North Edinburgh News – Page 46 – The NEN

Holyrood rejects Assisted Dying Bill

MSPs vote down right to choose legislation

The result of the Stage 3 vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is:

Yes – 57

No – 69

Abstain – 1

The Bill therefore falls.

Campaign group Dignity in Dying said late last night: “Moments ago, the Scottish Parliament voted against Liam McArthur MSP’s assisted dying Bill, by 69 to 57 with one abstention.

“This means that the Bill will fall and we will have to keep fighting for law change in Scotland.

“We pay tribute to Liam McArthur MSP for acting with integrity and determination, and to the thousands of supporters who have been fighting hard for choice, especially the many terminally ill people and their loved ones who have spoken courageously about their experiences.

“The fight is not over. Thousands of people all over the country have been campaigning for this change, and that work will not stop. Today’s result only hardens our resolve to keep fighting for a safer and more compassionate law.”

@dignityindying

Ash Regan MSP said: “The Assisted Dying Bill has fallen – but this debate must leave a legacy from session 6. We urgently need fully funded, high-quality palliative care for everyone, when they need it.

“We must ensure that those with disabilities are supported with necessary accommodations to fully access public life and be secure at home. Invest in research. Listen to experts.

“Free votes strengthen Parliament. And once again, the limits of devolution for legislation that straddles devolved and reserved matters are laid bare. We must learn and do better for the people of Scotland.”

Foysol Choudhury said: “Yesterday in Parliament, I voted against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.

“The issue of assisted dying raises a lot of emotions and as you can imagine, this was a very difficult decision to make.

“I would like to express my sympathy to Liam McArthur MSP who I know worked tirelessly and with great determination on this proposed Bill.

“Thank you to the many hundreds of constituents who have written to me over the years regarding this Bill, and who have shared their thoughts, concerns and personal experiences.

“Since my election in 2021, I have engaged extensively with many of you, as well as with organisations, doctors, nurses, lawyers, pharmacists, academics, on this important issue.

“While I have carefully listened to all sides of the debate, I ultimately voted against the Bill due to my serious concerns about safeguards and undue pressure on terminally ill people to end their lives as to not burden their families.

“The risk of coercion – particularly for vulnerable groups, including disabled people – is extremely difficult to detect. Many constituents and disability organisations have highlighted fears that the Bill could unintentionally devalue their lives.

“At Stage 3, I remained unconvinced that the Bill could fully guarantee protection against these risks. In my view, it still contains significant flaws and weaknesses.

“I strongly believe we must prioritise a robust healthcare system that delivers world-class, compassionate, and accessible palliative care for all.

“I do not believe that the answer to suffering lies in prematurely ending life. Every life has inherent value, and we must show our future generations that life is precious, must be protected and cared for in the best way possible.”

The Big Give launches third annual ‘Arts for Impact’ campaign

Support for 280 grassroots charities nationwide

Now in its third year, the landmark match funding campaign aims to raise thousands for 280 UK arts and culture charities.
Running from 17th March to 24th March, public donations made via Big Give will be doubled by a range of generous match funding partners.

Big Give, the UK’s leading match-funding platform, today launches the 2026 edition of its annual Arts for Impact campaign, in partnership with Figurative Philanthropy for Arts and Culture (FPAC).

Now in its third year, the week-long campaign has become a vital fixture in the arts calendar and will support 280 grassroots arts and culture charities across the UK, helping them raise essential funds at a time of mounting financial pressure.

Arts organisations continue to face rising operational costs, increasing demand for services and sustained pressure on income from donations and grants. For many grassroots charities, campaigns like Arts for Impact are not simply fundraising opportunities; they are critical moments to galvanise public support and secure their future.

From midday 17 March to midday 24 March, every public donation made via Big Give’s platform will be doubled pound-for-pound by a group of major philanthropic ‘Champions’, unlocking vital funding for charities working across music, theatre, dance, museums, galleries and literature.

This year’s match funding has been provided by an exceptional coalition of philanthropists, companies and foundations, including The Reed Foundation, AKO Foundation, and with public funding support from Arts Council England, among others.

This year, the initiative will help 280 participating charities that use creativity to address societal challenges, from supporting mental health and tackling isolation, to providing free creative education for disadvantaged young people.

Regional Impact: A Nationwide Movement

The 2026 campaign involves charities from across the country, ensuring the benefits of the arts are felt in communities nationwide. According to recent data, the campaign supports a diverse range of organisations across the UK:

Region	Participating Charities
East of England	17
East Midlands	5
Greater London	64
North East	4
North West	17
Northern Ireland	3
Scotland	5
South East	45
South West	27
Wales	7
West Midlands	13
Yorkshire & The Humber	13
Nationwide	66

Note: Data represents a snapshot of the 2026 campaign’s regional engagement.

