Category: North Edinburgh News

Utilita expands its popular Summer Sustainability Clubs beyond the school holidays

Inspiring local youngsters to become the next generation of eco-champions

Utilita is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Summer Sustainability Club, a free programme of fun, hands-on activities for children and families, taking place across all 12 of its high street Energy Hubs.

Designed to inspire the next generation of eco-champions, the Summer Sustainability Club blends creativity, education and play to help children understand sustainability in an engaging and accessible way.

The initiative builds on Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign, which encourages households to adopt simple, everyday behaviours to save energy, reduce waste and lower bills.

Children and families visiting the Leith Utilita Energy Hub at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA will be able to take part in a series of free sustainability-themed activities throughout the summer. 

Next up, youngsters will be able to take part in the following interactive sessions:  

  • Friday, 28 August 12-3pm: Energy and Saving Power at Home

Through interactive games, activities and discussions, children and families will discover what’s wasting electricity in the home and learn practical ways to reduce energy consumption and save money.  

  • Friday, 4 September 12pm-3pm: Food Waste

This engaging session will explore ways to waste less food through interactive discussions and activities. Participants will also take part in a fun “grow your own pumpkin” task, encouraging sustainable food habits from an early age.

Natasha Baillie, Hub Supervisor in Leith, said: ” The school holidays will no doubt have been an expensive time for many families. Keeping children entertained, managing household costs and, during the warmer months, trying to keep homes comfortable can all put added pressure on family budgets.

“That’s why we’re proud to offer free activities that give children the chance to learn, create and have fun, while parents and carers can access practical support and advice on saving energy and reducing household bills.

“Our Summer Sustainability Clubs have proven to be very popular, helping to bring the community together and showing that small changes at home can make a real difference to both the environment and household finances.”

A key part of the programme is the support and expertise provided by Utilita’s Energy Hub Eco Experts, who are on hand to guide families through each activity, offer practical advice and share simple ways to reduce energy use at home. These specialists play a vital role in helping communities build sustainable habits, ensuring that lessons learned during the workshops can be carried into everyday life.

The Summer Sustainability Club reinforces Utilita’s commitment to community engagement, education and environmental responsibility. By combining hands-on learning with real-world advice, the initiative aims to empower families to make small, meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.

All activities are free to attend and open to children of all ages. 

For more information about Utilita’s energy-saving advice or the High 5 campaign, visit your local Energy Hub or go to www.utilita.co.uk.

Welcome to School backpacks for all P1 children next year

Providing every child with the best start to school

Around 47,000 children starting Primary One in the next academic year, 2027-28, will be the first to receive a Welcome to School backpack in a variety of colours, to help them start school feeling excited, supported and ready to learn.

Procurement of the first bags is now underway following engagement with children, families and teachers to ensure they provide the practical contents and equipment that will help cut the cost for families as children start school.

The bags will be lightweight, made of durable, recycled materials, have multiple versatile compartments and pockets, reflective piping for safety, and space for name tags and a window in which children can place a drawing to personalise their backpack. Each one will contain:

  • a pencil case
  • stationery including pens, pencils, coloured crayons and a notebook
  • a water bottle
  • resources to encourage reading, writing and maths practice at home

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan met children at Orbiston Community Hub in North Lanarkshire, who will be among the first to receive the bag, to work on designs they could personalise their bag with.

Ms McAllan said: “Every child and family should feel excited and ready for their first day of school, which is why the Scottish Government is offering Primary Ones their very own Welcome to School Bag, filled with things to help them learn.

“We worked with children, families and teachers to create the design and ensure it provides what a child needs as they take their first steps into school life.

“Building on the success of the Baby Box, alongside the School Clothing Grant, Best Start Grant School Age Payments, breakfast clubs and free school meals, the Welcome to School Bag will help ensure that no child’s start to school is determined by their family’s financial circumstances.

“This is an essential component of our determined focus to eradicate child poverty, which is why we have prioritised work during the first 100 days of Government to ensure the first bags reach children by the time they start school next year.”

