Strength of tech ecosystem highlighted as FM opens new Dundee hub
Scottish tech founders raised £257 million in investment since joining Techscaler, Scotland’s national tech scaleup programme – an increase of £139 million on the previous year.
The milestone reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a world-class tech ecosystem and highlights how private markets value Scotland’s talent and innovation.
The First Minister welcomed the Techscaler annual report at the opening of the new Tayside home for Techscaler at Water’s Edge in Dundee. The hub will provide a centre for tech start-ups in the region, with the first businesses taking up residency from the games industry.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Techscaler was created to strengthen Scotland’s entrepreneurial environment by giving founders the skills, support and connections needed to build globally competitive companies.
“It is encouraging to see this vision reflected in this year’s results, with a remarkable £257 million now raised by founder members since launch, more than double the previous year. This figure highlights Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is becoming even more connected, collaborative and globally engaged – raising Scotland’s profile as an ambitious innovation nation.
“I’m proud to be here in Dundee to launch Techscaler’s new home at Water’s Edge, which will be a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs in the city. I look forward to seeing the opportunities and the economic benefits the new hub brings to tech-focused companies across the region.”
Jon Hope, Interim CEO, CodeBase said: “With this year’s annual report showcasing Techscaler’s growing national impact, we’re delighted to be collaborating with Water’s Edge to build on the strong foundations and exceptional work already underway in the region.
“Together, we’re doubling down on its world-leading strengths to fast-track high-growth businesses toward global success.
“From our Water’s Edge office, we’ll be proud to support cohorts of early-stage, growth, and scale-up companies, providing access to local and national expertise — including Entrepreneurs in Residence, experienced mentors, investor networks, and international connections.”
Chris van der Kuyl, CBE, Chairman, 4J Studios said: “The Techscaler Hub for the Tay Cities Region opening at Water’s Edge represents a significant commitment to Dundee and a recognition of its status as one of the country’s key centres for technology scale ups.
“Surrounded by some of our nation’s best companies and brightest talent and supported by a mature and dynamic ecosystem I believe the members of this programme will have a distinct advantage and an increased chance of success.”
The latest Techscaler annual report shows more than 1,500 tech companies and nearly 2,100 founders are now engaged in the programme, receiving structured education, expert mentorship and community connections including to global markets.
Businesses selected for the first cohort at Waters Edge:
Mission of Innocents has opened a new Creative Arts Centre at Ocean Terminal in Leith, offering a safe, welcoming space where resettled children and families can come together, express themselves and begin to thrive through creativity.
The centre will be home to Mission of Innocents’ programmes using art, music, movement and storytelling to help children and families who have lived through war, displacement and crisis feel safe again, build confidence and reconnect with childhood.
Last night’s opening was marked by a special event attended by Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron, alongside members of the High Constables of Leith and the Consular Corps. The evening included the unveiling of a commemorative installation and a performance by children supported by Mission of Innocents.
Mission of Innocents was founded in 2022 by Joyce Landry, whose company, Landry & Kling, managed two ships brought to Scotland to accommodate Ukrainian families fleeing conflict. Witnessing first-hand the profound impact that war and resettlement were having on children far from home, Joyce was moved to act.
What began as a small, urgent response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has since grown into a mission supporting children and families from many different cultures and backgrounds affected by conflict, climate disasters and political crises, including families from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Sudan.
The new centre gives the charity a permanent base in Scotland, allowing it to support more children over a longer period of time, with free classes and programmes running throughout the week.
Among the young people supported by Mission of Innocents is Dmytro Miskova, who arrived in Scotland after fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Dmytro’s first home in Scotland was onboard the MS Victoria, docked in Govan, where hundreds of Ukrainian families were temporarily housed. Arriving frightened and unsure of what the future would hold, he struggled with the uncertainty of starting again in a new country.
It was through a poetry performance organised for families onboard that Dmytro first connected with Mission of Innocents. The experience became a turning point, helping him rediscover confidence and a sense of identity beyond his circumstances.
Now living in Coatbridge and attending secondary school, Dmytro is thriving and hopes to pursue a career in aircraft engineering. His journey reflects the wider impact of Mission of Innocents’ work, creating safe spaces where children who have experienced resettlement can rebuild confidence, form friendships and begin to look forward again.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said: “Mission of Innocents started because I saw children who had lost their sense of safety, routine and joy. They had been through things no child should experience, and there was very little support focused on how they were feeling.
