Libraries are critical national assets that can help secure Scotland’s future, strengthen communities, and safeguard democracy in an era of artificial intelligence and social change, according to a leading international academic speaking at an event in Edinburgh this week.
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), welcomed internationally renowned scholar and author Professor R. David Lankes to deliver a thought‑provoking keynote lecture at the National Library of Scotland on Tuesday (3 March).
The event comes as Scotland’s library sector unites behind SLIC’s bold vision to secure the long-term future of the nation’s libraries, ensuring they continue to empower people, support wellbeing and drive social and economic opportunity in every community.
Bringing together library professionals, academics, students and members of the public, the one‑hour lecture explored themes from Professor Lankes’ latest book, ‘Triptych: Death, AI and Librarianship’ and examined how libraries are evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, social fragmentation and increasing political polarisation.
The Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin delivered a powerful message: libraries are essential civic infrastructure that can save lives, strengthen communities and protect democratic values.
Professor Lankes is widely recognised for his influential contributions to the field, with accolades including the American Library Association’s Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished reference librarianship, the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship, and the ABC‑CLIO/Greenwood Award for The Atlas of New Librarianship.
He identified how libraries in Scotland, the United States and around the world can play a vital role in addressing urgent societal challenges – from the rise in “deaths of despair”, to increasing social isolation, the spread of misinformation and growing anti‑intellectual sentiment – by fostering connection, participation and access to trusted knowledge.
Highlighting the essential contributions of libraries across all sectors, from public and academic institutions to those serving hospitals, governments and legal organisations, in ensuring communities can reach their full potential and fight a growing wave of anti-democratic trends in global politics, he said: “Libraries are one of society’s most powerful tools for building stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.
“At a time of profound technological and social disruption, their role has never been more important. The choices we make now about our libraries will shape the future of our communities and our democracy.
“His visit to Scotland reinforces growing recognition of the vital role libraries play not only in education and literacy, but also in economic recovery, digital inclusion, public health and social cohesion.”
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Professor Lankes’ message could not be timelier. Libraries are fundamental to Scotland’s future.
“They are places of opportunity, innovation and inclusion that help people learn, connect and thrive. Across Scotland, libraries are transforming lives every day, supporting digital participation, tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.”
Professor Lankes’ lecture forms part of ongoing work by SLIC and partners to champion the value of libraries and to ensure they remain at the heart of Scotland’s communities in the face of technological disruption and increasing social challenges.
Alison Nolan continued: “Our vision statement is clear, we must secure sustainable support and investment to ensure Scotland’s libraries continue to play this essential role for generations to come.
“This event highlights not only what is at stake but what is possible if we invest in our libraries and the people who power them.”
Sean McNamara, Director of CILIPS, added: “We were delighted to work with our partners at SLIC and the NLS to bring the inspirational Professor Lankes to Edinburgh. We strongly believe that libraries and their staff can play such a key role alongside others in meeting some of society’s biggest challenges.
“Professor Lankes’ talk gave us so much to consider regarding how libraries can support community cohesion and democracy and how they can help us adapt to AI, and it was an honour to host him.”
To learn more and support SLIC’s vision statement, visit:
Projects to benefit from £600,000 fund to support ex-Service personnel
A scheme to help wounded or sick veterans recover their confidence through golf is among 30 projects to receive backing from the Scottish Veterans Fund.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced successful applicants to the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund on a visit to the On Course Foundation at Drumoig Golf Hotel in Fife.
The fund, which the Scottish Government had committed to maintaining for the rest of the parliament was in fact boosted with a further £100,000 in the 26-27 budget, a 20% increase.
The On Course Foundation has been awarded £39,008 over three years to run golf activities across Scotland aimed at improving confidence, reintegration to civilian life and improving employment opportunities.
Other recipients of the 2026-27 funding round include:
Scottish Veterans Residences, which is awarded £40,000 for employability and mental health work with homeless ex-servicemen and women
Shared Parenting Scotland, which will receive £16,500 to work with veterans and their families who are going through family break-up
Erskine which receives £9631 to support veterans experiencing hearing loss.
Since being launched in 2008, the Scottish Veterans Fund has provided more than £3.8 million to nearly 220 individual projects supporting ex-service personnel and their families.
