Category: North Edinburgh News

Post Office confirms last remaining 108 Directly Managed Branches to be franchised

CWU:’This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door’

POST OFFICE PROMISES ‘NEW DEAL FOR POSTMASTERS’

The Post Office has today (8 April) announced that following a Board decision it is moving to a fully franchised network as part of its commitment to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters.’

Subject to Government funding, the last 108 Directly Managed Branches which are operated by the Post Office will be franchised by the autumn. This means that those communities that currently have a Directly Managed Branch in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services either at, or near to, the same location.

In November 2024, the Post Office announced its five-year Transformation Plan to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’. Subject to Government funding to enable the Post Office to deliver its plan, Postmaster remuneration will increase by an additional £250 million a year by 2030.

The Post Office confirmed in November that the future of its Directly Managed Branch network would be under review. Directly Managed Branches generate a fully allocated loss (including central and support costs) of over £40 million each year.

Following consultation with unions and reviewing options with the Postmaster Consultative Council, a decision was taken by the Post Office Board to move to a fully franchised network in order to help fund increases in the remuneration Postmasters receive.

Nigel Railton, Post Office Chair, said: “Moving to a fully franchised network is one part of enabling the Post Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for Postmasters’, helping to create a long-term, sustainable future for the Post Office.

“By franchising these branches, we are protecting access to our services for communities right across the UK and realising £40 million worth of savings that will enable us to uplift postmasters’ remuneration by up to 10%.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with our unions to ensure that we treat our staff working in these 108 branches with care and respect through this transition, consulting with them on proposed changes.

“The 108 Post Offices will either stay in the same location where possible or be located close to the existing location, meaning customers will continue to have access to a full suite of products and services.”

The Post Office remains committed to meeting the current requirement to have a minimum of 11,500 branches across the UK and to meet the six Access Criteria set by Government.

Post Office will work with franchise partners with a clear track record of successfully running Post Office services or similar customer-focused retail to ensure communities in these 108 locations will continue to receive a high quality of service once their Directly Managed branch is franchised.

Further details on proposals will be shared with local communities and stakeholders for individual branches in the coming weeks.

NINE branches in Scotland are at risk of closing, including two in Edinburgh:

  • Edinburgh City
  • Glasgow
  • Haddington
  • Inverness
  • Kirkwall
  • Saltcoats
  • Springburn Way
  • Stornoway
  • Wester Hailes

Responding to announcement of the franchising of the remaining 108 Crown Post Offices, CWU General Secretary Dave Ward said: “The Horizon Scandal and the damage it did to thousands of individuals and the reputation of the Post Office should have been a wake up moment for the whole company. It should have delivered a complete shift in approach, ethos and engagement with frontline workers.

“The news today that the Post Office will push ahead with the closure of 108 Crown Offices with a loss of 1,000 jobs shows they have learned absolutely nothing from the scandal.

“The Post Office’s claim that these community services will be maintained by their failed franchising model is laughable to anyone who has seen their local Post Office services reduced to the back of a shop. The sell-off of WHSmith last week shows just how fragile and ill thought out this model is.

“This is the full privatisation of the Post Office via the back door.

“The role of the government must also be examined. This is a continuation of the hands-off role played by the Tories. We call on Labour to immediately intervene and examine alternative options. Now more than ever, we need to seriously look at creating a joint venture between Royal Mail and the Post Office – two businesses that should never have been separated.

This is a major test for this government ahead of introduction of the employment rights bill. It is inevitable that the news today will lead to further scrutiny of our relationship with the Labour Party.

“Our members and Branches will see this as a crucial moment ahead that will truly test the link between Labour and the trade unions who created the Party.”

Labour MP Rebeccah Long-Bailey said: “The news that all remaining Crown Post Offices will be franchised is a devastating blow to communities like Salford, and I am extremely angry and disappointed that this has been allowed to happen.

“It is a deal done behind closed doors with no community engagement.”

Festival of Europe lines up top-flight speakers to discuss recent dramatic developments on the world stage

Keeping democracy healthy in Europe is key theme, says organiser

Scotland’s second Festival of Europe is being held at the French Institute, Edinburgh, on 10th and 11th May. Backed by the European Movement in Scotland and a wide range of other organisations, a major theme of the two-day event is  “The Future of European Democracy”.

The Festival comes at a time when far right parties are on the rise across Europe and, as Donald Trump’s administration changes the global order that has been in place since the end of World War 2.

Mark Lazarowicz, one of the conference organisers and a former Edinburgh MP, says: “The world is more unstable today than at any time in the past 80 years. There are powerful political forces at work here, in Europe, the USA and globally that want to tear down the institutions and ideas that have brought freedom, dignity, security and stability to millions.

