North Edinburgh News – Page 5 – The NEN

More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit

More than £300 million has been paid out to people on a low income through Help to Save.
Eligibility for Help to Save will be expanded from 2028, so more people than ever before can benefit from the government savings scheme.
More than 44,500 people on a low income in Scotland have opened a Help to Save account.

With more than £300 million having been paid out in bonus payments, and thousands more people set to be eligible for an account through the Help to Save scheme, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is kicking off UK Savings Week by reminding people who can benefit.

Help to Save is a government savings scheme offering low-income earners a 50% bonus on whatever they can save. Between £1 and £50 can be saved each month with an extra 50 pence added for every £1 saved.

Accounts can be open for up to 4 years, and people can save up to a maximum of £2,400, resulting in up to £1,200 government savings bonus being paid straight into their bank accounts. Bonus payments are made at the end of the second and fourth years and are based on how much has been saved.

In 2028, the earning criteria will be removed for people with caring responsibilities. The scheme will be open to all Universal Credit claimants, resulting in an additional 1.5 million households becoming eligible.

Latest figures show 44,950 Help to Save accounts have been opened in Scotland since September 2018, with savers depositing a total of £45.5 million into their savings pots.

Statistics also show that 94% of those who have opened a Help to Save account save the maximum amount of £50 each month.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said: “Help to Save is a really beneficial scheme that offers a 50% government bonus on whatever you are able to save. We want more eligible people to take advantage of it.“

The scheme will also be more accessible as it will be delivered through a multi-provider model, instead of just one, so banks, building societies and credit unions will be able to offer the scheme directly to their eligible customers.

Peter Tyler, Director of Personal Banking at UK Finance, said: “Expanding Help to Save and enabling more financial services providers to offer the scheme directly is a positive step towards helping people build financial resilience.

“The scheme provides eligible customers with a great opportunity and incentives to develop regular savings habits.”

Money can be paid into Help to Save accounts via debit card, standing order or bank transfer.

In the last year, nearly 24,000 people have chosen to open a Help to Save account via the HMRC app where they can keep track of deposits and view bonus payments.

It takes just a few minutes to check eligibility and open an account online on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.

Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.

Find out more about Help to Save at GOV.UK.

Latest statistics on Help to Save up to April 2026 were released 16 September 2026.

	Number of Accounts Opened to end of April 2026	Total value of deposits
UK Total	656,700	676,737,000
England	562,300	580,130,000
North East	27,900	27,584,000
North West	83,750	84,975,000
Yorkshire and The Humber	60,900	63,053,000
East Midlands	53,800	56,120,000
West Midlands	62,350	62,957,000
East of England	58,150	60,391,000
London	76,950	78,111,000
South East	79,500	81,298,000
South West	58,950	65,641,000
Wales	30,450	31,394,000
Scotland	44,950	45,574,000
Northern Ireland	18,550	19,255,000

Autumn Walks with Pilton Community Health Project

Autumn is the perfect time to start a healthy habit that will carry you through the winter.

Why not make yours #walking?

Join our friendly Walk & Wander group every Wednesday at 11am and enjoy the many benefits of getting outdoors in good company.

As the seasons change, it’s a wonderful opportunity to take in the beauty of the local scenery, spot the colours of autumn emerging, enjoy a chat, and finish with a hot drink together.

Whether you’re looking to get more active, meet new people, or simply enjoy some fresh air, we’d love to welcome you.

Wednesdays

11:00am

Walk & Wander

Come along and experience the magic of autumn with us!

#NorthEdinburghActiveTravel

#R2

#Collaboration

#TakingStepstoBetterHealth

North Edinburgh News

Schools offered help to pipe and drum their way to better outcomes

A new drive is being launched to help schools achieve better results for their pupils through traditional music.

The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust already teach over 2000 youngsters each week in school programmes across Scotland.

The new drive is to target musical help for youngsters at schools facing some of the toughest economic challenges in the country.

