What’s really beneath your feet? Dig into the hidden world of soil with our new exhibition Earth Matters, opening next week.
Marking 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, the Edinburgh-born geologist who transformed how we understand the ground beneath our feet, 30 artists unearth the beauty and brilliance of the living ecosystem.
Open daily from Friday 20 March at Inverleith House Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Officers from Police Scotland’s serious and organised crime unit have recovered a firearm in Edinburgh.
On Thursday, 12 March 2026, specialist officers searched a wooded area near to Niddrie Mains Road in Edinburgh and discovered a firearm and ammunition
It’s currently unclear if the weapon has been used in the commission of a crime however it will now undergo stringent forensic analysis to establish any wider connections
The recovery is part of ongoing investigations into serious and organised crime across the central belt of Scotland.
Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “This recovery will be a significant blow to organised crime groups, I have no doubt this firearm would have been used in violence, which would have resulted in serious injury, or worse.
“I hope this latest find helps to reassure the community of our continued resolve to target those involved in organised crime and demonstrates our commitment to dismantling these groups.
“The public may not always see what we are doing but rest assured a significant level of work is ongoing to disrupt these criminal networks. We are never complacent when it comes to serious organised crime.
“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in partner agencies and the public, sharing information, resources and intelligence in stamping out this illegal activity.
“This is in line with our commitment to achieving the aim and vision of Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy Taskforce.”
Accidental deaths in Scotland have risen by 61% over the last decade, now exceeding 2,500 fatalities each year, the highest death rate of all the UK nations
Falls account for 42% of all accidental deaths, with people in Scotland 45% more likely to die from a fall than those elsewhere in the UK
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) launches manifesto for the next Scottish Government to tackle the accident crisis
Safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned that Scotland is experiencing a severe and worsening accidental death crisis, with fatalities rising by 61% over the past decade.
Calling on the next Scottish Government to prioritise accident prevention as an urgent public health and economic issue, the charity has published an action plan of policy recommendations to tackle the crisis.
RoSPA’s new Towards a Safer Scotland manifesto sets out evidence-led measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries across roads, homes, workplaces, and water environments, and is urging ministers and candidates to treat accidental harm with the same seriousness as other major health threats.
Accidents now claim more than 2,500 lives annually in Scotland, with the nation recording an accidental death rate 56 per cent higher than the UK average. Falls are the leading cause, while transport-related fatalities and drowning incidents remain significantly above UK-wide levels.
The impact extends beyond personal tragedy: accidents cost the NHS billions each year and remove thousands from the workforce. People in deprived communities are also more likely to suffer an accident, compounding other health inequalities.
RoSPA is proposing a series of targeted interventions including safer home design standards, mandatory driver eyesight testing, strengthened motorcycle safety provision, and mandatory water safety education in schools.
Drawing on RoSPA’s experience working in partnership with the Scottish Government on projects such as the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance (ScORSA) and Water Safety Scotland, the charity believes that these measures could prevent avoidable deaths while easing pressure on Scotland’s public services.
Rebecca Hickman, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Scotland is facing a silent epidemic of accidental deaths, and the scale of harm is now impossible to ignore. Every statistic represents a person whose life could have been saved with proven interventions.
“We are urging the next Scottish Government to make accident prevention a national priority, because the evidence shows that coordinated action will save lives, protect communities and relieve pressure on the NHS.
“Accidents are not inevitable. With clear national leadership and consistent standards across Scotland, we can significantly reduce preventable harm. RoSPA’s proposals give policymakers the tools they need to act quickly and effectively.”
Key recommendations from the manifesto:
1. Road Safety
RoSPA calls for three priority actions to reduce road deaths and serious injuries:
Empower local authorities to set safe speed limits, including wider use of 20mph zones where appropriate to protect pedestrians, cyclists and communities.
Introduce mandatory eyesight testing for all drivers every three years, addressing declining vision as a major but under‑recognised collision risk.
Continue dedicated motorcycle‑safety funding, supporting advanced rider training and targeted safety campaigns due to Scotland’s disproportionately high motorcyclist fatality rates.
2. Home and product safety
To tackle Scotland’s high rate of home‑based injuries and deaths, the manifesto recommends:
Establish permanent national home‑safety programmes, including home‑risk assessments, safety advice and provision of essential equipment for vulnerable households.
Mandate Safer by Design standards, including embedding BS 5395‑1 stair‑safety principles into Scottish building regulations for all new homes.
Reestablish Home Safety Scotland to provide national leadership and coordinate preventative work across partners.
