Category: North Edinburgh News

Independent Commission on the Criminalisation of the Purchase of Sex

Fiona Taylor appointed as Chair

Former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland Fiona Taylor has been appointed to lead an independent Commission which will consider how to safely and effectively criminalise the purchase of sex in Scotland.

The Commission, whose work will be informed by the views and experiences of those who have been involved in prostitution, will provide recommendations to Ministers including on:

  • the framing of a new criminal offence for purchasing sex that can be effectively enforced and prosecuted
  • how to manage any risk to the safety of those involved in prostitution after any new offence is introduced
  • how to best provide practical, sustainable support for those who wish to exit prostitution
  • further work to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution.

Ministers committed to establishing a Commission following a recommendation by the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee in their Stage 1 Report on the Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill.

Ministers will work with Ms Taylor to finalise the Commission’s terms of reference and a panel of experts will be appointed to support her in due course. The Commission will report to Ministers within a year of its first meeting.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am clear that prostitution is violence against women and girls and the purchase of sex should be criminalised.

“That is why we are following the Criminal Justice Committee’s recommendation to establish a Commission to consider how this can be done in an effective, enforceable way while addressing concerns raised that criminalisation could place women at higher risk of violence.

“Women also need to be able to access practical, sustainable support to help them exit prostitution and this will be another strand of the Commission’s work, along with what more can be done to challenge and deter men’s demand for buying sex.

“I am very pleased that Fiona Taylor has been appointed as Chair. Fiona brings significant experience to the issues and challenges involved in this important area of work, having had a distinguished career including serving as Deputy Chief Constable and Interim Chief Constable of Police Scotland. Fiona, like the Scottish Government, also recognises the value and importance of lived experience, which will be at the heart of this work.”

Fiona Taylor said: “I am grateful to have been offered the opportunity to chair the independent Commission tasked with progressing this important matter. 

“I look forward to working with other members of the Commission, once appointed, and reporting back to Ministers in due course.’  

Responding to the announcement, Ash Regan MSP said: “If the government wanted to criminalise the purchase of sex they should’ve voted FOR my #Unbuyable bill last month.

“A commission isn’t action – it’s inaction. Yet again survivors are being let down.”

Closing the Stable Door …

New measures to strengthen appointment and vetting processes following Mandelson revelations

  • National Security Vetting process to be reviewed following Peter Mandelson case
  • Ethics and Integrity Commission tasked with tightening financial disclosures, lobbying and business appointment rules
  • Further reforms build on ambitious programme of standards and ethics reform 

The Westminster Government has ordered an overhaul of standards in Whitehall to boost ethics and integrity in political and public life following the Peter Mandelson case.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed the work builds on the significant action this Government has already taken to deliver reforms to standards and ethics.

However, the Mandelson case has also shown more needs to be done and raised further questions about how the direct ministerial appointment process, and wider operation of government, can be strengthened.

The Government will continue to go further to strengthen standards in public life, including by looking again at how ministers and senior officials declare and publish their financial interests, how transparency around lobbying is enforced, and whether the rules on post‑employment activity are fit for purpose in preventing unfair access to, or influence within, government.

The Prime Minister has written to the Ethics and Integrity Commission, asking them to review current arrangements relating to financial disclosures for ministers and senior officials, transparency around lobbying and the Business Appointment Rules. The Government will swiftly respond to any recommendations to bolster standards in public life.

Alongside this, the Government will review the National Security Vetting system, including lessons learned from Peter Mandelson’s developed vetting.

The Government has already confirmed that, in future, diplomatic appointments will not be announced until security vetting has been completed.

To drive this work forward, Baroness Anderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, has been appointed to work on standards policy and to deliver the Government’s agenda on ethical standards and constitutional affairs.

Ministers have asked the Lords Conduct Committee to review the Code of Conduct to consider what changes are required to ensure peers can be removed when they have brought the House into disrepute. Ministers are also exploring whether the Committee can tighten rules on lobbying and paid advocacy to bring the Lords in line with the Commons.

In parallel, the Government has also committed to bringing forward legislation to remove peerages from disgraced peers as soon as possible. This work will build on progress to reform the second chamber, such as the upcoming removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords. 

These further steps add to the action the Government has already taken to raise standards — including publishing a new Ministerial Code, establishing the Ethics and Integrity Commission, strengthening the powers of the Independent Adviser, and reforming the business appointments system.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is supporting the strengthening of the due diligence and security vetting processes for politically appointed Heads of Mission. This includes introducing individual due diligence-specific interviews with proposed candidates and ensuring politically appointed Ambassadors will have to undergo security vetting before they are appointed.