James Reed CBE, Chair of Trustees for Big Give, said:

“Arts charities across the UK deliver real social impact, building connection and purpose through creativity. For many of these grassroots organisations, the funds raised during this campaign make the difference between continuing their vital work or facing difficult reductions in service. Every pound donated can be doubled, making it the perfect way for the public to multiply their generosity.”

Tonya Nelson, Executive Director, Enterprise and Innovation, Arts Council England, said:

“We are pleased to match fund these inspiring Arts for Impact campaigns. Philanthropy plays a vital role in funding culture in the UK, helping creative and cultural organisations reach more people in more places. We hope the additional funds raised will support organisations’ social impact work and help them develop new skills for the future.”

Sir Vernon Ellis, FPAC Founder and Trustee of Figurative, added:

“The arts are fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. At a time when financial pressures are significant, initiatives like Arts for Impact provide a vital lifeline, ensuring these organisations can continue their invaluable work for years to come.”

Voices from the Frontline

The campaign’s impact is best reflected in the charities it supports. Following the 2025 campaign, participating organisations reported not only increased income, but also strengthened fundraising capability and public visibility.

Refreshing Minds

“The main impact…will be the ability to provide over 300 disadvantaged girls with the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and express their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.

Funds raised will support skill development through workshops in acting, dance, and technical production, offering participants a chance to enhance their future opportunities.

Additionally, funds will aid in supporting the development of 32 active volunteers by providing them with training and resources to strengthen their leadership.”

Attempted murder in Sighthill: Police appeal for information

POLICE are investigating an attempted murder in Edinburgh are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

Around 1.50am yesterday (Monday, 16 March 2026), police received a report a man had been stabbed in the Sighthill area.

Emergency services attended and the 20-year-old victim was taken to hospital.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area and are checking for any relevant CCTV images.

Detective Sergeant Keith Morrison said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in and around the Sighthill View, Sighthill Crescent areas between the hours of 1am and 2am on Monday morning.

“If you saw or heard anything, please get in touch. A young man has been stabbed and seriously injured and it’s imperative we trace whoever is responsible.

“I would also ask anyone with dash cam or doorbell recording equipment to check if they have any footage which could assist our inquiry.

“We are still establishing the full circumstances of this crime so please do not think we have all the information we need, any small detail could prove significant. Please pass it on.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0198 of Monday, 16 March, 2026. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where you can give the information anonymously.

Dentists challenge parties: Future proof service or lose it

Voters are looking to the next Scottish Government to go further and faster to guarantee the future of NHS dentistry

New polling from YouGov shows:

Taking into account all the different priorities facing the country, 65% of Scots say the Scottish Government should be doing more on dentistry. Only 20% believe they are doing all they reasonably can.
Dentistry is now a major doorstep issue in Scotland, with 15% ranking it as the most important issue in their local area, on a par with crime (16%)
Estimated unmet need for NHS dentistry stands at nearly 1/5 of Scotland’s adult population, with 12% saying they were unable to secure an appointment in the last 2 years, and a further 7% having effectively given up trying, assuming they would be unable to get one.

The BDA has published its own manifesto stressing a new administration must act to ‘future proof’ the service. While the current Scottish Government took forward payment reform of NHS dentistry in 2023, the professional body say this cannot be viewed as ‘mission accomplished’.

It stresses that concerted action is required to improve access and reduce inequalities that are already widening [2] and create the dental workforce Scotland needs via a fully funded workforce plan.

The BDA is encouraging parties to double down on prevention, expand the pioneering Childsmile programme, and adopt policies to encourage families to make healthier choices. It says practices need to be protected from surging costs, including rises in National Insurance from the UK Government which have already been mitigated in Northern Ireland, but not in Scotland.

Albert Yeung, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Council, said: “If we want NHS dentistry in Scotland to remain a going concern in the 21^stcentury, it will require a sustained plan of action.

“It means closing an oral health gap between rich and poor that’s already widening. To call time on postcode lotteries of care that remain the norm.

“It requires the next government to ensure we have the dental team members we need on the frontline.

“And it means doubling down on prevention. This country can’t rest on its laurels when decay remains the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children.

“The public are clear the next Scottish Government needs to go further, and faster. We must future-proof dentistry in Scotland, because failure to do so will come at a steep financial, human and ultimately a political cost.

“This is already an issue on the doorstep. It will remain one until voters see real change.”

bda-scotland-manifesto-2026 Download

Granton Goes Greener: Litter Pick this Saturday

SATURDAY 21st MARCH 11am – 1pm

We are very excited about our next Litter Picking event this Saturday (21/03). This time we will be focusing on Granton Crescent Park, across the road from the Salvation Army.

