Looking for something to do this Friday afternoon?
Well why not come along to LifeCare Edinburgh’s free monthly talk in our fully accessible community cafe, CafeLife, on Cheyne Street!
We will be joined by train enthusiast Eddy Williams to hear all about “The creation of model railways”.
Free for all (but donations are welcome) with no booking required – just come along for 3pm on Friday 14th March.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Nationwide is giving over 12 million members a share of over £600 million to thank them for enabling the successful purchase of Virgin Money. They will each receive £50 and most of the payments will be made next month.
Nationwide’s financial strength, which its members have helped build, allowed it to acquire Virgin Money in 2024. As a result, Nationwide is now even stronger and able to deliver the benefits of mutuality to even more people in the UK.
Over 799,000 in Scotland will receive the Big Nationwide Thank You.
Top areas in the region to benefit, include over 79,000 people in Fife, nearly 73,000 people in Edinburgh, nearly 62,000 people in Glasgow and over 60,000 people in South Lanarkshire.
Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide CEO, said: “Nationwide became even stronger when it bought Virgin Money and we are already improving services for its customers. The Big Nationwide Thank You recognises the role our members played in building the financial strength that made the deal possible.
“It’s another of the very real benefits of being a member of Nationwide and our modern mutual model.”
Nationwide is ranked as the UK’s best high street banking provider for service1. In November it announced record first half growth in mortgages and deposits and an increase in market share.
After its acquisition of Virgin Money, it has continued to invest in improving customer service and recently revealed that it had become the UK’s top lender for first-time buyers2. It is now the country’s second largest provider of mortgages and savings accounts and the only mutual full-service banking provider in the UK.
The ‘Thank You’ payment is the latest demonstration of its mutual difference – a way of delivering even more value back to its members. Since April 2023, Nationwide has provided over £3.5 billion in member value, including £729 million through two Nationwide Fairer Share Payments.
The ‘Thank You’ payments will be made from 9 April across the country (see regional breakdown in Notes to Editors3). Nationwide will write to members receiving the payment from today, letting them know when and how the money will be paid4.
Members can check if they qualify and find out more at www.nationwide.co.uk/about-us/the-big-nationwide-thank-you/check.
The payments will go to over 12 million members who had a savings or current account, or mortgage, at the end of last September.
Additionally, they must also have made at least one transaction on their current account or savings or had a balance of at least £100 in their current account, savings or mortgage in the 12 months to the end of September 2024. They must also still have their accounts or mortgage at the time the payment is made.
The Big Nationwide Thank You is separate to the Fairer Share Payment, which Nationwide wants to repeat this year, although this will depend on Nationwide’s financial performance. A decision will be made in May, when it publishes its results for the 2024/25 financial year.
Between 2300hrs on 4th March and 0630 hrs on 5th March a number of garden sheds were broken into in Stenhouse Terrace.
Spray paint stolen from one of the sheds was then used to vandalise property in the street.
Did you see or hear anything? Do you know who is responsible?
If so, please call 101 and quote Incident 0375 of 05/03/25.
Thank you for your support.
A leading European tobacco control expert is encouraging elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to dismiss tobacco industry attempts to weaken measures in the UK Government’s four-nations Tobacco and Vapes Bill which is progressing through Westminster.
The call comes ahead of Lilia Olefir, Director of the Smoke Free Partnership (a European coalition of tobacco control non-governmental organisations), leading a discussion as part of ASH Scotland’s Learning Week yesterday (10 February) about the importance of regulating emerging addictive and health harming tobacco and nicotine products.
Alarm is being raised by public health experts as tobacco companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco (BAT), Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Altria have moved into the nicotine pouch market, which is estimated to be worth $2 billion globally, through developing their own products or acquiring companies which produce nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches, which are placed under the top lip, are teabag-like products filled with a fibrous white powder and infused with nicotine and ingredients such as sweeteners and flavourings that are released during use.
A health risk assessment on nicotine pouches by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment concluded that high levels of nicotine, which has strong effects on the cardiovascular system, is a health risk. Pouches present high risks for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with cardiovascular disease.
Lilia Olefir, who is also the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control Coordinator for Europe and won the 2024 Judy Wilkenfeld Award for International Tobacco Control Excellence, said: “The tobacco industry is strategically marketing new nicotine to target young people, claiming that novel products have lower health risks, while simultaneously lobbying to avoid regulation on them for as long as possible.
