North Edinburgh News – Page 71 – The NEN

NHS waiting lists continue to fall

Health Secretary hails ‘undeniable progress’ in tacking long waits

New figures show waiting lists in Scotland continue to fall with waits of over a year decreasing for 8 consecutive months.

Data from Public Health Scotland shows, at 31 January 2026, new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks have more than halved since July 2025 – with the total waits decreasing by 52.6% in that period.

Long waits for inpatient and day case procedures have also fallen every month since July 2025, with 52 week waits decreasing by 29.8% in that 8 month period.

New quarterly diagnostics statistics also show that, at 31 December 2025, the number of waits for one of the eight key diagnostic tests had decreased by 15.1% when compared to 30 September 2025.

The figures also show diagnostic activity has risen – 245,377 diagnostic tests were completed from September 2025 to December 2025, a 10.2% (22,741) increase in activity when compared to the same quarter last year. This means thousands of patients receiving their MRIs, scans and scopes quicker to support faster diagnosis and referral onto the right patient pathway.

On a visit to the dermatology department at the Lauriston Building in NHS Lothian, where new outpatient waits over 52 weeks have fallen by more than 46%, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are making undeniable progress in clearing waits of over a year – we are demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement.

“We know there is still more to do but these latest figures show that our plan is working and our NHS is turning a corner.

“We continue to see downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators and diagnostic activity is up – this means thousands more people getting their MRIs, scans and scopes quicker.

“Our targeted funding for this year is delivering thousands more operations and procedures and appointments compared to last year, and we are determined to build on this momentum. This progress has been driven by our dedicated and hard-working NHS staff. I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“I was pleased to meet the dermatology team at the Lauriston Building to hear how they are driving progress in clearing waits at NHS Lothian.

“The total list size for new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks has reduced by 46.4% since July 2025, with dermatology waits reducing by 67.78% in that period. This is outstanding progress that we want to see replicated across the country.”

Choudhury calls for clarity on anti-racist resources in schools

Following enquiries from concerned local teachers seeking clarity on funding for anti-racist curriculum resources, Lothian MSP Foysol Choudhury raised the matter with the Scottish Government in Parliament last Thursday.

During Portfolio Questions, Mr Choudhury asked the Cabinet Secretary: “What specific funding allocations will be made to support participative curriculum resourcing in anti-racist materials, and how will schools be supported to access high-quality materials to ensure racist incidents are handled effectively to prevent far-right narratives from filling the gaps?”

In response, Cabinet Secretary Jenny Gilruth outlined funding already available to support anti-racism work in schools, noting that two additional funding streams are also in place. She confirmed she would write to Mr Choudhury with further details, and he said he looks forward to receiving that information.

As MSP for the Lothian region and a lifelong equality campaigner, Mr Choudhury has repeatedly raised issues around racism in schools, including funding for anti-racism education, improving reporting of racist incidents, and ensuring inclusive curriculum reform.

He has also been a leading voice on equality throughout his career, including serving as Chair of the Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council and supporting minority ethnic communities and anti-racism initiatives across Scotland.

In previous parliamentary questions, he sought clarity on government funding for anti-racism education initiatives, including programmes delivered through organisations such as Education Scotland and Intercultural Youth Scotland as part of the wider Anti-Racism in Education Programme.

Mr Choudhury said: “Our schools must be places where every child feels safe, respected, and represented. Teachers who contacted me were keen to ensure they have the right resources to support their pupils, and well-supported anti-racism programmes are an important part of that work.”

He added that he will continue working constructively with teachers, parents, young people and anti-racism organisations to understand what support schools need and to follow up with ministers as further information becomes available.

Costs of Cairngorm Funicular may outweigh benefits, warns Committee

Concerns have been raised about whether the cost to monitor and repair the Cairngorm Funicular could outweigh the benefits to the local and national economy. This stark warning comes from a new report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit Committee.

The report follows the Committee’s look at the funding and operation of the troubled funicular.

Opened in 2001 at a cost of £19.5 million, the funicular was closed for four years from September 2018 due to issues with the track. It briefly opened again in 2023 before closing once more for further repairs. It finally reopened in February 2025.

During this time, ownership of the funicular has moved into public hands with Cairngorm Mountain Ltd, a company owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Now, with costs of over £16 million to reinstate the funicular and a reliance on public finance, the Committee has raised concerns about whether the costs of regular monitoring and maintenance may become disproportionate to its benefit.

The Committee has also called on the Scottish Government to be more transparent about its plans for the funicular and to ensure that the project remains value for money.

During the Committee’s consideration, there was also frustration about the level of information available to the Committee to take a judgment on HIE’s decision-making on the future of the funicular.

The report now calls on HIE to make significant improvement in this area as well as ensuring that the governance arrangements in place for the funicular are be simplified and made more transparent.

Speaking as the report launched, Committee Convener Richard Leonard MSP said: “It is safe to say that the Cairngorm Funicular has had a somewhat troubled history, with repeated and lengthy closures and requiring significant public investment.