Charity Chief Executive Lindsay Mackenzie said their work so far shows how school pipe bands help players do better in the classroom and head on to positive destinations after school: She said: “Over the past ten years we have seen great evidence of how pipe bands in schools really make a difference.

“Being part of a band teaches young people so much in terms of commitment, discipline, teamwork and there is the cultural side of it too.”

The SSPDT is now targeting schools facing challenges of remoteness or deprivation to help give pupils a boost.

The charity has over 500 sets of pipes out on free loan as well, realising that many of the pupils they are trying to help would struggle to afford instruments costing up to £900.

Lindsay Mackenzie said they are open to approaches from schools or parent groups wanting to start a band and are able to offer funding and more importantly expertise to get the project up and running effectively.

“We have had some great successes working with school groups the length of Scotland and many have gone on to form competiting school bands with more on the same pathway coming along behind.

“Our flagship project at Preston Lodge High School in East Lothian held on to their title as the best state school pipe band in the world at the World Championships in Glasgow last month.

“Entries will be opening soon for the competition we run, the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, and many of the over 100 bands performing there come from projects started working with the SSPDT.”

SSPDT Strategic Plan – For Publishing (2)Download

Maths Week Scotland

ELC ACTIVITY PACK

This Maths Week Scotland explore our new ELC activity pack to support learning about maths.

This resource provides adult-led experiences that support high-quality interactions and thoughtfully planned spaces.

https://ow.ly/hvZg50ZON3Z

mws-2026-resource-pack-for-early-learning-and-childcare Download

#MWS26

From Glasgow to Gujarat: Scottish teachers head to India to forge international links ahead of 2030 Commonwealth Games

A group of teachers from Glasgow will travel to Gujarat, India next week as part of a British Council initiative exploring education, culture and the role sport can play in learning, well-being and inclusion.

The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen international connections across the Commonwealth. The programme was inspired by this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and looks ahead to the Games taking place in Gujarat in 2030.

The teachers from Glasgow include:Ruth Cockburn from Highpark Primary School; Shaun Donnelly from Haghill Park Primary School; Nadine Fitchie from Cranhill Primary School; Carol Fawkes form Carmyle Primary School; Lewis Pollock from Pollokshields Primary School; James Prentice from St Patrick’s Primary School; alongside Samir Shah from Education Services Glasgow at Glasgow City Council.

They will take part in school visits, professional exchanges and meetings with senior government, education and sport stakeholders to explore topics such as sports education, inclusive education practices and the use of digital learning resources.

At the heart of the Programme is a commitment to reciprocal learning. Teachers and education leaders from both Glasgow and Gujarat will exchange ideas, experiences and approaches, including how the Commonwealth Games can be used as a catalyst for learning. This will ensure both communities benefit from new perspectives and innovative approaches to education, sport and global citizenship.

The trip forms part of a wider Glasgow 2026 legacy designed to help ‘pass the baton’ from Glasgow to Gujarat and ensure that the benefits of the Games extend far beyond sport.

This follows the British Council’s recent Commonwealth Games Classroom Resource Pack aimed at helping young people feel connected to the Games and its values, their communities and the wider Commonwealth through activities exploring connection, fairness and inclusion.

The enduring impact of this year’s Commonwealth Games will equip the Scottish teachers with a deeper understanding of education and culture in India, enabling them to build lasting professional relationships with their Indian counterparts. This will support future partnerships and collaboration opportunities within their own schools and across Scotland’s wider education sector.

Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said of the programme: “The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme is a unique opportunity for teachers from Glasgow to share learnings and ideas from the 2026 Commonwealth Games with teachers and educators across the state of Gujarat.

“Sport has the power to do much more than bring people together on the playing field. It can support learning, inclusion, wellbeing and leadership, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly inter-connected world.

“At the heart of this programme is a commitment to mutual learning, and we hope the teachers in both Glasgow and Gujarat will gain fresh perspectives and share innovative approaches to benefit their own schools and communities.

“By bringing together schools, teachers and educators from across the Commonwealth, we can help create lasting connections that extend well beyond the classroom and contribute to the wider legacy of the Games.”