Mr Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the work being done to help veterans recovering from illness or injury by the On Course Foundation here in Fife.
“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families with services such as financial support, employability and by helping them cope with mental and physical health challenges.
“This year’s funding allocations will continue to provide targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community across Scotland, and prioritise projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting service personnel and their families – past or present, living or based in Scotland – and to ensuring they have access to all the help, support and public services they require.”
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “It was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications from organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“I warmly welcome the increase in funding to £600,000 this year, enabling support for a greater number of impactful projects. I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by my predecessors and me, including in the areas of justice and financial wellbeing, and those reaching the less heard from parts of the veteran community.”
The project will support veterans through a two year Outdoor Therapy programme designed to improve veterans’ health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities in access to support, strengthen families and support successful transition into civilian life.
Reading Force
Scotland‑Wide (Multi‑Region – Moray, Fife, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, and the Highlands)
Free story-sharing initiative
£9,914
£9,999
£10,088
The project will continue and expand their free story-sharing initiative for the Veteran community across Scotland, supporting Service leavers, their spouses, partners and children, and bereaved families with resources to help look after their own wellbeing and stay well within their communities.
Scottish Veterans Residencies
Edinburgh
FO(OT)HOLD
£40,000
£40,000
£40,000
This project will use occupational therapy to improve the mental health and employment prospects of homeless Veterans in supported housing.
Housing Options Scotland
Edinburgh
Military Matters Programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project will provide 1-1 housing information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community, supporting veterans and serving personnel with expert housing brokerage at the point of transition to navigate the complex processes involved in securing appropriate housing.
Lothians Veterans Centre
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Drop-in Centre
£31,781
£33,846
£35,930
Project will fund the drop-in centre in Dalkeith, offering a range of holistic, person-centred advice and support to veterans and families primarily in the Lothians.
Royal Marines Association
Angus (Arbroath)
Transition Support Officer North
£9,000
£9,000
£9,000
This project will fund a Transition Support Officer , based at 45 Commando in Arbroath.
Shared Parenting Scotland
Edinburgh
Separation and family breakdown support
£16,500
£16,500
£16,500
This project will expand activity underway to strengthen support for veterans and their family’s experiencing separation, family breakdown and loss of contact with children.
On Course Foundation
Scotland‑Wide
Confidence building golf activities
£7,872
£15,568
£15,568
To deliver a programme of confidence building golf activities throughout Scotland, supporting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans and Service personnel on recovery duty.
Thistle
Edinburgh
Meaningful Connections
£40,000
£42,000
£44,000
The project will refine and build on the successes of the Meaningful Connections programme, which has improved the health, wellbeing and social participation of over 120 veterans and their families across Scotland to date.
Sacro
Edinburgh
Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS)
£25,000
£25,000
N/A
This project is available for military veterans who are currently in or are at risk of becoming involved in Scotland’s Justice System. The service works closely with each veteran to build an intensive support plan, providing practical and emotional support throughout their journey.
Combat Stress
Highlands & Rural North
The Veterans and Family Recovery Network.
£32,000
£16,000
N/A
The service will provide veterans and their families’ access to a mental health education programme.
Forces Employment Charity
Scotland‑Wide
NOVA Scotland programme
£50,000
£50,000
£50,000
This project supports veterans in contact with the Scottish Justice System, with the overarching aim of reducing reoffending, facilitating reintegration into the community, and encouraging a successful transition into a sustainable, law abiding lifestyle.
Royal Caledonian Education Trust
Edinburgh
Support to Service leavers’ and veterans’ children.
£37,500
£37,500
£37,500
Funding to support children and young people to achieve a successful transition to civilian life when their parent leaves the forces.
Defence Gardens Scheme
Highlands & Rural North
Strong Roots
£24,000
£24,000
£24,000
This project is for all members of the Armed Forces across the Highlands and will deliver bespoke evidenced horticultural therapy and train practical growing skills to enable veterans and their families to become Veteran Volunteers.
Organisation
Location
Project Title
26/27
27/28
28/29
Project Overview
ACVC Hub
Greater Glasgow
Creative Well-Being Enterprise Programme
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
This project will deliver arts and crafts tutored sessions to veterans and their families, 3 days weekly over 3 years. Using arts and crafts as a non-clinical support tool to improve mental health, build routine, reduce isolation and support transition to civilian life.
