notified of changes to their flights by airlines, passengers are advised to speak to their airline, travel agent or tour operator in the first instance.
World-renowned inland surf resort Lost Shore is expanding its youth offering ahead of the summer holidays, with the launch of a new after-school club alongside the popular return of its Kid’s Surf Camps.
The move comes as more families look for active, structured activities for children, both during term time and across the long summer break.
Running from June through to early August, the week-long surf camps give children aged 7 to 16 the chance to build confidence in the water while developing core skills in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
Each course runs from Monday to Friday combining on-land coaching with time in the wave pool to help young surfers progress quickly from their first attempts through to riding waves with control and confidence.
The new after-school Kid’s Club offers a more regular way for children to take part. Delivered in four-week blocks on Mondays and Fridays, the sessions are designed to fit around the school week, allowing participants to build skills gradually while surfing alongside others at a similar level.
All sessions are led by qualified instructors accredited by the International Surfing Association, and are suitable for both beginner and intermediate surfers. Those new to the sport will learn the fundamentals, including paddling and standing up, while more experienced surfers can start refining their technique, and develop greater control on the waves.
Unlike the open sea, Lost Shore’s consistent conditions allow surfers to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without the unpredictability of the coast. Each 90-minute session includes all equipment, with camps priced from £200 per child.
For families travelling from further afield, the camps can also form part of a short break. On-site accommodation includes waterfront pods and hilltop lodges for up to 8 people, with dogs-friendly options available, providing families a relaxing base just minutes from the waves.
Lee Wood, Lost Shore Surf Resort’s Managing Director, said: “We’re seeing strong interest from families looking for activities that keep children active, engaged and build confidence over the holidays.
“Surfing offers something different – it challenges young people, helps them develop resilience and gives them a real sense of achievement as they progress. With both the camps and after-school club, we’re creating more opportunities for kids to get into the water regularly and develop those skills over time.”
Located just outside Edinburgh, Lost Shore Surf Resort is home to Europe’s largest wave pool and offers year-round surfing for all abilities, alongside accommodation, food and wellness experiences.
Children at Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare are enjoying weekly visits to the nearby beach and woodland areas, supporting learning through exploration, conversation and shared experiences outdoors.
The visits give children time to explore their surroundings at their own gentle pace, encouraging curiosity and helping them build confidence beyond the nursery environment. Experiences from their adventures are then revisited back at nursery through discussion, further exploration and play.
The approach comes amid growing national discussion about screen use in the early years. Recent UK research reported by Nursery World has highlighted the increasing role screens play in very young children’s daily routines, prompting renewed focus across the sector on real-world, hands-on experiences.
Yvonne, Nursery Manager at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Exploring the local area together supports children’s sense of belonging and helps them make sense of the world around them.
“When they return from visits to the beach and forest, they collect natural materials such as shells, leaves and pinecones, alongside ideas and questions to talk through back at nursery.
“This reflects our Nurture Approach, where emotional wellbeing, strong relationships and shared reflection are at the heart of how children learn.”
Practitioners use children’s observations and conversations from these outings to shape learning back at nursery, supporting communication skills, emotional wellbeing and meaningful connections with the world around them.
By prioritising outdoor exploration, time for talk and shared reflection, the nursery aims to offer young children rich learning experiences rooted in relationships and real environments, rather than digital distractions.
Bright Horizons Cramond Early Learning and Childcare is holding an Open Day on 13 June, giving families the opportunity to visit the setting, meet the team and find out more about early education and childcare.
Registrations are now being taken for 2027. Further details are available via the Bright Horizons website.