“Through simple creative activities, we began to see changes, children opening up, making friends, laughing and smiling again.
“What began with Ukrainian families has grown to support children from many different backgrounds, all carrying their own stories. This centre gives us a place where children and families can feel safe, be themselves and begin to thrive, and that means everything to us.”
Nataliia Pidruchna, Director of Children’s Programmes at Mission of Innocents, said: “Creative arts give children a way to express feelings they don’t yet have words for. Through art, music and movement, we see confidence grow, friendships form and smiles return.
“I’ve worked with children in Ukraine and here in Scotland for years, and I’ve never seen anything break down barriers in the way creativity does. One little girl I worked with barely spoke at all, she had become completely silent. Over time, through dance and movement, she slowly began to find her voice again.
“It’s for children like her that we do this work. This centre will be a place where children feel welcome, supported and free to be themselves, and where families who’ve been through incredibly hard times can begin to thrive together.”
Since 2022, Mission of Innocents programmes have reached over 800 resettled children, providing vital support across Scotland and beyond, with clear improvements seen in confidence, wellbeing and social connection.
***CASE STUDIES***
For many children, the journey with Mission of Innocents began onboard the MS Victoria and the MS Ambition, and continues today on land in Edinburgh and across Scotland – a journey from fear and upheaval to belonging, rebuilt through creativity.
These are children who fled war, left behind homes, loved ones and familiar routines, arrived in a new country without the language, and began again in temporary accommodation. Through art, music, movement and performance, they have found ways to process trauma, rediscover their voices and rebuild confidence.
The stories below show how young people have moved from receiving support to leading, performing and contributing – strengthening wellbeing, restoring cultural identity and forming lasting community connections:
Dmytro Miskova
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, millions of families fled their homes almost overnight. One of them was Dmytro Miskova, then just a schoolboy whose world revolved around theatre rehearsals, poetry clubs and years of dedicated taekwondo training.
Within weeks, everything he knew had gone. Forced to leave his home, his friends and the life he’d built, Dmytro arrived in Scotland not knowing what would happen next. He spoke some English, but he didn’t know a single person. He was scared but he was also quietly determined to make the most of this unexpected new chapter.
His first home in Scotland wasn’t a house or a flat, it was the MS Ambition I, the large cruise ship docked in Govan, Glasgow, which temporarily housed hundreds of Ukrainian families arriving in the UK. It was there, surrounded by other resettled families all trying to adjust to a new reality, that Dmytro first came across Mission of Innocents.
At the time, Dmytro was just 10-years old. He arrived in Scotland with his mum, Mariia, leaving behind a family in Ukraine.
Life on the ship was safe, but it was uncertain and everyone was adjusting. Everyone was waiting to find out what came next. Not long after arriving, Dmytro signed up to take part in a poetry performance organised for families onboard. He has been engaged with poetry since around the age of six or seven, reciting and performing in Ukraine, and has continued to develop this talent and interest in Scotland. Standing up in front of a room full of strangers in a new country, speaking in a different language, felt completely different to Dmytro. He was nervous, but he did it anyway.
That moment, on a ship docked in Leith, far from home, changed everything. Through Mission of Innocents, Dmytro began getting involved in theatre sessions, creative workshops and volunteering opportunities. It wasn’t just about keeping busy for him, it was about rebuilding confidence, feeling seen and being known for his talent and not just his circumstances.
Slowly, he found his feet, like many other children on the ship. He made friends with other young people he had first met on the ship – friendships that have lasted well beyond those early days, and he embraced life in Scotland.
Now 14 years-old, and living in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Dmytro is in his third year at Coatbridge High School. He’s settled, focused and ambitious for his future.
His dream is to become an aircraft engineer, inspired by a lifelong fascination with aviation and how planes work. He is determined to build a future here, not just for himself, but to give back to the country that gave him safety when he needed it most.
From a frightened young person arriving in an unfamiliar country to a confident young man with big plans for the future, Dmytro’s story shows what can happen when resettled children are given the right support, creative outlets and belief.
Mariana Aleksandrova
Mariana was 13-years-old when she joined Mission of Innocents onboard the ship, having taken on caring responsibilities for her younger sister during a period of upheaval.
When invited to join the Harmony Choir, she said simply, “I love to sing.”
