A new Bill to regulate some of the most commonly performed non-surgical procedures has been published by the Scottish Parliament.
If passed by parliament, the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill will regulate the provision of certain non-surgical cosmetic and wellbeing procedures to ensure they are carried out in appropriate settings which can meet standards of safety and hygiene.
It will create new offences for providing non-surgical procedures outwith premises where appropriate healthcare professionals are available or to under 18s. It will also give Healthcare Improvement Scotland new powers to enter and search premises where there is a suspicion that these procedures are being carried out in breach of these offenses.
The Bill covers cosmetic and wellbeing procedures, such as Botox injections and dermal fillers, and some of the riskiest including ‘Brazilian Butt Lifts’ and thread lifts. The Bill follows a consultation carried out in 2020, which found 98% of respondents supported the principle of further regulation of procedures led by those who are not qualified healthcare professionals.
Businesses seeking guidance on adapting to the requirements of the Bill will be able to access free support through Business Gateway.
Additionally, FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot offers a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities, helping them navigate to change.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto said: “Our aim is to ensure there is robust and proportionate regulation in place so that anyone who chooses to have these procedures can do so safely.
“We have worked with a range of stakeholders including business owners, healthcare professionals, non-healthcare practitioners, environmental health officers and professional regulators to develop our proposals.
“Our priority is to address the public safety concerns that exist in this sector, whilst ensuring businesses that may be impacted are able to access support.”
Healthcare professionals, support staff, and teams at the Western General Hospital who have made an exceptional impact were recognised at NHS Lothian’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.
Lucy Lockhart, Clinical Support Worker at the Western General Hospital scooped the Young Achiever Award.
She joined the surgical High Dependency Unit as an apprentice aged 16 years old. Patients love her warmth, and her colleagues say she’s an absolute joy to work with. Lucy’s nominators said: “She never fails to make us smile with her kind, compassionate and polite nature.”
The Uro-Oncology Prostate Postal Service team at the hospital took home the Best Example of Quality, Innovation and Productivity Award.
Serving over 2,000 patients, the team have streamlined vital blood test monitoring for cancer patients. Their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new ideas have helped to save time, money, and improve patient care.
The Caring Champion of the Year Award went to Alison Rogers, Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Lead at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
She works tirelessly to support patients, staff or anyone who needs a kind word or a calming presence. From making the centre feel like a cosy haven to sprucing up the garden, she goes above and beyond every single day. Her nominator said Alison doesn’t just support people—she becomes a true friend.
Kelly Moffat, Lead Nurse – Acute Palliative Care for Lothian was awarded for her Leadership Excellence.
Described by her nominator as a true inspiration, Kelly is commended for raising the profile of palliative care across Lothian and uniting teams across the Western General, the Royal Infirmary, and St John’s Hospital.
Her nominator said: “Kelly is professional in all aspects of her work always encompassing the core values of NHS Lothian and delivering outstanding patient centred care.”
Professor John Connaghan CBE, Chair of NHS Lothian Board, said: “It’s always inspiring to hear the incredible stories of care happening every day across Lothian. These awards give us a chance to pause and celebrate the amazing work being done, and it was fantastic to do that in person again this year.
“Our finalists were nominated by colleagues and members of the public for the vital roles they play. They should feel incredibly proud of their achievements for being chosen out of hundreds of entries.”
Caroline Hiscox, Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, added: “It’s a real privilege to celebrate the incredible work of our colleagues across NHS Lothian. Many feel they’re simply doing their job and don’t seek recognition, but that’s exactly why Celebrating Success is so important.
“These awards allow us to shine a light on those who go above and beyond, and who truly embody NHS Lothian’s values. I want to thank all our finalists for their resilience, professionalism, and hard work, and offer my warmest congratulations on their well-deserved achievements.”
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. It demonstrates great leadership to recognise and celebrate the contributions of colleagues.”
Proudly sponsored by NHS Lothian Charity, the awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams working tirelessly to improve care and support across the region.
Visit news.nhslothian.scot/celebrating-success-finalists/ for the full list of winners and finalists.
BILLY FITZPATRICK HAS DIED AFTER A PERIOD OF ILL HEALTH
Billy’s family posted this very sad news on Facebook yesterday:
This morning he passed away at the Western General surrounded by loves ones.
He asked that friends, family, acquaintances, people from his beloved North Edinburgh, and old comrades were given the news when the time came, and in his own words he had a good kick at the baw.