One of the participating teachers, Shaun Donnelly, said of the opportunity: “I’m a Principal Teacher, leading on literacy, phonics, and writing across my school and I was absolutely delighted to be chosen by the British Council for this experience.

“I work in a wonderfully diverse community in a historic part of Glasgow and my previous teaching experiences overseas have shaped how I think about curriculum and community. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn from practitioners in Gujarat ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games and to bring that learning back to my pupils in Glasgow.”

Another teacher, Nadine Fitchie, was thrilled to learn of her selection: “I was absolutely delighted and incredibly honoured to be selected for the Commonwealth Games Teacher Mobility Programme.

“Working in a community experiencing high levels of poverty has strengthened my commitment to equity and ensuring every child has access to opportunities that broaden their aspirations.

“It is a unique opportunity to learn from colleagues in India, develop international partnerships and bring innovative ideas back to my school.”

The Glasgow-Gujarat Teacher Mobility Programme is part of the British Council’s wider work building connections, understanding and trust between the UK and countries worldwide through arts and culture, education and the English language.

Doors Open Days: Visit Granton Castle Walled Garden

DOORS OPEN DAY IS THIS WEEKEND!

On 26 and 27 September, 1.30-4 pm the garden will be open as part of Doors Open Days 2026. Join us for a programme of activities celebrating the garden’s rich history, biodiversity and living traditions:

Guided Garden Walk & Talk

Wool Dyeing Demonstration & Exhibition with The Weaving Project

Fungi Demonstration with MycoBee Mushrooms CIC

For more info, see the ‘events’ section on our website. No booking necessary.

Please note that paths can be uneven and wheelchair access is limited.

Cockburn Association – Edinburgh Civic Trust

Doors Open Days

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

Film nights at Royston Wardieburn

WICKED – SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER at 6pm

We are having Family Film nights at the centre, starting on 26th Sept @ 6pm with Wicked being our first movie (see above).

Register for a Free Entry ticket, all children must be accompanied by an adult, bring your own snacks and drinks, or purchase some on the night.

Tickets can be collected free from the Community Centre reception or booked through Eventbrite.

DENISE AULD

Edinburgh arts organisation wins Scots Language Awards after record public vote

The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2026, organised by Hands Up for Trad, have been revealed at a sold-out ceremony at Dundee’s Discovery Point, following a record public vote.

The awards honour the individuals, organisations and communities who actively use Scots – one of the three indigenous languages of Scotland – in their everyday work and life, helping preserve and promote a core pillar of the nation’s heritage and identity.

The eighth edition, expertly hosted by Scots singer and storyteller Lynne Campbell alongside writer and performer Taylor Dyson, saw a 49-strong shortlist from across the worlds of literature, performing arts, education and business vie for 13 awards.

Ten of these awards were decided by members of the public, drawing an unprecedented 7,000 votes – almost double the number received in 2025 and a testament to the nationwide revival of the Scots tongue.

It was a triumphant afternoon for Edinburgh-based arts organisation and venue Scottish Storytelling Centre who took home the Scots in Business award for their continual programming of and support for the Scots leid.

Other winners from across Scotland included Inverurie’s Lucy Beth for Scots Writer o the Year award, sponsored by National Library of Scotland.

Her recent credits include solo show Ma Name is Isabelle, performed at The Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, and a spoken-word poem celebrating the 120th anniversary of His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen.

The award for Scots Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Book Trust, was presented to Wirds o Banff: A Doric Glossary o the Wild – a year-long collaboration written and illustrated by pupils at Banff Academy in celebration of the natural world around them.

Scots Bairns’ Book o the Year, sponsored by Scottish Government,went to Doric Books’ Awa Doon e Toon written by Julia Lynch with illustrations from Caitlin Moffat. The book tells the amusing tale of a young boy whose attempts to head into town on different modes of transport are repeatedly thwarted by the unpredictable Scots weather.