She is now a soloist and event host at major performances, a powerful example of how creativity can help a young person rediscover confidence and identity.
Nadiia
Arriving in Scotland at 17-years-old with a strong musical background, Nadiia’s artistic journey was disrupted by displacement.
Through fundraising support, Mission of Innocents helped secure her traditional Ukrainian instrument, the Tsymbaly, enabling her to perform again.
She now contributes live music to community and cultural events, restoring both her artistic identity and cultural continuity.
Platon
Platon joined the programme aged seven while living onboard the accommodation ship. Initially a participant in arts sessions, he began proposing ideas and, with staff support, leading short creative workshops himself.
Today, he mentors peers in craft activities, demonstrating early leadership, creative confidence and a progression from participant to co-creator.
Diana
Diana, a trained ballroom dancer, joined the programme in 2023 and established new dance and cheerleading groups for teenage girls, later expanding sessions to younger children and mothers. Her work has strengthened peer networks, supported wellbeing and created sustainable, community-led activity beyond the initial resettlement phase.
Daniil Yudin
Daniil, a talented young performer with an operatic voice, has returned to the stage and resumed playing piano through Mission of Innocents, continuing to build his musical future in a new country.
Lena and Vika Chernovy
Twin sisters Lena and Vika were 10-years-old when they joined the programme after arriving in Edinburgh. They discovered a passion for dance through groups including Flowers of Ukraine and MyWay. Today, they perform at a high level and hope to pursue dance professionally.
Kateryna
Kateryna was five-years-old when her family relocated to Edinburgh. Now nine-years-old, she is active in the Harmony Choir, dance groups and creative workshops. Her mother says she has grown into a confident child with strong friendships and a renewed sense of joy.
To learn more about Mission of Innocents, please visit:
The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced a ten-fold increase in its Accelerator Programme on the previous year to support 5,000 Scottish startups in 2026.
The Bank has also announced a £1 million partnership with the Scottish EDGE Awards to incentivise entrepreneurs from all of Scotland regions, scaling businesses and young innovators – including to deliver the largest prize fund in the competition’s history.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced a substantial increase in its Accelerator Programme to support 5,000 entrepreneurs, ahead of the opening of its new flagship Edinburgh Hub building later this year.
The 2026 ambition represents a 10-fold increase over the previous year and is more than all the businesses supported in the previous ten years that the Royal Bank Accelerator Programme has been delivered.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Accelerator provides entrepreneurs, from all sectors, with business coaching, support networks and access to expertise from across the Bank at no cost. Since launching its Accelerator App in March 2025, the Bank has seen over 1,500 downloads in Scotland.
The Royal Bank of Scotland also currently supports 1,000 businesses through its physical Accelerator Hubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, which offers meeting and working space to accelerator community members.
Notable Accelerator alumni have included Edinburgh-based pizza oven maker Ooni and Glasgow-based healthcare staffing platform provider Staffscanner. Together Scottish Accelerator community businesses have created over 900 jobs.
To recognise the best of Scotland’s entrepreneurial community, the Royal Bank of Scotland is also today announcing a £1 million investment in the Scottish EDGE Awards. These will help to fund three awards – a top Young EDGE and Regional EDGE award in their respective current rounds, and an increased Scale EDGE award of £200,000 in the next round, the largest single prize offered by the competition in its history.
The Scottish EDGE Awards are Scotland’s largest business funding competition and run biannually. The 27th EDGE Awards opened for applicants on 25 February with the finals due to be held on 11th June at the Royal Bank of Scotland Conference Centre, Gogarburn, Edinburgh.
The Royal Bank of Scotland has supported the Awards for the last 12 years as a founding partner, alongside the Hunter Foundation, Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, and this new investment extends and expands the partnership to 2028. Since 2014, EDGE winners have collectively created over 4,400 jobs and achieved almost £800 million in turnover.
Darren Pirie, Head of Accelerator & Partnerships, Royal Bank of Scotland said: “In our tenth anniversary year, we are going to turbocharge our support for Scotland’s entrepreneurs, by expanding our Royal Bank Accelerator community to 5,000 founders.
“I am also delighted that our extended partnership with the EDGE Awards will see us reward more of Scotland’s startup success stories. Our expanded support for regional awards recognises that the grit, potential and spirit that characterises so many entrepreneurs can be found in every part of our country.
