Do you know the incredible ways that movement can help with stress?
Movement has physical and psychological effects on our bodies that relieve present pressure and helps prevent stress.
But, it’s often when we’re most stressed that motivation to find time for physical activity suffers. We may not think we have time, or we may feel too exhausted to plan any physical activity.
But, the stress-relieving effects of movement are so great, that even small moments of movement can have an effect. Going on a walk, doing housework or gardening all count. If you’re struggling to find the time and motivation look for these everyday tasks or find small moments in your day. A five-minute stretching session could boost your mood and improve your focus and motivation.
Why not set aside a few minutes today for an activity you enjoy? See if you can find time for it over the coming days and weeks if stress starts to set in.
Children First has published a new report showing the positive impact the charity has made on the lives of thousands of children and families across Scotland.
The report reveals that the Children First support line, which offers practical, emotional and financial help to any family in Scotland, put almost £2.5 million back into the pockets of struggling families in 2024 by securing benefits they were entitled to.
Scotland’s national children’s charity also helped families to deal with debts totalling more than half a million pounds and make them more manageable.
From advice on mental health, money worries and online harm, to struggles at school, Children First’s support line gave expert help and advice to more than 2,500 families and supported over 9,400 people in 2024.
More than 1,000 of those families received financial wellbeing support and advice that helped keep children warm, well and fed.
Mary Glasgow, chief executive of Children First said: “Scotland is in the grip of a childhood emergency with around one in four children living in poverty.
“Poverty has a devastating impact on children’s development, physical and mental health, education and futures that can last into adulthood.
“We are calling on the government to act now to invest in targeted financial advice and support, early help for families and to increase the Scottish Child Payment which is the most effective way to alleviate poverty. Children can’t wait.”
The charity’s impact report also found that more than two thirds of families who reached out for help were worried about their child’s emotional wellbeing and half were concerned about family relationships.
Mary Glasgow added: “Every day our team hears from more and more families in distress and under huge pressure.
“For many, our support is a lifeline to them. But we can’t continue to be there for children and when they need us without your help.
In 2024 across Scotland Children First supported more than 8,600 children and over 8,800 parents and carers to have a brighter future through its local services and national support line. In total 17,493 people were supported.
Mum Priya shared: “Thank you so much. I am in tears writing this. I will never be able to thank you enough. I’ve felt shame in asking for help and this year has been the hardest in forever, but Children First has restored the hope I have in this world.”
Mum Sarah, whose son Arthur has a disability was supported to apply for Child Disability Payment said: “Children First helped us apply for Scottish Child Payment which I didn’t know existed. This extra amount will definitely help us with food and electric bills each month.”
Dad James said: “Just knowing we have that extra money coming in is such a weight off our shoulders. We are now not reliant on food banks or family members.”
The Children First support line helps families across Scotland with whatever challenges they face. Families can call the team for free on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk to start a web chat from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Friday or 9am – 12 noon Saturday and Sunday.
Celebrating 25 Years of Pie-Making Excellence, Scotland’s Top Bakers and Butchers Battle for the Ultimate Title
The heat is on in Scotland’s pie scene as the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards is officially unveiled. After a rigorous judging process, where 539 products were put to the ultimate taste test, 58 of Scotland’s best butchers, bakers, and pie makers have been shortlisted, standing out from 88 entrants vying for top honours.
Under the scrutiny of 50 expert judges, pies were assessed for taste, touch, appearance and smell across multiple categories, from the beloved Scotch Pie to Football Pies & Savouries, Macaroni Pie, Steak Pie, Sausage Roll, Hot Savoury, Vegetarian Savoury, Haggis Savoury, Bridie, and Apple Pies. This year also introduces two exciting new categories, Lighter Options and Retailer Pie Product of the Year, showcasing the industry’s continuous evolution and innovation.
The winner of the Scotch Pie category will be crowned WORLD CHAMPION, alongside all Best in Category winners, at a prestigious awards lunch on 10 May 2025 at the Hilton Glasgow.
Scottish Bakers, the trade association championing Scotland’s bakery sector, has proudly organised this annual competition for a quarter of a century, shining a spotlight on the skill and dedication of the nation’s best pie makers.
To mark its 25th anniversary, the organisation has launched the ‘Pieoneers’ campaign, celebrating the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation that drives Scotland’s iconic pie industry forward.
Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said: “This year marks a truly special milestone as we celebrate 25 years of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. Over the past quarter-century, this competition has become the ultimate showcase for the craft, passion, and innovation of Scotland’s butchers, bakers, and pie makers.
“Every pie tells a story: of heritage recipes passed down through generations, of new ideas pushing the boundaries, and of the sheer dedication to producing products that are loved by communities across the country.
“We look forward to crowning our winners in May and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the very best in our industry.”
Since its launch in 1999, the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards has set the gold standard for Scotland’s pie industry, providing a platform to honour the finest craftsmanship and commitment to tradition while embracing innovation.
The 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards would not be possible without strategic partner BAKO Group, Diamond Sponsor, Carr’s Flour and our valued sponsors: Andrew Ingredients, Dalziel Group, DMD (2000) Ltd, Fleming Howden, National Food & Drink Training, Reformul8, Reiser, Rondo, Sure Recruitment, TRKR and Ulrick & Short.
The full list of companies who have been shortlisted is:
An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old male youth have been arrested in connection with wilful fireraisings in Edinburgh.
Both have been arrested in connection with an incident which took place in Hay Drive on Friday, 4 April, 2024.
The 18-year-old has also been arrested in connection with a wilful fire at a premises in Albert Street on Thursday, 6 March, 2025 and the wilful fire of a vehicle in the Parrotshot area on Sunday, 2 March, 2025.
Enquiries are ongoing into the incidents, which are linked to the recent discharge of firearms and other fire-raising incidents in the city.
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
A 24-year-old man was earlier arrested and charged in relation to two wilful fireraisings. He was due to appear in Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 8 April.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: “I want to reassure the community that extensive enquiries are ongoing into this investigation and arrests will continue over the coming weeks.
“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
The British Veterinary Association is warning pet owners to keep traditional goodies – such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns – out of reach of their animals to avoid emergency vet visits this April.
The warning comes as statistics from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), which provides emergency advice to veterinary professionals about poisoning cases and runs Animal PoisonLine for owners, reveal that it received over 100 enquiries about animals eating chocolate last Easter.
Half of all enquiries it receives about pets ingesting hot cross buns, which contain vine fruits that are poisonous to many animals, also unsurprisingly come at Easter.
Although 80 per cent of enquiries related to chocolate ingestion involve dogs, it’s not just cheeky canines who bite off more than they can chew: the VPIS reports 15 per cent of enquiries about chocolate ingestion relate to cats and 3 per cent to rabbits.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can be dangerous for all pets. Dogs, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning due to a chemical called theobromine, which is found naturally in cocoa beans.
Theobromine takes a long time to be broken down inside a dog’s digestive system, which means that even small amounts of chocolate can potentially result in toxic levels, especially for smaller dogs and puppies. Although white chocolate is usually safer for dogs if ingested accidentally, milk and dark chocolate can cause poisoning, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep all types of chocolate away.
Raisins and sultanas, found in hot cross buns and simnel cakes, and xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) can also be dangerous for dogs if ingested.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Rob Williams said: “Chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are just a few of the treats which spring onto the shelves at this time of year.
“While they are delicious for us, the VPIS statistics show they are also tempting – but toxic – to our pets. Many of us will know the dangers that chocolate presents to dogs, but other pets such as cats and rabbits can also become seriously unwell if they eat it, while hot cross buns also contain vine fruits which is particularly toxic too.
“It’s best to make sure that all sweet treats and tempting titbits are kept out of reach of your pets to avoid emergency vet visits, but if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, it’s really important that you speak to your vet – it could save their life.”
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to three days. Initially, pets are likely to experience excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea and restlessness.
These can develop into symptoms of hyperactivity, tremors, increased heart rate, hyperthermia and rapid breathing. Severe cases may result in fits and heartbeat irregularities, and even coma and death. If you notice these symptoms in your dog and suspect chocolate ingestion, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road.
Around 11.15pm on Tuesday, 8 April, 2025, officers were made aware of a crash involving a Kawasaki KLE650 motorcycle and an unknown car.
Emergency services attended and the 61-year-old male rider was pronounced dead at the scene.
The car has since been traced and the 31-year-old man arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences. Further enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “We would like to thank the public for their assistance with our investigation and our thoughts remain with the family of the man who died.
“Anyone with any further information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.”
Following recent enforcement action in the West Pilton and Crewe areas, officers have been carrying out patrols and a letter drop with information on how to contact us or CrimeStoppers.
