Category: North Edinburgh News

£34k investment set to power pioneering library projects across Scotland

Four innovative projects across Scotland’s libraries and information services have secured a share of £34,000 from the Scottish Library and Information Council’s (SLIC) Innovation and Development Fund, supporting new ideas that will shape the future of learning, research and access to information.

Now in its 14th year, the fund backs bold initiatives from across Scotland’s library network, helping services test new approaches, develop fresh resources and respond to the changing needs of communities and learners.

The latest round of funding will champion projects ranging from a Scots language learning course for prison libraries to an affordable journal publishing scheme through Scottish Universities Press:

  • Read tae rise: Scots language and library learning with Scotland’s prisons

The National Library of Scotland has received just over £9,500 to develop a new Scots language course and resource pack for prison libraries.

Co-created with learners, the course will draw on the library’s historic and contemporary collections while highlighting the role of libraries as powerful tools for lifelong learning and cultural connection.

  • Robert Gordon University Library: developing future library designs

Robert Gordon University Library has secured just under £5,000 for a student-led design concept project that will explore the future of its library spaces. Students from the School of Law & Social Sciences and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment will collaborate to gather user insights and produce draft design concepts to inform future library redevelopment.

  • Delivering a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press

The University of Dundee has been awarded £12,500 to pilot a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press.

The initiative will test a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional academic journal publishing models, offering a more affordable and accessible route for scholarly research.

  • University of Strathclyde: decolonising academic libraries in Scotland

At University of Strathclyde, the iSchool has received £7,200 to work with academic libraries across Scotland to develop clear, practical guidance on applying decolonisation principles in library services and collections.

The outputs will include accessible guidelines and infographics designed to support library staff in turning shared ambitions around inclusion and representation into everyday practice.

The Innovation and Development Fund, administered and financed by SLIC, is designed to support organisations that fall outside the remit of other annual funding programmes, such as the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

This includes further education and higher education institutions, as well as specialist libraries and information services. All projects link to SLIC’s strategic pillars of Standards, Leadership, Information and Collaboration.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information services continue to adapt and innovate, creating resilient, future-proofed environments that respond to the evolving needs of their users.

“The Innovation and Development Fund plays an important role in supporting that progress by backing bold, forward-thinking ideas.

“The projects awarded funding this year demonstrate the creativity and ambition across the sector, from empowering people through language and culture to rethinking how knowledge is created, shared and accessed.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £425,000 to over 40 projects.

Previous initiatives have included a TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series developed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library, a literacy and numeracy course by Glasgow Women’s Library, and the creation of a podcast studio at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray campus.

For more information about the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: 

The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Easter study support 

Free webinars for senior-phase school pupils

Young people across Scotland studying for Senior Phase qualifications will have access to free online Easter Study Support.

The webinars provided by e-Sgoil are delivered by secondary teachers covering multiple subjects over National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.

Registration for the extensive programme of webinars is now open, with sessions scheduled to run throughout the week beginning 6 April. 

The Easter programme, now in its fifth year, has been developed as part of the Scottish Government-funded National e-Learning offer and continues to grow in both reach and impact.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, said: “I welcome the continued success of e‑Sgoil’s Easter Study Support programme, and I’m pleased the Scottish Government has been able to continue to support the provision of high‑quality revision opportunities for senior phase pupils at a crucial point in the school year.

“Last year’s participation and overwhelmingly positive feedback show the real value of this national offer in building confidence and reducing anxiety ahead of exams. The programme reaches young people in every local authority and strengthens the wider support available in Scotland’s schools.”

Last year 4,287 registered for a total of 18,100 webinar places, representing an increase of 689 learners on the previous year.

Commenting, e-Sgoil Study Support Programme lead Rhona Johnstone added: “We are delighted to offer the Easter Study Support programme to Senior Phase learners across Scotland yet again this session and pleased to see the programme reaching more learners year on year. 

“The evidence of the impact that both the Easter and Evening Study Support programmes has on the learners ahead of assessments and exams can be seen in the feedback received from those who have participated in previous years.” 