Huge THANK YOU to R2 for their support with the litter picking equipment.

Tea/coffee and snacks provided.

It is a family friendly event so we would welcome young litter pickers as well as well behaved dogs

Increased financial help for carers

Additional support for people caring for more than one person

Financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland is being strengthened in recognition of their vital role.

From yesterday (Monday 16 March) carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.

The new payment is part of a package of measures to improve carer support, with carers in Scotland now better off than anywhere else in the UK.

Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer’s Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Making sure unpaid carers are recognised for their important role has been paramount for me in my time as Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, so I’m incredibly proud that the latest improvements to support are now in place.

“Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities, providing vital care and support for those closest to them. Carer Additional Person Payment will go further in recognising the impact caring for multiple people can have on a carer and this will make a difference to thousands of families.

“Social security is a human right and something that anyone may need at any point in their life. I would encourage any carers who might be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more about the support available to them.”

This is the latest in a series of improvements to support for carers which are unique to Scotland, and includes the extension of Young Carer Grant to 19-year-olds and the extension of Carer Support Payment to more people in education.

Dawn Williamson, from Penicuik in Midlothian, cares for her 12-year-old daughter, who has autism, as well as her elderly parents and uncle.

She welcomed the news of increased financial support for carers with multiple caring responsibilities from Social Security Scotland.

Ms Williamson said: “It’s amazing that there is this acknowledgement for people who do look after more than one disabled person. It’s improving things for every carer out there who manages care for multiple people.

“When it comes to applying for support, I always say, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. It makes a real difference. Getting Carer Support Payment – it felt like I was getting recognition for the job that I had to do, looking after my daughter. If it wasn’t there, I don’t know how we would have got by.”

Notice of the Scottish Parliament election published

An official Notice of Election was published yesterday (March 16), marking the start of the formal process of the Scottish Parliament election, which will take place on May 7.

The notice for Edinburgh and the regional constituencies explains how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are registered.

Nominations open today (March 17) for candidates wanting to stand in this election. Nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday April 1.

People aged 16 and over can vote in this election. The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 20 April, to apply for a postal vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, and for a proxy vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7. You can find your nearest polling place on our website.

The count will take place on Friday 8 May.

The Edinburgh count will return 13 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Six are constituency MSPs and seven are from the regional list for Edinburgh and Lothians East.

Find out more about the Scottish Parliament election on our website and how to register to vote on the UK Government’s website.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “I would urge everyone to make sure they are registered to vote in this election. If you’ll be on holiday, busy on polling day or would simply prefer to get it done in advance, you have until 21 April to apply for a postal vote. You could also appoint someone you trust – a proxy – to cast your vote for you.

“This election will chart the course of the country’s future and it’s vital that you make your voice heard.

“Here in Edinburgh our teams are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly.”

NSPCC calls for mandatory tech to block child sexual abuse images in real time

Offences in Scotland reach record levels

The NSPCC is urging tech companies to embed technology on children’s phones that blocks nude images from being created, shared or viewed – and for the UK Government to take further action if they fail to.

This comes as the charity reveals child sexual abuse image crimes logged by Police Scotland reached record levels last year, with more than 828 offences in 2024/25 -11% higher than the previous year.

Data obtained by the NSPCC from police forces across the UK, revealed that between 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 there were 36,829 recorded offences of indecent and prohibited images of children across the UK.

Across the 42 forces that provided data for both years, the number of offences increased by 9%.

Moreover, of the 10,811 crimes where law enforcement¹ recorded the platform used by perpetrators, 43% took place on Snapchat alone – a total of 4,615.

Overall, Meta platforms still accounted for almost a quarter of all offences (24%), with 8% on Instagram, 7% on WhatsApp, 5% on Facebook and 4% on Messenger. However, the figures in relation to these platforms only paint part of the picture, as end-to-end-encryption (E2EE) means the scale of abuse children are experiencing online is hidden – preventing detection and leading to under-reporting on these platforms.

Without adequate safety features designed to keep children safe online across all platforms, many young people are exposed to the risk of grooming, extortion, online child sexual abuse and having intimate images shared – all of which can have a devastating impact on a child’s life, sometimes well into adulthood.

One 17-year-old boy who contacted Childline* said, “I shared a nude online and it was leaked, so everyone at school saw it. I was in a really bad way, so I moved schools. The nude pictures still come up as random people message me and blackmail me with them. I’m worried about my new friends seeing them and how the leaked nudes will impact my career in the future.”

The UK Government committed in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy to work with tech companies to stop children in the UK from taking or sharing nude images. This new data makes it clear that tech companies are failing to prioritise young people’s safety across their platforms.