Tackling crime is a joint effort and relies on the support and confidence of the communities we work with day-in, day-out.
If you have concerns about something in your community, speak to officers or you can log it on the CrimeStoppers website completely anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Heriot-Watt University today announced a major boost to its mission of advancing global dialogue on economic and social progress through a renewed partnership with Baillie Gifford, supporting a series of programmes based at Panmure House – the final remaining home of Adam Smith.
The ‘Baillie Gifford Panmure House Partnership II Gift’ will power a new phase of activity at Panmure House, designed to revitalise the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century. It will enhance programmes that convene world-leading thinkers, foster groundbreaking research, and support rigorous debate on the pressing challenges facing economies and societies around the globe.
Professor Adam Dixon, Adam Smith Chair in Sustainable Capitalism at Panmure House, said: “Our mission is to provide world-influencing social and economic debate and research, that will help promote a world in which businesses and governments serve the long-term common good; where policies and public discourse are inclusive, well-reasoned and founded on research.
“We are grateful to Baillie Gifford for this gift that will help continue to revitalize the Scottish Enlightenment for the 21st century and foster rigorous debate and research that addresses the critical economic and societal issues of our time. With this generous support, we will expand our initiatives and continue to champion the values that Adam Smith embodied”.
The partnership supports a range of existing and new initiatives, including an expanded Adam Smith Lecture Series, bringing Nobel Laureates and world-renowned thinkers to Edinburgh for public and scholarly engagement; the Panmure House Prize, supporting pioneering research into long-term innovation; and the Scholars-in-Residence Programme, establishing Panmure House as a dynamic, global hub for academic collaboration and debate.
This renewed support builds on a longstanding relationship between Baillie Gifford and Heriot-Watt University. Their initial contribution included the Panmure House Prize which recognises and rewards innovative research aligned with Smith’s enduring principles of long-term thinking and public value as well as the Adam Smith Lecture Series.
Furthermore, the gift will form part of Heriot-Watt University’s Shaping Futures campaign, an ambitious initiative to raise over £80 million in support of student support, research excellence, and global impact.
Tom Coutts, a Partner at Baillie Gifford, commented: “Panmure House stands as a beacon of independent thinking.
“We are proud to support Heriot-Watt’s vision to keep that light burning brightly, inspiring new generations of researchers, policymakers, and leaders to engage thoughtfully with the big questions of our time.”
Panmure House was built in 1691 and was the home of Scottish Enlightenment economist Adam Smith from 1778 to his death in 1790. It is now part of Edinburgh Business School, the business school of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
Panmure House continues to reassert its position as a globally relevant centre for impactful scholarship – bringing together academia, business, and policy to chart a more inclusive and innovative future.
To mark 65 years since the passing of NHS founder Nye Bevan, arts and activism collective Hive Mind Speaks has begun an ambitious UK-wide campaign.
In just 6 days, the group will visit 65 locations, asking the public 3 powerful questions about the future of the NHS — gathering real opinions from real people.
The aim is to provide a platform for the general public to have their say on the future of the NHS,
At the heart of the tour is a striking satirical short film, played on a large mobile screen, drawing crowds and sparking conversation.
The campaign culminates on Saturday 12 April at a Citizens’ Jury hosted at South Bank University, where key figures will respond to the public’s views.
Results will be presented to current Health Minister, Wes Streeting and submitted to the Change NHS 10 year Health Plan for England.
NHS65 is a nationwide arts activism initiative dedicated to providing a platform for the general public to have an impact on the future of the NHS. The showcase will take place across 65 locations in 6 days, via an LED van playing a powerful satirical video on the threat to the future of the NHS.
The project will culminate in a Citizens’ Jury on Saturday 12 April 2025 at London South Bank University (LSBU) in London, England, a leading university for Nursing and Midwifery in the UK. Expert speakers will include Aneira Thomas- the first ever baby born under the NHS, Professor Gwyn Bevan from the London School of Economics and Dr. Bob Gill, producer of the documentary The Great NHS Heist.
EDINBURGH LOCATIONS TODAY:
City Centre 2.30pm
Holyrood 3pm
NHS Scotland 3.30pm
Queen Margaret University 4pm
Murrayfield 5.30pm
Stockbridge 7pm
On the road, 3 key questions will be posed to the general public based on key findings from the recently commissioned Lord Darzi Report, which outlines a proposed 10-year plan for healthcare in the UK:
1) Ensuring adequate funding for the NHS
Should the NHS spending be legally protected with a minimum percentage of GDP?
