Affiliation to Scotland’s largest trade union body has grown this past year as the Scottish Trades Union Congress embed their national project for trade union organising within local trades councils.
The number of trade unionists in Scotland affiliated to the STUC has grown by 14,000 in a move General Secretary Roz Foyer said showed “vindication for trade union organising within workplaces and communities”.
The news comes as the Employment Rights Act, the biggest “generational upgrade” to workers’ rights starts to come into full force. Recent enhancements to trade union recognition, industrial action ballots and protection from unfair dismissal have all been enacted with further legislative changes on fire and rehire and reducing exploitative work forthcoming.
The STUC ‘Our Rights in Action’ project from the trade union body is the national campaign to strengthen the resources and reach of local trades councils, embedding trade union organising and education within communities and networks.
The project seeks to enhance the work of existing schemes, such as the Inverclyde Advice & Employment Rights Centre, Edinburgh Support at Work and the newly emergent Trade Unions in the Community initiatives as avenues to promote cohesion and unity within communities.
The news was announced on day two of the STUC Annual Congress in Dundee this week.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We’re pleased that affiliation numbers to the STUC have grown by 14,000. This is vindication for trade union organising within the workplace and within our communities, showing how working people are united against injustice and intolerance.
“Providing enhanced rights at work is one of the core focuses of our movement. The full swathe of the Employment Rights Act, promised to trade unionists, must be enacted quickly if we’re to turn the tide against bad bosses and poor employers.
“It’s through intensive work at community level – through our trades councils with our Rights in Action project and alongside existing schemes – will we ensure workers value the strength of our unity rather and choose to unite around commonality rather than gravitate towards those preaching division.
“Our Congress will make clear that trade unions are at the heart of inclusive, thriving communities. We will take that message both across the country and directly to the politicians all too content on stoking tropes and undermining worker solidarity.”
We’re delighted to be welcoming back The Three Inch Fools to perform in our beautiful gardens this summer at Lauriston Castle!
Get ready for King Arthur and the Holy Fail – a brand new comedy packed to the brim with medieval mayhem. Expect heroic exploits, questionable chivalry, live music, and a lively flock of fire-breathing swans.
Saddle up – things are about to get legendary! For all the family!
Drivers are being urged to act now as motoring costs threaten to climb with fuel price volatility, insurance hikes and rising repair bills hitting household budgets hard.
Motoring experts at car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco have offered drivers practical tips to help cut everyday motoring costs and avoid being caught out by price rises.
Petrol and diesel prices have been unpredictable in recent years but ongoing tensions in Iran have pushed oil markets back into the headlines.
Disruption to Middle East supply routes are creating fresh uncertainty and the potential for sudden price spikes at the pump over the coming weeks.
Spring and summer also typically see higher driving volumes thanks to bank holidays and ‘staycations’ which can push pump prices even higher.
At the same time, insurance premiums remain elevated following a sharp rise in claims costs and vehicle repairs.
Car maintenance is another growing concern as warmer weather reveals damage caused over winter, including pothole wear, tyre deterioration, worn brakes and battery strain.
Drivers who delay routine maintenance often face larger repair bills later in the year, especially as garages tend to become busier ahead of peak travel season.
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco.com said: “Many drivers assume their biggest motoring cost is fuel, but several expenses tend to rise together in spring and summer.
“Increased travel pushes up fuel demand and cars begin to show the effects of winter wear and tear.
“But small habits can make a surprisingly big difference. Improving fuel efficiency, staying on top of maintenance and reviewing insurance cover can collectively save drivers hundreds of pounds over the coming months.
“Taking action early is key, as waiting until a problem appears often means paying more than needed.”
To help motorists stay ahead of rising costs, LeaseLoco’s motoring experts recommend:
1.Shop around well before your insurance renewal
Start comparing quotes three to four weeks ahead of your renewal date. Insurers can reward early shoppers with lower premiums, while leaving it until the last minute can lead to higher prices.
2.Review your cover and excess levels
Removing unnecessary add-ons and adjusting your voluntary excess could reduce premiums, as long as it remains affordable in the event of a claim.
3.Avoid last-minute fuel purchases
Filling up near motorways, holiday routes or on peak travel days often means paying more. Planning fuel stops and using price comparison apps can help drivers find cheaper stations nearby.
4.Check tyre pressure at least once a month
Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, reduce tyre lifespan and compromise safety. Correct tyre pressure improves efficiency and reduces wear.
5.Clear out excess weight from your vehicle
Roof racks and heavy items in the boot all increase fuel usage. Removing anything not needed for daily driving can improve efficiency immediately.