The government is also looking at assurance processes for high-profile Direct Ministerial Appointments across government, ensuring there are robust measures in place with further details on this work to be set out in due course. 

The Government recognises that the Mandelson case has raised serious concerns about standards and inflicted real damage on people’s trust in politics. While the specifics of that case are now a matter for the police, it has exposed the gaps in whether the systems designed to uphold integrity are strong enough.

Taken together, these measures show this Government’s determination to address the issues raised and uphold integrity in public life by strengthening the rules, improving transparency, and restoring confidence in how government operates.

Letter: NSPCC calls for tech companies to keep under 13s off social media

Dear Editor,

The online world is now a major part of young people’s lives, and while it has incredible benefits, we know it comes with risks too.

Whether under-16s should have access to social media is a major source of debate in the UK at the moment, and the NSPCC is pleased to hear the Government is asking for people’s opinions as part of their Public Consultation which launched this week.

The status quo is not working for children, or for their parents who are desperate to keep them safe. Tech companies are failing to protect them from preventable risks and harms on social media platforms, gaming sites and AI tools.

This cannot be allowed to continue.  

We encourage parents, carers and children across the country to join the national consultation. Give your views, your firsthand experience of the good and the bad of the online world, and help decide what happens next.

The NSPCC is calling for tech companies to keep under 13s off social media – a move which would immediately protect 2.5 million children – for platforms to stop using design tricks which keep young people addicted, and to block harmful content at the source.

Making these crucial changes is in the power of Government, regulators and tech companies and more effective than a social media ban for under 16s. But at the same time, we recognise at the charity that a ban is better than doing nothing.

To have your say, go to www.gov.uk and search ‘social media consultation’ or click here.

Yours,

Chris Sherwood

NSPCC Chief Executive

Follow Up Information: Arboretum Place Public Realm and Streetscape Proposals

I wanted to follow up with some additional information after our community pop up event on the 7th March.

I’d like to pass on our thanks to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh again for hosting us.  It was a beautiful sunny day and it was a great spot to have our information stand.   

We spoke with many members of the local community and some passing visitors.  Thank you if you managed to make it along, it was really lovely to meet some members of the Community Council and the Friends of Inverleith Park in person as well as welcome partners from The City of Edinburgh Council.  We received some valuable feedback and comments.

Keep updated

I’d like to highlight the Climate Ready Craigleith StoryMap for information on the current projects.   This includes some of the images of the proposals on Arboretum Place we shared on Saturday in case you were unable to attend.

Click here to visit the Climate Ready Craigleith project website

Draw mum, win cake!

Children in Edinburgh are being given the chance to turn their artwork into a real cake masterpiece this Mother’s Day, thanks to a special competition running at any Edinburgh Cake Box store.

The challenge is simple – children can pick up a Mother’s Day competition sheet online or from any Edinburgh Cake Box store, draw a picture of their Mum in the space provided and return it to the store by tomorrow – 12 March 2026.

The winning child will see their drawing professionally printed onto a real Mother’s Day Party Platter Cake – transforming their artwork into a delicious centrepiece to be enjoyed at a family celebration.

As well as seeing their design brought to life, the winner will also receive a Mother’s Day party bundle to take home and enjoy with their family.

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How to enter:

  • Collect a design sheet in-store at any Edinburgh or download from online here.
  • Draw a picture of your Mum in the space provided – the more heartfelt and creative, the better.
  • Return the completed sheet to any Cake Box store by 12 March 2026.

    The competition is open to children of all ages and offers a creative and meaningful way for local families to celebrate Mother’s Day together.

    As well as offering a chance to win, it encourages local families to get involved in the community and get creative during the summer holidays.

    Sukh Chamdal, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) at Cake Box, said: 
    “We love finding ways to make celebrations even more special for families.     This Mother’s Day competition gives children the chance to create something truly personal for their Mum and, for one lucky winner, that drawing will become a real cake they can share together. We can’t wait to see the wonderful designs from children in Edinburgh.”

    Cake Box is the UK’s leading retailer of handmade, fresh cream egg-free cakes. Its 290+ stores nationwide offer beautifully handcrafted celebration cakes and sweet treats for every occasion. Stores also offer quick and beautiful personalisation, for an extra special touch.  

    Visit www.cakebox.com to find your local store or click and collect in as little as one hour.

“Quit Your Way saved my life”

A Glasgow man is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his “lifesaving” decision to stop smoking by helping people from his local community to follow in his path.

Jim Peddie, 59, from Easterhouse, said the free help he received from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Quit Your Way service in 2016 was a major turning point for his health and finances, and he now feels duty bound to help others experience the benefits of a smoke-free life.