2) The Long-Term Sustainability of the NHS
Should NHS funding priorities be decided by an independent health body rather than by politicians to ensure long-term stability and prevent short term political influence?
3) Privatisation vs Public ownership
Should the NHS renew or cancel all current privatisation contracts when they next come up for renewal?
From these three, the public will determine the most important issue and question for deliberation at the citizens jury.
How Does the Citizen’s Jury Work?
A diverse, representative panel of jurors will hear from expert speakers on the current state of the NHS. The expert speakers will include Aneira Thomas- the first ever baby born under the NHS, Professor Gwyn Bevan- Emeritus Professor of Policy Analysis at London School of Economics, Dr. Bob Gill- current practicing GP and producer of the documentary The Great NHS Heist. Observers and members of the public are encouraged to attend, ask questions and take part in discussions.
The results of citizens jury deliberation will be fed into the NHS’ very own Change campaign. A campaign to canvas public opinion over the next 10 years for implementing change as part of the 10 year health plan, resulting from the current government’s Lord Darzi report commission.
Hive Mind Speaks will ensure the findings are presented to current Health Minister, Wes Streeting, and the results will be made available on the Hive Mind Speaks platform, as well as being archived at the British Library. Additionally, the results will be presented on the LED van across significant locations in London on Monday 14 April.
The Red Jay NHS Story
A Lifelong Bond with the NHS: A Story of Care, Resilience and Gratitude
Joshua was born on April 12th, 1982, at the Whittington Hospital, North London, arriving into the world with an extremely rare, genetic musculoskeletal condition called Larsen’s Syndrome, a condition so uncommon that, at the time of his birth, only around 500 cases had been documented in the UK. It was a moment filled with uncertainty for his parents, who had no indication of any complications before his arrival and also for the doctors, who had rarely, if ever, encountered anything like this before.
But what could have been an overwhelming ordeal for any family was met with the steadfast hands and compassionate hearts of the NHS. In those early days, as his parents Christine and Terry navigated the fear of the unknown, the doctors, nurses and specialists of the NHS became more than just medical professionals, they became guardians, problem-solvers and beacons of hope.
Among them, a South African doctor, Dr. Patent, affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Pavement” by a young Joshua, who would become a guiding force in his early medical journey. With a calm presence and a determined strategy, Dr. Patent led the way in understanding and addressing the complex web of muscle and tendon abnormalities that accompanied Joshua’s condition.
The first two surgeries on Joshua’s thighs were purely exploratory, a leap into the unknown, guided only by expertise and an unwavering commitment to care.
From there, the next three operations on his legs and left hip took place before he was even six months old, carefully correcting what was discovered. The NHS didn’t just offer treatment, it offered trust, patience and reassurance to a family learning to navigate a condition they had never expected.
At 14 years old, Joshua’s journey with the NHS continued after a sledging accident resulted in another two surgeries, this time due to the unique structural challenges of Larsen’s Syndrome. Though these operations left him with a leg length discrepancy, they were a testament to the NHS’s ongoing commitment to ensuring he could lead as full and active a life as possible.
Throughout his childhood, Joshua was acutely aware that his nose was different, the result of missing nasal cartilage, a depressed nasal bridge and a prominent forehead. He remembers sitting with NHS doctors, flipping through a book of noses, contemplating facial reconstruction surgery. Though advised to wait until adulthood, he carried the thought with him for years.
At UCL Hospital in 2013, he finally underwent a LaFort II Osteotomy, a groundbreaking facial reconstruction procedure that realigned his upper jaw. This was combined with a rhinoplasty procedure, where they took Joshua’s lower right-hand rib to replace the missing nasal cartilage.
For the NHS, it was complex but routine surgery. For Joshua, it was transformational. It gave him ownership over his face, removing a lifetime of self-consciousness and allowing him to walk through the world without shielding himself from it.
The Future and Family Planning
Most recently, Joshua’s journey with the NHS came full circle through genome sequencing at Great Ormond Street Hospital, revealing that he had a 50% chance of passing Larsen’s Syndrome to future offspring. While this news carried its own emotional weight, the NHS was there once again, not just as a provider of answers, but as a partner in finding solutions. It opened the doors to NHS funded IVF treatment, offering the possibility of building a future family without the fear of passing on his condition.