6.Adopt smoother driving habits
Gradual acceleration, gentle braking and maintaining a steady speed can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Using cruise control on longer journeys can also help.
7.Stick to regular servicing schedules
Oil changes, filter replacements and basic checks keep engines running efficiently and can prevent expensive breakdowns later in the year.
8.Check your air conditioning early
Faulty air conditioning systems often go unnoticed until the first hot day. Early checks can prevent costly repairs and improve fuel efficiency.
9.Combine errands into fewer trips
Multiple short journeys from a cold engine use far more fuel than one longer trip. Planning routes in advance reduces unnecessary mileage.
10.Consider car sharing or alternative travel when possible
A former business executive is swapping spreadsheets for songs to perform for people with dementia at the Edinburgh Fringe in memory of his father.
Johnny Collington, 62, who lives in the capital, first picked up the instrument in a bid to connect with his dad Stan, who had recently been diagnosed with dementia. Stan, originally from Motherwell, passed away in February aged 99.
Johnny is now registered to perform a series of shows at the Fringe in August to raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland.
The married dad-of-two, who was born in Irvine but grew up in Lanarkshire, said: “I had been living and working in London for many years, but I took early retirement and moved back to Scotland, to Edinburgh, about six years ago. My mum Betty had passed away and my dad was in his early 90s and needed more support.
“My dad was diagnosed initially with severe cognitive impairment but his condition progressed quickly to dementia. He moved into a care home and soon could no longer communicate.
“I’d never been much of a musician in the past, but I owned a guitar and knew a few chords. By chance I took the guitar with me to visit dad and tried to play and sing a couple of traditional Scottish songs that I knew he liked.
“Amazingly, as soon as I started playing I could see him connect with me and start singing along. It was remarkable how he suddenly came to life. I realised then that music is a great connector.
“From that point I started seriously teaching myself how to play the guitar and looked for more songs to sing – anything quite traditionally Scottish with a good beat is always a winner.”
Before long, Johnny was asked by the manager of his dad’s care home if he would play for all the residents – many of whom also had dementia. Word soon spread and he now plays at 12 care homes, centres and other venues from Perth to North Lanarkshire and across the east coast, including at Alzheimer Scotland’s outdoor dementia resource centre at Lauriston Castle.
Johnny said: “I get the same reaction from the other people with dementia who I play for as I did from my dad. It’s fantastic how everyone brightens up when they hear the music and join in.
“One chap who was non-verbal and would usually seem quite disconnected, suddenly sat up, took a tambourine and started hitting it in time with the music.
“I’m a bit nervous about the Fringe but also really looking forward to performing and being part of such a world-famous festival. My shows are aimed at people with dementia but also to anyone who enjoys traditional Scottish music. It feels great to be on a new journey now and to be able to give back to the community.
“I want to keep doing what I can to bring music to people living with dementia and to support the amazing work of Alzheimer Scotland for as long as I can.”
Johnny Collington will be performing his show, Singalong for Scotland, at the LifeCare Centre in Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, each day from August 7 to 14, from 3pm to 4pm. Find out more at: www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sing-a-long-scotland
Find out more about Alzheimer Scotland at www.alzscot.org, or call their 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline at 0808 808 3000.
On 24 April 2026, the live finals for the first ever Royal Bank Pitch competition were held at the opening of the new Accelerator Hub in the heart of Edinburgh.
Padel business picked up the top prize of £15,000, Medical Ascend, picked up the second prize of £10,000 and Gloriah picked up £5,000 third prize. Pounce Padel and Sabliere also secured a promotional campaign delivered by JC Decaux UK.
Darren Pirie, Head of Royal Bank Accelerator, thanked all of the finalists saying that the event showed the Accelerator programme going from “strength to strength’ and Georgie Rennie, Pounce Padel Founder and Pitch winner, described the experience as “exhilarating”.
On Friday (24 April 2026), the live finals for the first ever Royal Bank of Scotland Pitch competition were held at the official opening of their new Accelerator hub building on Princes Street.
The high-energy competition saw six finalists compete in front of a live audience for a £30,000 cash prize. The startups were expected to make a quickfire sell of their businesses and set out why they deserved to win.
Pounce Padel, a business specialising in manufacturing high performance padel rackets for women won the top awards of £15,000, while Medical Ascend, a medical training platform provider, won the second prize of £10,000 and Gloriah, a start up with expertise in producing hormonal health products, won the £5000 third prize.
Pounce Padel and Sabliere, a non-alcoholic drinks producer, will also receive an out of home promotional campaign delivered by JC Decaux UK to market their business.