In the performing arts, actress Olivia Caw was named Scots Performer of the Year, sponsored by TRACS, for her role as Bonnie McKay in the hit one-person play Common Tongue, while Scots Stage Production of the Year went to Through the Shortbread Tin by the National Theatre of Scotland, described as a ‘poetic, poignant and playful exploration of the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves’.

Multi-day residential immersion event, Doric Bootcamp in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire was crowned Scots Community Project o the Year for its achievements in helping people build confidence in speaking, reading and writing in Scots leid.

In secondary education, Antonia Cant from Peterhead Academy was awarded Scots Teacher o The Year, sponsored by Qualifications Scotland, for championing the relevance of the Scots leid in the present day and helping youngsters practice their skills in real-world contexts.

Banff Academy, meanwhile, took home the trophy for Scots Schuil of the Year, having incorporated Scots skills lessons into the curriculum to great effect.

The inaugural Scots Language in the Media award, sponsored by Corrie Campbell Communications, went to Millie Graham whose TikTok account, whatsername1.0, has attracted over 3m followers and rising.

A further highlight of this year’s ceremony, which followed the successful daytime format introduced in 2025, was the unveiling of the judges’ choice awards which saw a trio of Scots ambassadors crowned.

Renowned singer and advocate for traditional music Sheena Wellington received the Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Creative Scotland, for her significant contribution to the Scots language over the decades.

The judges’ award for Scots Champion, sponsored by the Rubric Foundation, was presented to Dr Clive Young, creator of one of the first websites dedicated to the Scots language and author of Unlocking Scots: The Secret Life of the Scots Language.

In recognition of emerging talent in the language, Young Scots Writer o the Year, sponsored by Education Scotland, was awarded to budding talent Innes Ingram for his impressive tale End o’ the aul ways.

Attendees also welcomed news of an inaugural Scots Language Week, which will be hosted from 6 – 11 September 2027. Modelled on the success of World Gaelic Week, the nationwide language initiative supported by the Rubric Foundation, will celebrate the importance, prevalence and uniqueness of the Scots leid.

Adding to the atmosphere throughout, attendees were treated to live performances by Scots singers Iona Fyfe and Scott Gardinar.

Yvonne Tait and Hugh Macmillan – both recipients of the Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid initiative, supported by Creative Scotland and Rubric Foundation – also shared rousing recitals from their funded work.

The celebrations continued into the evening with a Blether at Elfie Picket Theatre and ceilidh at the Dundee Fringe.

Simon Thoumire of Scots Language Award organisers Hands Up Trad, said: “The sheer variety o work and activities celebratit at these awards is as inspirin as it is impressive.

“Fae literature and the performin airts, tae education and business, the Scots leid is woven through sae mony pairts o everyday life, which is jist braw tae see.

“Oor congratulations gang tae aw oor worthy nominees and winners, alang wi oor heartfelt gratitude. It’s thanks tae dedication like theirs that oor mither tongue remains truly thriving and relevant in Scotland the day.”

The Scots Language Awards are one of several flagship national events and community outreach activities that Hands Up Trad are involved in to help celebrate, promote and increase the profile of Scottish traditional culture.

Visit www.scotslanguageawards.com.

Scottish ambulance workers demand new training route for ‘left behind’ colleagues

Frontline health workers across Scotland locked out of paramedic positions unless they leave paid work to go to university
Over 700 Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff support new campaign to create a training route from technician to paramedic positions
Hard-working ambulance workers with families, mortgages and caring responsibilities being forced to choose between their NHS careers and university study
Campaign warns experienced NHS staff are being left behind despite already having years of frontline clinical experience
New pathway could help tackle paramedic recruitment challenges in remote and rural communities
Campaign to stage major actions at ambulance stations all over Scotland in order to secure negotiations with Health Secretary Angela Constance
Backed by all major unions (GMB, Unite and UNISON) who represent thousands of ambulance workers

More than 700 Scottish Ambulance Service staff are backing a campaign to give experienced Ambulance Technicians a route into paramedic roles without having to leave their jobs to study full-time.

Technicians are skilled frontline NHS workers who already work alongside paramedics, responding to emergencies and caring for patients across Scotland. But since 2021, new paramedics have been required to complete a university degree, leaving experienced technicians with few options to progress.

