North Edinburgh News – Page 15 – The NEN

SEPA: Household waste sent to landfill falls by 84% since 2011, but recycling challenge still remains

Scotland has cut the amount of household waste sent to landfill by more than 84% since 2011, according to new household waste statistics, published today by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The latest data show Scotland has continued to make significant progress in reducing its reliance on landfill, with the amount of household waste sent to landfill falling by a further 10.3% in 2025.

However, while the way Scotland manages household waste has changed dramatically over the last decade, progress in reducing the amount of waste generated and increasing the national recycling rate has been more limited.

In 2025, Scottish households generated 2.31 million tonnes of waste, a decrease of just 1,500 tonnes (0.1%) compared with 2024. Household waste generation remains 11% lower than in 2011, when the current time series began.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s household recycling rate fell from 44.3% in 2024 to 42.8% in 2025. While recycling rates have remained relatively stable over the last 15 years, the latest decrease underlines the ongoing challenge of encouraging households to recycle so that resources can be kept in use for longer.

Research previously carried out by Zero Waste Scotland found that around 52% of the material currently placed in Scotland’s general household waste bins could potentially be recycled. This includes everyday items such as food waste, paper, cardboard and plastic.

With recycling rates flat and landfilling reducing, incineration of household waste increased by 5.7% (49,000 tonnes) in 2025. Incineration is used to manage residual wastes placed in general bins and not separated for recycling.

Taken together, the figures paint a mixed picture of Scotland’s progress towards a circular economy. Significant reductions in landfill and increases in incineration demonstrate how waste management is evolving, but the latest figures also show there remains considerable scope to further reduce waste and increase recycling rates.

As the Circular Economy & Waste Route Map sets out, the Scottish Government has various actions underway seeking to increase recycling and divert recyclable material from general household waste, including the deposit return scheme, packaging extended producer responsibility and the forthcoming recycling Code of Practice.

Dr Richard Allan, SEPA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “There has been a major shift over the last 15 years in the way household waste is being managed and disposed of across the country.

“Waste headed to landfill has fallen significantly by 84% since 2011, representing a significant achievement and demonstrating what can be achieved when households, local authorities, government and businesses work towards a shared goal.

“At the same time, however, the figures highlight an ongoing challenge. While landfill waste continues to fall and the amount of household waste we generate has decreased slightly, recycling rates have broadly stayed the same over the last eight years.

“This poses a serious question as to how Scotland can realise its circular economy ambitions. It’s clear that where waste ends up is important, but we need to focus on preventing waste in the first place and recycling more of that material when it is produced.

“We know there is still considerable untapped potential, outlined by the Zero Waste Scotland research showing much more of our general waste bins could potentially be recycled. That includes many everyday items we all use and consume like food waste, paper, cardboard and plastics.

“If we can place further emphasis on ensuring these items are disposed of correctly, it will help reduce environmental impacts, move closer towards a sustainable future and reap the environmental, economic and societal benefits that come with it.”

https://twitter.com/ScottishEPA/status/2115057829220364347/video/1

Waste landfilled in Scotland

The total quantity of all waste types landfilled in Scotland in 2025 was 1.58 million tonnes, a reduction of 230,000 tonnes (12.7%) compared with 2024. This is the lowest record amount of waste landfilled in Scotland.

Much of this reduction was due to decreases in sorting residues, which fell by 216,000 tonnes (38.5%), and construction wastes, which fell by 15,000 tonnes (34.2%).

Waste incinerated in Scotland

Overall, 1.84 million tonnes of waste from all sources was incinerated in Scotland during 2025, a slight decrease of 1.1% from the previous year.

Despite this year-on-year reduction, the quantity of waste incinerated remains substantially higher than in 2011, having increased by 1.44 million tonnes (363%) over the period.

Household and similar wastes remained the largest waste category incinerated in Scotland, accounting for 857,000 tonnes, or 46.5% of all waste incinerated.

Household statistics – Household waste data | Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

Former Holyrood Presiding Officer honoured by Edinburgh Napier University

Alison Johnstone receives an honorary doctorate

A former Lothian MSP and Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has been recognised by Edinburgh Napier University for her commitment to democratic inclusivity.

Alison Johnstone was awarded an honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday [Tuesday 27 October 2026].

The award recognises a political career which began in 1999 as an assistant to Robin Harper, the first Green Party politician elected anywhere in the United Kingdom, and culminated in a five-year term as Holyrood’s figurehead.