Fresh Start Scotland
Edinburgh
Support for veterans working through addiction
£15,001
£15,450
£15,913
This project will be delivered through a partnership between Fresh Start, LEAP (Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme), and Recovery Through Activity, to provide a tailored pathway to support veterans who are in, or emerging from, addiction recovery.
Money Advice Scotland
Lanarkshire (East Kilbride)
Money Advice for Veterans
£15,000
£15,000
£15,000
A specialist training programme delivered to the sector on supporting veterans with financial advice and challenges.
Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB
Scottish Borders
Supporting rural veterans
£28,065
N/A
N/A
A project advisor to reach out and provide additional physical outreach to support for veterans within the rural community.
Royal British Veterans Enterprises
Greater Glasgow
Empowering Scotland’s Bravest
£31,297
£35,980.46
£37,409.91
A pilot which will restructure RBVE’s Accredited Training Centre, in partnership with West College Scotland (WCS) and provide a dedicated training programme for disabled, disadvantaged, vulnerable and underemployed veterans and military families in Scotland.
SMALL FUND
Organisation
Project Title
26/27
Project Overview
Archaeology Scotland
Lothians (Dalkeith)
Wellbeing Through Archaeology
£10,000
This project offers a unique, archaeology-based approach to improving health and wellbeing for female veterans, female serving personnel, and their families.
Clyde Coast Radio
Inverclyde (Port Glasgow)
Veterans Radio Show
£9,000
A volunteer group of Army veterans providing support to veterans through radio.
Cyrenians
Lothians (Wilkieston)
Sanctuary for veterans and families.
£10,000
To provide support for veterans and focus on under-represented groups such as the LGBTQI+ community and families through wellbeing activities at the Linburn Walled Garden.
Erskine
Renfrewshire (Bishopton)
EARS 2 Hear
£9,631
The project will provide a hearing support initiative for veterans.
Larkhall and District Volunteer Group
Lanarkshire
Veterans Group
£10,000
To provide veterans support through fortnightly meet-ups, offering a varied programme of activities and support based on the needs and interests of the group.
Macmerry and District Mens Shed
East Lothian
Twice weekly workshops
£7,500
A twice weekly workshop bringing veterans together, with the opportunity to learn new skills and access support.
Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership
Lothians (Dalkeith)
CAB services for veterans
£3,000
Project will increase access to local up-to-date information and confidential advice on a range of support services for veterans through Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau Virtual Expert Remote Advice portable touchscreen devices.
Nature 4 Health
Highlands (Forres)
EVAC North Sessions
£9,600
Weekly 90 minute activity sessions to be held at Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North, ranging from dissertation writing on subjects of interest to learning bushcraft.
Rothiemurchus Lodge
Highlands (Aviemore)
Refurbishments
£9,410
To refurbish the Lodge and provide respite accommodation for veterans and their families.
Stand Easy
Fife
Drama-based therapy
£10,000
Drama-based therapeutic workshops to support ex-Service personnel and their families affected by Post-Traumatic Stress.
What Makes the Difference
Ayrshire / West Coast
Support to veterans in custody
£10,000
A 12-week pilot to deliver structured coaching to veterans in custody, addressing the unique challenges of identity loss, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and neurodivergent traits that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The Big Match features two men’s teams (Residential United v Commercial City) made up of football enthusiasts (of varying levels of skill and fitness!) from Edinburgh’s property and legal spheres.
They will be joined by local celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, ex-Hearts and Premier league player Christophe Berra, and ex-Hibs player and former pupil of Broughton High, Darren Dods.
The Big Match aims to raise a game-changing amount of money for local charities and this year we’re delighted they’ve chosen Spartans Community Foundation as their beneficiaries, so we’re keen to spread the word!
This is the fourth year of The Big Match. It’s free to spectators and the atmosphere is always brilliant, with vocal crowds!
The game is always hard fought – the referee will have a tough job harnessing the levels of competitive spirit on the pitch tomorrow!
A historic Leith landmark – once an industrial mill, later a cinema and most recently a bingo hall – is set for a new lease of life as a 200-bed student accommodation development.