A New Diagnosis and a Disturbing Reality
In 2024, Joshua received another life-altering piece of news, one that shifted his perspective on the NHS and deepened his urgency to take action.
Concerned about memory loss, he underwent a brain scan, which revealed atrophy of the cerebellar vermis, a degenerative condition with a life expectancy often cutting short in the 50s or 60s. The news was deeply troubling, a future he had never considered was suddenly placed in front of him.
Yet, in the midst of grappling with this deeply concerning revelation, Joshua was given a one-year wait to see an NHS neurologist. The NHS, the very institution that had always been his safety net was now buckling under strain.
Faced with this uncertainty and while abroad in Canada, where he holds dual citizenship, Joshua made the difficult decision to seek a private consultation to gain some reassurance. There, a specialist was able to put his mind at ease, stating that this was not an actively degenerative condition, but something he was born with. Had it been a new, progressive disorder, the reality would have been vastly different.
The experience shook Joshua, not just because of his personal health scare, but because it highlighted, in the most painful way possible, the crisis the NHS is facing.
For the first time in his life, he had to use a private doctor. He described it as feeling like he was cheating on the NHS. But it felt he did it not out of choice, but out of necessity.
Why This Project Matters
This moment became a key driver in Joshua realising we can no longer all just be supporters of the NHS, we had to actively fight for its future.
The NHS isn’t failing by accident, it’s being failed and Joshua, through NHS65, is putting the future of the NHS on trial.
From the very moment of his birth to the milestones of surgery, transformation and family planning, Joshua’s life has been woven into the fabric of the NHS. It is not just an institution, it is a lifeline, a source of unwavering support and a testament to the best of humanity.
His story is one of gratitude, resilience and love for a service that has given so much to so many. A service that must not be left to collapse.
The City of Edinburgh Council is now accepting applications for its Community Grants Fund (CGF), offering grants of up to £5,000 to support community work in neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.
The Community Grants Fund (CGF) is a small grants scheme designed to empower local communities and support grassroots initiatives. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to constituted groups for community-based activities, with 13 local funds corresponding to different areas of the city.
If you are part of a community group with a project in mind, you may be eligible to apply to your local fund.
The CGF has previously supported a variety of important projects, including the Grassmarket Community Cinema Project, bespoke driven bikes for North Edinburgh Dementia Care and a a community orchard group at Lauriston Farm – and your project could be next!
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Community-driven projects have the power to transform neighbourhoods and improve lives. Our communities are the lifeblood of our city, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to turn their ideas into reality.
“The Community Grant Fund offers a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I’m excited to see the incredible projects that will emerge from this round of applications.”
The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday, 30th April 2025.
All applications will be reviewed in June, and successful applicants will be notified soon after.
Quotes from past participants:
North Edinburgh Dementia Care (Craigentinny Duddingston)
Project: To trial a project getting older isolated people with a diagnosis of dementia out and about in the community using bespoke driven bikes.
Quote: “The grant has enabled us to work in partnership with Joy Rides to deliver an outdoor bike program to our service users, who have a diagnosis of dementia. Service users enjoyed a ride on a trishaw which is a customised electric bike with a driver cycling from behind.
“Promoting their health & wellbeing and reducing isolation being outdoors in the fresh air, making them visible in their own community.
“The project enabled people who were no longer able to cycle independently to feel the wind in their hair and the exhilaration of the travelling on a bike through beautiful areas, in a safe, secure and supported environment.” (quote from participant)
Grassmarket Community Project (City Centre)
Project: Funding to hire a cinema director and two projectionists part-time to continue their valuable work curating and delivering a weekly film programme for the Community Picture House.
Quotes: “In summary, the Grassmarket Community Picture House played a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of its attendees by providing social interaction, cultural enrichment, and access to support services. This initiative promoted positive social engagement, reduced isolation, and empowered individuals to build connections and grow within a supportive community environment.” (quote from participant)
Edinburgh Agroecology- Lauriston Farm (Almond)
Project: to develop a community orchard group
Quote: “The Orchard project is beneficial to the community on many levels. Not only is it an investment in future fruit production, it is also where the wider community, especially children, can learn so much about natural food sources and the splendid variety of fruits.
‘For the group directly involved, the orchard is a joyful space for creativity and learning about simple, natural and organic technologies. The collaboration and commitment of stalwart Orchard Group Members combined with dedication of the directors of Lauriston Farm is second to none.” (quote from participant)