“Royal Bank Accelerator continues to go from strength to strength in supporting Scotland’s innovators to grow.”
Evelyn McDonald, CEO, Scottish EDGE said: “As a founding partner of Scottish EDGE, Royal Bank of Scotland has played a pivotal role in helping ambitious founders across Scotland turn great ideas into investable businesses.
“This new £1 million commitment over the next three years is a significant vote of confidence in Scotland’s entrepreneurial talent and in the proven impact that timely, early-stage funding can have.
“From earlier EDGE winners such as Ooni and Amiqus to the next generation of high-growth start-ups, our support can be the catalyst at a critical moment.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Royal Bank and look forward to seeing this investment translate into more innovation, more high-quality jobs, and a stronger Scottish economy.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, visited Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development in Leith yesterday to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week and meet with current and former apprentices building their careers in the construction industry.
The visit highlighted the important role apprenticeships play in supporting Scotland’s housing sector, developing future talent and creating sustainable career opportunities. During the visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the development, spoke with the site team and heard first-hand from apprentices about their experiences and career progression within the industry.
Tower Street at Merchant Quay, one of Barratt Homes East Scotland’s developments, features a range of one-, two-and three-bedroom apartments. Barratt Homes has numerous apprentices across a range of disciplines on their sites, with several Construction Managers, Site Managers and Senior Site Managers beginning their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the long-term career opportunities available within the business.
Coordinated by Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships to create careers, build businesses, grow the workforce and get real returns for the economy.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, said:“Apprentices are a central part of growing our economy and I’ve enjoyed hearing directly from the young people who are starting out their careers in the building industry.
“Through the Scottish Government’s Future Planners Programme we’re also increasing the number of planners and supporting future improvements in the planning system by supporting students to study and gain real work experience.
“We know how important these programmes are to the success of the whole housing sector which our new agency, More Homes Scotland, will help to grow. I wish every success to our apprentices and thank them for their contribution to our future workforce.”
Frank Mitchell, Skills Development Scotland Chair, said:“Scottish Apprenticeships provide real returns for employers, individuals and the economy.
“People from all backgrounds are gaining meaningful career opportunities through apprenticeships, creating diverse workforces that benefits business and our society. At a time when employers are seeing skill shortages all over the country, apprenticeships have never been so important than they are now.”
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director of Barratt Homes East Scotland, said: “Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an important opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution apprentices make to our business and the wider construction industry.
“We were proud to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to our Tower Street at Merchant Quay development to meet some of our talented apprentices and hear about the vital work being done on site. Apprenticeships are fundamental to developing the next generation of skilled professionals and addressing the construction skills gap.
“At Barratt Homes, we are committed to investing in people, providing structured training and clear progression pathways so that individuals can build long and rewarding careers with us. “Developments like Tower Street at Merchant Quay demonstrate how investing in skills supports both local communities and Scotland’s housing ambitions.”
As one of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Barratt Redrow continues to play a central role in tackling Scotland’s housing challenges while supporting the local economy and helping to close the construction skills gap through investment in apprenticeships, graduate programmes and training initiatives.
For further information about Barratt Homes’ Tower Street at Merchant Quay development, visit:
Charities across Edinburgh entered the new year facing a complex operating environment, as Scottish Charity Register data reveals more organisations were removed from the register last year than were newly established.
According to the register, 101 charities were registered in Edinburgh during 2025, while 122 were removed from the register.
Removal from the register can include mergers or charities completing their purpose, but the figures highlight the ongoing pressures within the voluntary sector as organisations adapt to rising costs, regulatory demands and changing funding patterns.
This local picture mirrors UK trends. The Status of UK Fundraising 2025 report found that 54% of UK charities saw their fundraising income remain static or fall over the past year, with a substantial majority attributing this to wider economic conditions. While income is not universally declining, many organisations are having to work harder to maintain stability.
Ansvar Insurance, a specialist insurer for charities and not‑for‑profit organisations, says the challenge is less about short-term survival and more about long-term sustainability.
Photo of a group of friends studying together at home
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “Edinburgh has always had an incredibly active charity sector, but these figures show just how challenging the current environment has become.
“Rising operational costs, a more competitive fundraising landscape and increased demand with an average of 27% of Edinburgh residents relying on charitable services mean organisations need to think differently about sustainability.”