Throughout her time in politics, Ms Johnstone also served as a City of Edinburgh Councillor and co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, before being elected as a Lothian region MSP from 2011 to May of this year.

During this period, she was instrumental in establishing the Scottish Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, which seeks to address barriers facing women in politics.

Ms Johnstone’s spell as Presiding Officer, the neutral speaker of the debating chamber, coincided with the unprecedented restrictions of the Covid pandemic.

Her stewardship ensured democratic participation remained accessible throughout, including remote engagement and consideration of those with caring responsibilities.

Receiving her honorary degree, Alison Johnstone said: “I’m delighted to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

“It’s extremely special to be awarded alongside so many students celebrating the fulfilment of their hard work.

“The impact of Edinburgh Napier’s teaching and research is recognised globally and I am thrilled to be awarded such an honour by an institution that I hold in the highest regard, and which has such a significant influence on the life of the region I have lived in and represented throughout my working life.

“I first became actively involved in politics when I joined neighbours campaigning to save school playing fields, just a few minutes from ENU’s Craiglockhart Campus.

“I have been privileged to serve as a City of Edinburgh Councillor, as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and as Presiding Officer. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with others determined to ensure that all voices are heard and that barriers to equal representation and participation are removed. A thriving democracy demands this.

“This honour will drive me on and I will continue to do what I can to help ensure that those who may struggle most to be heard, have that opportunity.”

Formally presenting Ms Johnstone with her award of Doctor of the University, ENU Strategic Advisor Thomas Feige said: “Throughout her career, Alison Johnstone has demonstrated a profound belief that democracy is strengthened when all voices can be heard.

“Her leadership has helped to foster respectful debate, support democratic accountability and promote a more inclusive political culture.

“In doing so, she has made a lasting contribution to Scottish public life and has become an inspiring role model for future generations, and particularly for women seeking leadership roles in public service.”

Alison Johnstone received her honorary doctorate during a graduation ceremony for students from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment.

ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between 27-30October 2026.

Babies and young children in care system being failed by delays in decisions about their forever home

Experts will meet in Glasgow tomorrow at a National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children that’s been organised by NSPCC Scotland and Parent-Infant Foundation
The event is being held due to serious concerns about the length of time babies and young children in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home
Participants will discuss why delays in decision making about a permanent home can happen with the aim of assisting a Scottish Government review into the impact of this, with a specific spotlight on babies and young children’s unique developmental needs

Experts in the care system will come together this week in a bid to kick-start a Scottish Government review into the impact of delays in deciding on permanent homes for children.

NSPCC Scotland and the Parent-Infant Foundation have organised the National Summit on Permanence for Babies and Young Children amid serious concerns about the length of time those in care in Scotland are waiting to be placed in their long-term-home.

Evidence shows that babies and children in Scotland’s care system wait more than two years on average for decisions or recommendations about their permanent home, with many then waiting months or even years longer before moving there.

Practitioners, policy makers and people with experience of the care system will gather for the National Summit atGlasgow University Union Scotland tomorrow, Wednesday (October 28), to discuss the challenges the country faces in securing permanent homes for children at the earliest opportunity.

The Scottish Government is legally required under the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act 2026, to conduct a review of this issue by September 2028.

The two charities want to ensure this review shines a light on the true impact of delay on babies and young children and looks to the evidence for practical and legislative changes to prevent them from facing prolonged uncertainty in the care system.

A key focus of the event will be the impact of uncertainty, instability and broken primary carer relationships on babies and children who enter the care system.

Within the current system children can experience multiple home moves and numerous primary caregivers due to drift and delays in decision making within the care system about their permanent home.

This can be harmful for all children, but it’s particularly damaging for babies who are uniquely vulnerable during this critical stage in their development. It can also lead to a greater risk of being exposed to abuse and neglect, disrupted relationships, and increased likelihood of the need for ongoing support as they transition to adulthood and throughout their lives.

The National Summit will set out why infancy is a crucial stage of development and a unique opportunity to improve a child’s future and needs a distinct response from all the adults and services supporting them.

Joanne Smith, NSPCC Scotland policy manager, said: “Delays in securing a permanent home for a baby or child should not be seen as simply administrative issues. They have a profound impact on their development, relationships, wellbeing and future.

“Babies and children cannot wait. Their needs do not pause while systems deliberate. Scotland now has an opportunity to build a system that delivers timely decisions, protects the rights of infants, supports families effectively and provides children with the safety, stability and loving relationships they need to thrive.