The competition, the first of its kind in Scotland, was held at the official opening Royal Bank of Scotland’s new Edinburgh Accelerator Hub. The new building doubles the capacity of the Bank to offer physical working and meeting space in the heart of Scotland’s capital to startups free of charge. The Scottish Accelerator programme is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, having been set up in 2016.
The launch was held on the same day that the Royal Bank of Scotland and University of Edinburgh announced their new partnership, sharing expertise and resources to support spinouts. The alliance brings together Scotland’s largest bank for business and one of its largest universities to support the innovation economy.
The Royal Bank Accelerator programme opens up the Bank’s expertise and spaces to Scotland’s entrepreneurs and innovators, free of charge. Through hubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh and its mobile app, the Bank is supporting a community of startups across Scotland. In February, the Royal Bank of Scotland announced its target to support 5,000 entrepreneurs this year, a ten-fold increase on 2025.
Georgie Rennie, Pounce Padel Founder, said “It was an exhilarating and fun experience to take part in Scotland’s first ever Pitch competition. I would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland for all the support that they have given me through the Accelerator programme.
“Our win in the Pitch competition gives Pounce Padel a great platform from which to grow and expand. Startup businesses rely on exposure and promotion just as much as funding and the Royal Bank Pitch is a great way to deliver this.”
Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “Our first Royal Bank Accelerator Pitch competition was a great showcase of the dynamism and ingenuity of Scotland’s startup community.
“It takes real grit, courage and conviction to pitch your business in a tight timeframe in front of a live audience
“I would like to thank all of the finalists for a great showing and to congratulate our winner Pounce Padel who absolutely smashed their pitch.
“With our new partnership with Edinburgh University and the opening of our new hub building on Princes Street, our Royal Bank Accelerator community is going from strength to strength. We welcome anyone, anywhere with the drive to start up and grow their own business.”
To join the UK’s largest community of entrepreneurs, download the Royal Bank/ NatWest Accelerator app here.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new toolkit to help voters identify which of Scotland’s political parties are prioritising stricter fireworks regulations, farmed fish welfare, a ban on electric shock collars for dogs and cats, and other key animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues in the Holyrood elections next month.
BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031 includes a number of key asks for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) candidates, including a call to implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group and championing the veterinary voice in farming policy. 56% of vets in Scotland believe that the latter should be one of the most urgent priorities for the new Scottish Government, according to a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
When asked to pick up to three pledges from a list, 44% of vets also wanted the incoming Scottish Government to prioritise tightening the regulation of fireworks as soon as possible, while 42% want to prioritise a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats.
Voters who wish to consider animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues when voting next month can use BVA’s new toolkit to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks championing the veterinary voice in farming policy and tightening the regulation of fireworks, as well as five other key calls to action:
Better protect the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Ban electric shock collars – Introduce a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats. Evidence shows that reward-based training is not only the most effective training method for animals but also makes sure they are protected from any pain or suffering as part of their training.
Veterinary education funding: Ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.
BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said:“Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across Scotland’s veterinary community.
“We hope that this toolkit will help those who want to consider these issues when voting next month to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks for Scotland.”
BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland. For more details on BVA’s voter toolkit for Scotland, visit www.bva.co.uk/scottish-branch.
UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving
There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.
If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.
Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?
UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.
Do you need to change your travel plans?
There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.
We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.
We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
How is the government protecting passengers?
Under UK law, if your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or to be booked onto an alternative flight if you:
depart from an airport in the UK on any airline
arrive at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
arrive at an airport in the EU on a UK airline
For more information about your rights, you can:
speak directly to your airline, travel agent or tour operator
Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we have been closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving and businesses are supported.
We continue to plan for a range of contingencies, while focusing on securing a long lasting and workable solution to get shipping flowing freely again through the Strait of Hormuz.
How are airlines being supported?
At some UK airports, airlines are given scheduled times known as ‘slots’ in which to take off or land.
Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season to keep them for the following year. If they fall below this threshold, those slots can be reassigned to another airline. This is known as the ‘use it or lose it’ rule.
Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying. Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.
This means airlines can focus on minimising disruption for passengers, rather than feeling pressure to operate flights purely to protect their slots.
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years and five months in prison for attempted murder in Edinburgh.
Josh Reynolds pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 20 March, 2026 and was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 24 April, 2026.
He was also disqualified from driving for 13 years.
The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when Reynolds deliberately drove a Peugeot Partner panel van at a 29-year-old man on Prestonfield Avenue.
The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment for life-threatening injuries.
Detective Constable Joanne Robertson said: “This was a serious and deliberate act which could have resulted in the loss of a young man’s life. Reynolds will now face the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance throughout our enquiries, as well as the officers involved in the investigation.