For workers with children, mortgages, caring responsibilities and other financial commitments, giving up a paid NHS job to become a full-time student simply isn’t realistic. As a result, experienced staff are being left behind despite years of frontline clinical experience.

The campaign is calling for a Technician-to-Paramedic pathway that recognises technicians’ existing education, skills and clinical experience, while maintaining the same academic, clinical and professional standards required of all paramedics.

This is not about lowering standards. It is about making sure experienced NHS staff do not have to start again from scratch when they have already demonstrated the knowledge and skills required.

A new pathway could also help strengthen paramedic recruitment in remote and rural communities by allowing experienced technicians who already live and work there to progress their careers while continuing to serve their local communities.

Adam Clearly, Ambulance Technician, Paisley: “After the first lockdown, I found myself in admiration for the NHS and wanted to contribute as much as I could. I took great pride in my work as a dispatcher. I wanted to help patients on the front line and challenge myself”

“Because technicians across the country are truly the backbone of SAS, and there is no replacement for the experience, knowledge and compassion that technicians gain. Having time as a technician prior to completion your paramedic degree would ensure staff are well prepared for the realities of the ambulance service, and that candidates for the paramedic ticket have proved in practice they are capable of the step up.”

“I am currently unable to progress my career, and at times this has made me consider leaving the service. I feel somewhat trapped. Progression is limited, and will always favour those that are paramedics, despite having much less experience and regardless of their skills or knowledge.

“This campaign would give me a pathway to success and give technicians across the country a new sense of purpose, a chance to prove their worth, which is slowly fading from SAS.”

Frances Malley, Technician, Ellon: “I joined SAS in 2022 as a technician after working in a community based job. I left that role because Covid required me to work from home which I found very challenging. My 2 children had left for university so I had the opportunity to go for a job I had always wanted to do.”

“Historically, Technician wasn’t simply a job you entered and stayed in indefinitely, it was described by SAS as the first stage towards becoming a registered paramedic. During the interview process I was told that I would be expected to progress from Technician to paramedic but the option has been taken away.

“The tech to paramedic pathway would mean that we would get that opportunity without having to spend 3 years at university. If I went to university it would have financial implications, plus the difficulties of juggling work and placements.

“A new pathway would give rural technicians like myself, an equal opportunity to progress and service our communities.”

PETITION: https://www.change.org/p/create-a-fair-route-for-ambulance-technicians-to-become-paramedics

Abacus at The Scholar recognised among world’s top 10% restaurants

Abacus at The Scholar is celebrating being named among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026 – with 10% off dining throughout September.

In Edinburgh’s Southside, Abacus is a relaxed, sociable restaurant bringing together hotel guests, locals and visitors throughout the day. Its menu offers something for every occasion, from long lunches and coffee catch-ups to dinner and drinks with friends.

The menu includes Scottish hot-smoked salmon rillette and locally sourced dry-aged steak to heritage roast carrots with burrata and dukkha, complemented by a selection of cocktails, European wines and low- and no-alcohol serves.

Following a refreshment in 2025, Abacus combines calm, natural interiors with splashes of colour and artwork inspired by the vibrancy of the menu. Booth seating and relaxed dining spaces create a setting that works throughout the day, while a private dining space for up to 10 guests also offers a more intimate setting.

Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager at University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, said: “To be recognised in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice top 10% of restaurants in the world is a huge achievement for the whole Abacus team.

“It’s particularly special because the recognition comes from the people who have visited us and taken the time to share their experiences. We have worked hard to create a restaurant that feels welcoming and relaxed where people enjoy delicious food and want to spend time together.

“Offering 10% off throughout September is our way of saying thank you, and hopefully giving even more people a reason to join us around the table.”

Guests can quote “Tripadvisor” when dining at Abacus until 30th September 2026 to enjoy 10% off their meal.*

Abacus at The Scholar Hotel is open seven days a week, serving breakfast and an all-day menu from 12 noon until 9.30pm.