Scottish Government benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland are being increased by 3.8%, in line with inflation as measured by the annual rate of September 2025 Consumer Prices Index.
The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will also be increased to £204 per week.
These increases will take effect from tomorrow – 1 April 2026.
More information is available on the Scottish Government website.
Police are increasingly concerned for the welfare of Anthony Duffy, last seen in the Stevenson Drive area on 17th March 2026.
Anthony is 25 years old, white, bald head with a beard, slim build. If you have seen or heard from him please call 101 and quote incident number 1728 of 25/03/26. Thank you.
‘Sensational’ Opinion Poll Predicts Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party Breakthrough in May – Tommy Sheridan and Craig Murray set for election to the Scottish Parliament?
Find Out Now is a reputable opinion polling organisation belonging to the British Opinion Polling Council. They were commissioned by former MEP Hugh Kerr to add three specific questions to their monthly poll of Scottish opinion regarding the forthcoming election of May 7th – and the results are outstanding for the new Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party which was only officially registered with the Electoral Commission in February.
Find Out Now specifically asked voters in the Glasgow Region, the Lothians East Region and across Scotland if they would consider voting for the Scottish independence party at May’s election. Around 500 voters were polled in Glasgow and Lothians East and 1,000 voters were polled nationally.
In Glasgow former MSP and well-known independence campaigner Tommy Sheridan is the lead candidate for the Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party.
In the critical ‘Definitely’ of ‘Very Likely’ category 7% of voters said they would vote for the Alliance Party and Sheridan which would mean Sheridan’s re-election to Holyrood. In past elections 5% of the regional list vote has been enough to be elected and last time in 2021 the 7th list seat in Glasgow was won by the Tories on 6.1%. This opinion poll predicts Sheridan will replace a Tory to represent the Glasgow Region.
The poll across Lothians East where former British Ambassador and outspoken champion of Scottish independence Craig Murray is leading the Alliance to Liberate Scotland election challenge the result is even better.
A ‘very encouraging’ 8% of voters say they are definite or very likely Alliance voters, and that level of support will see Craig Murray elected in place of another Tory.
At a national level the level of support is also extremely encouraging for the new Alliance Party. Across 1,000 voters polled a significant8% say they will vote for the single-issue party on May 7th.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party are promoting only one issue and that issue is Scottish independence. If the support for the Alliance stays as high as 8% or increases the new party will send 8 MSPs to the Scottish Parliament on a mission to pursue Scottish independence as the priority issue.
In most of the regional list seats around 6% of the list votes is enough to secure election and win one of the seven regional seats. With the Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party running at 8% it seems an electoral breakthrough is certain.
Alliance for Liberate Scotland has four candidates in Glasgow, Tommy Sheridan, Dhruva Kumar, Gail Sheridan and Hilda McMahon.
Lead Alliance candidate in Glasgow Tommy Sheridan said: “This opinion poll is sensational for the Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party. We were only registered in February and are not yet widely known but our determination to make Scottish independence the primary issue is clearly attracting votes from those sick and tired of Westminster corruption and the constant exploitation of Scotland.
“Independence supporters in Glasgow know list votes for SNP don’t count for them because they win the constituency seats. This poll shows I will take a list seat from a unionist Tory. That is good news for Glasgow and Scotland.
“I will demand our independence from Westminster is front and centre of the agenda after May’s election”.
Responding to the polling which suggests he is in line for election to the Scottish Parliament Craig Murray said: “More and more independence voters realise the utter folly of giving Regional List votes to the SNP. They simply don’t count because the voting system penalises parties that do well in constituency votes. The SNP will win most constituencies which is why they win no List seats.
“By giving their List votes to the Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party the independence community is blocking unionists from Labour and the Tories and racists like Reform from getting elected. They understand a List vote for the Alliance helps the independence cause”.
The Alliance to Liberate Scotland Party is standing in all eight of the regional list seats with over 32 candidates. They are also fielding candidates in several constituency seats in protest at the lack of progress by the SNP in advancing the cause of Scottish independence.
The Electoral Commission is calling for the Scottish Parliament Election on May 7 to be free of abuse and intimidation.
In recent elections, candidates have faced unacceptable behaviour while campaigning, including harassment, threats and physical intimidation. Following the UK Parliament General Election in 2024, Commission research found over half (55%) of candidates felt that they had some kind of problem with harassment, intimidation, or abuse, with one in ten (13%) reporting it as a serious issue.