“This summit aims to build consensus around the need for reform and identify practical and legislative changes that will ensure babies and children experience a more stable and timely journey through the care system.”

Lucy Morton, Scotland Development Lead for Parent-Infant Foundation said: “Babies depend on sensitive, responsive care to grow and develop healthily.

“Early relationships between babies and their caregivers are incredibly important. If babies are within an uncertain system, with instability and broken relationships with their caregivers, this can be particularly damaging. We want to help change this and our work with infant mental health teams in Scotland helps us envisage a more responsive and therapeutic system.

“We are delighted to be working with NSPCC Scotland to help bring together experts at the Summit to build understanding and collectively help speak up for all babies in Scotland.”

Findings from the BeST? services trial, led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with the NSPCC and other universities^[1], showed that achieving a permanent home for children in Scotland takes nearly four and a half times longer in Scotland than in England.

The research also showed that only 27% of children got a permanent home within five years and among those who did, the average time taken to achieve this was 488 days.

And Scotland’s care system for under-fives costs around twice as much as England’s.

The research also showed that in England, where a family court Judge oversees cases and sets clear timescales, all the adults involved are more likely to put the baby or child’s developmental needs at the centre of decision making throughout.

The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act introduces a range of changes intended to improve support for children in care and people with care experience, including new rights and support around advocacy, aftercare and kinship care.

Before it was passed, NSPCC Scotland proposed an amendment to introduce legal time limits for decisions about a child’s permanent home, but this was rejected.

However, the charity then worked with cross party MSPs including Martin Whitfield and Fulton McGregor, to secure a commitment from the Scottish Government to review permanence legislation in the next parliamentary term.

Budget to give Britain breathing space today and fresh hope for the future

Today (Wednesday 28 October), the Chancellor will set out how the Budget will make Britain “more resilient” to global shocks, while helping households with “everyday costs”, backing businesses and entrepreneurs, and kicking off the “long-term action” needed to get “energy costs down for good”

In a video message, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey said: “Breathing space for today and fresh hope for the future. That’s what today’s Budget will deliver.

‘The world’s a highly uncertain place. Conflicts abroad are pushing up energy prices, and the cost of living here at home – piling pressure on the families, on businesses, and on our public finances.

‘But Britain’s economy is showing real signs of resilience: investments up, productivity is growing, and we had the joint fastest growth in the G7 in the first half of this year.

‘We can’t stop these shocks that hit Britain, but we can make Britain more resilient when they do.

‘So, this Budget is designed to give households breathing space from some of the everyday costs, provide targeted support for businesses and self-employed people, and to start the long-term action needed to get energy costs down for good.

‘But breathing space today must go hand-in-hand with building for the future.

‘So, we’ll back British businesses and entrepreneurs, we’ll invest in the technologies that drive future growth, and we’ll build more homes, shift power out of Whitehall, so that leaders locally can drive growth in every postcode.

‘And in an uncertain world, we will strengthen national security and our defences, as well as our support for Ukraine.

‘We’ll do all of this responsibly, sticking within tight fiscal rules, and make sure every pound is well invested.

‘Because this Budget is about getting through this difficult moment. But it’s also about putting Britain on a future path, a better future path.

‘Breathing space today, and fresh hope for the future.”

Chancellor abolishes standing charges on gas bills to make payments fairer

Standing charges from household gas bills will be removed for around 23 million homes.
Action from the Chancellor and Energy Secretary will make the energy system fairer and give some families breathing space.
Budget will “draw a line in the sand” on energy policy that has left billpayers exposed, giving families breathing space for today and hope for the future.

Tens of millions of households will no longer pay standing charges on their gas bills as the Government gives families more control over what they pay and some more breathing space.

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee added on top of a household gas bill, regardless of how much gas has been used. A household could use no gas at all but still must pay the standing charge.

The Chancellor will announce today an end to this unfair and outdated practice. He will ask Ofgem to deliver removal of these charges – which are £108 a year for the typical household on average – in 2027 or as soon as possible after.

Instead, these fixed costs will be paid on the unit rate, which could save 60% of account-holding households around an average of £45 off their annual bill.

Households not seeing an automatic saving will still have better control over their bills without the worry of affording the standing charge, and the government will set out in due course targeted mitigation for a small number of households.