JLL has brought the Manderston Street site, located just off Leith Walk, to market offering developers and investors the opportunity to a create high-quality, sustainable student living community in one of Edinburgh’s most characterful districts.
The building, which has been renamed The Grainworks, already benefits from planning consent for the transformation of the existing building into contemporary purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). A feasibility study has also been undertaken to explore the possibility of delivering a co-living scheme, depending on developer appetite.
The design, by Oberlanders Architects, celebrates the building’s heritage by utilising much of the original structure while introducing modern, light-filled spaces around a landscaped central courtyard.
The main entrance to the accommodation will open onto a new public realm that links directly to Leith Walk with the former railway viaduct and arches bordering the site to the north along Manderston Street.
The proposed scheme features a mix of cluster and studio apartments, complemented by shared amenities including study lounges, social spaces, a gym and outdoor areas. It has been designed to achieve PassivHaus (EnerPhit) sustainability standards, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon, adaptive reuse within Scotland’s student housing market.
Once complete, the development will add to the ongoing regeneration of Leith, now one of Edinburgh’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for its independent cafés, restaurants and creative scene, all just a short tram ride from the city centre.
Ewan Scott, Development & Regeneration Associate at JLL, said:“This scheme really captures the spirit of modern Leith, preserving the area’s history while giving it fresh purpose.
“Transforming a building that’s been part of the community for generations into a vibrant new home feels like the perfect next chapter.
“With planning already in place and a design that celebrates sustainability and heritage, The Grainworks offers a standout development opportunity in one of Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhoods.”
Alba Continuation Group welcomes leader MacAskill’s ‘positive engagement’
Hopes for Scottish independence in the next Parliament through the election of Alba MSPS on the list heightens after constructive engagement with Kenny MacAskill following recent correspondence, marking meaningful progress toward a clear and democratic way forward.
In his latest communication, Mr MacAskill acknowledges that a full indemnity has now been offered, to remove all risk from the current Alba leadership.
He sets out a number of constitutional and financial questions requiring clarification. These questions are legitimate and reflect the seriousness of the responsibilities involved.
They provide not an obstacle, but a structured and democratic route to resolving outstanding matters in a transparent and credible way.
Earlier this week The ALBA Continuation Group set out a ‘confident and forward-looking’ proposal aimed at securing the Party’s future and maximising it’s impact in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election.
The group – made up of Angus Brendan MacNeil, Tommy Sheridan, Christina Hendry and Suzanne Blackley, all elected with substantial support from party members – has confirmed it’s willingness to offer an unconditonal indemnity to facilitate an orderly and dignified transition in the Party’s leadership.
Commenting today, Angus Brendan MacNeil said, “Central to this pathway is democratic legitimacy. Any transfer of responsible officer roles, as defined by the Electoral Commission, must command the confidence of members.
“That legitimacy can be secured straightforwardly through an online ballot of members, organised efficiently and transparently. Such a ballot would provide a clear democratic mandate from the elected membership, ensuring that any organisational changes rest on firm constitutional foundations.
“Addressing financial clarity is equally important. Establishing certainty around liabilities, ongoing costs and indemnity arrangements is essential to protecting members and ensuring long-term stability. These are practical issues that can and should be resolved through open engagement and good faith.
“This moment represents a crossroads. Small decisions taken now may have significant consequences over the next two years. By choosing a democratic, member-led route, there is an opportunity to strengthen credibility, rebuild confidence and position Alba to stand at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election, which is vital in Scotland’s independence journey.
“Independence is within our grasp. With unity, transparency and democratic endorsement from members, Alba can enter the next Parliament as a clear, forceful and principled advocate for Scotland’s constitutional future.
“We look forward to continued constructive dialogue and to progressing matters swiftly, so that energy and focus can return to the central objective: delivering independence for Scotland through democratic means.”
Two men and a woman have been arrested and charged after drugs with an estimated value of around £364,000 were recovered from a property in Gilmerton.
A warrant was executed in the Combe Cruik area on Tuesday, 3 March.
During the search PD Freddie (pictured), an eight-year-old Springer Spaniel specialist drugs search dog, indicated to officers that drugs were concealed in a room.