North Edinburgh and Midlothian to host new Digital Xtra community coding and AI hubs

MUIRHOUSE LIBRARY TO LEAD THE WAY IN DIGITAL SKILLS

Digital Xtra, the charity dedicated to increasing the provision of extracurricular computing activities for young people in Scotland, is to develop a national network of community coding and AI hubs, with North Edinburgh and Midlothian among the first areas to benefit.

Over the past 10 years, the charity – backed by the Scottish Government and industry – has supported 210 grassroots activities by awarding over £1.1 million via its annual grants programme.

These initiatives engaged over 60,000 young people across the country while laying a foundation for ongoing engagement about computing and technology. That figure is now set to rise considerably under the charity’s new ‘Code Xtra’ strategy.

The new strategy will see several new community coding and AI hubs rolled out across the country as the charity focuses on more of a place-based approach rather than funding individual projects. While the core objective of the charity will continue to be to inspire young people into tech, Digital Xtra will now work with select delivery partners to develop a national network of community hubs. 

In turn, these hubs will directly support the growth of grassroots computing clubs in their local areas. With support from Holyrood, the first phase of the project will see hubs based in North Edinburgh (Muirhouse Library), Midlothian (Dalkeith Library), Inverclyde (Creative Regeneration), and Moray (Elgin Library), with more scheduled to be confirmed elsewhere in Scotland later this year. 

Digital Xtra will then continue working with the Scottish Government and its industry partners, including Skyscanner, Baillie Gifford, and Cirrus Logic, to extend the hub network. The charity is also keen to speak with other companies or organisations who may be interested in supporting the development of additional coding and AI hubs across Scotland thus providing even more opportunities for young people to learn vital digital skills.  

Each hub will drive growth in three ways:

  • Delivery: Hosting high-quality, extracurricular coding and AI sessions for children and young people
  • Training: Offering instruction and guidance for local educators and community leaders
  • Resources: Serving as a lending library with equipment and resources for local schools and community groups

The hubs will feature LEGO Education’s brand-new, curriculum-aligned Computing Science & AI kits which teach age-appropriate lessons about foundational coding and machine learning.

Digital Xtra is one of the first organisations in Scotland to make this cutting-edge kit available to the public, while also introducing machine learning and AI skills to the charity’s remit for the first time.  

Ongoing training and support will be provided by Digital Xtra, Raising Robots, and Raspberry Pi Foundation as well as Digital Xtra’s other education and industry partners.

Kraig Brown, Digital Xtra’s Partnerships and Development Manager, said: “Technology is evolving faster than ever, and extracurricular tech activities are no longer just ‘nice-to-have’ – they are now a key part of young people’s learning journey.

“When assessment and accreditation aren’t the primary focus, young people have the freedom to think creatively, naturally building their ‘STEM Capital.’ 

“They are also a proven way to reach young people who often disengage in a traditional classroom setting and can be delivered in various locations or times that work for young people, their families, and the wider community.

“However, access to grassroots computing initiatives in Scotland is often a postcode lottery with varying coverage and support. This is unacceptable. Digital Xtra will continue to champion extracurricular computing initiatives for young people through our new community coding & AI hubs network, which will create a more joined-up approach to informal digital learning. 

“By working with the hubs to develop this new ecosystem, Digital Xtra will continue to be at the forefront of driving digital skills for young people, regardless of their background or postcode.”

Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “Digital skills are essential for Scotland’s future, and every young person should have the opportunity to develop them, regardless of where they live which is why I am proud to support this initiative.

“These new community coding and AI hubs will help more young people access high-quality learning opportunities, build confidence with technology and gain the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Tony Stewart, Libraries Development Leader at Edinburgh Council’s Library Services, said: “Edinburgh libraries are very proud to be partnering with Digital Xtra to host a new Code Xtra community coding & AI hub at Muirhouse Library. 

“We see this a great opportunity to provide our local community and schools access to fun and inventive ways to learn coding and AI tech. The hub will be part of a larger expansion of our digital resources which will include 3D design and printing facilities, digital music production and digital design software.”