The NSPCC believes that tech companies must act now and embed effective protections for children. They argue that using existing technologies on children’s phones that blocks illegal images in real time would help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.

If companies do not act, the UK Government must make these safeguards mandatory to ensure every child is protected from this abuse online.

This is one of the three recommendations the charity has pushed the Government to implement to make children safe – to go further in protecting children online than a social media ban alone.

Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online. We cannot keep letting them off the hook when they can do more to prevent this from happening in the first place.

“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated. They are left to carry the trauma, whilst tech companies continue to profit handsomely.

“Technology already exists that could be deployed today to stop children from taking, sharing or receiving nude images. So, the real question is: what’s stopping them? If they continue to drag their feet, Government must show their might by stepping in and compelling them to act”.

Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19^th birthday.

Report Remove is available in the UK to anyone under 18 to confidentially report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves from the internet.

This initiative, a collaboration between Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), offers a secure and anonymous way for young people to take control of their online presence and safety.

Ten pubs lost for every new vape shop over last decade, analysis reveals

Scotland has lost 350 pubs and bars since 2016 and 650 since 2010
“Unwanted shops” filling the void with nearly 1,900 more barbers, nail salons and other beauty outlets appearing since 2010
New inquiry launched into “repairing Britain’s broken high streets”

For every extra local tobacco and vape shop since 2016, ten pubs have disappeared, new research shows.

The last decade saw Scotland lose 350 pubs and bars, while the number of vape and tobacco shop rose by 35 to 210 in total, according to analysis of official figures by cross-party think tank the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

Analysis of business counts of registered businesses in Scotland showed a 10 per cent rise in the number of barbers, nail salons and other beauty outlets appearing since 2016 – rising to 85 per cent when compared to 2010.

Launching a new Broken High Streets inquiry, the CSJ warns that valued community assets like pubs are being replaced by a wave of “dodgy shops” that do not reflect real consumer demand.

Polling conducted by Ipsos found that almost seven in ten people (68 per cent) say there are too many vape shops on the high street, while 58 per cent say there are too many barber shops, and 50 per cent say there are too many nail bars.

Given the existence of three million estimated unregistered businesses, the true rise of “dodgy shops” is likely to be even higher than the official count. The Local Data Company, which carries out detailed surveys of all retail areas, found 3,573 specialist vape shops in the UK in 2023, 1,393 more than official estimates across the UK as a whole.

Publicans and shopkeepers are under renewed pressure from rate increases, years of high inflation, duty, and VAT. At the same time, legitimate businesses risk being pushed off the high street by businesses operating as fronts for money laundering, illegal working and organised crime.

One recent investigation found that 3,624 shops had illegal goods seized from them in 2024-25, with HMRC and Border Force seizing 1.2 billion illegal cigarettes in the same period.

In October last year, the National Crime Agency destroyed over £2.7 million of criminal tobacco, vapes and drugs being sold off the high street.

The illicit tobacco trade is estimated to cost taxpayers £1.8 billion, nine times the amount the UK government has invested in neighbourhood policing, worth the equivalent of recruiting over 26,000 new police officers to make our high streets safer.

Connor Naismith MP, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “Dodgy vape shops, mini-marts and fake barbers are a front for exploitation and organised crime, pushing people out of our high streets and making a mockery of the law.

“Stronger powers for trading standards to shut down these criminal enterprises are urgently needed and are vital for any successful policy aimed at renewing our high streets and town centres.”

Naismith made his remarks as the CSJ launches a call for evidence to “repair Britain’s broken high streets”, warning that social breakdown across town and city centres is undermining the pillars of community life.

https://twitter.com/i/status/2033536529742627001

The think tank has also created an interactive tool called Oi! Mind Your Buainess! which lets people see which shops and businesses are thriving or declining in their community.

The CSJ warn that a toxic cocktail of organised crime, illegal trading, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are compounding long-term economic challenges facing high-streets, and that local authorities are woefully underequipped to tackle the breakdown in law and order.

Tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/NGJ8zweDRq
— The Centre for Social Justice (@csjthinktank) March 15, 2026

Josh Nicholson, Head of Housing and Communities at the Centre for Social Justice, said: “Scotland’s high streets are changing and not for the better.

“The explosion of ‘dodgy shops’, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour across town and city centres points to a breakdown in community life that must urgently be addressed.

“With national elections later this year, it is critical that political parties have a plan to clean up the social breakdown wrecking Scottish communities.”

Please respond to the CSJ’s call for evidence here.

MSPs vote down right to choose legislation

Support for 280 grassroots charities nationwide

Voters are looking to the next Scottish Government to go further and faster to guarantee the future of NHS dentistry

SATURDAY 28th MARCH 10am – 2pm

Additional support for people caring for more than one person

Offences in Scotland reach record levels