“There’s no doubt about it, Quit Your Way saved my life,” Jim said. “I started smoking when I was 14 and I’m now 59. I never thought I could quit but I was constantly thinking about how bad it was for me, then I’d get stressed about that, then have a fag to calm down.

“I tried going cold turkey, I tried acupuncture, I paid for a hypnotist, but nothing worked until I went to the group at Easterhouse Health Centre and met the team there.”

Jim’s quit journey started when he needed to save up enough money to send his son on a once-in-a-lifetime school trip to New York. He received 12 weeks of face-to-face behaviour change support and a prescription of free stop smoking medication Champix through Quit Your Way at his local health centre, saving around £70 a week and financing his son’s trip.

The same type of support is available across NHSGGC today, with Champix replacement Varenicline proving to be one of the most effective products in a wide range of supports available to help people quit.

Quit Your Way also offers help in one-to-one settings, through telephone support, the Smokefree app or through NHS pharmacies. Specialist supports are also in place to help people stop smoking in local prisons, mental health and maternity services.

After recently reuniting with the NHS staff who helped him a decade ago, Jim’s now a man on a mission, speaking to the new people attending the weekly group in Easterhouse about his journey.

“I’m here to pass on the support I got all those years ago,” Jim added.

“Stopping smoking will save your life. There are people who will support you and, as the name suggests, you can Quit Your Way. If you’ve ever thought about quitting, reach out for support.”

Trish Thomson is an NHS Quit Your Way practitioner at the Easterhouse group – which meets every Thursday 10 – 11am – and was there when Jim quit in 2016.

She said: “The most important thing for people to understand is that we are here to help them navigate their quit journey and with the support of the Quit Your Way specialist staff and other group members you are more likely to remain smoke-free.

“Jim’s a brilliant example of that. He came to us with a desire to stop after trying lots of different ways. We found what motivated him, gave him the right medication, and supported him until he was eventually smoke-free.”

Jim’s story comes as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages people to quit smoking as part of No Smoking Day TODAY – 11 March 2026.

The prevalence of smoking continues to decline in Scotland each year, but tobacco remains one of the main drivers of ill-health across Greater Glasgow and Clyde and disproportionately affects people living in deprived communities.

Amidst a slowing of quit rates nationally, NHSGGC has recently re-introduced the highly effective stop smoking medication Varenicline – previously known as Champix – as one of the many supports available to people who want to quit.

To find out more, visit www.nhsggc.scot/quityourway or call 0800 916 8858.

#NSD26

Get Your Stall at the LifeCare Spring Fair!

Local sellers, artisans and creatives are invited to join LifeCare’s annual Spring Fair on Sunday 12th April10.30am – 1.30pm at the fully accessible LifeCare Hub, 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB.

For just £20 per table (with all proceeds going to the charity’s vital services) the fair is a great way to reach a new local group of customers. Visitors of all ages will be dropping by to browse, shop and soak up the springtime buzz with our delicious fresh baking and a nice cuppa!

“Events like this bring people together and help us all celebrate our community,” said Sarah Duckmanton, Events Coordinator at LifeCare.  “Our hub is a safe, welcoming space for everyone, people of all ages and abilities can join in the fun.”

Stalls are limited, email sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or call contact 0131 343 0940 to grab your spot before they all go!

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, the Spring Fair is free for everyone to enjoy.  We can’t wait to welcome you!

Joint long-term alcohol and drugs strategic plan launched

A new plan to reduce deaths and harms caused by alcohol and drugs has been published.

The joint Scottish Government and COSLA plan aims to improve collaboration between government and grassroots delivery with a locally-led, accountable system, guided by clear national direction and support.

Backed by more than £160 million in 2026-27, the plan builds on the Scottish Government’s five-year National Mission on Drugs which ends in April.

A key priority is to expand treatment standards to include alcohol and all drugs. It has a renewed focus on prevention, with specific measures to stop people from developing problem alcohol and drug use. It also maintains support for residential rehabilitation with a focus on improving pathways through detox, crisis care and stabilisation.

The plan is underpinned by a human-rights based approach. This ensures that people with first-hand experience help shape the design and delivery of services and receive person-centred support.

Speaking at the Haven residential rehabilitation service, which has received £600,000 for eight additional beds, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “The last five years have seen record investment in alcohol and drugs services, with significant progress, but we want to do more. This plan marks the next phase in our response to tackling alcohol and drug harms.

“We are already widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone, and Glasgow hosts the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility. As we respond to new challenges – including an increasingly toxic drugs supply – this plan refocuses our efforts in a more co-ordinated and sustainable way.

“As a joint Scottish Government and COSLA initiative, this plan will strengthen national and local partnership working so that people can receive the right help when and where they need it.”

