Foysol Choudhury MSP visited Kids Operating Room in Edinburgh last week to see first-hand the charity’s pioneering work improving access to safe surgery for children globally.
During the visit, the MSP met with Project Manager Kristyna A. Rycovska and members of the Kids Operating Room team to discuss the urgent global need for paediatric surgical care and the role Scotland can play in addressing this challenge. Millions of children worldwide still cannot access the operations they need, leading to preventable deaths or lifelong disability.
Kids Operating Room, a Scottish global health charity dedicated exclusively to children’s surgery, works with partners across Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to design, build and equip dedicated paediatric operating rooms in low-resource settings.
The charity also trains local surgical teams and supports biomedical engineers to maintain vital medical equipment.
To date, the organisation’s work spans 38 countries, with 125 dedicated paediatric operating rooms, creating capacity for more than 780,000 surgical procedures for children who would otherwise struggle to access life-saving care.
In Scotland, in addition to its Edinburgh office and Glasgow headquarters, Kids Operating Room also has a presence in Dundee, where the organisation supports biomedical engineering and the preparation of equipment for operating rooms deployed internationally.
This facility plays an important role in ensuring that surgical equipment is ready for use in partner hospitals.
Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “It was inspiring to visit Kids Operating Room and see the incredible impact this Scottish charity is having around the world.
“No child should be denied life-saving surgery simply because of where they are born. Their work shows how Scottish expertise and commitment are helping give children the chance to grow, thrive and reach their full potential.”
The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) will welcome Terry Szuplat, one of President Obama’s longest-serving White House speechwriters, for a unique evening of insightful conversation on Friday 27 March 2026.
Presented in partnership with The David Hume Institute, the event will see Szuplat share insights from his bestselling book Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience.
Drawing on his experience helping craft nearly 500 speeches for President Obama across more than 40 countries, Szuplat will discuss the craft of storytelling, authenticity, and the art of connecting with audiences.
Joining him in conversation will be former BBC journalist Clare English, as the pair explore the communication techniques that inspire confidence and clarity, whether on the world stage or in local communities.
The talk is part of EICC Live, the venue’s free public programme dedicated to community engagement and lifelong learning, which brings inspiring voices to Edinburgh audiences.
Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “At the EICC, we’re committed to creating events that have a lasting impact.
“Hosting Terry Szuplat as part of our EICC Live series embodies that mission and offers the Edinburgh community the chance to engage with ideas that shape leadership and communication at every level.”
Susan Murray, Director of The David Hume Institute said: “The David Hume Institute is committed to fostering informed public debate and bringing world-class thinkers to Scotland to explore the ideas shaping our society.
“We are delighted to be working with Terry Szuplat and the EICC on such a large public event. Terry’s experience at the heart of the White House offers a rare and valuable perspective on leadership and the power of words in public life.
“At a time when trust, clarity and authenticity in communication have never been more important, this event provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen public dialogue and inspire more thoughtful engagement across our communities.”
Discussing his upcoming talk, Terry Szuplat said: “I’m deeply grateful to the EICC and the David Hume Institute for the opportunity to bring the communications and leadership lessons of Say It Well to the people of Edinburgh and Scotland.
“The lessons that I learned from President Obama can help all of us communicate with more civility, empathy, and honesty, which our world needs more than ever.
“I’m looking forward to a wonderful evening.”
Free tickets are available to book on the EICC website here: –
Dynamic Earth has announced its most immersive Edinburgh Science Festival programme to date, with a month-long celebration of discovery running from 3 April to 3 May 2026.
As a programming partner of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, Dynamic Earth will host hands-on workshops, live storytelling, outdoor geological adventures, immersive Planetarium screenings and the chance to meet real scientists working at the forefront of research today.
From dinosaur encounters to astronaut training, this year’s programme invites families, curious adults and science fans of all ages to dive into discovery.
Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 at Dynamic Earth is designed to move science beyond the page and into real experiences. Young explorers will be able to:
Take part in Astronaut Training (6–10 April) and prepare for lift-off!