This comes ahead of today’s Budget that will “draw a line in the sand” on a UK energy policy that has seen wrong turns taken for over four decades. The Prime Minister has previously spoken about reforming a broken energy market, so it better serves the public interest, rather than piling costs to bills and leaving British households even more exposed in an uncertain world.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Abolishing gas standing charges is about basic fairness and giving people more control over their bills.

“I am determined to reform our broken energy market, so it better serves the public interest.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Gas standing charges are unfair and outdated so I am scrapping them to give millions of households a bit of breathing space.

“My Budget will draw a line in the sand on an energy policy that has failed British billpayers for years, letting extra costs on bills pile high and leaving households even more exposed to global shocks.”

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “Too many families face unfair charges, so we’re making it easier for people to take control of their energy bills.

“By removing one of the nation’s bugbears – taking standing charges off gas bills, with extra support for those who need it – we’ll give millions of people breathing space.

“Tackling affordability is my number one priority, and I will keep doing everything I can to protect people from unaffordable bills.”

Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: “This represents real joined-up thinking to make a fairer, more efficient energy system, delivering what customers want – lower standing charges and further improving the ratio of electricity to gas prices.

“Most customers would see a cut in their gas bills which is crucial, but would also enjoy even higher savings if they can move to heat pumps when it suits them.”

This follows the Government’s VAT cut on electricity bills that came into effect at the beginning of this month which is already supporting households.

It means the Energy Price Cap from October was £45 a year less than it would have been. Around a third of households on fixed tariffs are not affected by the price cap, meaning their electricity prices will have fallen when the VAT cut took effect.

While the government is giving people short term relief on their energy bills, it is also taking action to fix Britain’s energy problems for the long term.

Last week, the Government announced a new Energy Wealth Fund which will support investment in cheap, clean power.

City council opens SOAR Fund

The City of Edinburgh Council has opened its new Source to Ocean Action Recovery (SOAR) fund, offering grants of £2,500–£10,000 for coastal and marine-focused projects

From beach cleans and wildlife projects to environmental art, community planting and educational workshops, the fund is for projects that help local people connect with and protect our marine and coastal environments, as well as watercourses.

£50,000 available in total

Apply by 12 noon on 30 November 2026

Find out more and apply at: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/SOARgrant

One Parent Families Scotland: Budget asks to address poverty

The UK Budget will be announced tomorrow.

Here’s what we want to see, so that we can invest in a positive future for everyone and act on the things that matter most:

#UKBudget

#UKPolitics

#Budget

#OneParentFamiliesScotland

Hidden horrors of Halloween: Essential safety advice for families

RoSPA warns families about the risks of trick-or-treating, including dangerous costumes, button batteries, pumpkin-carving injuries and driving in the dark
Safety advice includes always checking costumes and toys for safety markings, only buying from reputable retailers and making sure children are closely supervised
Drivers are reminded to be extra cautious about children crossing the road during darker evenings

As children and families get ready for trick-or-treating this Halloween, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is issuing important advice to ensure the celebrations don’t become scary for the wrong reasons.

The safety charity warns that trick-or-treating in particular involves a combination of potential risks from costumes and toys, as well as crossing the road during darker evenings.

Many Halloween costumes, particularly those from online marketplaces, may present flammability risks, strangulation hazards from cords and drawstrings, and missing safety information on labels. Research by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024 found that over 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven years failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation. Halloween costumes should always be bought from reputable retailers, and RoSPA is also reminding people that homemade costumes or those not tested to recognised flammability standards may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.

Alongside concerns about unsafe costumes, many Halloween decorations, flashing toys and light-up accessories contain button batteries, which can cause catastrophic internal injuries within hours if swallowed.

According to the Institute of Health Visiting, two children die each year as a result of button battery incidents. Parents and carers are being urged to check that battery compartments are secure and keep products containing button batteries out of reach of young children.

Pumpkins are a common sight at Halloween, and unfortunately so are cuts from carving them. To reduce the risk of injury, RoSPA advises using purpose-designed carving tools, working on a stable surface in good lighting and always cutting away from the body. Any children taking part should be closely supervised.

Halloween celebrations also take place as darker evenings draw in. According to the Department for Transport, nearly 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads in October 2025. Halloween can be particularly challenging for motorists, with large numbers of children out during the evening peak period when visibility is reduced.

As well as encouraging parents and carers to accompany children and help them cross the road, RoSPA is also reminding drivers to keep an extra cautious eye out for children in residential areas.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said: “Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.