To help local organisations strengthen their resilience, Ansvar is encouraging charities to explore less obvious strategies that can make a meaningful difference:
Build practical partnerships: Formal partnerships with organisations serving similar beneficiaries can reduce overheads through shared back-office functions, joint fundraising and collaborative grant bids, while strengthening funding applications.
Focus on long-term supporter relationships: Nurturing existing supporters through regular updates and consistent storytelling can help convert into monthly giving, providing greater stability than one-off donations.
Review insurance and risk exposure: A risk assessment can highlight duplicated cover or gaps in protection. As services evolve, charities should ensure their insurance reflects current activities to avoid unnecessary costs or unexpected exposures.
Despite the pressures, the registration of new charities in Edinburgh during 2025 demonstrates the commitment of local communities to addressing social need.
Adam Tier added: “Financial sustainability isn’t just about raising more money. Often, it’s about taking a fresh look at existing processes and asking the right questions.
“The organisations that thrive are those that plan ahead, understand their risks and adapt early, positioning themselves to weather these challenges and continue serving their communities for years to come.”
‘Stricter conditions for migrants receiving asylum support will create a fairer, compliance-based system that’s better for the British taxpayer‘
Asylum seekers who break the law, illegally work or can support themselves financially will have their accommodation and financial support removed under new laws introduced yesterday.
The statutory legal duty to provide asylum seekers with support and accommodation will be revoked. Instead, it will be replaced with a conditional approach, so support is reserved only for those who genuinely need it and follow the law.
The measures, laid in Parliament yesterday (Thursday 5 March) and which will come into force in June, will remove support payments and accommodation for asylum seekers who illegally work, have the ability to support themselves, have the right to work or have broken the law. Those convicted of serious crimes face removal or deportation.
The move comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduces new legislation to restore order and control to our borders. She outlined her plans in a speech at the Institute For Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank outlining how these reforms are in line with her British values.
The measures deliver on last November’s asylum policy statement, which set out this government’s plan to fix our broken asylum system and maintain the public’s confidence so we can continue provide sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing danger.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Britain will always provide refuge to people fleeing war and persecution. But taxpayers cannot be expected to fund the lives of those who exploit the system or break our laws.Asylum support and accommodation will now become conditional – reserved only for those who play by our rules.“
Last year a total of £4 billion was spent on asylum support in the UK. As of December, there were 107,003 individuals in receipt of asylum support, with 30,657 in around 200 asylum hotels, costing the Home Office an average of £53,000 a year.
Among this group, around 21,000 migrants could be granted the right to work because they have been waiting for more than 12 months for their asylum claim.
Meanwhile, a record-breaking 9,000 illegal working arrests were made across the UK last year – some of which were asylum seekers.
Under the tougher policy, these people could be eligible to have their support removed, alongside those who break the law, refuse removal and can financially support themselves.
The UK Labour government has already reduced the number of migrants in asylum hotels by 19% in the past year (to the end of December 2025), and overall asylum support costs by 15% in the last financial year (to the end of March 2025).
Tougher rules like those set out could help reduce this even further and lead to greater savings for the taxpayer.
It will ensure the UK offers asylum support that is decent and humane, without attracting illegal migrants to the UK and placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.
Yesterday’s announcement comes after the Home Secretary visited Denmark last week to see how it has tackled immigration with extraordinary results, bringing asylum claims to a 40-year low.
Ms Mahmood has set out that her sweeping reforms to the UK immigration system will follow the Danish model to ramp up removals of those with no right to be here and make it less attractive for illegal migrants to come to Britain.
This work includes closing every asylum hotel in the UK and moving migrants to alternative accommodation, such as former military sites like Crowborough, which is already housing male migrants.
The government will also reform the interpretation of Article 8 of the ECHR to ramp up removals, threaten visa sanctions on countries who do not take back illegal migrants, create a one-stop-shop to fix the broken appeals system and open new safe and legal routes.
The Labour Government says: “Taken together, these are the most sweeping reforms to Britain’s immigration system in modern times.
“It sits alongside existing work which has seen illegal working enforcement activity in 2025 reach the highest level in British history in a calendar year. Removals have also scaled up to nearly 60,000 since July 2024 – a 31% increase compared to the 19-month period ending June 2024.”
Social Bite’s Rose Street coffee shop has officially reopened following a full renovation, bringing fresh energy to the space where a job request from a Big Issue seller sparked a national movement to tackle homelessness, back in 2012.