Join Jurassic Juniors Storytelling (6–10 April) and Journey Into Space Storytelling (13–17 April) designed especially for early years
Step back into the 1700s with Hutton in Edinburgh (7–9 April), an immersive walking theatre experience
Explore Holyrood Park’s dramatic landscape during Rocks Uncovered: A Geological Walk with Vojta Hybl (10 April)
Across the festival, visitors can also meet researchers tackling some of today’s biggest scientific questions, including:
University of Edinburgh – 7 Days, 100 Scientists (7–13 April)
British Geological Survey – Planet Power (15 April)
Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Napier University – Meet the Scientists (17 April)
Scottish Association for Marine Science – Meet the Marine Scientists (16–17 April)
These free drop-in sessions give visitors the rare opportunity to speak directly with experts and discover how science is shaping our world.
Dynamic Earth’s 360° Planetarium will become a festival stage in its own right, hosting an exciting programme of family favourites and special late-night screenings.
Families can enjoy dino-themed adventures including The Land Before Time, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Good Dinosaur and Dinosaur.
For adults, Planetarium Lates offer a completely different atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a Cretaceous cocktail before settling in for prehistoric blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and Godzilla.
Festival evenings also include an immersive 360° experience of The Dark Side of the Moon, alongside Stargazing Late and Live – presenter-led journeys across the cosmos with Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers.
Throughout the festival, families visiting Dynamic Earth can also take part in an Egg Hunt Across the Ages, included free with admission from 3 April to 3 May. The trail encourages children to explore the galleries while uncovering clues linked to Earth’s extraordinary history.
Speaking about the programme, Dynamic Earth Director Conor Ellis, Director for Science Learning and Engagement said: “Edinburgh Science Festival is a highlight of the year for us.
“It’s a chance to fill our galleries and Planetarium with even more energy, curiosity and hands-on discovery. Whether you’re training to be an astronaut, meeting real scientists or enjoying a blockbuster under the dome, there is something here to inspire every curious mind.”
Located at the foot of iconic Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth offers visitors a full day out, combining immersive galleries, live science engagement and one of the UK’s most striking Planetariums.
Events run from 3 April to 3 May 2026 and can be booked via Dynamic Earth’s website:
An Edinburgh MP has warned that long NHS waiting times are having a serious impact on women across the Lothians, as concerns grow about a two-tier healthcare system emerging in Scotland.
Private healthcare admissions in Scotland recently hit a record high, raising fresh concerns that patients are increasingly being pushed to pay for treatment due to long NHS wait times.
Tracy Gilbert MP says these delays are particularly affecting women, who are often left waiting the longest for treatment, including for gynaecological conditions and diagnostic tests.
Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert said:“Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, too many women are being left waiting far too long for the care they need.
“For many women, these delays aren’t just frustrating; they mean months or even years living with pain, uncertainty or conditions that are affecting their daily lives.
“When people feel forced to consider paying privately just to be seen sooner, it raises serious concerns about a two-tier system emerging in our NHS.
“Women across Scotland deserve timely, high-quality care through our NHS, regardless of their ability to pay.”
COSLA has launched Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland, the first in a series of white papers to be published in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Scottish councils are facing increasingly complex and deeply rooted population challenges, and COSLA is calling for urgent, coordinated action to address them.
This paper provides a detailed examination of these issues and sets out practical recommendations across key policy areas to support a more sustainable and balanced population.
Launching the paper, COSLA described achieving population balance as a central priority for Scottish local government.
With some areas experiencing rapid growth, others facing significant depopulation, and many managing both pressures simultaneously within their boundaries, the need for strategic intervention has never been greater.
COSLA has today launched 'Working Towards Achieving a More Balanced Population in Scotland', the first in a series of white papers to be published.
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, said:“I am delighted to be launching our population white paper today.
“Achieving a more balanced population is a priority for Scottish Local Government and COSLA, and it is imperative that this remains a priority for the new Scottish Government administration following the election.
“Our white paper highlights the diverse population challenges faced by councils across Scotland, from those that are experiencing rapid population growth, to those facing critical depopulation, as well as the many dealing with both challenges within their council area. It proposes recommendations across three key priority areas: economy, workforce and jobs; housing; and transport.
“Scottish councils are best placed to lead population balance efforts but require support from both Scottish and UK Government to achieve our aims.
“We are calling on our national politicians to commit to working with us to implement the recommendations that we have set out today.”
Stronger Communities Week is taking place during the week of 9th March 2026 to celebrate and showcase work that is happening in Scotland in support of community cohesion.
The programme of events aims to bring communities and stakeholders together to collaborate and share best practice.
COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Cllr Maureen Chalmers, commented: “Strong and cohesive communities are a priority for Scottish local authorities.