Officers recovered 3.64kg of diamorphine with an estimated street value of around £364,000 and a five figure sum of cash.
The men, both aged 32, and a woman aged 36, were arrested and charged in connection with drug offences. They were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 4 March).
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lumsden said: “This was a significant recovery which highlights our continued commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce, and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“Drugs cause misery in our community and the public has an important role to play in helping us to take action against those responsible for the manufacture and sale of illegal substances.
“Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact us on 101 or make a call to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Office evictions threaten the future of Leith businesses
The future of Leith’s vibrant Shore community is under threat as local office tenants at Waterside House face eviction to make way for short-term holiday lets.
The Shore Business Collective has launched the ‘Save The Shore’ campaign, backed by Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern & Leith, to block a planning application that threatens the survival of local institutions.
The proposal by Gregor Properties (Ref: 26/00362/FULSTL) seeks to convert the offices at 46 Shore (Waterside House) into guest serviced apartments.
The Shore Business Collective warns this move will replace a steady, year-round workforce with a transient population, devastating the trade for local staples including the likes of Shore Deli, Victor Hugo Deli, and SESH Hairdressing.
The threat extends beyond footfall. The proposed apartments sit directly above the Malt & Hops, one of Leith’s most historic pubs and live music venue. Residents in short-term lets often clash with established music venues, putting the pub’s license and viability at risk.
The Shore Business Collective also cites increased security concerns and waste management issues often associated with high-turnover holiday apartments.
The Malt & Hops is a primary fundraiser for the Leith Jazz & Blues Festival, there are also concerns that impact to the pub’s trade put the future of cultural events like this at risk.
January Watson, Secretary of the Shore Business Collective and Area Manager for The Malt Group, said: “The Shore thrives because of its balance of residents, workers, and visitors. By evicting the businesses that call 46 Shore home, we are losing the very people who sustain our economy from Monday to Friday.
“Tourists don’t use local dry cleaners or hairdressers. If we lose our daytime population and see our pubs silenced by noise complaints, the unique vibrancy of Leith will vanish.”
Ben Macpherson MSP for Edinburgh Northern & Leith added: “Proposals by Gregor Properties to convert the Waterside House offices into guest serviced apartments are concerning many people locally.
“The loss of office space would not only affect those based in the building but it could also impact local hospitality units, like the Malt & Hops pub.
“I encourage people in Leith and beyond to get behind the various efforts to protect the Shore area. Together, let’s make it clear that we really value our local businesses and want them to be supported.”
The Shore Business Collective is calling on all locals and supporters of Leith to object to the change of use by emailing local councillors and the planning department and referencing: 26/00362/FULSTL
During this session we’ll be looking back at what the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians, have chosen to wear over the decades; following fads & fashions from the past and how we dressed to impress.
We’ll look at where people shopped for their clothing, whether buying traditional tartan, a Victorian corset on Princes Street, teen garb in Leith or flared denim on 1970s Cockburn Street.
Drugs worth more than £180,000 have been recovered as part of multi-agency operation to tackle organised immigration crime across the country.
Officers engaged with more than 660 people travelling in and out Scotland using airports, roads and ferry terminals across three days of action, which began on Tuesday, 24 February.
Thirty vehicles were searched at ports in Stranraer, which resulted in 27kgs of cannabis being discovered at Loch Ryan. At Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, 78 flights were met.
Over the course of the activity, £7,000 worth of cash was seized and four people were arrested in connection with drugs, road traffic and immigration offences.
A key aim of Operation Lockstream was to safeguard vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and Police Scotland officers worked closely with partners from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Border Force, Home Office Immigration, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Scottish SPCA throughout.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Organised immigration crime is happening now in Scotland and tackling it is a priority.
“We know that criminals use our transport hubs for a range of illegal activities, and working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.
“Action like this is only possible through the continued support of our communities. Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“I can assure you that you will be listened to and the information you provide could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality.”
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, NPCC’s Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, said: “This week we have leveraged all of law enforcement powers at the UK’s borders to target people who come to the UK to commit any form of criminality.
“It has been a significant joint effort involving many officers, staff, and multiple agencies, across the rail network, roads, seaports and airports.
“This activity has generated strong results and crucial intelligence that will help us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice.”