“We urge parents to buy products from reputable retailers, check safety information carefully and pay particular attention to products containing button batteries.

“And as children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas. A moment’s extra care could prevent a serious injury.

“With a little planning and a few simple precautions, families can enjoy all the fun of Halloween while keeping themselves and others safe.”

TOP TIPS FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN

Product Safety

Buy costumes, decorations and accessories from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online.
Check for UKCA or CE markings.
Read safety instructions and warnings before use.
Avoid costumes with long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories which could present a strangulation hazard.
Ensure masks do not restrict vision and check for any small parts that may pose a choking risk.

Fire Safety

Keep costumes, wigs and decorations away from candles, fireplaces and other open flames.
Consider battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins and decorations.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Supervise children and pets around any lit candles.

Button Battery Safety

Check that battery compartments are secure.
Keep spare and used button batteries out of reach of children.
Dispose of batteries safely and responsibly.
Seek immediate medical attention if a child is suspected of swallowing a button battery.

Pumpkin Safety

Always cut away from your body and avoid putting hands inside the pumpkin.
Use specific pumpkin-carving kits if available, or a knife with a shorter blade that’s easier to control.
Always carve on a stable surface in a well-lit area.
Make sure knife, hands and pumpkin are dry to reduce the chance of slips.
Never let children carve a pumpkin without close supervision.

Trick-or-Treating and Road Safety

Carry a torch to help children see and be seen.
Add reflective materials to costumes where possible.
Ensure children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Use pavements and designated crossing points whenever possible.
Drivers should slow down in residential areas and remain vigilant for children who may behave unpredictably.

See more Halloween safety advice

I’m Still Me: Vibrant portrait exhibition raises awareness of breast cancer at Holyrood

A powerful art exhibition, to raise awareness of the one in seven women in Scotland who will be impacted by breast cancer in their lifetime, was unveiled today at the Scottish Parliament by acclaimed Scottish artist Nicola Cairns.

In collaboration with The House of Hope, Scotland’s first wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer and their families, the striking portraits feature members of the charity’s breast cancer community,* and invite people to look beyond the diagnosis and recognise and celebrate the individuality of those impacted by breast cancer.

The vibrant portraits in the ‘I’m Still Me’ exhibition, remind people that breast cancer can impact women or men at any life stage and emphasise how important wellbeing support is for those going through a breast cancer journey, to help them feel like ‘me’ again.

Emma Bird, 30 whose portrait is included in the exhibition said: “When you get a breast cancer diagnosis it’s absolutely devastating and you almost lose a part of yourself with it. My painting reminds me of what I love most about life and empowers me to live every day to the max.

“It’s hard to put into words how important the House of Hope has been during my breast cancer journey. I’ve benefitted from the workshops, exercise and relaxation classes and more importantly made friends with people going through a similar experience, which has really helped me move forward in my life.”

The exhibition marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and runs until 29th October at the Scottish Parliament.

Artist Nicola Cairns said; “It was an honour to paint the portraits for the House of Hope’s ‘I’m Still Me’ art exhibition.

“I was fortunate enough to meet and learn more about the people I was painting and their stories of strength and resilience were truly inspiring. While the exhibition carries a serious message, it also celebrates and captures the vibrant personalities and real people behind a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Following its showcase at the Scottish Parliament, the portraits will go on display in Edinburgh-based the House of Hope, before being auctioned to raise vital funds for the wellbeing services available at the House of Hope.

House of Hope, Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden said: “We know how important our wellbeing services are in the lives of those going through a breast cancer journey, and that’s why we wanted to put our community at the heart of the exhibition to celebrate their lives and how incredibly inspirational they are.”

Visit houseofhope.org.uk for further information about the exhibition, its wellbeing services and ways to get involved with or fundraise for the House of Hope.

Childcare crisis as North Edinburgh Childcare to close on Friday

North Edinburgh Childcare will close THIS FRIDAY, making staff and sessional workers redundant and causing a huge problem for scores of local parents.

The sudden closure is dreadful news for the North Edinburgh community. NEC was seen as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Pilton Partnership activities in the 1990s, when local activists saw their dream of an affordable local childcare facility become a reality at last. Today, it seems that dream is over.

NEC staff member Astrid Hederson wrote on Facebook:

Dear Families of North Edinburgh

‘As many of you will now be aware, North Edinburgh Childcare will be closed suddenly this Friday . As a member of staff, it saddens me deeply that our journey has ended this way.

