Category: North Edinburgh News

World War One soldier laid to rest on the eve of the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Private (Pte) Robert Leonard Lock, from Littleport, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, buried in France today, on the eve of the first day of the battle in which he was killed. Identification was made through DNA testing nearly 110 years after he went missing in action

Pte Robert Leonard Lock, of 12th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry, was laid to rest on the Somme on Monday (30 June 2026) at a burial service organised by MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. 

The service took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s CWGC)  Warlencourt British Cemetery.  

The burial service almost coincided with the 110th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme which saw British and French forces attack on the morning of 1 July 1916. The date is the bloodiest in British military history, with 57,000 casualties sustained. The fighting continued until 18 November 1916 and would ultimately result in 420,000 Commonwealth casualties, 200,000 French casualties and 450,000 German casualties. 

JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: “It has been a privilege to have seen Pte Lock laid to rest today in the presence of his family. It has been especially poignant as this marks the start of commemorations of the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. 

“The story of Pte Lock reminds us that although the focus and narrative of the battle is on the high number of casualties killed or wounded, these men were not statistics, and each soldier and family affected have their own individual stories to tell. Pte Lock’s story has now been brought to a conclusion.”  

Pte Lock’s remains were discovered in 2022 as a farmer ploughed his field near Le Sars. DNA testing, coordinated by JCCC, confirmed his identity. His great nephew, Anthony Wright, attended with his sons. The service was also attended by Roland Lock who, as the first cousin once removed of Pte Lock, provided a DNA sample. 

Anthony Wright said: “We’re incredibly thankful to the JCCC for the great work they do so that Robert can be properly laid to rest and for giving us the opportunity to be there at the burial. Whilst it is incredibly sad, we are still very proud of the sacrifice that Robert made to protect our freedom.

Members of the Lock family at the graveside with Reverend Stephen Cassels CF (Crown Copyright)

Pte Lock, a farm labourer from Cambridgeshire, was posted to 12th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. 

On 7 October 1916, the battalion attacked the sunken road southeast of Le Sars and Pte Lock was among men who occupied a trench position known as the Tangle: the same location where his remains were found.

By the end of the day, the sunken road had been captured and the battalion consolidated their positions. One officer was killed, another was missing and 31 other ranks were killed and 86 wounded. Pte Lock was amongst the casualties. He was 20 years old. 

The service was supported by serving soldiers from The Rifles and was also attended by serving members of the German and Belgian military. The service was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Cassells CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Rifles.  

Private Lock was carried to his grave by serving soldiers of The Rifles (Crown Copyright)

Reverend Stephen Cassells CF said: “It is a privilege to play a small but important part to ensure a dignified and proper burial of a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“Though over one hundred years have transitioned since his passing, it is fitting that those of antecedent regiments to his own have united to lay one of their own to rest. “Greater love has no one than this, that a person lay down their life for their friends”. John 15:13. In eternal memorial.”

The grave of Pte Lock will now be cared for by the CWGC in perpetuity.

Vice Admiral Peter Hudson CB CBE, Vice Chairman of the CWGC, attended the service and said: “The reburial of Private Robert Leonard Lock, on the eve of the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, is a powerful reminder of the human cost of that campaign.

“For more than a century he lay unknown, but today we are able to restore him to his rightful place among his comrades of the Durham Light Infantry.

“Through the dedication of many, and the support of his family, we ensure that his sacrifice is recognised, and that he is remembered not simply as one of the fallen, but as an individual, known and honoured once more.”

Artist-in-residence programme inspires next generation of creatives at Merchiston Castle School

Pupils gain rare insight into life as a professional artist through year-long residency

Pupils at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh have spent the past year working alongside acclaimed Scottish artist Robbie Bushe RSA through a unique artist-in-residence programme, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into how a professional artist works.

The year-long residency culminated in the unveiling of a major new artwork inspired by the school community at a special exhibition attended by pupils, parents, alumni and leading arts patron Richard Demarco, founder of the Richard Demarco Gallery.

Throughout the year, Robbie worked from a studio space within the school’s Faculty of Technologies & Creative Arts, giving pupils the opportunity to see a large-scale work of art evolve from initial sketch to finished piece, and to experience first-hand how ideas are brought to life.

At a time when creative subjects face increasing pressure in schools, the residency reflects Merchiston’s belief that the arts help young people build confidence, think independently and see the world differently. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workplace, skills such as creativity, problem-solving and adaptability are becoming increasingly important.

Robbie joined the school in October 2025 and invited pupils and members of the wider school community to contribute drawings, stories, memories and imagined futures for the school, many of which helped shape the final work.