FREE PINTS: Raise a glass to Tommy Shelby and celebrate new movie

NEXT ROUND’S ON TOMMY SHELBY!

  • Celebrating the global Netflix launch of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
  • Fans in Edinburgh, dressed in their Peaky best, invited to raise a glass to a legend, Tommy Shelby, with a drink on the Peaky Blinder!
  • On Friday (27th March), a complimentary bar tab will be available in local independent pubs across the country, including The Athletic Arms (The Diggers) from 4pm.

To mark the arrival of Peaky Blinders, The Immortal Man, Netflix is partnering with The Athletic Arms (The Diggers), as part of ten independent pubs nationwide bringing fans to their local to celebrate and enjoy a drink on Tommy Shelby. 

This Friday 27th March, The Athletic Arms (The Diggers) will celebrate the icon Tommy Shelby. Fans can claim a complimentary drink simply by using the legendary phrase: “By order of the Peaky Blinders”. 

Each participating pub will embrace a 1940s Peaky Blinders-inspired theme, with limited-edition merchandise and flat caps up for grabs. Guests are welcome (but not required!) to don their best Peaky-style outfits.

A cornerstone of British culture and community, the concept of the ‘local’ is central to Peaky Blinders. One pub a day disappeared for good in England and Wales during 2025 as sustained cost pressures continued to weigh heavily on the sector and Netflix is proud to support these regional answers to The Garrison, allowing fans to come together to toast the legend of Peaky. 

Directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, who created and wrote the smash hit series, the film stars Academy Award® winner Cillian Murphy returning as Tommy Shelby with a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson, Academy Award® nominee Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle with Academy Award® nominee Barry Keoghan and Primetime Emmy Award® winner Stephen Graham.

Set against a bombed 1940s Birmingham, the film follows the legendary Tommy Shelby as he returns from exile to reckon with the legacy of himself and the family. 

Speaking on bringing the world of Peaky Blinders to their patrons, Kevin McGhee, Landlord, The Athletic Arms, said: “As a late-Victorian Edinburgh icon, known in our community for its rich history, we are thrilled to bring the world of Tommy Shelby to the Diggers.

“Our central bar has served everyone from local gravediggers to modern day legends since 1897. Now, we’re excited to welcome the beloved Peaky Blinders community in Edinburgh and raise a glass to Tommy Shelby.”

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is in cinemas now, and on Netflix from March 20. Peaky fans from Scotland are invited to celebrate the launch of The Immortal Man at The Athletic Arms (The Diggers) on Friday 27th March, enjoying their next round on Tommy Shelby. 

Seven new towns proposed to kickstart housebuilding push

Seven locations proposed in England as new towns with each location delivering at least 10,000 homes

The locations of seven new towns have been named for consideration as part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.   

Built for the future from the ground up, the next generation of new towns will create well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links planned from the start. 

Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come. 

The proposed locations are: 

  • Tempsford, Bedfordshire — up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes 
  • Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield — up to 21,000 homes helping to meet London’s acute housing need 
  • Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire — up to 20,000 homes capitalising on the city’s economic momentum and the government’s £2.1 billion local transport investment 
  • Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester — at least 15,000 homes regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city 
  • Thamesmead, Greenwich — up to 15,000 homes unlocking inaccessible riverside land in London, enabled by the planned Docklands Light Railway extension 
  • Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire — up to 40,000 homes at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy 
  • Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire — building on its history as one of the original new towns, to take forward the ‘renewed town’ vision to expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the centre with a new local transport system, boosting connectivity in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor 

Furthermore, as part of the government’s drive to instil pride in our communities, these towns will be designed for modern, everyday life – with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities.

“Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future. 

“From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together — so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”

To drive forward delivery, four interim advisers have been appointed to support the New Towns Unit: 

  • Lyn Garner, former Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation; 
  • Ian Piper, former Chief Executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation;  
  • Emma Cariaga, Chief Operating Officer of British Land;  
  • David Rudlin, Founding Principal of Rudlin & Co and principal author of the UK Government’s National Model Design Code 

Building on the success seen in Stratford through the London Legacy Development Corporation and elsewhere, some new development corporations will also be stood up to support the delivery of these new towns. 