“The rise in use of novel products by young people is extremely alarming and that’s why updating legislation is vital to address concerns about young people’s access to emerging tobacco and nicotine products.
“Annual tobacco industry spending on lobbying activities in the EU is at an all-time high of €19 million and their interference remains the largest obstacle to the implementation of effective tobacco control policies to protect children and young people.
“It’s not a surprise ASH Scotland’s analysis has found many concerning industry-connected arguments against restrictions that can be enabled by the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which parliamentarians would be wise to ignore for the benefit of younger people’s health.”
In March 2023, Belgium became the first nation in the EU to ban nicotine pouches, followed by the Netherlands a month later, and France decided in February 2025 to introduce a ban.
In Scotland and across the UK, nicotine pouches are currently not covered by tobacco or e-cigarette regulations so are not required to adhere to the same controls on advertising and retail displays as tobacco nor age of sale restrictions that are in place for cigarettes and nicotine containing vapes.
Strong measures to restrict the advertising and promotion of nicotine pouches will be introduced in the event of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being passed.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “The evidence presented by the Smoke Free Partnership and ASH Scotland’s analysis suggests that the tobacco industry is aiming to attract youths to use its new addictive and health harming products such as nicotine pouches to maintain a sizeable customer base in the UK and across Europe to enable the generation of huge profits into the future, at a considerable cost to the health of our young people.
“We have seen a disturbing increase in marketing campaigns promoting nicotine pouches in Scotland in recent months, including the provision of free samples in major train stations and a proliferation of shop window posters which are seen by children and young people.
“We welcome the robust measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which proposes to restrict the advertising and promotions of nicotine pouches and vapes to reduce their visibility and availability and protect the health of children now and of future generations.
“We strongly urge elected representatives in Scotland and across the UK to reject the destructive interference by the tobacco industry and its profit-motivated business associates who are not public health stakeholders and should never be treated as such.”
We are looking for volunteers to join our next public beach clean at Cramond Beach. Join us for a beach clean plus litter survey to collect vital data which can help us campaign for change.
We find a huge amount of wet wipes and sewage related debris at this beach, help us gather the information needed to see continued legislation change.
Wednesday 2nd April, 10.30am
Find out more and register for your space https://www.mcsuk.org/…/april-ospar-cramond-beach…/
Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, spoke to 2,000 parents of children aged 18 and over, to uncover how often they’re providing transportation and the impact it has on their day to day lives.
Over half (57%) of Scottish parents surveyed said they provide transportation for their adult children, with 7% being asked on a weekly basis.
The study revealed that Scottish parents are providing transportation an average of 2.6 times per week which works out at 135 trips per year. The average weekly mileage for parents transporting their adult children was 25.9 or 1,346 miles a year.
When asked why their children were reliant on them for transport, cost came out as a major factor. 38% of Scottish parents surveyed said the cost of owning and maintaining a car was a key reason their child didn’t have a licence.
For Scottish parents, all these extra journeys can come with their own frustrations. Having to stay up later came up as a main concern with 19% citing this. Followed by it disrupting their schedule (19%) and traffic stress (16%).
Over a quarter (26%) of Scottish parents said they have had to change or cancel their own plans due to transporting their children. However, despite all this, parents don’t seem to mind. 82% of those surveyed said providing regular transportation to their children has little to no impact on their daily lives.
Many even enjoy the extra time spent together, with meaningful conversations (32%) and getting to hear about their children’s day (26%) listed as the things they enjoy most about these journeys.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, comments: “According to our research, the taxi of Mum and Dad remains a permanent fixture on UK roads, and doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon, especially as the cost of driving lessons remain elevated for some.
“But despite this and parents clocking up some impressive mileage, it’s great to hear that they don’t mind providing transportation help, enjoying the extra time spent with their children.”
For those who don’t want to rely on their parents for transportation, Auto Trader have shared some ways you can save money as a new driver.
Four Tips for Saving Money as a New Driver
1) Choose the right car – The car you drive can have a big impact on your insurance costs, as well as ongoing maintenance. Consider purchasing a cheap used car, of which there is a large choice currently available on the market. Cars with smaller engines, for example, also tend to be cheaper to insure and run.
2) Add an experienced driver to your insurance – While insurance fees will always be higher for new drivers, one way to bring your costs down is by adding a more experienced driver, like a parent, to your policy.
3) Consider telematics insurance – Telematics, or black box insurance, is another increasingly popular option. By installing a tracker to your car, you can prove to your insurance provider that you are a safe and responsible driver, which can bring financial savings.