This led to more than half (56%) of respondents avoiding some kind of campaign activity due to fear of abuse. Women were also found to be twice as likely, and ethnic minorities three times more likely, to report serious abuse.
With the poll still six weeks away, the Electoral Commission is acting now to tackle the issue alongside partners including the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and Police Scotland. This includes supporting electoral administrators to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the election, including through providing guidance on their powers at polling stations and the count, so everyone can participate freely and without intimidation.
The Commission has published a set of principles to guide campaigning at the May elections, with a focus on maintaining respect, safety and honesty during robust debate. Created in response to recommendations made by the Speaker’s Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections, the principles build on common themes across parties existing codes of conducts, and aim to put in place a common, minimum standard of behaviour, to make sure that campaigners feel supported and protected.
Education also plays a critical role in tackling abuse by preparing young people to participate in democracy. The Commission is delivering democratic education for young people and New Scots to support media literacy and improve understanding of the role of the Scottish Parliament and its politicians.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “Abuse and intimidation should not be seen as part of the job for candidates , elected officials or electoral staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and harms democracy.
“Clear principles to help people take part in respectful campaigning are available, and we would encourage all parties and candidates to engage with the safety resources and briefings provided by Police Scotland.
“We will also continue to speak out against online harassment and threats directed at those taking part in elections and have made recommendations to social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content.”
Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, said: “Returning Officers and their staff will not hesitate to exclude anyone from polling places or the count if they disrupt proceedings.
“Any poor behaviour from candidates and agents undermines trust in the whole system. Voters must have confidence that the election will be run in a free, fair and safe manner for all.”
Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall, Police Scotland, said: “Advice and briefings are being provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of candidates, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process. All reports of criminality will be subject to an investigation.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Electoral Commission, and will liaise closely with local authority returning officers across Scotland regarding security at polling places.”
NO such problems at the Edinburgh Northern Hustings organised by Drylaw Telford Community Council at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre last night.
It was all very civilised – we even had a Conservative candidate agreeing with his Communist opponent! – Ed.
Stargazing Late & Live 
This April, immerse yourself amongst the stars with our adults-only Stargazing Late & Live show!
Our resident astronomers will guide you across the cosmos, delving into their favourite sights to see along the way. You’ll gaze up at Edinburgh’s night sky, visit distant worlds and view space through the lenses of state-of-the-art telescopes.
Don’t miss out-of-this-world insights and stunning imagery in Edinburgh’s only Planetarium as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.
Discover our line-up of adults-only Planetarium Lates this April:
Award-winning Chef Mandeep Saini swaps tradition for deep-fried naan and masala mash in a Sunday roast unlike anything Scotland has seen before
This Easter, one Edinburgh restaurant is turning the nation’s most beloved meal into a taste sensation. Bombay Bistro, the boldly spiced Indian-fusion restaurant on Bruntsfield Place is serving what may be Scotland’s most talked-about Easter roast – and it comes with a unique Bombay twist.
Diners can choose between tender slow-roasted lamb or succulent chicken, served with buttered cabbage, sweet carrots and peas, and rich gravy. But it’s the details that set this roast apart – silky masala mash in place of buttered potatoes and a deep-fried naan, rather than a Yorkshire pudding.
Behind the menu is Chef Mandeep Saini, formerly head chef at Gleneagles and The Berkeley in London, and one of Scotland’s most celebrated culinary talents.
“The Sunday roast is one of the nation’s favourite food traditions – and that’s exactly why I wanted to reimagine it,” says Chef Mandeep.
“We haven’t replaced it – we’ve elevated it. Every element in Bombay Bistro’s Sunday Roast has a depth of flavour and spice that makes it completely unforgettable..”
At a time when diners are seeking bold, experience-led eating, Bombay Bistro’s Sunday Roast offers something genuinely rare – a dish rooted in tradition, elevated by world-class technique.
Bombay Bistro is located at 14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN. Sunday Roasts are available every Sunday. To book, please visit the website here.
More than a third of people in the UK believe in ghosts and supernatural beings [1], and experts say sightings aren’t limited to Halloween. With tourist season starting to pick up over Easter and the bank holidays, encounters at the UK’s top attractions may become more frequent.
Online psychic chat company Psychic World analysed thousands of ghost reports across the UK, mapping haunted sites within the local area and ranking by both the number of nearby hauntings and the frequency of chilling encounters in visitor reports.