Ellen Scott, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “We’re thrilled Dalkeith Library has been chosen as one of Scotland’s first Code Xtra hubs. 

“Code Xtra is all about helping more children and young people explore coding, robotics and artificial intelligence in a fun, hands-on way outside the classroom. The new hub will give local communities access to technology, equipment and learning opportunities. 

“It’s an exciting opportunity to help develop the skills young people will need for the future.”

Ben Macpherson leaves government

STAYS ON AS EDINBURGH NORTH EASTERN & LEITH MSP

Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson has tendered his resignation from the Scottish Government for health-related reasons.

Accepting his resignation, the First Minister thanked Mr Macpherson for his contribution to government.

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS

Dear First Minister,

As discussed, I write formally to tender my resignation as a Junior Scottish Minister. As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister. I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.

Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government. Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor.

I was very proud re-join the government in September 2025, and to serve you and Scotland again, using my experience to pick up the role quickly and get meaningful things done. I have worked hard and carried the responsibility carefully, to make a real impact and achieve positive progress. Thank you for this remarkable honour.

There is much still to progress and complete but the portfolio is in a stronger place, with the necessary strategic workstreams up and running, and actions in process. Stakeholder / key partner relationships are positive, working with us on shared aims. A collegiate spirit and approach has been created to confronting shared challenges.

I want to express my gratitude for all the support I have received in the last year from my private secretaries and all the Scottish Government officials I have worked with. We have done good work together and I am proud of the difference we have made

Moreover, it has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Universities Scotland (and all universities), Colleges Scotland (and all colleges), the Scottish Training Federation (and their members), the Careers Collaborative, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the business community and our enterprise agencies, YouthLink Scotland and Youth Scotland, and many others too.

My apologies to you and all involved for the inconvenience of this resignation, and thank you for kindly understanding my reasoning. Again, this has been a very difficult decision for me, and I reiterate strongly my support for both you and the government.

With my very best wishes and much gratitude,

Ben Macpherson

:: Letter from the First Minister

Dear Ben

Thank you for your letter. I appreciate that this will not have been an easy decision and that you have reflected carefully before you have reached your conclusion.

You have made a significant contribution in government not least as Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education where the Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026 was passed under your leadership. I know you have been closely involved in work to co-design and co-deliver the future of Scotland’s college and university sectors – work that has cross-party support.

And, I know that during your time in post you gave a fresh impetus to our support for youth work and made great strides in improving our apprenticeship system and strategic skills planning, in close cooperation with the business community.

In previous ministerial roles, during your time in social security, you were closely involved with the expansion of the Scottish Child Payment and launching the Adult Disability payment. And, your work in international development remains relevant to the programme we take forward in this area to this day.

These are but a few examples of your contribution from your time in a wide range of portfolios – including finance, external affairs, rural affairs and climate, as well as in education most recently.

I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.

I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.

Yours, for Scotland,

JOHN SWINNEY

Ben Macpherson won the redrawn Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith seat in May with a majority of over 3000 votes from the Scottish Greens.

Ben Macpherson told followers on Facebook yesterday: ‘After reflecting deeply over recent months about my position and priorities in my life, including my mental and physical well-being, I have today stepped away from my additional role as a Minister in The Scottish Government (continuing as an MSP, for clarity).

‘This was a very difficult decision, but it is the right one for me just now. I need more time to be able to attend to other important aspects of my life, and will also now have even more scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, which I care so very much about.

‘I’m proud of my achievements in the role and, to be clear, John Swinney and the government will continue to have my strong support, as will my successor. I’m looking forward to this new chapter!’

Changes to the Scottish Government ministerial team will be announced in due course.

PYCP: New term programme

PY is back! We’ve had a nice break but are ready to see everyone again!

Have a look at our new term programme, you might notice some changes 👀

We have a few new groups starting up, they won’t begin just yet (we’ll let you know when they do) but in the meantime our usual clubs will be back on.