Polly Prosser, Lead Teacher of Art & Design at Merchiston Castle School, said: “The art and design curriculum encourages pupils to engage directly with artists and artworks, but nothing compares to seeing that process unfold in front of you every day.

“The boys have seen every stage of the journey with Robbie and our small class sizes have meant every pupil has had the chance to speak with him, ask questions and share ideas. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve taken from the experience.”

Among them was Chester, a pupil originally from Hong Kong, who incorporated elements of Robbie’s approach into his own coursework, drawing inspiration from his use of storytelling, architecture and memory.

He said: “Through my conversations with Robbie Bushe, I became interested in how different moments in time can exist simultaneously within one image.

“His detailed cityscapes and narrative approach inspired me to layer architectural forms, personal memories and imagined spaces in my final piece, reflecting my experience of migration between Hong Kong and Edinburgh.”

The artwork forms part of a wider series exploring memory, community and the hidden structures that shape everyday life. Drawing on Robbie’s own school experiences alongside stories and ideas contributed by the Merchiston community, the painting features familiar landmarks, imagined spaces and visual references inspired by conversations with pupils throughout the year.

Among them are imagined underground train systems beneath the school, hidden worlds within buildings and a gecko peering from a stack of library books – ideas that emerged through discussions with pupils during the residency.

Robbie Bushe RSA said: “One of the most rewarding aspects of the residency was the curiosity of the pupils. Their ideas, questions and observations constantly challenged me to look at things differently.

“Artists can sometimes work in isolation. Spending a year immersed in a school community brought a completely different energy to the work and many of the details within the painting grew directly from conversations with pupils.

“Being given the opportunity to work alongside the boys and become part of the daily life of the school has had a real impact on my own practice. The finished piece is as much a reflection of the community as it is of my own experiences and ideas.”

To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit :

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/ 

Extra Time: Supporting low-income families

£2.5 million to expand after school activities

An additional £2.5 million is being invested to expand free after school activity clubs for primary school children from low-income families, starting this August.

The investment builds on the success of the Extra Time programme – delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) – which currently supports around 5,000 children every week across 50 clubs in 27 local authority areas.

The new funding will test different activity provision across Scotland, focused on helping children and families who would not otherwise be able to afford access to after school activities.

The funding will support activities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Moray, Borders, Highland and Shetland, working with St Mirin’s Out of School Care, YouthLink Scotland and the SFA. Provision spans rural, island and border communities, with activities ranging from sport and arts to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and creative skills.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Màiri McAllan said: “Every child deserves the chance to take part in activities which support their health, wellbeing and confidence – regardless of their family’s income.

“This investment will open doors for more children who might otherwise miss out, while also helping their parents to work, increasing household incomes and tackling child poverty.

“Building on the strong foundations of the Extra Time programme we are now testing a wider range of models across Scotland – from island communities in Shetland to the Borders – so we can learn what works best and shape the future of school-age childcare.”

Activities run Monday–Friday, 3–6pm, for primary school children from low-income families. All providers will have safeguarding policies, PVG checks and insurance in place.

SFA_Extra_Time_Annual_2026_Impact_ReportDownload

The £2.5 million is part of a wider 2026-27 Scottish Government investment in school-age childcare including:

Muirhouse Library CLOSED tomorrow

*Library Closed Saturday 4th July*

Due to some essential repair work happening in the library and North Edinburgh Arts MacMillan Hub will be closed Saturday 4th July.

We will reopen again on Monday as usual.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

If your require library services, the closest branches are Granton Library (10-2pm), Drumbrae Library Hub (10-5pm) and Blackhall Library (10-5pm)

Tackling gambling harms, supporting mental health

Funding for community-based organisations

New funding has been made available to support people impacted by gambling-related mental health problems in Scotland.

From today, organisations will be able to bid for a share of £375,000 to support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.

The funding forms part of the £7.9 million allocated to Scotland through the UK-wide statutory Gambling Levy – supporting Scotland’s Population Health Framework commitments on prevention, early intervention and treatment services delivered across the NHS, local authorities and the third sector.

It is the second year the fund, which is administered by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), has opened for applications, with a total of 16 projects supported in 2025-26.

Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd said: “Gambling affects too many people in Scotland – and while it is often normalised, it is linked to many hidden harms. Earlier this year we announced £7.9 million to tackle gambling harm across Scotland, and this fund is a key part of that commitment.

“Last year, our funding supported exploratory projects which found that gambling harms are strongly linked to, but often hidden by other issues including substance use, housing insecurity and debt.