“We have assembled an outstanding cast of speakers who will explain where we are now and look at how we can keep democracy healthy in Europe.”

Among the issues to be discussed are proposals to revitalise the European project of political and economic integration, how the EU should respond to hard right politics, how political parties and civil society can strengthen liberal democracy and what the prospects for closer ties between Scotland, the UK and the EU.

On the economics front, the recent report on the future of European competitiveness is being seen as a vital blueprint for Europe, a matter made far more urgent by America’s new protectionist trade policy. A conference session will look at how the report recommendations can be implemented the implications for economies across Europe, including Scotland and the UK. 

MSP Clare Adamson and Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, will look at progress on the Face the Music campaign. Brexit has meant that artists, performers and technical specialists who support performers have lost income and bookings across Europe.

To book tickets for The Future of European Democracy Conference and all the other events taking place as part of the Festival of Europe go to

What’s On – Events

Speakers include:

Tanja Bueltmann, Professor of International History at the University of Strathclyde. She specialises in the history of migration and diaspora. She is also a citizens’ rights campaigner and founder of the EU Citizens’ Champion campaign.

Mark Leonard is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, currently the Henry A Kissinger Chair in foreign policy and international relations at the US Library of Congress, Washington DC. 

Sophie Pornschlegel is Deputy Director of Europe Jacques Delors, a Brussels-based think tank. She is also a Policy Fellow with Das Progressive Zentrum in Berlin.

Alyn Smith was an SNP Member of the European Parliament for Scotland from 2004-2019 and SNP MP for Stirling from 2019 to 2024. He was the party’s Westminster lead on Europe until last year.

Sir Graham Robert Watson was a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament between 1994 and 2014. He is a previous leader of the Liberal Group in the European Parliament,

Sandro Gozi MEP sits for France in the European Parliament. He is Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly. He is a former Minister for European Affairs in the Italian government.

Catherine Barnard has been Professor of European Union and Employment Law at the University of Cambridge since 2008. She has also been Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank.

Cecilia Jastrzembska is President, Young European Movement (YEM). She has worked as a senior policy advisor in UK government departments. She has also held leadership roles in the Young European Socialists. She speaks and writes on feminism, climate change and AI, and European citizens’ rights.

Stephen Gethins has been an SNP MP from 2015-2019 and from 2024. He was SNP Spokesperson for International Affairs and Europe at Westminster. He is Professor of Practice in International Relations at the University of St. Andrews. He has worked in the NGO sector specialising in peace-building, arms control and democracy in the Caucasus and the Balkans.

Alistair Mackie, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Originally from Ayrshire, Alistair Mackie was appointed Chief Executive of the RSNO in 2019. A classical musician before entering management, he was principal trumpet with the London Sinfonietta and a professor at The Royal College of Music.

Clare Adamson MSP is Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. She will talk about the committee’s work and the cross-party parliamentary support for the Face the Music campaign.

What’s On – Events

And more….

The Festival of Europe website contains information on other events being held across Scotland to mark Europe Day. They include Edinburgh performances by award winning singer, Christine Bovill and walking tours in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fife that will look at Scotland’s historic ties with Europe.

The Pentland Ukrainian Support Group (PUSG) is holding a Europe-themed party. 

The Citizens Rights Project is holding a conference looking at the issues and challenges facing EU citizens in Scotland.

Improving lives for autistic adults

Fund open to third sector organisations

Autistic adults will be supported to reach their full potential through a £2.5 million, multi-year fund.

The Autistic Adult Support Fund is available to third sector organisations providing services to autistic adults – promoting wellbeing and helping them to understand what neurodivergence means for them.

Since 2023, £1.5 million has been allocated to 15 organisations, including those helping autistic adults enter, remain, and thrive within employment.

This latest round of funding is now open to applications and will provide £2.5 million for the period from October 2025 to end of March 2028.

Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd said: “We know the third sector plays a crucial role in improving the lives of autistic people, and this fund will support organisations to help the autistic people they work with lead fulfilling, independent, and active lives.

“The grants will be used to support autistic adults to thrive, helping them access services and improve general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel a part of their community.

“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow, and ensure that the quality of support they provide is as high as it can be.”

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “We are pleased to be managing the application process for the new phase of the Scottish Government’s Autistic Adult Support Fund.

“We know from working in this area, there is a real need to provide support to autistic adults around diagnosis or to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.

“We look forward to hearing from applicants that meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design and delivery of the activity to improve live chances for autistic adults in Scotland.”

The Autistic Adult Support Fund is open to third sector organisations to apply until Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Over 78,000 People in Edinburgh Set to Benefit from Increase in State Pension

Tracy Gilbert, Scottish Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has today welcomed the announcement that 78,393 individuals in Edinburgh will benefit from an increase in the state pension, a significant boost for pensioners in the constituency. 