3. Leisure safety & drowning prevention
RoSPA is urging the adoption of three key measures to improve water safety and reduce the number of drowning fatalities:
Endorse and support the next Scotland Drowning Prevention Strategy (from 2026) to sustain national progress.
Make classroom water‑safety education mandatory using Water Safety Scotland and Education Scotland resources.
Mandate Drowning and Incident Reviews (DIR), ensuring all relevant agencies participate in consistent post‑incident learning.
4. Occupational safety and health
To address changing work patterns, data gaps and emerging hazards, RoSPA calls for:
A comprehensive study into the gig economy, examining scale, conditions and fair compensation for work‑related risks.
Development of Scotland‑specific transferable health and safety qualifications to maintain skills as workers move between sectors.
Improved data‑sharing between Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive, via a formal Memorandum of Understanding for clearer referral criteria and timely evidence-sharing.
The rising accidental death rate is a major strategic challenge for Scotland, affecting health, productivity, and inequality. Addressing it will require coordinated action across government, emergency services, local authorities, and industry.
Scotland’s teachers to benefit from fully-funded classroom hours reduction
Scotland’s teachers will see a reduction in class contact time after a landmark agreement was reached – averting industrial action in schools.
A weekly reduction of 90 minutes will be introduced on a phased basis, with primary school teachers and those working in special schools benefiting from August 2027. Secondary school teachers will follow two years later.
The Scottish Government has committed to meeting the full cost of implementing this agreement, including £40 million in 2026-27 for the recruitment of additional teachers required to deliver the change.
Further funding to support this deal will be provided from 2027-28. An additional recurring investment of £1 million will be made to support rural and island communities that face challenges in recruiting teachers.
The deal was agreed by the Scottish Government and the EIS earlier this week before being ratified by COSLA during a meeting earlier today.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This is a significant milestone for Scotland’s teaching profession. I am delighted that we have been able to reach a deal that works for teachers, parties in local government and most importantly our children and young people.
“I want to thank the EIS in particular for their constructive engagement and dialogue. This deal shows what can be achieved when we all work together in the interests of children and teachers.
“Avoiding industrial action was essential – particularly at this critical time when pupils are preparing for their exams. This agreement ensures that any potential disruption to their learning has been averted.
“By giving teachers more protected time, we are taking meaningful action to reduce workload and stress, supporting a healthier, more sustainable teaching profession that will deliver better outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.
“This is a landmark investment in the teaching profession and in the quality of education that every child and young person in Scotland deserves.”
First Minister John Sweeney added: “I am pleased that agreement has been reached with the EIS and COSLA to suspend planned teacher strikes.
“This deal supports teachers, protects learning time for pupils, especially those preparing for exams, and shows what can be achieved through constructive partnership.”
COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, commented: “COSLA Leaders met this morning (Friday) to consider the issue of Reduced Class Contact Time (RCCT) and the potential for industrial action by members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS).
“Following considerable deliberations among council leaders, COSLA agreed to support the proposed way forward – fully funded by Scottish Government – which we expect will enable the EIS to rescind their notice to strike.
“The joint statement agreed with the Scottish Government and the EIS commits Local Government to developing implementation plans for the introduction of Reduced Class Contact Time of 90 minutes per week. We recognise that concessions have been made on all sides.
“Despite concerns being expressed by councils, in the interests of reaching a constructive way forward and attempting to avert planned strike action, Leaders have agreed to support the joint approach. Throughout implementation, COSLA will always prioritise what is in the best interest of children and young people.
“Further detail will be negotiated through the SNCT.”
The EIS has announced that it is suspending all planned industrial action over teacher workload, following an agreement being reached between the EIS, Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA).
A draft agreement, approved earlier this week by both the EIS and Scottish Government, was also approved by COSLA leaders at a meeting earlier today.
The draft agreement, as approved by all three sides, will now pass to the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT) for formal approval and implementation.
The agreement will deliver the promised 90-minute per week reduction in the maximum class contact time for teachers as a means to tackling excessive teacher workload and to provide more time for teachers to undertake important areas of activity such as the preparation and correction of pupil work.
Commenting today, EIS General Secretary Andrea Bradley said, “The EIS is extremely pleased that a negotiated outcome, which has been approved by all sides, has now been achieved in this long-running dispute.
“This agreement will have a positive impact on teacher workload and will help to create more jobs for the many newly and recently qualified teachers currently seeking secure employment in schools across Scotland.