“This Committee has heard from those in charge of the funicular, the public bodies supporting it, those living and working in the area and nature conservation activists. We have heard both optimism and scepticism about what comes next. And it presents a picture of concern for us that the future benefits are not as clear as they ought to be.

“There also needs to be a much more transparent governance structure in place for the running of the funicular. A simplified structure would allow for better public scrutiny of public money and decisions on the future plans for the Cairngorm Mountain resort.”

Scottish brewery wins Champion Winter Beer of Britain silver

Black Gold (4.4%), a session stout by Cairngorm in Aviemore, has won silver in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain award, announced at Liverpool Beer Festival. Proving its credentials as a truly great winter beer after also being crowned the winner in 2025.

After a year of local and regional blind judging heats, the Campaign’s top three beers have been crowned. Black Gold will now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where it’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.

Judges were blown away, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Black Gold (4.4%) as: “A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.

The judging and announcement took place at Liverpool Beer Festival, in the Lutyens Crypt at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, just ten minutes’ walk from Liverpool Lime Street station. Competition beers are available at the festival while stocks last.

CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.

“Everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”

Overall winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street, 4.0%

Bronze went to Green Jack‘s, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%

Scottish Government’s Parent Club supports parents in Edinburgh to get into work and manage household costs

Campaign highlights free, confidential support for families facing money worries

A Scottish Government Parent Club campaign is supporting parents and carers in Edinburgh to access free, trusted advice on employment, managing household costs, and applying for benefits.

The campaign recognises that money worries can feel overwhelming, particularly for parents balancing work and caring responsibilities. It aims to remove stigma by encouraging families to take the first step to seek support through Parent Club and connect with local services offering tailored, confidential advice.

Emma Jackson from Citizens Advice Scotland, which is supporting the campaign said: “We know that many families in Edinburgh are under real financial pressure at the moment and we also know that asking for help isn’t always easy. With this campaign we want to take the stress and worry out of finding help, and guide parents every step of the way.

“Because help is available — the local Citizens Advice Bureau and other partner organisations are ready to give you the free, confidential support and advice you need for your family, whether that’s online, over the phone or in person.

“We can help you to review your spending, manage any debt, or make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to — without putting your current support at risk. You can also get advice on finding work that fits around your family or boosts your income.

“If you’re feeling worried or unsure where to start, Parent Club is a good first step to find information and support that’s right for you and your family.”

For parents looking to find work or increase earnings, Parent Club makes it easy to find support, from job searching and interview tips to finding affordable childcare that fits around your family, training opportunities and improving your CV.

The campaign forms part of a wider package of measures announced recently by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to tackle economic inactivity and support parents into work.

Funding of £90 million in the draft Scottish Budget for 2026-27 is expected to help up to 7,500 people furthest from the labour market into work, with thousands more benefiting from qualifications and training. This includes a £40 million package focused on supporting parents most at risk of poverty into jobs and training opportunities.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes commented: “Our employability services are helping people into work who may otherwise face barriers to employment due to factors such as illness, disability or simply taking time out to have a family.

“the involvement of major employers and a wide range of partners delivering support across Scotland, we are building people’s confidence and providing access to new skills.

“Tackling economic inactivity is a win-win situation – it boosts the economy and tackles child poverty by providing families with a secure income – and our £90 million Budget commitment will enable more people to access employment support.”

Parent Club is the Scottish Government’s online support hub for parents and carers, offering trusted advice and helping families connect with local services. You can get more information about support with money and employment at: parentclub.scot/money-work

Ex-smokers back new national quitting campaign

NHSGGC and Public Health Scotland encourage smokers to ‘Quit Your Way’

A trio of people who quit smoking after a combined 120 years have backed a new national campaign aimed at helping smokers across Scotland quit.

Alan Duthie from Easterhouse, Karen Turnbull from Clydebank and Patricia Weir from Port Glasgow are complete strangers to each other, but they all have one thing in common – they all smoked from their early teens through to middle age, developing an addiction that impacted their health and drained their finances.

However, with free support from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, they now have one more thing in common – they’re all smoke-free thanks to Quit Your Way and they’re urging anyone who smokes to do the same.

Quit Your Way is the free national stop smoking service which offers information, advice and support, including nicotine replacement products and medication, to people who want to stop smoking.

In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, people can get face to face help to quit in groups or one-to-one settings, telephone support, access to a free app or help through their local pharmacy – all at no-cost. There’s also specialist help in maternity, mental health and prison services.

With around 600,000 people in Scotland still addicted to tobacco products, a fresh campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the range of free and confidential support available to help people stop smoking and stay stopped.

And Alan, Karen and Patricia – who all quit individually through NHSGGC support – are collectively encouraging anyone who wants to stop smoking to get in touch with Quit Your Way and take their first step towards going smoke-free.

Alan, 51, who’s six years smoke-free and got support at Easterhouse Health Centre, said: “I now see myself as a non-smoker, and other members of my family have joined me in quitting.