Make sure you’re attending the right group for your age, and as always all children/young people need to complete a new consent form to join us.

https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/301f3ae8/f55ef57de02572ae

£150,000 boost for school libraries opens new chapters for young readers

FUNDING FOR CORSTORPHINE PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT

16 school libraries across Scotland are set to receive a funding boost through the 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) to help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports creative initiatives that align with the objectives of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – Scotland’s national strategy for school library development.

This year’s SLIF prioritised applications which focused on:

  • promoting reading for pleasure
  • fostering whole-school reading cultures
  • improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
  • strengthening digital and information literacy, and
  • supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading

Funding has been awarded to 16 innovative projects spanning 13 local authorities with the successful initiatives aiming to break down barriers to learning, foster a love of reading among children and young people, promote independent thinking and support family learning opportunities.

Many of this year’s successful projects put inclusion front and centre, such as East Ayrshire’s Reading Journeys for All which will strengthen the support that those with Additional Support Needs and who have English as an additional language have access to in their school library with aids, equipment and accessible literature.

Meanwhile, St Winning’s Primary School in North Ayrshire will develop a whole-school reading culture, promoting reading for pleasure and raising engagement with books and storytelling with a particular focus on those from communities where socioeconomic barriers can significantly impact access to reading opportunities.

Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “School libraries are so much more than a collection of books – they are spaces where young people discover a lifelong love of reading, build confidence and unlock new possibilities.

“I am pleased that this year’s Scottish Government-funded School Library Improvement Fund is supporting 16 innovative projects across Scotland, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child, regardless of background or needs, can access the transformative power of reading.

“I thank SLIC, schools and local authorities for their creativity and commitment. Building on over £2 million invested since the scheme began, I look forward to seeing the lasting difference these projects make to pupils, families and communities.”

Below are the successful 2026/27 SLIF projects:

  • Aberdeen: Greyhope School + Community Campus – A New Chapter for Greyhope School
  • Aberdeen: Orchard Brae School – Stories for All
  • Dundee: across four secondary schools and associated primary schools – Read for Discovery – Supporting Transition Through Non-Fiction Texts
  • East Ayrshire: Darvel Primary School – Reading for All at Darvel
  • East Ayrshire: six secondary schools – Reading Journeys for All
  • East Renfrewshire: Barrhead High School – Barrhead High School Book Festival – Raising the Barr through Reading
  • EDINBURGH: Corstorphine Primary School – Creating a Playground Library to Encourage Reading for Pleasure, Improve Equity and Support Children’s Health and Wellbeing
  • Highland: Lairg Primary School and Rosehall Primary School – Reading Schools at Lairg and Rosehall Primary
  • Highland: Crown Primary School and Drakies Primary – Crown Changemakers: Beyond Barriers: Reading Reimagined: Powering Pupils to drive a Reading Revolution through Barrier Breaking Book Boxes, Inclusive ICT and Audiobook Access
  • Inverclyde: Across secondary school libraries in Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire – ACTIVATE – Young Voices in Action
  • North Ayrshire: St. Winning’s Primary School – Reading Beyond Walls – Creating a Whole-School Culture of Reading for Pleasure
  • Renfrewshire: Gryffe High School – Improving Girls’ Wellbeing Through Reading
  • South Ayrshire: eight secondary schools – READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS – A Project to Educate and Empower Young People to Know Their Rights and Engage with Social Justice Issues Within Their Communities and Beyond
  • Stirling: Dunblane Primary School – A Library for Everyone:  Shaping an Inclusive Literacy and Community Space at Dunblane Primary School
  • West Dunbartonshire: St Peter the Apostle High School and cluster primaries – Reading Roots –  Growing Family Reading Cultures
  • West Lothian: The James Young High School, Inveralmond Community High School, Armadale Academy, Whitburn Academy, Bathgate Academy – FACT (Factual And Creative Thinkers)

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play an important role in pupils’ lives, providing a space where they can thrive, broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential.

“The School Library Improvement Fund helps bring this vision to life by encouraging fresh ideas and forward-thinking approaches to what a library can do for young people.