The plan is aimed at preventing initial harm and supporting long-term recovery and wellbeing and focuses on four interconnected areas:

·       prevention and early intervention

·       harm reduction

·       treatment and care

·       the wider circle of support.

Priorities include strengthening local delivery, supporting the voluntary sector and workforce and improving data, research and evidence.  

COSLA Health and Social Care spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Far too many individuals and families continue to be affected by drugs and alcohol harms. We need to do everything we can to support people, which requires us to work across spheres of government.

“Bringing local and national government together for the first time in this way represents a step change in how we plan and deliver support for people affected by drugs and alcohol.

“Local government works closely with our communities, across a range of preventative services, and has strong local knowledge of the challenges our communities face.

“No single service can respond to the ongoing challenge of drugs and alcohol harms. It is only by working in partnership, investing sustainably in vital supports and through the co-ordinated efforts of the whole system, that we prevent issues before they arise and support people to sustain recovery.”

The Haven Chief Executive Gary Lister said: “Through its holistic, recovery-focused programme, The Haven supports individuals to rebuild their lives, restore family relationships and move towards long-term recovery.

“The Scottish Government’s support for the current expansion of the facility — including eight additional residential beds and enhanced living spaces — will help ensure more people can access the safe, structured support they need to begin that journey.”

Paul Waterson, SAIP Chair said: “The Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership is committed to promoting responsible consumption and tackling harmful drinking. The data show that progress is being made in tackling harmful consumption, but more needs to be done.

“Scotland has had in place for many years a wide-ranging whole population approach. What is needed to make further progress is greater focus and more action to deliver targeted interventions such as community alcohol partnerships, and a greater use of assertive outreach.

“We welcome the commitment to engagement with business and industry on the alcohol harm prevention plan to be published later in 2026.”

Preventing Harm, Promoting Recovery: Scotland’s Alcohol & Drugs Strategic Plan 2026 – 2035

YouthLink Scotland: Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund

We’re pleased to share that funding has been secured for a Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund, supporting 10 local youth work organisations to deliver early intervention projects!

Find out more about No Knives Better Lives’ approach:

We’re pleased to share some positive news. Funding has been secured for a Youth Work Preventing Violence Fund, which will support local partner organisations to strengthen early intervention work with young people.

Through this fund, 10 youth work organisations will be supported to deliver violence prevention initiatives using youth work approaches. These projects will focus on reaching young people early, building relationships, and providing support before issues escalate into harm.

Youth work has long been recognised as a key protective factor in young people’s lives. At its core are trusted relationships with prosocial adults, safe spaces, and opportunities for young people to build confidence, skills, and positive identities. These elements are central to preventing violence.

By offering consistent support, positive role models, and constructive alternatives, youth workers help young people navigate challenges and make safer choices.

Crucially, this approach is not about reinventing the wheel. The youth work sector already knows what works. Early intervention, relationship-based practice, and community-led youth work have proven time and again to be effective in reducing risk and strengthening protective factors around young people.

Alongside delivery, the programme will also focus on building the evidence base. We will gather learning and develop case studies that demonstrate the real impact youth work can have in preventing violence. While it’s encouraging to see increasing recognition of youth work nationally, it is vital that this recognition is backed by strong evidence that can help secure further investment and resources for the sector.

We’re excited to work with partners on this initiative and will share updates as the programme develops.

YouthLink Scotland

@YouthLinkScot

YWPV-Fund-26-2Download

650,000 Scots urged to quit tobacco on No Smoking Day

650,000 Scots are being urged to quit tobacco this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 11 March 2026)to boost their health, wellbeing and personal finances.

The call is coming from health charity ASH Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government as part of the 2026 national ‘Quit and Win’ No Smoking Day campaign.

The campaign is highlighting that an average smoker who gives up tobacco could save ?3,332 after a year, reduce feelings of anxiety, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and, within 10 years, cut the risk of lung cancer by half.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “There is an average of 172 preventable smoking-attributable deaths in Scotland every week, with people in our poorest communities among those most affected.

“Free expert advice offered by NHS Scotland’s Quit Your Way services, however, can improves the chances of quit smoking success by three to four times. We encourage everyone who wants to live tobacco-free to mark No Smoking Day by reaching for Quit Your Way’s specialist support which is the best thing to do to improve health, wellbeing and personal finances.”

Jenni Minto MSP, Public Health Minister, said: “If you are a smoker, please let this No Smoking Day be the start of your journey to a tobacco-free future. I know that quitting is hard but, in Scotland, there is free support available through the NHS stop smoking service Quit Your Way.

“The website offers expert advice and you will be directed to local services where you can access a range of free support, medications and products.”

Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly ?– even for people who have smoked for a long time. 

“Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”

Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.