As set out in the proposed placemaking principles, these new towns will create affordable and balanced communities with the schools, health facilities and community infrastructure neighbourhoods need, supported by high quality public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.  

To ensure that new towns are built in a holistic way, that meets communities’ growing needs, government is taking a cross-government approach to ensure the utilities, health, education, and digital infrastructure to underpin new towns from the outset. 

Alongside the new towns consultation, the government has also confirmed today that the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April. It will be backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity and will aim to deliver over 500,000 new homes.  

The government has also confirmed additional support worth up to £400 million over the next decade for subsidised products. This will enable both the National Housing Bank and regional Mayors to issue loans and investments at lower interest rates and unlock housebuilding across the country. 

Confirmed today that the Bank will be chaired by Peter Vernon, with Simon Century as its Chief Executive, the Bank will respond flexibly to market needs, unlock over £53 billion of private investment, and provide developers with more financial stability and certainty to support the delivery of over half a million new homes. Century and Vernon both have comprehensive experience in property, financial services, regeneration, and management consultancy.   

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “For decades this country’s planning system has been a direct obstacle to building new homes, ramping up costs and pricing young people out of the housing market.   

“Two years ago, I promised that we would grasp the nettle of planning reform. Now we’re planning to build a new generation of new towns, opening up the expansion of our most dynamic cities and raise up new communities.   

“Our economic plan is the right one. Through stability, investment and reform we are building a stronger and more secure economy.”

Simon Century, National Housing Bank Chief Executive, said: “From day one, we’ll use deep expertise to back innovative, large-scale delivery — accelerating the supply of high-quality affordable homes and thriving places people want to live.

The Government also assessed six further New Town locations — Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe (East Devon), Plymouth, South Barking and Wychavon Town — which will not be taken forward as New Towns at this stage but are deemed to be credible development opportunities and may continue to be supported through existing housing programmes.

In Plymouth, for example, there is a unique opportunity to bolster the UK’s defence and security sector, and will have its own bespoke support package to unlock its potential as a centre of excellence in naval technology, and to ensure that lack of good quality homes does not act as a barrier to growth.  

Furthermore, an additional £234 million grant fund will support Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) to unlock 8,000 new homes on derelict brownfield land. Areas benefitting from the funding include Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull & East Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West of England and York & North Yorkshire. 

Together, these measures form part of the government’s commitment to ease the housing crisis, supporting first-time buyers, and creating thousands of jobs across construction and related industries.  

Holyrood committee calls for BBC to have stronger Scottish voice

The BBC must have more Scottish voices telling Scottish stories, be clearer on devolved and reserved issues in its news reporting and give Welsh and Gaelic language services equal status, according to a Scottish Parliament Committee.

A new report from the Constitution, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Committee describes concern at the “long-standing frustration” that the BBC Network continues to fall short in serving the interests of licence fee payers in all parts of the UK equally by missing opportunities to be precise in its reporting of issues which only apply to England or Scotland.  

It asks whether the BBC should adopt a more federal structure in which BBC Scotland would be a partner rather than a subsidiary, with greater editorial control and commissioning power. 

The report also raises concerns about the downgrading of  local news within Scotland, encouraging the regulator OFCOM to be vigilant and use its power to mitigate risks from any plans for centralisation and reduced regional coverage. 

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry in to broadcasting in Scotland and will feed into the UK Government’s public consultation on the BBC Charter – the legal document which sets out what the BBC is for and how it should operate.  

Changes to BBC Radio Scotland programming and its use of new, emerging and established Scottish artists also feature in the report, with the Committee stating  it was “not convinced” by the response to concerns raised by campaigners and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to pursue the matter. 

The Committee also expresses its support for greater transparency in how the BBC’s commercial income is used in relation to its public service broadcast obligations and of sustainable funding for minority language broadcasting across the UK, including Gaelic through BBC ALBA. 