“We were delighted by the remarkably high standard of the applications submitted which reflects the passion, creativity and ambition of school library staff across the country. We look forward to seeing these 16 projects take shape, helping libraries continue to evolve, inspire pupils and make a lasting difference to schools, families and local communities.”

The 2026-27 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to over £2 million since the scheme’s inception. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.

For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Brass Among the Blooms

Qatari Police Band visits Edinburgh’s restored Palm Houses

The Qatari Police Band, currently performing at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, stepped into one of the capital’s most remarkable landmarks as they visited the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s newly restored Palm Houses, offering a rare glimpse inside the spectacular space before it officially reopens to the public on the 2nd of October.

The band’s captivating presence created a striking visual within the towering heritage structure, described as the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House, as two distinct worlds came together beneath its newly renovated glass roof.

The Qatari Police Band are among more than 800 performers taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing together musicians and performers from across the world for A Call To Gather.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.

Cala Homes (East) helps volunteer group grow greener communities and tackle loneliness

  • Community Pledge funding supports local volunteers, improving green spaces, supporting wildlife and bringing people together  

A volunteer group helping to tackle loneliness while transforming community spaces across Midlothian has received funding from leading housebuilder Cala Homes (East) to continue its work.

Newton Hutters, the local Men’s Shed based at Newton Church Centre, has been awarded more than £660 through Cala Homes (East)’s Community Pledge initiative, linked to its nearby Craighall Village development in Millerhill.

Established in 2021, in response to the social isolation experienced by many individuals following the pandemic, the group provides a welcoming space where people can make friends, learn new skills and support one another while undertaking practical projects that improve the local community.

Today, the group’s 16 members meet regularly to share skills and deliver projects that make a lasting difference locally, including growing fresh produce for Danderhall Community Pantry, creating accessible planters for residents at Angres Court, and building outdoor play and learning spaces for more than 20 children attending Danderhall Primary School’s after-school club.

The recent boost in funding from Cala has enabled the group to purchase essential gardening equipment and materials, including lightweight telescopic tools, soaker hoses and 100 native hedgerow plants, helping members continue projects that benefit both local people and wildlife.

***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Newton Hutters is making a remarkable difference across the local community.

“Not only are members helping create greener, more welcoming spaces, but they’re also supporting local families, encouraging biodiversity and providing an invaluable place where people can come together, build friendships and combat loneliness.

“Through our Community Pledge, we’re proud to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities, and we’re delighted this funding will help the group continue its fantastic work.”

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Erika Pryde, Chair of the group, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said: “Receiving this funding means we can continue projects that make a real difference to local people while also protecting and enhancing our environment.

“The lightweight tools make gardening much more accessible for many of our members, while the soaker hose has already helped us keep our vegetables thriving through the recent dry weather, allowing us to continue supplying fresh produce to the community pantry.

“Meanwhile the native hedgerow will provide food, shelter and wildlife corridors for years to come, creating lasting benefits for birds, pollinators and other local wildlife.

“Just as importantly, Newton Hutters is a place where people can come together, make friends and feel part of something. Many of our members have told us it has helped them overcome loneliness and given them a renewed sense of purpose. We hope this funding will allow us to continue making a positive difference, both for our members and for the wider community.”

Cala’s Community Pledge goes beyond planning expectations, supporting local community groups and organisations throughout the lifecycle of local developments, and in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs are addressed.

To learn more about Cala’s Craighall Village development in Millerhill or its Community Pledge, visit: Craighall Village | Cala Homes.

TONIGHT: Community Cabaret at Edinburgh International Book Festival

Monday 24 August 2026, 18:00

Spiegeltent, Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, EH3 9EF

We’ve challenged local writers and poets to respond to this year’s Festival theme: Changing Your Mind.

Join us as we bring them together to perform their work and create a patchwork of ideas on trying new things, listening to different perspectives, and keeping a sense of wonder in our ever-changing world. You can expect a diverse, thought-provoking, and energising evening of live music, poetry, and storytelling.

I’ll be joining Citizen writer colleagues to read a short piece at tonight’s event – see you there (unless I change my mind, of course!) – Ed.