The rise will help alleviate some of the financial pressures that many pensioners face, providing them with greater security and stability in their later years. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Across the city 78,393 people will see an increase in their state pensions. This is exactly the kind of action that the Labour Government will take to support those who have worked hard.  

When budgets are tight this will be a much-welcomed increase. It is a reminder that Labour will always fight to protect pensioners and ensure they can retire with dignity and security.” 

It’s Out of this World! Edinburgh set for a brand-new galactic experience

Galactic Carnival set to land at the Westside Centre (formerly West Side Plaza) throughout May

A brand-new, out-of-this-world experience will arrive at the Westside Centre (formerly the Westside Plaza), Wester Hailes, this Spring, as Galactic Carnival Edinburgh makes its debut between 2nd and 25th May 2025.

This family-friendly carnival promises an interstellar adventure packed with thrilling rides, delicious food, and fun for all ages. Featuring more than 20 rides including Ultra Buzz and Air Rado, as well as food stalls and carnival games, the Galactic Carnival will bring a universe of fun for all ages.

a range of rides suitable for both thrill-seekers and younger adventurers, age is no barrier to reaching the stars!

Running seven days a week, Galactic Carnival Edinburgh will offer Unlimited Ride Wristbands, allowing visitors to enjoy four hours of non-stop excitement. Tickets start from £13. Monday to Thursday are off-peak days, and Friday to Sunday are peak days.

A spokesperson for organiser, MT Attractions, said: “We are excited to bring Galactic Carnival to Edinburgh for the first time. The Carnival is an experience designed to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“With something for everyone, we can’t wait to welcome families, thrill-seekers, and the local community to enjoy the magic of the Carnival.”

For information on the Galactic Carnival Edinburgh, please visit:

www.galacticcarnivaledinburgh.co.uk


To buy tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/g/galacticcarnivaledinburgh/ 

Facebook: Galactic Carnival Edinburgh

Instagram: galacticcarnival.edinburgh

Edinburgh boys school wins Tennis School of the Year

Leading Scottish independent school for boys, Merchiston Castle School, was crowned Tennis Scotland’s School of the Year at the organisation’s annual award ceremony.

A momentous accolade, the School of The Year Award celebrates educational institutions that deliver first-class tennis coaching, drive innovation within the game, and inspire further participation to support the continued development and growth of the sport.

Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, a dedicated tennis hub that provides tailored training programmes, one-to-one coaching and professional on-court opportunities designed to enhance player performance and development, is globally recognised for its strong player pathways and unrivalled training facilities. 

Ranked the top school for tennis in Scotland by the LTA, and second in the UK, the Tennis Scotland award is yet another in a lineup of achievements for the Edinburgh boys’ school.

Merchiston’s celebrations did not end there. Tennis Academy coach Callum Lloyd was also recognised at the awards ceremony, walking away with Performance Coach of The Year for his ongoing commitment and dedication to developing young athletes.

Merchiston alumni and current British no.2 in singles, Jacob Fearnley, was also awarded International Player of The Year after a stellar year on the international stage.

Simon Pender, Director of Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, commented: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Tennis Scotland. Their recognition is a testament to Merchiston’s continued commitment to excellence and solidifies our position as Scotland’s leading school for tennis.

“A huge congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Tennis Academy. From our exceptional tennis coaches and dedicated school staff to the catering team, volunteers and supportive families – this award belongs to you all.

“A special shout-out to our very own Callum Lloyd, who received the Performance Coach of the Year award. Callum’s passion for developing young athletes is unmistakable and is truly inspiring to watch. We are privileged to have him as a valued member of our coaching team.”

More information about Merchiston’s award-winning Tennis Academy can be found here.

Appeal following fatal hit and run on the A90 Queensferry Road

Police officers are appealing for information following a fatal hit and run crash on the A90 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh.

Around 11.15pm last night – 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 left the scene prior to officers attending and headed in the direction of Edinburgh city centre.

The road was closed to allow for investigations to be carried out and reopened around 6.35am on Wednesday, 9 April, 2025.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and trace the car and driver.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who died and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“We are continuing to review CCTV footage in an effort to trace the car and its driver, and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the crash or seen any cars in the area or who may have dash-cam footage which could assist to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 4274 of 8 April, 2025.

Strachan House Care Home presents cheque to local charity

Strachan House care home in Blackhall recently presented PASDA with a cheque for £600. To contribute to the costs of a special afternoon tea outing for the individuals that the charity supports.

PASDA is a charity that offers support to the families, friends and loved ones of autistic adults (over 16).

The grant had been awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with a disability or mental health problems across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community.

The care home welcomed the founder of PASDA, Doctor Jane Neil-McLachlan to a small gathering in the home’s garden to receive the cheque and celebrate being awarded the grant.