“This is a positive outcome for Scottish education, and for teachers and pupils. It will deliver more teachers into our schools, with a positive impact on teacher workload and the creation of an improved learning environment and experience for pupils.”
Ms Bradley added, “It is the collective strength of Scotland’s teachers, working through the EIS, that has delivered this positive outcome.
“We are extremely pleased that both the Scottish Government and COSLA have listened to the very clear message that was sent by EIS members, and have now agreed the way forward on these positive changes for Scottish education.
“This agreement will help to deliver a brighter future for our schools, and for all teachers and pupils across Scotland.”
Tickets are now available to purchase for our June Nature and Biodiversity training course
This training provides carefully curated content to help upskill people, groups and communities so they have the knowledge required to successfully respond to the nature and biodiversity crisis, including:
– Learn how culture, infrastructure, and the systems we rely on benefit from a rich natural world.
– Learn about the pressures impacting nature and why biodiversity continues to experience a global decline that is echoed here in Scotland.
– Be inspired by case studies of organisations and actions that are making a positive difference and celebrate the range of habitats across Scotland.
– Reflect on what impact you, your organisation or your community can have to help nature recover and the co-benefits of this.
Over a third of workers (35%) think that their employer is ineffective at training managers to support neurodiversity at work, according to a new Acas survey.
The survey, carried out by YouGov, of 1,000 employees across Great Britain found that just 32% think their organisation effectively trains managers to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent colleagues.
By contrast, 35% said their employer was ineffective, with 18% of those describing their employer as “very ineffective.” Almost one-third (32%) of respondents said they didn’t know how effective their employer was at supporting neurodivergent staff, pointing to a potential lack of understanding of neurodiversity at work.
Julie Dennis, Acas Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy and Policy said: “These stats show a potentially worrying lack of knowledge when it comes to supporting neurodivergent colleagues, and how to put support at the centre of workplace policies and training.
“Supporting neurodivergent staff can be simple and cost-effective, and it should be integral to any business. When everyone is given the chance to thrive, every business can too.
“Acas has advice and training for employers on how to raise awareness, be inclusive, sensitive, and stay within the law when managing neurodiversity at work.”
Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in how people’s brains behave and process information. Well-known types of neurodivergence include neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
A lot of neurodivergent people do not see themselves as disabled but will often be considered as having a disability under the Equality Act.
The Equality Act gives disabled employees protection against discrimination and the right to reasonable adjustments at work. A reasonable adjustment is a change that an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to someone’s disability.
According to Acas figures, around 15-20% of adults experience and process the world differently. Acas advice is that employers should make their organisation more inclusive, so that staff feel comfortable sharing and talking about neurodiversity.
Acas has some top tips for employers:
Support line managers: Give managers the skills and confidence to recognise needs, agree adjustments and help people perform at their best.
Build real knowledge: Provide practical training so everyone understands how to support neurodivergent colleagues.
Co‑create guidance: Work with neurodivergent staff to design policies, guidance and training that reflect real experiences and needs.
Acas has training in the year ahead on neurodiversity and advice too:
Successful initiative to be rolled out across the country
A programme giving dedicated support to cancer patients throughout their treatment will be rolled out nationwide.
Following the success of 12 pilot projects, which received over £5 million in funding between 2022 and March 2025, an additional £1 million will be provided annually to expand the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) programme, reaching more people with cancer than ever before. An assessment by Healthcare Improvement Scotland found that over a 12-month period, SPOC services had more than 30,000 interactions with people affected by cancer.
The SPOC makes life easier for patients with cancer, providing easy access to clinical teams providing information and advice about appointments, tests and results, and explaining what clinical and non-clinical support is available for them and their family.
Patient feedback from the pilots highlighted reduced stress around appointments, quicker access to blood results, more time for questions, and greater emotional support. Staff reported improved wellbeing and more time for professional development and clinical care.
Announcing the expansion at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where the SPOC navigation team has supported patients since early 2023, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I am very pleased to roll-out this invaluable initiative which gives people with cancer a consistent contact throughout their treatment, enabling specialist staff to focus on complex clinical care.
“The Single Point of Contact service ensures cancer patients know exactly who they can turn to when they need advice about their diagnosis or care. The expansion of this programme means more people can benefit from this type of one-to-one support which is truly making a difference.”
NHS Forth Valley Deputy Medical Director Professor Karen Adamson said: “Digital follow-up for patients with prostate cancer is transforming how we support people after diagnosis. It offers a convenient and efficient way for patients to receive their results and ongoing follow-up, without the need for unnecessary hospital visits.
“In 2024–25, 391 patients received their results and follow-up digitally, releasing the equivalent of 26 Clinical Nurse Specialist clinics so more patients can be seen and supported. Feedback shows patients value the service, describing it as quick, convenient and reassuring.
“This approach reflects our commitment to value-based health and care – improving patient experience and outcomes while making the best possible use of specialist clinical time.”
Next week (16–20 March) organisations across Scotland will gather to explore how #FairWork can strengthen businesses, empower workers, and create more inclusive, forward‑looking workplaces.
The week features a wide range of online sessions, from job security and gender equality, to flexible working insights and the role of emerging technologies in building fair, productive organisations.
The Fair Work Festival 2026 takes place from Monday 16 to Friday 20 March.
It’s open to employers and workers who want to learn more about fair work and how to implement it in their organisation.
Here you can find out about events taking place and how to register. More events will be added in the lead up to the festival.
Monday 16 March
Secure Workforce, Stronger Business
Host: Peer Works and South of Scotland Enterprise
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Location: Online
Join us for an online session on how job security can reduce staff turnover, support recruitment, and build resilient, values led organisations, delivering measurable benefits for workers and employers alike. This session is delivered in partnership with SOSE and The Poverty Alliance as part of the Fair Work Festival 2026.
Join us to discover how small, people-centric changes can boost performance, strengthen your employer brand, and give your organisation a real competitive edge.
Think Business, Think Equality: Turning Fair Work commitments into action
Host: Close the Gap
Time: 10:00 to 11:00
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Join Close the Gap for a practical, business-focused session on how employers can strengthen Fair Work practices and advance gender equality at work, featuring the free Think Business Think Equality tool.
Flex for Life 2026: The real picture of flexible working in Scotland
Host: Flexibility Works
Time: 11:00 to 12:00
Location: Online
An evidence lead session sharing key findings from the Flex for Life 2026 research. Exploring how flexible working in Scotland supports Fair Work and helps people access and sustain good quality work.
Futureproof your business – People, AI and productivity
Host: Scottish Enterprise in partnership with Peer Works
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Join Scottish Enterprise and Peer Works for an online session that will look at how businesses can use emerging technologies to improve performance while supporting fair and progressive workplace practices and better outcomes for employees.
Overcoming Barriers to Fair Work through Anti-Racist Leadership
Host: BITC/CEMVO Scotland
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Join BITC and CEMVO Scotland for a focused session exploring how anti‑racist leadership can accelerate progress towards Fair Work, with particular emphasis on Opportunity and Effective Voice.
Fair Work in Action: Practical Steps Through Supported Employment
Host: Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Join this one-hour session from SUSE to discover how inclusive hiring through Supported Employment can boost your business, strengthen workplace culture, and deliver on Fair Work principles.
Delivering Fair Work Through Workforce Health and Wellbeing Support: The Working Health Services Approach
Host: Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS)
Time: 13:00 – 14:00
Location: Online
Join Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS) to discover how early, person centred health and wellbeing support helps employers reduce absence, improve retention and strengthen workplace culture while enabling employees to stay healthy, confident and thriving in meaningful work.
Join us to discover how small, people-centric changes can boost performance, strengthen your employer brand, and give your organisation a real competitive edge.
Discover how Scotland’s social enterprises are putting Fair Work into practice in ‘Showcasing Fair Work in Social Enterprise’, a one-hour online event featuring data, insights, inspiration and practical ideas from an award-winning social enterprise.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 and Fair Work in Scotland
Host: Fair Work Convention and CIPD Scotland
Time: 14:00 – 15:30
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Join this webinar, jointly organised by the Fair Work Convention and the CIPD, for the latest update on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 and its interaction with the fair work agenda in Scotland.
How to Create or Negotiate Fair, Flexible Work That Works for You
Host: Flexible Working Scotland
Time: 10.00 – 11.00
Location: Online
An interactive one-hour webinar with Lynn Houmdi, Founder of Flexible Working Scotland and Scotland’s Flex Influencer, sharing practical advice and real-life insight to help jobseekers and employees find, negotiate and sustain fair, flexible work.
What’s really beneath your feet? Dig into the hidden world of soil with our new exhibition Earth Matters, opening next week.
Open daily from Friday 20 March at Inverleith House Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Ever wanted to ask your parliamentary candidates the questions that REALLY matter to YOU?
6:30 PM
Edinburgh Northern Constituency Mini Hustings
Hosted by Drylaw/Telford Community Council
Hear directly from candidates
Tickets are LIMITED and are FREE
The Fair Work Festival 2026 is coming up! 