Which UK attraction is most haunted?
| Attraction name | Location | Haunted sites within 500m | Supernatural mentions | Spooky Score / 10 | |
| 1 | Mary King’s Close | Edinburgh, Scotland | 28 | 26 | 9.75 |
| 2 | Theatre Royal, Drury Lane | London, England | 9 | 9 | 9.22 |
| 3 | York Minster | York, England | 39 | 39 | 8.95 |
| 4 | Gloucester Cathedral | Gloucestershire, England | 16 | 16 | 8.65 |
| 5 | Pluckley Village | Kent, England | 2 | 1 | 8.38 |
| 6 | Newcastle Castle | Newcastle, England | 16 | 21 | 8.27 |
| 7 | Edinburgh Dungeon | Edinburgh, Scotland | 24 | 18 | 8.17 |
| 8 | Dudley Castle | West Midlands, England | 8 | 3 | 7.85 |
| 9 | Shepton Mallet Prison | Shepton Mallet, England | 2 | 9 | 7.84 |
| 10 | Edinburgh Castle | Edinburgh, Scotland | 14 | 13 | 7.64 |
| 11 | Chislehurst Caves | Kent, England | 2 | 3 | 7.45 |
| 12 | Warwick Castle | Warwickshire, England | 3 | 11 | 7.39 |
| 13 | Arundel Castle | West Sussex, England | 6 | 5 | 7.17 |
| 14 | Stirling Castle | Stirling, Scotland | 7 | 4 | 6.30 |
| 15 | Margam Castle | Port Talbot, Wales | 2 | 7 | 6.23 |
Scotland’s capital is now home to the UK’s most haunted attraction, Mary King’s Close.
Mary King’s Close in Scotland earns a spooky score of 9.75 out of 10 thanks to the many haunted sites within 300m of the historical landmark.
The historic close has had a reputation for hauntings since the 17th century, with the most famous story of a little girl nicknamed Annie, a melancholy, lonely ghost.
Additionally, noises, doors slamming by themselves, oranges cutting themselves in half, and a clock repeatedly stopping working at 4.15 am have been noted.
True to its reputation, Edinburgh ranks three times within the top 10, more than any other UK city, while Scotland is mentioned four times in the top 15.
The second most haunted attraction in the UK is Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. A West End theatre home to some of the world’s most exciting musicals now has a spooky score of 9.22 out of 10.
It’s said that actor William Terriss’ ghost has been seen at the theatre in a grey suit and white gloves, following his murder in 1897, alongside others in the area.
Frequently named the most haunted city in Europe, York is still worthy of its title, according to Psychic World’s analysis. With an estimated 600,000 people buried in church graveyards and other sites under its streets,
York Minster, the Anglican cathedral in North Yorkshire, has a spooky score of 8.95 out of 10 and 39 haunted sites nearby.
The sound of children singing and laughing has been heard coming from a nearby passage, and one witness reported the feeling of a small hand placing itself in his, although no one was visible.
Fourth is Gloucester Cathedral, with a spooky score of 8.65, with 16 haunted sites within 500m of the attraction. A ghost with a hunched back is said to wander around the pub and cellar, knocking the elbows of people as they raise their glass for a drink, and sometimes the furniture in the pub is found to have been rearranged overnight.
Rounding out the top five is Pluckley Village in Kent, which earns a spooky score of 8.38 out of 10. This historic village is known as one of the most haunted in England, being home to 12 ‘official’ ghosts. One of the most famous is Lady Dering, who is sometimes sighted in the churchyard of St Nicholas following her death in the 12th century.-
A new gallery showcasing the work of internationally acclaimed artist, Yaniv Edery, is opening in the heart of Edinburgh, establishing a world-class destination for contemporary art and exclusive private events.
Housed within an elegant Georgian townhouse on the city’s historic Picardy Place, Yaniv Edery Gallery officially opened on Thursday (26 March 2026) marking the artist’s UK debut.
The new gallery, Yaniv Edery’s first in the UK, presents his vibrant, immersive collection of artworks that has captivated audiences worldwide, from private collectors to luxury venues across the globe.
The destination is also introducing a unique new luxury events venue in Edinburgh, available for private hire for weddings and exclusive occasions.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1977, Yaniv’s artistic journey began in fashion and textile design before evolving into a distinctive contemporary practice.