‘We were kept in the dark — under the pretence that surveys were being taken to improve the company, while behind closed doors decisions were being made that affected all of us. They didn’t reach out to parents, carers, or the community — and they didn’t reach out to the staff who are here from 7am till 6pm, Monday to Friday.

‘Our General Manager has been off sick and effectively disappeared — and while we respect that people need time away, what we needed most was a leader.

‘We needed someone to stand with us, someone to fight for us, someone to help us navigate what was happening. Instead, we were left without guidance, without answers, and completely unprepared for what was coming.

‘It feels like we were abandoned — and we believe there was so much more that could have been done to save our service.

‘We have stuck by this community through the tragedies, the hard times, through COVID, and through some really wonderful, good times too. We want to stay. We want to fight. But we can’t do it alone. We need our parents, our carers, and our community to back us up — just as we have always backed you.

‘This workplace isn’t just a job to me — the people there are my world. I’ve been through so much with some of them. This is the family I don’t want to lose.

‘As staff, we weren’t given the opportunity to fight — not just for our jobs, but to fight to stay and serve the children we love, the families we care about, and the community we are part of.

‘We weren’t given the chance to say goodbye to the children we love, serve, and protect. We don’t get to say goodbye to the parents and carers we’ve grown so close to — the ones we’ve walked alongside, watched their children grow, shared joys and worries and dreams with.

This post is not to ask for money. It’s simply to speak the truth — because the truth deserves to be heard. I don’t know how far this will reach, but our children still need us. The parents still need us. We deserved better than to be left in the dark.

‘If this matters to you — please reach out. Speak to your MP, your councillors, anyone who will listen. Stand with us, just as we’ve always stood with you.

North Edinburgh Childcare’s website states:

North Edinburgh Childcare first opened its doors to children in the spring of 1997.

The organisation developed in response to an identified need for high quality, childcare in North Edinburgh that would enable local parents and carers to access opportunities for work, training or education.

A group of local residents campaigned over a 6 year period for the creation of a custom built (state of the art) childcare facility. In the Spring of 1997, the dream became a reality.

Since opening the organisation has gone from strength to strength and grown into the multi stranded operation that it is today. Our early learning and childcare services currently consist of a nursery service which takes place within the organisation’s purpose built centre and an out of school care service which is delivered from various locations across North Edinburgh.

Continuous feedback from the Care Inspectorate ensures that we never stop adapting and striving to always reach the highest of standards and our unwavering focus is with the ongoing development of our child-centred approach.

North Edinburgh Childcare strives to be the provider of choice through the delivery of services that are of the highest quality. As a forward looking organisation we actively embrace equal opportunities and social inclusion in the creation of learning environments that enable people to confidently reach out for the future.

In a statement released this afternoon, North Edinburgh Childcare said: “It is with enormous sadness that North Edinburgh Childcare announces that the organisation is facing insolvency and is closing on Friday 30 October 2026. For the avoidance of doubt, we will be open as normal on Friday 30th but will be closed thereafter.

“The Board of Trustees has explored every possible option and scenario to keep the organisation open and financially viable. Sadly, despite our best efforts, a sustainable way forward cannot be identified and, having taken legal advice, the decision has been made to close forthwith.

“This is a devastating outcome for an organisation that has supported children, families and the local community for many years. Our thoughts are very much with the children and families who rely on our services, and with our dedicated staff who have worked so hard to support them.

“We continue to liaise with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that all available support is identified for families affected by the closure and for our staff during this very difficult time.”

SNP Education spokesperson Cllr Euan Hislop said: “North Edinburgh families deserve better than this.

“The closure of North Edinburgh Childcare’s nursery and out-of-school clubs from Monday 2 November will leave families across Davidson’s Mains, Ferryhill, Forthview, Pirniehall/St David’s, Trinity (FortELC) and Juniper Green facing huge disruption, with no alternative provision in place.

“This crisis was foreseeable. As SNP Education Spokesperson, I repeatedly warned that withdrawing funding from established childcare providers put services at risk. SNP colleagues called for the cuts to be halted and alternatives found, but our warnings were ignored.

“Labour and the Liberal Democrats must answer for the decisions that brought us here.

“I will be tabling an emergency motion at Thursday’s council meeting demanding answers and calling for emergency assistance for families who have no alternative childcare.

“If your family is affected, please get in touch. We need urgent action, not excuses after the damage has been done.”