Jane, Now a trustee of PASDA,said “It’s really wonderful to have received this cheque, it makes such a significant difference!

“I am a volunteer with Strachan House. So, to be presented with such an incredible donation from Barchester’s charitable foundation, by the lovely people at Strachan House was such a wonderful gesture”

Fran Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House, said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities. It’s been a real pleasure to show our support and appreciation to Jane as one of our volunteers, as well as being a trustee of PASDA, A small charity that makes such an amazing impact.

“We’re making our homes as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our homes.  Please do give us a call on 01313363166 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”

Strachan House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing, Dementia, respite and residential care for long and short term stays.

Universal theme park and resort to be built in Bedford

A multi-billion-pound investment in a major new Universal theme park and resort in Bedford agreed between Universal, the government and local council

  • The Prime Minister has today closed the deal on a new Universal theme park in Bedfordshire 
  • Plans will bring an estimated £50bn boost for the economy and create around 28,000 jobs in total across creative, hospitality and construction industries
  • Set to open in 2031, the theme park will form part of a new planned entertainment resort, due to include immersive storytelling, rides, attractions and hospitality
  • Deal firmly puts the UK on the global investment stage, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, which will create growth and opportunities across the country

A multi-billion-pound investment in a major new Universal theme park and resort in Bedford has been agreed between Universal, the government and the local council, in a move that represents a major vote of confidence in the UK economy and the future of partnerships between the UK and the US.

The theme park, which is set to be one of the largest and most advanced in Europe, will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031. 

Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to create economic growth and opportunities by getting people into well-paid, decent jobs across the creative, technology, tourism and hospitality sectors, Universal has committed to working with local colleges and universities to train the next generation of its hospitality workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships.  

As well as generating significant opportunities, the new theme park and resort will bring significant local benefits – with approximately 80% of employees at the theme park expected to come from local areas – and support a stream of ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge corridor through growth, infrastructure revitalisation and further job opportunities.

Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK. This will support the government to deliver its growth mission – creating higher living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.

“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.

“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”

The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex.

Proposed plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, all utilising sophisticated and advanced technology. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said: “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.

“We appreciate the leadership and support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and their teams, as we work together to create and deliver a fantastic new landmark destination.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business.

“Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe. 

“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”

As part of the Plan for Change, the government will commit to a major investment in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure it is well connected and easily accessible. It comes just days after the government signed-off the expansion of Luton Airport, showcasing how the government’s pro-growth agenda is delivering real-life benefits for working people. 

The deal supports the UK’s world leading creative industries, a growth-driving sector identified in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will be published this spring. The Strategy will drive investment into high growth sectors, unlocking jobs and growth right across the country.

Universal Destinations & Experiences has a proven track record of building and operating major theme parks and resorts across the globe. A Universal development in the UK will join the company’s existing portfolio of destinations across the United States and Asia-Pacific. 

The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

University of Edinburgh among top-ranking institutions for investment in building maintenance

FoI request spotlights the UK’s leading universities for building repair and remediation works

The University of Edinburgh is among the top ranking institutions for investment in building repair and remediation, according to a new national study, with an overall score of 59.56.

To investigate the state of building maintenance across UK universities, SFG20, the industry standard for facility management, submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to universities across the country. They received responses from 61 universities, who were asked to provide information on: total costs spent on repair and remediation works in the most recent financial year; completed repair projects; outstanding projects; and total budgets. 

Leading UK universities for investment in building upkeep and maintenance 

As part of their overall ranking, Edinburgh University invested just over £22 million on building repair and remediation projects, the second highest out of the 61 universities that responded. Similarly, in 2023, the university completed the second highest amount of maintenance projects, totalling just under 47,000. 

The ‘gold tier’ saw two other Scottish universities, the Universities of St Andrews and Dundee. These three institutions were all some of the first UK universities to discover RAAC in some of their buildings.

They have, since, had to invest significant time and money into prioritising the removal of RAAC and the maintenance of their student buildings and ensure they are doing so in the most cost-effective way, without compromising on quality and compliance.

Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20, on the issue of building maintenance in UK Universities, has said: “Staying significantly under budget on maintenance costs and keeping a low cost per repair request are both strong indicators of a well-structured, proactive maintenance strategy – one that prioritises efficiency and minimises more serious and costly unexpected downtime.

“To attract and retain the best calibre of staff and students, universities must provide outstanding learning environments, supported by high-quality leisure facilities and living conditions.

“Even before Covid, we saw a shift towards improving indoor air quality to enhance student focus and well-being. Now, more than ever, delivering a great experience is critical. Well-maintained facilities not only create inspiring spaces for learning but also play a vital role in university recruitment and retention.”

The full findings can be found here: https://www.sfg20.co.uk/blog/uk-universities-investment