A self-taught artist, he has developed a one-of-a-kind technique through years of experimentation, layering resin over carefully injected acrylic and ink on brushed aluminium. The result is richly textured works with striking dimensionality, extraordinary depth and intricate detail.
Blending bold colour with luxury motifs, Yaniv’s signature animal portraits incorporate resin, crystals, and metallic finishes to create light, reactive pieces that blur the line between pop art and contemporary sculpture.
Each piece is a dynamic, almost living work revealing intricate detail, encouraging viewers to engage with each artwork from multiple perspectives.
Yaniv Edery said: “I’m proud to present my collection in this extraordinary new setting in Edinburgh, a city rich in art, history and culture. This new gallery is designed to bring contemporary art and curated events together, creating a unique experience where audiences can connect with vibrant, immersive works.
“Art is constantly evolving, and my aim is to celebrate this growth by combining creativity, luxury, and pop culture in a way that engages, inspires, and surprises. I hope this gallery becomes a special place where people come together to explore, reflect, and celebrate, while hosting unforgettable private occasions.”
Throughout his career, Yaniv Edery has led several unique collaborations that blend styles and disciplines. Among the most notable, he was honoured to create a custom piano for Stevie Wonder and to paint family portraits for an array of international celebrities.
Now based in Monaco, Yaniv enjoys international recognition and is represented by prestigious galleries worldwide. His work has been exhibited at Art Basel in Miami, one of the world’s most renowned art fairs, and he was selected as the opening artist for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
For the past eight years, Yaniv has been the official artist of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. His pieces also reside in prestigious private collections, including the Royal Palace of Monaco, as well as the homes of Formula One drivers Valtteri Bottas and Charles Leclerc.
The opening marks Yaniv’s first UK gallery, bringing his creative vision to Edinburgh in a space that seamlessly merges contemporary art with a refined event setting.
Located within a UNESCO World Heritage site on 4 Picardy Place, famously the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the gallery preserves its classical architectural character while providing a striking backdrop for the distinctive artworks and a versatile setting for events.
Featuring a dedicated function room, reception bar, private basement bar, and boutique suites, the venue combines elegance with versatility, making it ideal for intimate weddings, private gatherings, exclusive business events and celebrations.
Yaniv Edery Gallery operates seven days a week for private viewings by appointment, offering visitors the chance to experience the artist’s immersive works firsthand and explore the event spaces. It is also available for private event hire seven days.
Pricing is available from the gallery on enquiry, but each artwork is produced in a limited-edition collection of five copies per size, a conscious choice that preserves exclusivity while maintaining accessible pricing, despite the complexity and cost of the artist’s process. It is also possible to commission a unique, fully customised, bespoke piece of artwork.
For further information on visiting the gallery or hosting private events, visit:
https://yanivederygallery.com or contact info@yanivederygallery.com
Drivers are committed to making the most of the four-day Easter bank holiday despite sharply rising fuel prices, with nearly 21m leisure journeys planned, according to a new study of drivers’ getaway plans by the RAC and traffic analytics specialists INRIX.*
With over a million more trips planned than last year, this Easter weekend is set to be the busiest on the roads since 2022 – which was the first full getaway after the Covid lockdowns.
RAC data suggests traffic will be at its busiest on Good Friday 3rd April with drivers planning around 3.3m leisure trips. Over 2.3m trips are planned on Thursday 2nd, while drivers are expected to make 3m journeys on Saturday 4th. The number of trips planned drops slightly on Easter Sunday to 2.3m, before increasing again to a further 3m on bank holiday Monday as travellers return home.
A further 6.7m journeys are anticipated at some point over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with drivers undecided on their exact date of travel. But with some early indications that the weather could warm up in time for the weekend, the number of ad hoc journeys could rise.
New separate research by the RAC also shows that while 31% of drivers are increasingly worried about rising fuel costs – driven by the current conflict in the Middle East that has seen pump prices soaring – most aren’t changing their plans. Only 6% expect to drive shorter distances and another 6% say they won’t drive at all, as a direct result of the higher prices.*
This is despite the fact that filling up a typical diesel family car this Easter will cost at least £19 more than it did on Good Friday in 2025, and a tank of petrol nearly £8 more, with further increases likely.