That moment laid the foundations for Social Bite, which has since grown into a leading social business – creating employment for people facing homelessness and significant barriers to work, becoming one of the UK’s largest providers of freshly prepared free food, and delivering supportive housing and employability programmes nationwide.
Last year alone, the organisation provided almost 159,000 free food and drink items across the UK, including around 58,000 served from the Rose Street shop. Its pioneering Social Bite Village has supported almost 100 people into stable accommodation since opening in 2018, while more than 120 people have been employed through their Jobs First programme.
The newly renovated shop reopens to the public today (Friday 6 March) and will continue its Pay It Forward programme to allow kind-hearted visitors to buy a drink or a meal for someone who needs it. Additionally, the daily free food service will return to the shop from Monday 9 March.
The transformed space has created a light, bright and welcoming environment for paying and non-paying guests. With inclusivity front of mind, the space has been carefully designed to create a better experience for all by reconfiguring the layout and launching a new high quality food and drink menu for everyone to enjoy.
A new community bookshelf, stocked with books generously donated by a corporate supporter, adds to the inclusive feel of the coffee shop, encouraging connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. The coffee shop aims to become a hub for foodies, commuters and locals with plans for a bookclub, running club and live music nights.
The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting from Sonny Murray, one of Social Bite’s first employees, alongside Social Bite Co-Founder Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Managing Director Mel Swan, and Mitchells & Butlers Retail Business Manager Maclain Wilson.
Sonny first came to the Rose Street shop back in 2013, accessing the free food service before asking staff for an opportunity to work – a chance that enabled him to secure accommodation and begin rebuilding his future.
He now works as a tour guide with Invisible Cities in Edinburgh, which trains and employs people with lived experience of homelessness to become professional guides, and his journey reflects the long-term impact of meaningful employment.
Speaking about the Rose Street shop, Sonny Murray said: “This shop means a lot to me because it’s where things started to change – it gave me a chance to help rebuild my life.
“It’s brilliant to see it refurbished and reopening, and I hope it encourages more people to come in, grab a coffee and support what Social Bite does.
“The more people who walk through these doors, the more opportunities there are for people like me to get back on our feet.”
Josh Littlejohn MBE, Social Bite Co-Founder, said: “It’s incredibly special to stand back in the place where this all began. Rose Street is where the idea for Social Bite as we know it first took shape, sparked by a simple question about a job.
“From that moment, we set out to prove that business can be a force for good.
“To see how far we’ve come, from one small coffee shop to supporting thousands of people across the UK with food, employment and housing support and services, is something we’re immensely proud of. Reopening this space feels like both a homecoming and a reminder of why we started.”
The renovation was made possible thanks to the generous support and time of project partners including Mitchells & Butlers, Matthew Algie, Surface ID, Donaldson Construction, WHP Quantity Surveying and YCE Catering Equipment, whose collaboration has helped create a space that truly reflects Social Bite’s mission.
Visitors to Social Bite Rose Street can expect a delicious new menu featuring breakfast and lunch options, freshly baked pastries, and expertly crafted barista drinks, including special rose flavoured additions to mark the relaunch such as the Rose Matcha, Rose Latte, and Rose Mocha.
Every purchase helps to fund Social Bite’s work supporting people who have experienced and been affected by homelessness, as well as its Pay It Forward system, which helps provide free food and drink to thousands of vulnerable people across the UK each year.
Social Bite invites the local community, businesses and visitors to come along and experience good food for a good cause, where great coffee, delicious food, and community support come together to help change lives.
Molly vsThe Machines is a new documentary premiering on Channel 4. It tells the story of a young girl who died by suicide after being influenced by negative social media algorithms, and her dad, who is now fighting for online safety.
This encourages an important national conversation on how we keep people safe online. Samaritans supports the pressure put on platforms to make their content safe for everyone.
Why making safe online spaces is so important
The dangers that exist online when it comes to suicide and self-harm related content raises the bigger questions of how AI, Big Tech, and social media are negatively infiltrating our lives.
If we want the internet to be a safer space, especially for individuals experiencing distress, things need to change.
But how can we do that?
Putting pressure on platforms for positive impact
Samaritans believe that dangerous self-harm and suicide content, such as graphic images, should be taken down by platforms as they can cause serious harm.