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson, said: “We know broadcasters – particularly public sector broadcasters – face major challenges as people’s watching and listening choices move towards online platforms. However, local broadcasters continue to play a vital role in the social fabric of Scotland’s communities. 

“We support an adventurous, adaptable and accountable BBC and have made a series of recommendations directed at the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Screen Scotland, Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that Scotland and its license fee payers are well served.”

scottish-broadcasting-reportDownload

Edinburgh Hospital Radio Volunteer Honoured with MBE

A volunteer who has been at the heart of hospital radio in Edinburgh for over 50 years has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospital broadcasting. 

Malcolm Kirby – the current Chair received that award from HRH The Princess Royal at an Investiture held in Windsor Castle on Tuesday March 10 2026.

chairmanMBE

Malcolm has been involved since 1969 when he moved to Edinburgh to study electrical engineering at Heriot Watt. 

He became technical director in 1972, a post he has held for most of his time with the radio. 

Malcolm has been instrumental in the design and construction of the red dot radio studios from the early days in Hanover Street to the old Royal Infirmary  and finally to the current location in the Western General Hospital. 

He designed and manufactured the studio furniture, customised electronics and wrote special software to aid in programming. 

When the pandemic hit he was instrumental in keeping the station going and wrote additional custom software to enable the radio to be streamed online.

His determination to provide a bespoke, personal service for hospital patients has lasted to this day and has been appreciated by hundreds of hospital patients and their families and friends.

Malcolm was previously recognised by the National Hospital Broadcasting Association in 2012 when he received the John Whitney Award for an outstanding contribution to hospital radio.

Malcolm said: “It’s a real privilege being involved in a service that’s entertained hospital patients for 60 years. It seems that today, just as in the past, there is a real need for this sort of personal service for people who find themselves alone in a strange environment. 

“It’s particularly gratifying that we were able to continue throughout the pandemic with our new online service providing an invaluable link between the patients and their family and friends at home – let’s hope this continues for many more years.” 

“Completely unacceptable”

Issues faced by neurodivergent people must be urgently addressed, says Holyrood committee

Challenges faced by people with neurodivergence should be addressed “without delay” according to MSPs on Holyrood’s Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

The Committee launched the inquiry after the delay to the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill. Having held formal and informal sessions in light of this delay, the Committee agreed to focus on the challenges facing neurodivergent people in education, work and the criminal justice system

Throughout the inquiry the Committee heard about the importance of, and difficulty of getting, a diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition.

Dr Jim Crabb from the Royal College of Psychiatrists told the Committee that “[A] diagnosis can be incredibly powerful and validating; for some people, it can be life saving”, while Karbie Brook, from ARGH Scotland, told MSPs that prior to diagnosis: “I simply thought that I was a broken human, that I was no good at being human and that I did not really deserve to be here because what use was I anyway.”

The Committee also heard that, in some situations, delays to diagnosis had led to people taking their own lives and concludes that this situation is “completely unacceptable”.

In its report, the Committee warns that, with 43 percent of children in Scottish schools having an additional support need, action must be taken so that neurodivergence is not seen as a deficit.

The Committee says that it is essential for young people to receive a diagnosis early in life and calls for the Government to ensure that there is a long-term strategy and funding to ensure that Scotland has the workforce needed to be able to respond to the demand for diagnoses.

The report also explores the implementation gap between Scottish Government policies and the lived experience of witnesses. The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing told the Committee that the Government was now recalibrating systems due to an unforeseen increase in demand.

While the Committee welcomes this, it urges the Government to speak to people with lived experience to ensure services meet the needs of neurodivergent people.

Karen Adam MSP, Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee said: “Some of the testimony that we heard during this inquiry was devastating and, as we say in our report, as a country we cannot carry on like this.

“Our inquiry has found that we must fundamentally change as a society. The Scottish Government must act urgently so that our public services understand distress, communication and difference properly, so that we can intervene early, reduce harm, and support better outcomes across education, health, employment and justice.

“I am also grateful to all those we heard from during our inquiry. We repeatedly heard about the barriers, stigma and discrimination faced by neurodivergent people, but having their views on the record shone a light on the scale of the problem.”