On Thursday 2nd – the day when many schools break up for the Easter holidays – some of the worst delays of more than 40 minutes are expected on the M25 clockwise between J15 and J19 around 2.45pm, and on the M4 westbound across the Prince of Wales Bridge towards Bridgend with delays of an hour and a quarter in the evening, according to data from INRIX. The anticlockwise stretch from J17 to J12 will also see similar delays closer around 4pm, close to the evening rush-hour.
Meanwhile, on Good Friday, many major roads are expected to be busy throughout the day from 10am-7pm. The M5 southbound between J15 at the RAC tower north of Bristol and J23 for Bridgwater – a key holiday route – could see journey times extended by more than 50 minutes at lunchtime, while the M25 anticlockwise between J17 and J12 may see delays of 30 minutes mid-morning, nearly trebling normal journey times.
On Saturday 4th, drivers are advised to avoid 10am to midday when traffic will be at its busiest. The M40 northbound from J12 to the Umberslade interchange with the M42 will see delays of around 48 minutes at 11am, with journey times almost four times longer than usual.
The roads are expected to be busy for most of Easter Monday 6th April as families return from their Easter trips. Delays of over an hour (65 minutes) are expected at midday in the South West on the M5 northbound between J25 for Taunton and J15 at the RAC tower.
Elsewhere, the M25 clockwise between J15 to J19 will be hit with queues at 5.30pm, with journeys taking over 38 minutes longer than usual, double usual travel times.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “The Easter bank holiday getaway is traditionally one of the biggest of the year, and 2026 looks no different.
“In fact, the number of planned leisure journeys by car has risen for the second year running and as a result we expect this to be the busiest Easter on the roads since 2022, when the country opened up after the Covid lockdown.
“Despite fuel prices rising dramatically due to the conflict in the Middle East, our research suggests Easter remains incredibly important to people as it’s often the first chance to get away since Christmas or to meet up with friends and family.
“While a significant number of drivers are concerned about rising fuel prices, a much smaller contingent are actually changing their plans this Easter as a result. This is despite the cost of filling up a family diesel car increasing by around £19 compared to this time last year, and a tank of petrol being £8 more expensive. In the face of rising prices, we urge everyone to use the myRACapp to find the cheapest forecourts near them.
“We expect traffic levels to be consistently high from Thursday when many schools break up. We advise drivers to plan for the best time to travel if they want to avoid significant queues, especially in traffic hotspot areas such as the M5 heading towards Devon and Cornwall and the M25. Congestion is likely to be at its worst from 10am from Thursday to Saturday and on Easter Monday, so leaving early in the morning is the best way to avoid the jams.
“The Easter bank holiday is always a particularly busy period for our patrols, but many breakdowns can be avoided if drivers ensure their vehicles are fully prepared before they travel. It’s still not too late to book an RAC Mobile Mechanic who can service or repair cars at home or at work, removing the need to visit a garage and giving drivers peace of mind their vehicles are fit for a long road trip.”
National Highways’ traffic contraflow system, ‘Operation Brock’, will be in place throughout the Easter weekend from 1st to 7thApril, with lorries travelling to the Port of Dover being directed to a specific lane at Junction 8 of the M20.
Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister said: “The port is preparing for a busy Easter getaway period, with an early increase in traffic expected from Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, followed by the predicted getaway volumes through to mid-April.
“Between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 19th April, we will welcome in the region of 37,000 cars through the port. To help ensure a smooth departure, we kindly ask all customers travelling with our ferry partners not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their scheduled sailing, just as you would if departing from a UK airport.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience, should there be any additional waiting time due to the increase in traffic levels.”
For drivers planning a long Easter getaway journey, the RAC advises booking an appointment with one of its Mobile Mechanics. RAC Mobile Mechanics can complete services and repairs on the driveway or at a customer’s place of work, giving drivers peace of mind before they lhit the roads.
The Scottish Ambulace Service has been issuing text messages via GOV.Notify to patients to gather their feedback on their experiences with the service.
To date, feedback messages have been sent to patients who have used the Falls pathways, those who experienced breathing difficulties, NHS24 callers who were transferred onto SAS, and patients who were triaged through our clinical hub and did not require an ambulance.
The primary aim of gathering patient experience data is to understand how patients are treated, identify service gaps, support learning and development, and inform resource allocation and service improvements.
SAS will be issuing text messages to patients who have experienced breathing difficulties and falls.
The text will be issued via GOV.Notify and link to a Webropol survey. If you receive this text, please complete the survey so we can ensure the Scottish Ambulance Service is proving the right care in the right place.