4) Explore leasing as an option – If you’ve managed to build up a good credit profile, leasing could offer a more affordable route to driving. You just need to decide how long you want the car, how many miles you expect to drive each year and how much money you want to pay upfront as your initial payment amount.
You will only pay the monthly payments which should be within your budget so that you can drive a new car. You will also get road tax included in your lease, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years from the date of registration.
For more information about the benefits of car leasing and to explore the latest deals, visit https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/leasing
ALL HAPPENING at MADELVIC HOUSE THIS WEEK:
Research published today (Monday 10 March) by the Electoral Commission reveals that nearly three quarters of young people in Scotland (73%) think children and young people should learn more about politics in school or college. Young people are most interested in learning more about political parties and the difference voting makes.
The research, which surveyed 11 to 25-year-olds from across the UK, also found that 81% of young people in Scotland who live in homes where politics is discussed weekly or more often, say they are confident about voting compared to only 30% of young people living in homes where politics is never discussed.
More positively, young people who responded to the survey said that hearing about politics at school or college is, along with at home, the most trusted source of information – more so that TV or social media.
The Electoral Commission is calling for all young people in Scotland to have the opportunity to learn about democracy in school, with better support for educators to deliver engaging and effective lessons.
With the voting age being 16 in Scotland at Scottish Parliament and council elections, it is more important than ever to ensure young people understand our democracy and how they can play an active role in it.
Andy O’Neill, Head of the Electoral Commission in Scotland, said: “Young people should feel empowered to take part in our democracy, yet too many in Scotland feel disconnected from politics and uncertain about how decisions that affect them locally are made.
“It is crucial young people are equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need to engage with democracy and cast their vote.
“The Electoral Commission is expanding its work with schools and youth groups across Scotland to support democratic education, but meaningful change also requires updates to the curriculum and dedicated time for teachers to deliver democratic education in schools, ensuring all young people understand and participate in democracy.
“We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to encourage this positive change.”
The findings are being launched to mark the start of Welcome to Your Vote Week, the Electoral Commission’s annual campaign celebrating democracy and promoting further democratic education.
This year’s theme, ‘Get Informed and Get Involved,’ encourages young people to access accurate information on democracy and elections, helping them take the first steps to engage locally.”
Dear Editor,
I, Dhruva Kumar, as a former MP candidate for the ALBA Party and a lifelong advocate for Scottish self-determination, write to you with urgency: Scotland stands at a crossroads – and the stakes could not be higher.
The story of the North Sea oil boom is one of lost opportunity, misguided policy, and the biggest wealth gap in European history. In 1970, both the United Kingdom and Norway struck black gold beneath the frigid waters of the North Sea. Yet, half a century later, their destinies could not be more different.
Norway, choosing state ownership over corporate giveaways, transformed its oil wealth into the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund now worth $1.74 trillion, or over $300,000 per citizen. The UK, in stark contrast, sold its reserves to private markets, leading to billions in corporate profits while returning scraps to the public purse. In 2020, the UK earned a paltry £0.2 billion from North Sea oil, compared to Norway’s staggering £9 billion 45-fold difference.
Scotland, as a resource-rich nation within the UK, has been left with little to show for its natural bounty. The revenues that could have provided world-class public services, infrastructure, and economic security instead filled the coffers of multinational oil giants. Meanwhile, Scottish citizens were left with rising costs of living, austerity-driven policies, and no lasting legacy from their natural wealth.
Supporters of the Union argue that Scotland benefits from UK-wide economic stability. But how can one defend stability when London-centric policies have squandered Scotland’s most valuable resource? The evidence is overwhelming: had Scotland followed Norway’s model, it could have built its sovereign wealth fund, securing long-term prosperity for generations.
Norway’s $1.4 trillion fund is not a fantasy-it is proof that sovereignty works. Westminster’s refusal to steward Scotland’s wealth is not a mistake-it is a policy.
Publish this reality: If Scotland had retained control of its oil since 1970, its sovereign fund could exceed $1.2 trillion today to pay every citizen £20,000 annually for life.
Westminster’s track record is clear:
The UK’s windfall tax fiasco of 2022 underscores this betrayal. While BP and Shell raked in $40 billion in profits, Scots faced soaring energy bills. This is not governance-it is exploitation.
GB Energy is as real as a workable heat pump on the Shetland Islands during the dead of winter-a hollow slogan masking systemic neglect.