When funeral arrangements are made we’ll update again, thanks x
A proud trade unionist and a popular local councillor who fought for his community, Billy went on to share his negotiating skills and vast experience when he retired from front-line party politics.
Billy supported a number of important community projects, including Granton Information Centre, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre (he chaired both of these long-established community organisations) and North Edinburgh Arts.
Proud ‘Roystoner’ Billy featured in the recent ‘Quiet Heroes‘ exhibition at Madelvic House granton:hub.
Billy wasn’t always so quiet – it’s fair to say that oor Billy could be passionate, fiery even, and he had his fair share of brushes with the Labour Party hierarchy! – but Royston’s very own Quiet Hero fought North Edinburgh’s corner loyally for over forty years.
A genuine working class community stalwart, they just don’t make politicians like Billy Fitzpatrick any more. And our communities, our cities and our country are all the poorer for that.
Farewell, Billy, my dear old Comrade. We shared many good times together, and some dreadful ones too. Throughout all that time, you never changed: loyal, steadfast and honest to the very end.
How we will miss you.
Working families are encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare ahead of the spooky school holidays to avoid tricky childcare bills as latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show 34,255 families in Scotland got a savings treat in June.
Paying childcare bills through a Tax-Free Childcare account can save working families up to £2,000 per year for each of their children up to the age of 11 or £4,000 per year up to the age of 16 if the child is disabled.
HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now to take advantage of savings on their half term childcare.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Hallowe’en doesn’t need to be a tricky time for childcare bills. Whether you’re working and have a child in a holiday club or taking time off and planning term-time care, paying your bills with Tax-Free Childcare can help. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”
Once a Tax-Free Childcare account is open, for every £8 parents deposit in their child’s account, the government tops it up by £2. Parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards their childcare costs.
In June, the government paid a total of £57.7 million in top-ups to Tax-Free Childcare accounts which means each family received, on average, more than £100 to be used towards their childcare bills.
Parents can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay toward any approved childcare for their child – so that’s nursery for younger children or, for older children who are in school, wraparound childcare, after-school and holiday clubs.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.
Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours, subject to eligibility.
SATURDAY 11th OCTOBER from 10am – 1pm at VICTORIA PARK
Join us at our new crofts for a day of creativity, connection, and community spirit!
Meet the team behind the redevelopment of our urban space, get hands-on with soil investigations, hula-hoop making or simply come by for a chat with us and your neighbours.
Let’s shape the future of our space—together. 
Victoria Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm
St Margaret’s Park — Saturday, 11 Oct, 10am – 1pm
Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church will host a special Organ Recital on Friday, 17 October 2025, at 7:00 pm, honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of Nancy Blaik, MBE, a pioneering charity volunteer and co-founder of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
Nancy Blaik, MBE (1936–2025), was a tireless Edinburgh charity volunteer and founding force behind CHAS.Blind from childhood and inspired by the needs of her so Daniel, Nancy dedicated her life to creating Scotland’s first children’s hospice, Rachel House in Kinross, which opened in 1996.
Awarded the MBE in 1997, Nancy’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and determination—ensuring that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone. She died from pneumonia, after living her final years with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, Lewy Body Dementia.
The recital will feature renowned organist Dr John Kitchen, MBE – Edinburgh City Organist, University of Edinburgh scholar, and internationally recognised performer and recording artist.
Dr Kitchen will present a programme of organ music celebrating the power of music to inspire and uplift, while raising vital support for CHAS and LifeCare – a local charity which provides vital support to people within the local community.
Rev. Laurene M. Lafontaine, Minister, Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church said: “It is a privilege for Broughton St Mary’s to host this special recital in honour of Nancy Blaik, whose life was a remarkable witness to courage, compassion, and service.
“This evening will be both a celebration of music and a reminder of the power of community to carry forward her legacy of care for children, families, and neighbours in need.”
Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS: “We are so thrilled to have the support of Broughton St Marys Parish Church, while celebrating the remarkable lady that was one of our Founders.
“Nancy was and still is an inspiration to so many and it is wonderful to see her legacy continuing, helping CHAS flourish and support children and their families across Scotland, when they need it most.”
Sarah van Putten LifeCare CEO said “We are deeply grateful to be a beneficiary of this event alongside CHAS.
Nancy’s story embodies the very spirit of care and resilience that inspires our work with older people and families here in Edinburgh.