“I’d say to anyone who’s thinking of giving up – seize the opportunity and reach out for support. There’s always help and encouragement and the Quit Your Way team will gladly give you the assistance and encouragement you need.”

Karen, 55, who quit last April through Clydebank Health Centre, said: “Stopping smoking was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do but if I can do it, you can too.

“I called up the help line and got one-to-one support within a week. It made a huge difference and smoking just isn’t a part of my life anymore.”

Patricia, 62, who had her last cigarette in August 2025 and quit using the medication Varenicline, said: “I had tried before but the support from Quit Your Way made a difference this time.

“I’d been really ill and decided it was time to quit and now I feel much better and have more money in my pocket.”

Lisa Buck, NHSGGC Quit Your Way programme manager, said: “Stopping smoking brings health and wellbeing benefits within days and it can also save people thousands of pounds each year.

“Quit Your Way advisers can help people choose the free support that suits them best and with our help you’re more likely to stop smoking and stop for good.”

To find out more or to speak to a Quit Your Way advisor visit www.QuitYourWay.scot, drop in to your local pharmacy or call 0800 84 84 84.

Edinburgh Conservatives propose lowest Council Tax increase in Scotland at 2.5%

Edinburgh’s Conservative Group has put forward a Council budget proposing a 2.5% increase in Council Tax — the lowest of any political party on the City of Edinburgh Council and likely to be among the lowest increases anywhere in Scotland this year.

With UK inflation currently running at 3%, the Conservative proposal represents a real-terms reduction in Council Tax — effectively putting money back into the pockets of Edinburgh’s 250,000-plus households at a time when families are already feeling the squeeze from tax rises under Labour in Westminster and the SNP at Holyrood.

While Labour, the SNP and the Liberal Democrats on the Council all back a 5% increase — significantly above the rate of inflation — and the Greens go even further with a 6% rise, the Conservatives have set out a credible alternative that lives within its means without sacrificing the services residents rely on.

The Conservative budget protects key frontline services and includes increased investment in areas residents care most about, including a dedicated fund for graffiti removal at heritage sites including the Union Canal, increased spending on road and pavement repairs, and a new Pest and Vermin Taskforce.

Councillor Iain Whyte, Conservative Group Leader, said: “Edinburgh families are already under enormous financial pressure. The last thing they need is their Council adding to that burden with above-inflation tax rises. Our budget shows you can protect services, invest in the things that matter, and still give residents a real-terms break on their bills.

“Every other party on this Council wants to charge residents more than inflation. We think that’s wrong. With over a quarter of a million households in Edinburgh, a below-inflation increase makes a real difference to real people.

“The SNP’s own First Minister said above-inflation Council Tax rises would not be reasonable. It’s a shame his colleagues on Edinburgh Council didn’t get that memo.”

The Conservative budget also rejects proposed increases to Council Tax premiums on second and empty homes, arguing that Council Tax should remain in part a charge for services used rather than solely a property tax.

The Conservative Group’s 2.5% proposal compares with most Scottish councils expected to implement increases of up to 10% or above for 2026/27.

There are approximately 250,000 households in the City of Edinburgh Council area.

Full details of the Conservative Group budget, along with the budget motions submitted by all other political groups on the Council, are available on the City of Edinburgh Council website at www.edinburgh.gov.uk.

I SWEAR (over)reaction: Tourettes Action statement

We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear following last night’s BAFTA Awards. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.

However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.

People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourette’s – lives with every single day.

The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through.

This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition.

People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis.

The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by suicide.

We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.

COSLA speaks out against online abuse as councils set budgets

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has released the following statement:

“COSLA is concerned to see increasing levels of toxic online behaviour and abuse directed towards Scotland’s elected members, particularly in the wake of Councils setting their budgets and council tax levels for the year.

“Councillors across Scotland are dedicated public servants carrying out their democratic duties on behalf of their communities. They deserve to do so free from intimidation, harassment, or personal attack.

“Budget decisions are taken locally, transparently, and with great care by councillors who have their communities’ best interests at heart and who work tirelessly to protect essential local services under financial constraint.

“Public debate and scrutiny are vital components of our democracy but abuse, intimidation, and targeted harassment have no place in that discussion.

“COSLA urges all individuals and organisations to engage respectfully, and to recognise that councillors are making incredibly difficult decisions as they work to safeguard essential local services within a national funding landscape that remains extremely challenging.

“In a world that feels increasingly fractured, building trust in our democracy is rooted in how we treat each other and to that end we welcome robust and open debate and discussion while remaining respectful.”

Edinburgh’s Budget Meeting will take place on Thursday (26 February).

Granton Goes Greener: Beach Litter Pick this Saturday

With a bit of sunshine and warmer weather we are ready for our first BEACH LITTER PICKING event at Wardie Bay this Saturday between 11:30 -1pm!

This is a family friendly event supported by R2 project.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk