Category: North Edinburgh News

BBC ALBA explores the hidden depths of the Hebrides with ‘real-life’ mermaid

BBC ALBA is taking a deep dive into the mystical waters surrounding the Western Isles with the Islands’ ‘real-life’ mermaid in a brand-new series of Miann na Maighdinn-mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra.

The new three-part series follows 28-year-old sea swimmer, Kate Macleod, as she brings ancient Hebridean folklore to life, uncovering secrets hidden beneath the waves while wearing her monofin and tail. Joined by her father, Murray, the pair travel over 150 nautical miles on the family boat to explore the Monach Isles and Uist before heading south towards Barra and Vatersay. 

Kate’s passion for swimming has long seen her explore life under the sea but now, with custom-made mermaid tails, she is able to dive even deeper to get a closer look at the wildlife lurking on the seabed.

Careful not to disturb the natural environment, Kate follows a curious seal off the shores of the Monach Isles, and even spots a shoal of sand eels while hidden amongst the seaweed. Beneath the waves of South Uist, Kate comes across a flounder resting among coral and cautiously ensures the fish isn’t caught in netting, before watching it glide away.

Kate, from Uig on the Isle of Lewis, comments: “The sea is a second home to me; it’s a precious place. Sea swimming is very peaceful.

“Under the water it is so quiet, calm and the colours are so bright and unlike anything you see above the surface. There is sea life and different kinds of seaweed – you see something different each time.”

On dry land, Kate goes in search of hidden treasures around the southern islands of the Western Isles. Here, she samples local delicacies, including cockles and seaweed, and hears the traditional Gaelic selkie songs sung by local musician, Pàdruig Morrison, that can be traced back hundreds of years.

Along her journey ashore, Kate learns more about mermaids in Scottish folklore and how the mythical sea creatures are said to be an unlucky sign to sailors.

At Lochboisdale Harbour, Kate meets PhD researcher Liam Crouse who has a keen interest in the history of the Outer Hebrides. Kate learns that over 100 years ago, herring fishermen spotted a mermaid at the mouth of Lochboisdale – an event which was immediately marked as a bad omen. Thankfully, Kate is reassured her tail is safe from bad luck.

Kate adds: “My tail always takes me to interesting environments beneath the sea, and I am fortunate enough to bring BBC ALBA viewers along for the journey around the southern Hebrides in this new series.

“Expect a whole new perspective on life under the sea, complete with stories from locals across the islands as we sail to some well-known spots and tranquil locations – most, rarely even seen by islanders. From land to sea, this series showcases the magical wonders of the Outer Hebrides.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Miann na maighdinn-Mara – Slighe gu Deas | Mermaid Tales – Uist and Barra S3 premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Tuesday 8 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t8kj

Child Benefit boost for millions of families

  • Child Benefit payments to increase from next week
  • Parents encouraged to claim and manage Child Benefit via the HMRC app
  • 1.2 million parents have used the digital service to claim their Child Benefit

Families who claim Child Benefit will see an increase in their payment next week, says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From 7 April 2025, parents will receive £26.05 per week – or £1,354.60 a year – for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week – or £897 a year – for each additional child. Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and will automatically be paid into a bank account. There is no limit to how many children parents can claim for.

The quickest and easiest way for parents and carers to claim, view and manage Child Benefit payments is by downloading the free and secure HMRC app. A new function in the app means they get a notification once their claim is received and payment in as little as 3 days.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Extra pounds count and Child Benefit can give your household budget a boost.

“Claiming online or managing your Child Benefit payments via the HMRC app is quick and easy so, if you haven’t already, go to GOV.UK to start your claim today.”

Families have used the app more than 6 million times in the last year to manage their Child Benefit payments, including:

  • making a new claim
  • updating a change in circumstances  
  • amending personal or bank details
    • adding additional children to a claim 
  • viewing or printing Proof of Entitlement to Child Benefit
  • telling us their children are continuing in full time, non-advanced education or approved training

Over 1.2 million parents have claimed their Child Benefit through the HMRC app or via the digital service, since the service went online in May 2023. More than 87% of claims are now digital.

Families are encouraged to claim Child Benefit as soon as they can after their baby is born as it can only be backdated up to 3 months.

To make a claim for Child Benefit, parents will need to create an online HMRC account and will need:

  • child’s birth or adoption certificate
  • bank details
  • National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have one
  • child’s original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK.

HMRC has released a new youtube video explaining how new parents can make a claim.

If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000, the higher earner will be subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive, and what the charge may be.

In the Spring Statement, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced a new service as part of the government’s Plan for Change, that will cut red tape for eligible employed parents who are liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

From the summer, families will have the option to report their Child Benefit payments and pay the charge directly through their PAYE tax code instead of filing a Self Assessment tax return.

The new digital service will be optional and those who choose to pay the charge through their Self Assessment can continue to do so.

Families who have previously opted out of Child Benefit payments can opt back in and restart their payments quickly and easily online or via the HMRC app.

A person living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge will still receive National Insurance credits if they claim Child Benefit but choose to opt out of receiving payments.

New Scottish benefit to replace DLA

Work underway to move the benefits of over 66,000 people by end of year

Disability Living Allowance for adults is being replaced by a new Scottish benefit. Work has begun to move the benefit awards of over 66,000 people to Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

The new benefit will now be paid by Social Security Scotland instead of the Department for Work and Pensions.

There will be no gaps in payments or reductions in the support people get because of the transfer.

People getting DLA do not need to do anything as the transfer will happen automatically.

Social Security Scotland will send letters to let people know when their benefit is being moved and another when the move is complete. The transfer process will take four to eight weeks.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “I am pleased work has begun to transfer the benefit awards of every adult in Scotland currently getting DLA to our new benefit.

“I want to reassure people affected that their payments will transfer safely and securely, with no gaps or reductions to the support they receive.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring everyone gets the financial support they’re entitled to and this has not changed following the UK Government’s announcement on welfare.”

Scottish Adult DLA was introduced to provide support for adults who were still getting DLA on 21 March 2025. Like DLA for adults, it is not open to new applications.

People born after 8 April 1948 can choose to apply for Adult Disability Payment after their transfer to Scottish Adult DLA is complete.

Social Security Scotland recommends anyone thinking of doing this to get independent advice on which benefit is best for them as some people might be better off on one benefit than the other.

Once a decision has been made on their application for Adult Disability Payment they cannot return to Scottish Adult DLA.

Adults of working age who are newly in need of disability support can apply for Adult Disability Payment.

Pensioners can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment, the replacement for Attendance Allowance, in most of Scotland.

Where Pension Age Disability Payment is not yet available, pensioners can apply for Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Children’s Commissioner: Education reform’s glacial pace and wrong focus fails children

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner has urged the Scottish Government and authorities to urgently redesign education, so it works for ALL children.  

Commissioner Nicola Killean has made recommendations to improve the education system in a new report – warning that too many children are failing to thrive in the current set-up.  

The Commissioner and her team have spent over a year listening to children and young people’s current experiences of learning. The recommendations – which come both directly from children, and from the office – build on existing education reform reports and push for much more urgent and substantial change.  

Her recommendations in the report, called ‘“This is our lives, it matters a lot”: Putting children’s rights at the heart of education’, include:  

  • fundamental reform of the support and resourcing for children who have additional support needs   
  • a co-ordinated and adequately resourced national online education offer to support children who need and can benefit from that option for many reasons   
  • more equitable access to subject choice, as children can’t always study the things they want to  
  • ensuring the purpose of education is to prioritise the development of a child’s full potential, not be dominated by exam results  
  • accelerate the implementation of the Hayward Review, which will reform assessments and qualifications.  

Ms Killean said: “Too many children are being let down by our current system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential.   

“We’ve had review after review, and the promise of change, but children in school feel no improvement. The pace of education reform has not only been glacial, but it is fundamentally focussed on the wrong areas. Time is being spent on restructuring adult agencies and not on addressing the needs of children within a system that is clearly failing them.   

“Children should be at the heart of shaping change to education, working alongside all those adults tasked with delivering it – government, decision-makers, and practitioners. Within education children are the ultimate stakeholders, and they have been very clear that they want change in education to be a priority for the government.  

“Many children need improved support – this includes disabled children, children with neurodivergent conditions, and those living in poverty. We can’t deliver a rights-respecting education when children’s needs are not recognised or met.  

“We have people trying to change the system from inside, we have examples of innovation that can make a huge difference to children, and we have vision for real change in the Hayward, Muir and Morgan Reviews commissioned by the Scottish Government.  

YouTube

The Commissioner’s Young Advisors were involved in the research and have made an accompanying film to the report. They visited schools with the Commissioner to work with children and hear their views.

One Young Advisor reflected after visiting schools: “This is our lives. This is what will impact us not only now…this will impact on our futures. It matters a lot to us, and all young people.”    

The report shares what children told the Commissioner and makes recommendations under the themes of culture, curriculum, personalisation and support, assessment and qualifications, and purpose.  

The Commissioner added: “We’ve made strong recommendations for those responsible for delivering education, including the Scottish Government, education authorities, and HMIE.

“All agencies should place children at the centre of reform – their strengths and insights are much needed. Children must not be excluded from decisions that affect their lives.   

“We recognise assessments, exams, and qualifications should be understood as part of the education system; they should not dominate the system. Older children told us they were stressed, had little time to relax and that exams had a lasting effect on their mental health.”   

The Commissioner added: “The Scottish Government – and others who have the power to create meaningful change – must deliver an education that has rights at the heart for every child.

http://bit.ly/3RsP6mt

Applications now open for the Grow Your Own grant scheme

Community groups in Edinburgh are being invited to apply for funding from a £50,000 pilot scheme by the City of Edinburgh Council to establish new food growing projects.

The “Grow Your Own” community grant initiative will welcome applications from projects aimed at establishing new community growing projects. Applications for funding are invited to help the creation of new growing spaces, supporting the establishment of growing groups, and promoting education around urban food production.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded to constituted voluntary and community groups across the city, with projects running for up to 12 months.

The £50,000 funding has been allocated from the Flood Prevention/Biodiversity (including food growing) budget, which was approved in the Council’s budget on 22 February 2025. This fund aims to provide smaller community groups with essential support to establish community growing initiatives.

Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Purchasing seeds, plants, and tools
  • Equipment for community garden cooking areas
  • Education and training activities
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Staff time directly related to establishing the growing area

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh communities to get involved in urban food growing.

“The city already hosts over 45 allotment sites with over 1,700 council-managed plots, along with more than 70 community growing projects. Through Edinburgh’s Food Growing Strategy (2021- 2026) and Allotment Strategy (2017 – 2027) we aim to expand local food growing initiatives.

This year’s scheme will operate as a pilot program, and its impact will be assessed. If successful, and funding permitting, we could see this becoming an annual initiative.

To apply, groups must meet the Council’s Standard Conditions of Grants. Full details can be found on the City of Edinburgh website.

The application process will be administered through the City of Edinburgh Council’s Your Voice platform, designed to ensure a simple and efficient application experience.

The deadline for applications is noon on 12 May.

Summit agrees new measures against organised immigration crime

The Prime Minister and Home Secretary gathered leaders from across the world in London yesterday to tackle organised immigration crime

The purpose of the Organised Immigration Crime Summit is to agree new action to tackle organised immigration crime (OIC) and boost border security.

Discussions at day 1 of the summit included:

  • tackling the supply chains and enablers of OIC
  • the role of criminal finances in facilitating OIC
  • the UK’s systems based approach to border security

as well as how countries can tackle organised crime groups’ operations online in relation to the advertising, promoting and facilitating of illegal immigration services.

The UK and allies including France, Iraq, Vietnam and the USA, and partners including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and representatives from social media organisations, met to agree actions to secure our collective borders, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and tackle the global threat of organised immigration crime.

Unlike previous summits, this event engaged both European nations and key source and transit countries, as well as those that are integral to the supply of equipment, including small boats and engines, ensuring a broader, more comprehensive approach to tackling OIC.

Concrete outcomes have been agreed across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and North America to strengthen international partnerships to disrupt OIC networks.  This also includes new joint work with France to tackle irregular migration in source and transit countries, through community outreach and bolstering false document detection capabilities to Iraqi officials.

The agreement represents a key step forward in the government’s Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities to restore order to the immigration system and comes after the publication of new figures showing more than 24,000 people with no right to be here have been returned since the election – the highest rate of returns in 8 years. 

A communiqué was issued that sets out how we will deepen our collaboration internationally to tackle this vile crime.  

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Organised immigration crime undermines our security and puts lives at risk. The criminal networks have spread across the globe and no single country can tackle this problem alone.

“Today, at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, the UK has led the way forward by securing international commitments to disrupt and pursue this vile criminal trade in people – part of our Plan for Change to strengthen our borders and keep communities safe.”

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt said: “I have said since I came into my post as Border Security Commander that organised immigration crime requires a coordinated international response to effectively dismantle criminal networks.

“In my role I have seen first-hand how the cruelty and greed of criminal gangs puts the lives of the most vulnerable at risk in dangerous small boat crossings all for financial gain.

“This summit marks a step change in the international community’s approach to tackling the problem, presenting a critical opportunity to strengthen global cooperation, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent further loss of life.”

Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA) Graeme Biggar said: “Criminal gangs are using sophisticated online tactics, the abuse of legitimate goods and services, and illicit financial networks to facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys which put thousands of lives at risk each year and undermine border security.

“Today’s summit sets out international agreements to tackle an international problem. International intelligence sharing and cooperation is absolutely crucial to track criminal activity across borders allowing us to put a stop to these dangerous criminals.”

In addition, today the Home Secretary confirmed over £30 million in funding within the Border Security Command to tackle Organised Immigration Criminal Networks. This significant funding package will be spent on key security projects across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia and Africa, designed to strengthen border security and combat international criminal smuggling gangs.

The Home Secretary also announced joint work with France to fund an additional grassroots engagement programme to educate local communities on the dangers of irregular migration and people smuggling gangs, raising awareness of the realities and difficulties with travelling to Northern France to cross the Channel to the UK.

This will target both potential irregular migrants and, for the first time, teachers, religious leaders, and family members within vulnerable communities, and builds on the Home Office digital deterrence comms campaign that is already running in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The UK will also collaborate with France to deliver critical training to Iraqi officials and commercial transport staff,  helping them detect fraudulent documents and passports used to facilitate irregular migration and OIC activities.

Strengthening Scotland’s NHS?

New plan to focus on delivery

Health Secretary Neil Gray has set out how the Scottish Government plans to improve access to treatment, reduce waiting times and shift the balance of care from hospitals to primary care through the publication of the Operational Improvement Plan.

Through the additional £200 million investment contained in the Budget to reduce waiting times and improve flow through hospital, we will create 150,000 extra appointments and procedures using greater use of regional and national working.

By introducing a seven-day service in radiology, using mobile scanning units and additional recruitment, 95% of referrals will be seen within six weeks by March 2026, reducing backlogs in MRI, CT, ultrasound and endoscopy procedures.

To improve flow in acute hospitals and support increases in community care, we will expand Hospital at Home to at least 2,000 beds by the end of 2026, meaning the service, which provides hospital level care in the comfort of the patients home, will become the biggest hospital in Scotland.

By this summer there will be specialist staff in frailty teams in every A&E department in Scotland. Flow Navigation Centres, which direct patients to the most appropriate service for their condition, will be able to refer patients to more services, reducing the number of people who have to wait in A&E.

Investment in primary care will make it easier for people to see a doctor, dentist, optometrist or community pharmacist, and £10.5 million will be invested in general practice to take targeted action to prevent heart disease and frailty. 

Digital services will be expanded to modernise services and improve efficiency, with the Digital Front Door app launching in Lanarkshire in December. This launch will be followed by a national roll-out in 2026, allowing people to securely access their hospital appointments, receive communications and find local services. Over time it will be expanded to include social care and community health services.

On a visit to Kirklands Hospital’s Flow Navigation Centre, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “This plan details how the Scottish Government will deliver a more accessible NHS, with reductions to long-waits and the pressures we currently see. It shows how we will use the £21.7 billion health and social care investment in the 2025-26 Budget to deliver significant improvements for patients.

“We want to increase the number of appointments, speed up treatment and make it easier to see a doctor. By better using digital technology, we will embrace innovation and increase efficiencies.

“This plan is ambitious but realistic, and builds on the incredible work of our amazing health and social care staff across our health boards, to deliver real change.”

NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan

Easter trails at Lauriston Castle

On #GoodFriday , Saturday and Easter Monday we have some FREE #Easter & Nature trails at Lauriston Castle. Pop along and pick up the trails & solve a puzzle to get some chocolate eggs.

Between 11am-4pm. In front of Castle.

#EasterWeekend

Details here: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/family-fun-lauriston…

Work begins on new affordable homes at former Cowan’s Close depot site

Construction has begun on a new residential development in Newington which will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair-accessible homes available for social rent.

Work commenced today (Monday 31 March), with the project expected to be completed by summer 2026.

Upon completion, the homes will provide much-needed wheelchair accommodation in a city centre location whilst incorporating innovative, energy efficient design features. A fabric first approach with high levels of insulation will ensure that the homes stay warm, reducing the level of heating needed and helping to prevent fuel poverty.

The development will also include renewable heating and energy generation with the use of Air Source Heat Pumps and Photovoltaic (solar) panels which will produce low-cost, sustainable energy and significantly reduce carbon emission from the development.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “Edinburgh is in urgent need of new affordable and accessible homes to address the shortage of suitable accommodation options for residents who have disabilities and residents who are wheelchair users.

“I am therefore delighted that the new Cowan’s Close development in Newington is now underway to provide 19 new, modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes for social rent.”

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “We are delighted to have commenced construction at Cowan’s Close.

“The project is another great example of how The City of Edinburgh Council and CCG are working collaboratively to address the demand for new, affordable homes in the city, and it will be a much welcome addition to the Newington community upon completion next year.”

Community Council Elections 2025 – 2nd call for nominations

Community Council Elections 2025 – 2nd call for nominations

Nomination forms can be downloaded by clicking on the community council name above (an example completed nomination form is available here)

Local Interest Group Nomination Form are also available here (an example completed Local Interest Group nomination form is available here)

Completed nomination forms can be returned by:

  • email to community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk (see tips below).
  • post to the Governance Team, The City of Edinburgh Council, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.
  • hand in to Waverley Court reception.

The quickest method to return completed nomination forms is by email to the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk 

If candidates choose to return by hand or by post please ensure sufficient time is allowed for the nomination form to be received before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.  

Nominations close at 4pm on Thursday 17 April 2025.

Our webpages have been updated with the Notice of Community Council Election 2025.

Please share with your networks to encourage nominations for the above 8 Community Councils.

Completing a nomination form

Please review the example Nomination Paper for Community Council Elected Representative and the example Local Interest Group Registration and Nomination Form.  All sections in yellow must be completed.

Declaration of Acceptance

If successful, candidates will be required to sign a Declaration of Acceptance at the first community council meeting declaring that, having been elected to the office of Community Councillor they

A copy of the Declaration of Acceptance can be viewed on our website.

Community Council election timescales (for the above 8 Community Councils)

Here is a breakdown of the important dates:

  • nomination period runs from 27 March 2025 until 17 April 2025. This is when candidates can nominate themselves to stand for election as a community councillor for one of the 8 community councils detailed above.
  • Poll date (if needed) will be 15 May 2025. A poll will only be held in a community council area if there are more people nominated than places on the community council.
  • new community council term will start on 28 March 2025. It will last four years.

Nominations are for the 8 community councils agreed in the new Scheme for Community Councils and new boundaries which were approved by Council on 26 September 2024. The Scheme and Boundaries agreed on 26 September 2024 took effect on 28 March 2025.

The other 39 community councils in Edinburgh received sufficient nominations to form during the previous nomination period and have had their election results published and will establish once the new terms starts on 28 March 2025.

CEC Governance Team