“This funding will help many other organisations working with some of those most affected, and I urge all eligible groups to apply.”

The ALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, said: “For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.

In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even suicide. 

“We need to understand more about the support that is needed within our communities – and that’s why the ALLIANCE welcomes this funding from the Scottish Government to do just that. Too often the most marginalised people and communities, those that face the biggest barriers already to better health, are the ones most at risk from gambling.

“The ALLIANCE’s work understanding communities in Scotland through our membership, and projects, gives us a good grounding to manage this fund. Communities provide solutions and on the local projects often have the answers. Solving the significant problems caused by gambling in Scotland has become a non-negotiable.”

Apply to the fund:  smfscotland.grantplatform.com.

Applications open from 2 July until 14 August

Kids Summer Craft Club at Drylaw Neigbourhood Centre

🫟 KIDS SUMMER CRAFT CLUB 🫟

Join us during the summer holidays for a fun and creative crafting club where children can explore their imagination using recycled and nature-inspired materials.

Each session, children will create something special to take home, with crafts including handmade vases, clay dishes, garden twig mobiles and much more! 🌱🎨

A lovely opportunity for children to get creative, learn new skills, and enjoy making something unique.

👧🧒 Parents/carers are required to be with their child during the session.

📅 Dates: Every Monday starting 6th July – 3rd August

⏰ Time: 1pm – 2:30pm

🍽️ Free lunch is available from 11:30am – 12:30pm

Booking is required for these sessions – you can book the whole block or just one or two session. Get in touch with us to book your spot!

Support for people in crisis

SCOTTISH WELFARE FUND

We’re supporting people in crisis and helping people to live independently through our Scottish Welfare Fund.

The Scottish Welfare Fund is made up of two different grants.

One of these is a Crisis Grant which can help pay for essentials like food and heating in a disaster or emergency.

For more information: mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund

Taxpayers urged to get ahead of July Self Assessment payment deadline

  • One month to go until the second Payments on Account deadline on 31 July
  • The HMRC app is the quickest way to pay, with more than 110,000 payments made through the app since April
  • Customers can set up payment plans to help spread the cost of their tax bill

With one month to go, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding millions of Self Assessment taxpayers to prepare for the 2025 to 2026 tax year second payments on account 31 July deadline.

Customers can set up monthly or weekly payment plans and any payments already made via these plans will count towards their next Self Assessment tax bill.

Payments can be done via the HMRC app, with nearly two million Self Assessment taxpayers doing so since its introduction in January 2022. It makes it easy for people to pay towards their tax bill, set payment reminders and track and view their payment history.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “We know managing a Self Assessment tax bill isn’t always straightforward and we are here to help. From paying instantly via the HMRC app to spreading the cost through a payment plan, there’s support available for every customer. 

“Search ‘Pay your Self Assessment tax bill’ on GOV.UK to choose the payment option that works for you.”

Payments on account are payments towards a customer’s next Self Assessment tax bill. They help spread the cost of the tax owed by making payments in two instalments. Each payment is half of the tax the customer owed last year. These payments are due by midnight on 31 January and 31 July.

Taxpayers can make payments on account via GOV.UK or the HMRC app. A full list of payment options is available on GOV.UK.

Customers must make these two payments, unless either:

  • the amount of tax owed last year was less than £1,000
  • last year they paid more than 80% of the tax owed outside of Self Assessment (for example through their tax code or because their bank had already deducted interest on their savings)

Payments on account instalments can be paid before a customer has filed their Self Assessment tax return. The deadline for submitting tax returns and paying any remaining tax owed for the 2025 to 2026 tax year is 31 January 2027. Filing early means that customers know how much tax they owe sooner. A wide range of online help and support is available on GOV.UK to help people fill in and file their tax return.

HMRC is also making it easier for customers who are liable to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) to complete their return accurately. From mid-July 2026, around 300,000 Self Assessment customers will have their or their partner’s Child Benefit payment information pre-populated on their online Self Assessment tax return, making it faster and easier to get it right.

Paul Sneddon (Vladimir McTavish)

The Stand Comedy Club pays tribute to a local comedy legend:

It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Sneddon known to so many as Vladimir McTavish & Bob Doolally.

Paul has been a vital part of The Stand since we began and much treasured and loved part of the comedy scene for many years.

He was as known for his kindness, encouragement and generosity as he was for his immense talent. He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in.

We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will in time be marking his life appropriately.

For the time being, all our thoughts are with his family: Christine and his girls Julia and Rosie, as well as his many many friends and fans during this time.

Paul’s death was announced on Wednesday (1st July).