Platforms have a duty to keep their users safe and should never actively push dangerous content onto their algorithms.
That’s why it’s vital that platforms recognise and respond to the vital role they play in suicide prevention.
If users are intentionally looking for this kind of content, the platforms must minimise the availability of harmful content and maximise opportunities for improved help-seeking.
They should highlight helpful resources, share stories of recovery, and signpost to services like Samaritans. And they should also recognise that protections should be further endorsed for the safety of young people.
Keeping young people safe
It is the age of the internet. And young people are used to having phones and tablets and computers within arm’s reach, all the time. But how do we make sure that what they are consuming is safe and appropriate?
Molly vsThe Machines really highlights the importance of parents and caregivers being aware of the risks of social media.
And while some platforms do have restrictions like age limits for who can join and/or sign up, that doesn’t always mean that the content will automatically be age appropriate.
Parents and caregivers need to be informed of the risks so that they can have open and honest conversations with their children about what they’re consuming, how to stay safe, and what to look out for.
Charity Children First says must-watch documentary drama Molly vs the Machines is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers
Commenting in advance of the screening of Molly vs the Machines on Channel 4, last night, Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First, Scotland’s national charity said: “This must-watch documentary drama is a powerful and harrowing wake up call to parents and carers to demand that tech firms prioritise the protection of our children over lining their own pockets.
“Parents are already extremely worried about the children’s safety in the digital world, but what Molly vs the Machines exposes is the extremity and volume of harmful content that big tech are knowingly targeting to children and young people, which many adults won’t be aware of.
“The consequences for children, childhood and public health are horrifying, but change is possible. Technology firms could stop this tomorrow. Action is needed at every level to regulate, educate and create the cultural and policy shifts that are needed nationally and internationally so that every child can thrive on and off-line.”
Any parent or carer in Scotland worried about their child can contact Children First’s support line on 08000 28 22 33 or visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to start a webchat.
Come along for a wonderful community event filled with unique stalls, home baking, handmade gifts, and fun activities for everyone!
Enjoy tea, coffee or juice included with your entry, and children under 12 go free.
Stalls include:
• Ukrainian gifts and crafts
• Home baking
• Handmade laser bags
• Bottle stall
• Lucky dip
• Gnome for home stall
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AB
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
£2 entry (includes tea/coffee/juice)
Most importantly, this event is held to support Ukraine during this difficult time. Every visit, every purchase, and every show of support helps our community stand strong and united with Ukraine.
Please come, bring your friends and family, and help us make a difference
New figures reveal 7 million started a new job in 2025
With National Careers Week under way, jobseekers are reminded to use the HMRC app for essential information when applying for or starting a new job
More than 7 million people started new jobs in 2025, an increase of 300,000 from the previous year
Downloading the HMRC app means jobseekers have their National Insurance number, employment history and tax code at their fingertips helping them when they start their job
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed more than 7 million people started a new job in 2025. And as National Careers Week is under way, it is reminding those starting a new job in 2026 to download the HMRC app for their essential tax and employment details.
Whether it’s a young person on the hunt for their first job, or someone looking for a new challenge, a change of career, or a promotion – downloading the HMRC app provides users with instant access to all the employment and tax-related information they need.
Spring is the busiest time for new recruits – last year more than 1.8 million people started a new job between April and June 2025. Downloading the HMRC app can help avoid those first day nerves and is quick and easy to do via GOV.UK or from the App Store or Google Play.
At the touch of a button, it can display information often asked for by recruiters and employers when someone starts a new job, including:
National Insurance number
employment and income history
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) information, including P60
tax code
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said:“Applying for a job or starting a new job can be hard work in itself. But the HMRC app provides you with handy access to everything you need to make the admin side of things a little easier – especially important for young people who may not know what information an employer requires.
“Download the HMRC app to save yourself some time and stress and avoid those first day jitters.”
The HMRC app had more than 2.7 million new users in 2025. The most popular functions include:
nearly 270,000 people downloading their PAYE history showing their P60 which includes detail of previous employment, salary and tax paid to date
more than 507,000 people using the tax calculator to work out the tax they pay on their salary
more than 522,000 people downloading their National Insurance number to their digital phone wallet to be used whenever it is needed.
Stalls include:
Edinburgh Ukrainian Club, 14 Royal Terrace, EH7 5AB
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
£2 entry (includes tea/coffee/juice)