Have you seen Tyrone?

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Tyrone Nicholson, 54, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Tyrone was last seen in the Restalrig area around 2.30pm on Friday, 20 March, 2026.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, with short brown hair.

Inspector Iona Cory said: “We’re concerned for Tyrone’s welfare and are urgently trying to trace him to ensure he’s safe and well.

“Officers are carrying out a number of enquiries but I’m also asking for the public’s help. Do you know Tyrone and have any information on where he might be? Or do you think you’ve seen him since Friday afternoon? If you do, please come forward.

“Tyrone, if you see this appeal, please make contact with police so we can ensure you’re safe and well.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0906 of 21 March.

Plans to honour Queen Elizabeth

Scotland Legacy Group set up to develop proposals

Senior figures from across Scottish public life have been appointed to develop proposals for a permanent memorial in Scotland to remember Queen Elizabeth.

The Scotland Legacy Group brings together specialist expertise and subject matter experts to make recommendations to the First Minister who will then discuss the fitting permanent memorial project with His Majesty The King.

Appointees to the Group are:

  • Dr Joseph Morrow, The Right Honourable the Lord Lyon King of Arms (Chair)
  • Dr Anna Keay OBE; Member of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, and Director of the Landmark Trust
  • Professor Chandrika Kaul, Professor of Modern History, University of St Andrews
  • Lt Col (retired) Johnny Stewart, Lord Lieutenant of Clackmannanshire
  • Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee
  • Anne Lyden, Director General, National Galleries of Scotland
  • Helen Webster, Deputy Director for Cabinet, Parliament and Governance & Secretary for Commissions, Scottish Government

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Queen Elizabeth meant so much to so many people in Scotland and it is right that we pay tribute to her remarkable 70-year reign and life of public service.

“The scenes as Her Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral Castle, where she died, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, demonstrated how much she was loved in the country where she spent so much of her private time.

“I am very grateful to the Group for taking this opportunity to deliver a fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.”

Dr Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon and Chair of the Scotland Legacy Group said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to develop and advise on a Scottish memorial to Queen Elizabeth to celebrate her extraordinary reign and dedicated life of public service. 

“I am determined to create the space for a truly Scottish memorial and delighted to be working alongside such a talented group of individuals to do so. 

“The group will engage with communities across the country to allow us to envisage a Scottish memorial and a lasting symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the late Queen. 

“Queen Elizabeth had a deep affinity for Scotland, and it is a privilege to create a legacy that can inspire generations to come.” 

Supporting the Fringe to flourish

£500,000 funding of digital development for world’s largest performing arts festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will receive £500,000 to help support ongoing digital transformation work, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced.

A new website is being developed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Fringe next year. The funding will also ensure the Fringe Society can continue its work supporting Scottish artists and the sector, while promoting international opportunities for artists at the Fringe.

The Deputy First Minister said: “The Scottish Government has an ongoing commitment to safeguard the future of the Edinburgh Fringe and support it to flourish, built on the principle of free access for all. 

“As one of Scotland’s signature events the Fringe has grown to become the world’s largest performing arts festival – a major economic contributor to Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole, and one of our country’s most significant national and international cultural assets.

“As we approach the 80th anniversary of the Fringe next year, this investment will provide a foundation to expand its global reach and the ongoing work with organisations who play an important role in making the Fringe the annual success it is – in particularly collective efforts focused on long term sustainability to both the Fringe Society and the Fringe as a whole.”

Tony Lankester, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: “The ongoing support for the work of the Fringe Society from the Scottish Government will go a long way to shoring up our resilience and builds on their previous investment.

“The Society’s work in future-proofing the Fringe with world-class digital and data infrastructure is a critical imperative – with this foundation, these ambitions can be more readily realised and the future more secure.

“We’ve made giant strides over the last year and this announcement helps us build on that work, delivering even more for the Fringe community, ensuring the festival remains a jewel in Scotland’s creative crown.”

This funding builds upon £300,000 of support provided by the Scottish Government in 2025/26.