The question for Scots is simple: do we continue allowing our wealth to slip through our fingers, or do we take control of our own destiny? The answer lies in sovereignty.
Yours sincerely,
Dhruva Kumar
Former Glasgow South MP Candidate
Depute Convenor, Media Officer, Alba Party Glasgow
Ian Hamilton Finlay
National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two
8 March – 26 May 2025
Admission free
Ian Hamilton Finlay | National Galleries of Scotland
The centenary of the remarkable Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) will be marked in a new free display of his work on the ground floor of Modern Two in Edinburgh from 8 March to 26 May 2025.
This exhibition will showcase key highlights from Ian Hamilton Finlay’s artistic career, starting in the early 1960s until his death in 2006. Hailed as a unique combination of poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, Finlay’s practice covered a wide range of media which will be reflected in this display of sculptures and prints as well as never-before-seen archival materials and a room-sized installation, all from Scotland’s national collection.
From the Classical world to the French Revolution, the Enlightenment to World War Two, Finlay, a self-proclaimed ‘anti-modernist’, often looked to history for inspiration. Recurring motifs including boats, tanks, wallflowers and ships can be spotted throughout the range of artwork that will be on display. Although simple by design, they often draw on more complex references to history, literature and art – with subtle humorous nods.
Born in the Bahamas in 1925 to Scottish parents, Finlay moved to Scotland in his early childhood, taking up a brief stint at Glasgow School of Art and eventually settling in Edinburgh in the late 1950s. His love of the written word influenced the start of his career as a playwright and poet. He became a key figure in the concrete poetry movement – a type of visual poetry where words are arranged to create patterns and images on the page.
Visitors will see early examples of Finlay’s concrete poetry, including the screenprint Star/Steer (1966), which tells the visual tale of a ship navigating stormy seas under the silvery light of the stars, presented through cascading words.
The artist’s first steps into the world of sculpture will also be explored through his days as a hobbyist toy-maker in 1960s Edinburgh. The exhibition will feature the wooden Toy Cow (1962-63), one of the earliest examples of Finlay’s sculptural work, alongside photographs of the artist amongst his toy creations.
A visionary artist, Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout much of his work, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life. From stone-carvers to typographers, ceramicists to calligraphers, he employed a wide range of specialist technicians to realise his work.
In 1966, Finlay and his wife Sue moved into a semi-derelict farmland called Stonypath, south-west of Edinburgh, sheltered within the Pentland Hills. Here, he would go on to create what is often considered his greatest work: an ambitious, expansive garden filled with sculptures.
Renamed ‘Little Sparta’, in reference to the Spartan wars in Ancient Greece, and a humorous nod to his own personal battles with organisations such as the Scottish Arts Council, Finlay grew his creative practice in its grounds over the course of 40 years.
Rarely leaving its confines for decades due to agoraphobia (a fear of open, crowded spaces), Finlay created over 260 sculptures and artworks at Little Sparta, distributed across its four acres of curated gardens. The site remains an integral part of Finlay’s artistic legacy and is open to the public to enjoy each summer.
Visitors to the exhibition can take a glimpse into the lush grounds of Little Sparta for themselves through Finlay’s installation Nature over again after Poussin (1979). Filling a whole room, the work comprises 11 photographs set on plinths, each offering different viewpoints of Little Sparta.
A carved stone can be found within each image, ‘signed’ with the initials of artists who embraced a more classical approach to painting landscapes. The work encourages a moment of escapism, embracing time to get lost within the serenity of each photo.
The exhibition will also take over the Keiller library, where visitors can uncover more about the man behind the artwork through a selection of rare archival materials. Objects including letters, personal photographs and notebooks, many of which have never been on display before, will give a unique insight into Finlay’s inspirations, artwork and life.
Patrick Elliot, Chief Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘Ian Hamilton Finlay was a completely unique figure in British art.
“Severe agoraphobia meant that he seldom left his house and garden in the Pentland Hills. Collectors, museum curators and art lovers from all over the world came to see him and his garden over a period of 40 years.
“He was a complete maverick, a wonderful, complicated, fascinating man and artist. Totally uncompromising and at times difficult, he created what is, in many people’s eyes, the greatest artwork created in Scotland in the second half of the twentieth century: his garden at Little Sparta.’
Ian Hamilton Finlay is free to visit and yours to discover at Modern Two from Saturday 8 March 2025.