“Violence of this nature has no place in our communities and we will continue to work to ensure those responsible of such crimes are brought to justice.”
Researchers at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh have found that Frame Running, an adapted form of physical activity, could offer a safe new way for people with advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to take part in sport and exercise. The results of the study, suggests that Frame Running can help people with walking difficulties stay active in a way that feels both enjoyable and achievable, and which could benefit their health and wellbeing.
Frame Running involves exercise with a purpose-built trike which consists of three wheels and has a saddle and handlebars. The frame is propelled by the athlete’s feet and steered by hands or arms.
Its design offers stability and support while walking or running, which may suit many people with mobility and balance issues, including people living with MS. Frame Running has recently been included as a Para-athletic event in the 2028 Paralympic games in Los Angeles and is increasing in popularity in the UK and worldwide, with local clubs springing up across Scotland in places such as East Lothian, Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Ayrshire, Perthshire and Aberdeen.
The study, funded by the UK MS Society, builds on work by QMU’s Professor Marietta van der Linden, which has explored the potential of Frame Running to support mobility, cardiovascular health and personal confidence in young people with cerebral palsy.
The latest study, now extends that understanding to people living with MS.
The 12-week research project, which brought participants together for weekly sessions at a local athletics track, offers an encouraging picture. It reveals new possibilities for a group that often encounters significant barriers to physical activity.
Professor Marietta van der Linden, a Human Movement scientist at QMU, said: “People with MS, who experience difficulties walking, often have very few ways to exercise safely outdoors at an intensity that genuinely benefits their health. Frame Running may provide people with these positive health effects, while also offering a sense of speed, freedom and confidence that many thought they had lost.”
The study, which involved 10 participants, showed that Frame Running enabled most people to reach heart rate levels typically associated with moderate to vigorous exercise. Participants showed strong commitment, attending almost every session, and importantly, no serious safety issues were reported.
Most participants enjoyed the experience so much that they continued attending Frame Running sessions offered by the local athletics club long after the study finished, highlighting its appeal and real-world potential.
Dr Gary McEwan, Research Fellow at QMU and lead author, added: “Seeing participants reach meaningful exercise intensities was incredibly encouraging.
“These levels of activity are linked to improved fitness, better symptom management and enhanced quality of life – yet they’re rarely accessible to people living with significant disability.”
CASE STUDY
Helen Isserlis, a former nurse from East Lothian, developed MS almost 30 years ago. With significantly declining mobility, she certainly didn’t expect to be running around a track at 59 years of age.
But she recently stumbled upon Frame Running and its enabled her to take part in intensive exercise for the first time in decades. Her participation in the adapted sport has not only restored her movement, it’s offered a sense of freedom and possibility that she’d thought she’d lost.
“I can’t hop, skip, jump, and I certainly can’t run. But Frame Running has changed my whole mindset. Instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I look forward to what I can do.”
Helen trains once or twice a week with Team East Lothian at Meadowmill stadium in Prestonpans.
She said: “It gets your heart rate up, your blood pumping and your legs moving. Afterwards, my hips and legs feel far looser, and my pain is reduced. I can now do intensive bursts of exercise, which would have been impossible before, and I’m working up to a 5k in one go.
“Frame Running has transformed what is physically possible for me. It’s restored my independence, confidence and joy. It’s made me feel alive again.”
While the study was small and exploratory, the findings mark an important next step in a research journey that has already shown Frame Running to be beneficial for other disability groups.
Caitlin Astbury, Senior Research Communications Manager at the MS Society, said: “Research shows being physically active can improve mobility, muscle strength and mood, and help manage MS symptoms like balance problems and fatigue. But we also know it can be difficult for people with advanced MS to find an exercise routine that works for them.
“This research from QMU provides early but promising evidence that Frame Running could be a safe and enjoyable way for people with mobility difficulties to take part in moderate to intense exercise.
“There are more than 17,000 people living with MS in Scotland, and over 150,000 people in the UK. The condition affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and impacts how people move, think, and feel. Studies like this help to identify and raise awareness of different types of exercise that people with MS may benefit from. We hope to see more research in this area in the future.”
Dr McEwan concluded: “This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that Frame Running can transform what is possible for people with mobility impairments.
We would therefore encourage more people with MS and other mobility issues to try Frame Running. We’d also love to see further development of Frame Running groups in the community such as within athletics clubs across Scotland and beyond, so that more people with MS have easy access to the sport, equipment and the joy and camaraderie often associated with being part of a sports club.”
To find out more about the research view the research paper.