“This recital is not only a tribute to her, but also a vital source of support for those who rely on LifeCare’s services every day.”
Event Details
Benefit Organ Recital in Honour of Nancy Blaik, MBE
Date: Friday, 17 October 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Broughton St Mary’s Parish Church, 12 Bellevue Crescent, Edinburgh
Suggested donation: £10–15 (or more at your discretion) at the event or via the Broughton St. Mary’s Website
Beneficiaries: CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) (Registered charity no SC019724) and LifeCare, Edinburgh (Registered charity no SC012641)
https://www.justgiving.com/page/laurene-lafontaine-1759497198423?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Hundreds of new and expanded breakfast clubs are supporting thousands of children start the day with a healthy meal and increased access to activities thanks to Scottish Government funding.
490 breakfast clubs are helping more than 20,000 children and their families across the whole country. The clubs combine access to a nutritious breakfast with before-school childcare and activities.
Supported by nearly £3 million from the Scottish Government’s Bright Start Breakfasts Fund, 142 new services have been introduced and a further 348 clubs have expanded their services offering additional hours of childcare, activities like loose parts and active play as well as places available for more children.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville visited one of the new services this morning (Friday 10 October) at Abbeyview Kids Club in Dunfermline.
The Cabinet Secretary met some of the families who are benefiting from the new club, as well as service managers, to hear about the difference it is making to the health and financial wellbeing of families in the local community.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Somerville said: “The expansion of breakfast club services is an integral part of our mission to eradicate child poverty.
“Breakfast clubs are community staples and provide a warm, friendly place for children to start their day in the best possible way, while supporting parents to work or study.
“Alongside our free school meals programme, which is providing nutritious meals to more than 230,000 primary school pupils, we are ensuring that children, regardless of circumstances beyond their control, are afforded the opportunities they deserve.
“While we know that a good breakfast can improve school attendance, learning and health, these clubs also help to address food insecurity for families. That’s why we are putting more money in people’s pockets by delivering real savings and this is, in turn, is helping to build a fairer Scotland.”
Managed by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund has awarded £2,838,461.90 to clubs for primary-age children across the country.
Funding was prioritised for areas with low existing provision, high levels of poverty, and rural communities. The fund has reached all local authorities across Scotland, including remote communities across the Western Isles, Orkney, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands.
Funding will allow 142 new breakfast clubs to be set up, and 348 clubs to expand their provision. The supported clubs include 261 run by Local Authorities, 109 run by third-sector organisations, 100 primary schools, and 20 are registered childcare providers or activity providers.
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: “Breakfast clubs are a simple but powerful way to support children’s wellbeing and learning.
“By funding clubs across Scotland, we’re helping to reduce the impact of poverty and ensure more children start the day nourished, supported, and ready to learn.”
Cornton Out of School Care in Stirling was one of the successful organisations. Speaking about the funding, Treasurer Orla Bell said: “These funds are critical for our charity, so we can continue to offer a Breakfast Club for the children in our community in Cornton.
“The Club has been running for less than a year, and we are still finding our feet with it, but are in no doubt that it is a much needed and welcomed club.
“We’re extremely grateful.”
Funding will support breakfast clubs through to the end of the 2025-26 academic year, contributing to the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a year-round system of school-age childcare.
Two men aged 28 have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder on Prestonfield AvenuE.
The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when a 29-year-old man was struck by a van. He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Detective Constable Joanne Roberston said: “Extensive enquiries were carried out to trace those involved and I would like to thank members of the public who got in touch.”
The men have appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Aldi is rolling out new dedicated reduction zones in stores across Edinburgh, making it even easier for shoppers to find fresh food bargains.
These clearly marked areas will feature discounted bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items nearing their use-by date – helping customers to save even more money while reducing food waste.
The move is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality food more affordable, while tackling unnecessary waste in its operations.
Items are discounted throughout the day, offering shoppers the chance to save on products that might otherwise go unsold.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our customers already know they can rely on us to provide unbeatable value, but our new reduction areas will make it even easier to pick up a last-minute bargain.
“By creating dedicated reduction zones in store we’re helping point shoppers towards quality food at cheaper prices, all while cutting down on food waste.”
Aldi separately partners with community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food from all its UK stores every day.
The supermarket also works with Too Good To Go to sell Surprise Bags that contain a range of Aldi products that are approaching their sell-by date.