“We often speak of community cohesion when issues and tensions arise but this week we want to celebrate work that local authorities and our partners are doing to make Scotland a place of dignity, fairness and respect for all.”
Following the launch of Race Across the World: The Experience in 2025, CityDays are delighted to announce that tickets are on-sale for Race Across the World: The Experience Edinburgh, ahead of the launch later this spring.
Those who sign up to the waitlist will be able to access discounted presale tickets from Tuesday 10th March giving them 20% off and 48 hrs of exclusive booking ahead of general release on Thursday 12th March.
This high-stakes experience, which has previously launched in London and Manchester, offers players the chance to live out their Race Across the World dreams by navigating the streets of Edinburgh, working as a team, outwitting their competitors, and unlocking the hidden secrets of the city in an unforgettable race to the finish line!
Just like in the show, the experience requires strategy, teamwork, and quick-thinking, as players will be given a budget to manage as they race through the city. This budget can be spent on valuable clues to help navigate the next leg of the journey, giving players the freedom to decide how daring they want to be.
It’s a high-stakes race against the clock, where every decision counts, and influences the race, but could also come at a cost. Players will be scored based on their time and how much budget they have left, with their final score ranked on a live leaderboard throughout the day and week.
The team that completes the challenge in the fastest time with the most budget remaining will earn a shot at being crowned the daily or weekly champions.
Split into three distinct legs that weave through the heart of Edinburgh, the race takes participants on a 4-5 km mission through this iconic city, typically spanning 2-3 hours. Like Studio Lambert’s format, Race Across The World, this experience highlights the treasures people miss while speeding through the streets on buses.
Along the way, the experience will visit key partner venues, including renowned pubs, cultural hotspots, or famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Circus Lane and the Scott Monument, each serving as a ‘checkpoint’ where teams must solve clever, escape room-style puzzles.
These puzzles will guide them toward the next leg of the race, offering clues that unveil new parts of the city, all while providing a true taste of Manchester’s hidden gems.
Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following huge success in London and Manchester, last year we are delighted to be bringing the Race Across The World Experience to three brand new cities across the UK, including Edinburgh.
“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Edinburgh, are you ready for your race?”
Jane Sharp, VP Formats and Licensing (Operations) at All3Media International commented: “Race Across the World celebrates new discoveries and new destinations – so we are thrilled to continue our successful partnership with City Days’ as three new cities – Bristol, York and Edinburgh – open routes for Race Across The World: The Experience this spring!
“With six routes launching across five cities in under a year, it’s fantastic to see how adaptable the experience is—and just how strong fans’ appetite for adventure has become.”
Perfect for groups of friends, family, or colleagues, CityDays’ Race Across the World: The Experience in Edinburgh promises a fun, fast-paced, and surprising day out. Whether you’re an avid fan of the show or simply looking for a unique way to explore the city, this experience is set to deliver a thrilling new way to discover Edinburgh on foot. Tickets will be priced from £20 per person.
Race Across The World: The Experience Edinburgh is created by CityDays under license from All3Media International on behalf of the creators and producers of the show Studio Lambert.
All3Media International handle format and licensing rights for Race Across The World throughout the rest of the world.
Television adaptations of the format have already aired in Denmark, Netherlands, Finland and Sweden, with German and Norwegian series due to go on air later this year.
For further information on CityDays Race Across the World Experience, please visit:
The government has launched a ‘rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom’
PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS
Millions of families, friends and neighbours will feel a stronger sense of community, unity and national pride thanks to renewed efforts to stamp out extremism, hate and division announced yesterday.
Today the government is launching a rallying call for action, setting out the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom – a place where neighbour continues to look out for neighbour and people come together with a shared sense of values, pride, and belonging.
The action plan follows decades of rapid change – technological advancements, demographic change, local industries collapsing, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services. This has caused a strain on social cohesion. Bad actors, including from abroad, have sought to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed told the House of Commons: ”Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom.
“This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us.”
This publication – Protecting What Matters – puts the emphasis on healing divided communities, setting out clear expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society, tackling those trying to subvert our shared values and ultimately promoting pride, unity and tolerance.
This comes as the latest statistics show that hate crime is rising, with Jewish people disproportionately more targeted by hate crime than any other group.
To tackle antisemitism head on, the government is investing at record levels to scale up security at synagogues and schools, clamping down on antisemitic extremism, and rolling out training on antisemitism in the workplace.
Religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims are also at record levels, with almost half of these crimes targeted towards the Muslim community and many living in fear that they will be targeted because of how they look or assumptions over where they come from. This government has a duty to act but cannot tackle something that has not been defined.
The UK government is taking the historic step of adopting a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim.
Crucially, this definition protects the fundamental right to freedom of speech while protecting people from unacceptable abuse and violence. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.
This sits alongside a new suite of measures to bring communities across the country together:
Tough action on extremism with stronger powers to shut down charities promoting extremism and transformed capability to disrupt extremists, including stopping hate preachers entering the UK, and an annual State of Extremism report.
Clear expectations will be set around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. To support this, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.
A £500,000 investment in community-led school linking projects will bring children from different backgrounds together, helping them forge friendships and understand what they have in common. And tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school – will ensure no child misses out on the shared values and experiences that bind communities together.
This all builds on the £5.8 billion committed to hundreds of areas through the Pride in Place programme, with power put in the hands of local people.
More than half (53%) of Scottish employers say changes to statutory sick pay will have a significant impact on their business, according to a new survey.
Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to ask which changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025 will have the biggest impact on bosses in Scotland
New rights on sick pay topped the polls, with Scottish employers ranking new rules around unfair dismissal and flexible working second.
The valuable insights gained from the results will help Acas target its support for workers and bosses where they need it the most.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers in Scotland.
“It’s crucial that both employer and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.
“Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”
The survey results revealed that:
More than half of Scottish employers (53%) said that workers getting sick pay for the first day of illness rather than the fourth day would have the biggest impact on them.
Employers also said flexible working rules (19%) and new protections around unfair dismissal (39%) would likely have an impact.
New rules, brought in by the Employment Rights Act, regarding paternity leave and sick pay will come into force on 6th April 2026.
From 6 April, employees will be eligible for paternity leave from the first day of employment. Currently employees must have worked for their employer for 26 weeks before they are eligible.
From 1 January 2027, employees will be protected from unfair dismissal if they have worked for their employer for at least six months. Currently an employee must have two years continuous service to be able to claim unfair dismissal.
A dismissal may be considered unfair by law if there was no fair reason for the dismissal; the reason was not enough to justify dismissing them; or the employer did not follow a fair procedure.
In 2027 new measures will come into force intended to improve access to flexible working.
Flexible working can involve a change to when, where or how someone works. Employers and employees should follow the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working when handling a request.
Acas has an online roadmap of when all the new expected law changes in the Employment Rights Act are likely to come into effect, which includes webinars and training: Employment Rights Act 2025 – Acas
£5.8 million to charities and partners to bolster whole family support across 2026-27
Seven projects delivering in communities will share £5.8 million of funding to drive transformation in whole family support.
First Minister John Swinney announced the funding during a speech on eradicating child poverty at Centrestage in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. He highlighted the need for charities and government to streamline collaborative efforts to eradicate child poverty, making it easier for people to access support.
The seven recipients of the grant will provide support for families, scale up efforts to tackle child poverty, and improve early child development.
This support is part of the £50 million Whole Family Wellbeing Funding allocation for 2026-27, building on the Scottish Government’s significant investment of £148 million in that Fund since 2022.
The Scottish Government’s Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will set out further actions to reduce child poverty, will be published on Thursday.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority and as a result of our bold action, child poverty rates are lower in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
“No child should have to worry about essentials such as food or a warm home because of circumstances beyond their control. While child poverty has reduced, even one young person growing up in poverty is one too many.
“My government is focused on building a support system that is seamless and tailored, that responds flexibly and quickly to people’s needs – and offers the right support at the right time.
“A total of £5.8 million in Whole Family Wellbeing funding will be directed to seven projects that exemplify the type of transformational support required for families across Scotland.
“I am proud that the experiences of children and families are at the heart of our forthcoming Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, which will be set out in Parliament this Thursday. We are charting a path to work in harmony with charities and the third sector so that systems come together as one, providing a brighter future for children across the country.”
Dundee City Councillor and Convener of the Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure committee Steven Rome spoke about the Dundee Pathfinder Fairer Futures Partnership, which is among the recipients of this latest funding.
He said: “The Dundee Pathfinder is a collaborative effort to support families experiencing poverty. By drawing on local expertise, the Pathfinder has brought more than £2.4 million into households since October 2022.
“This is helping many people move into employment and training, improving the lives of entire families.”
