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Utilita expands its popular Summer Sustainability Clubs beyond the school holidays

Inspiring local youngsters to become the next generation of eco-champions

Utilita is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Summer Sustainability Club, a free programme of fun, hands-on activities for children and families, taking place across all 12 of its high street Energy Hubs.

Designed to inspire the next generation of eco-champions, the Summer Sustainability Club blends creativity, education and play to help children understand sustainability in an engaging and accessible way.

The initiative builds on Utilita’s award-winning High 5 campaign, which encourages households to adopt simple, everyday behaviours to save energy, reduce waste and lower bills.

Children and families visiting the Leith Utilita Energy Hub at 41 Newkirkgate, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA will be able to take part in a series of free sustainability-themed activities throughout the summer. 

Next up, youngsters will be able to take part in the following interactive sessions:  

  • Friday, 28 August 12-3pm: Energy and Saving Power at Home

Through interactive games, activities and discussions, children and families will discover what’s wasting electricity in the home and learn practical ways to reduce energy consumption and save money.  

  • Friday, 4 September 12pm-3pm: Food Waste

This engaging session will explore ways to waste less food through interactive discussions and activities. Participants will also take part in a fun “grow your own pumpkin” task, encouraging sustainable food habits from an early age.

Natasha Baillie, Hub Supervisor in Leith, said: ” The school holidays will no doubt have been an expensive time for many families. Keeping children entertained, managing household costs and, during the warmer months, trying to keep homes comfortable can all put added pressure on family budgets.

“That’s why we’re proud to offer free activities that give children the chance to learn, create and have fun, while parents and carers can access practical support and advice on saving energy and reducing household bills.

“Our Summer Sustainability Clubs have proven to be very popular, helping to bring the community together and showing that small changes at home can make a real difference to both the environment and household finances.”

A key part of the programme is the support and expertise provided by Utilita’s Energy Hub Eco Experts, who are on hand to guide families through each activity, offer practical advice and share simple ways to reduce energy use at home. These specialists play a vital role in helping communities build sustainable habits, ensuring that lessons learned during the workshops can be carried into everyday life.

The Summer Sustainability Club reinforces Utilita’s commitment to community engagement, education and environmental responsibility. By combining hands-on learning with real-world advice, the initiative aims to empower families to make small, meaningful changes that contribute to a more sustainable future.

All activities are free to attend and open to children of all ages. 

For more information about Utilita’s energy-saving advice or the High 5 campaign, visit your local Energy Hub or go to www.utilita.co.uk.

PYCP: New term programme

PY is back! We’ve had a nice break but are ready to see everyone again!

Have a look at our new term programme, you might notice some changes 👀

We have a few new groups starting up, they won’t begin just yet (we’ll let you know when they do) but in the meantime our usual clubs will be back on.

Make sure you’re attending the right group for your age, and as always all children/young people need to complete a new consent form to join us.

https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/301f3ae8/f55ef57de02572ae

£150,000 boost for school libraries opens new chapters for young readers

FUNDING FOR CORSTORPHINE PRIMARY SCHOOL PROJECT

16 school libraries across Scotland are set to receive a funding boost through the 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) to help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund supports creative initiatives that align with the objectives of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools – Scotland’s national strategy for school library development.

This year’s SLIF prioritised applications which focused on:

  • promoting reading for pleasure
  • fostering whole-school reading cultures
  • improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
  • strengthening digital and information literacy, and
  • supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading

Funding has been awarded to 16 innovative projects spanning 13 local authorities with the successful initiatives aiming to break down barriers to learning, foster a love of reading among children and young people, promote independent thinking and support family learning opportunities.

Many of this year’s successful projects put inclusion front and centre, such as East Ayrshire’s Reading Journeys for All which will strengthen the support that those with Additional Support Needs and who have English as an additional language have access to in their school library with aids, equipment and accessible literature.

Meanwhile, St Winning’s Primary School in North Ayrshire will develop a whole-school reading culture, promoting reading for pleasure and raising engagement with books and storytelling with a particular focus on those from communities where socioeconomic barriers can significantly impact access to reading opportunities.

Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “School libraries are so much more than a collection of books – they are spaces where young people discover a lifelong love of reading, build confidence and unlock new possibilities.

“I am pleased that this year’s Scottish Government-funded School Library Improvement Fund is supporting 16 innovative projects across Scotland, breaking down barriers and ensuring every child, regardless of background or needs, can access the transformative power of reading.

“I thank SLIC, schools and local authorities for their creativity and commitment. Building on over £2 million invested since the scheme began, I look forward to seeing the lasting difference these projects make to pupils, families and communities.”

Below are the successful 2026/27 SLIF projects:

  • Aberdeen: Greyhope School + Community Campus – A New Chapter for Greyhope School
  • Aberdeen: Orchard Brae School – Stories for All
  • Dundee: across four secondary schools and associated primary schools – Read for Discovery – Supporting Transition Through Non-Fiction Texts
  • East Ayrshire: Darvel Primary School – Reading for All at Darvel
  • East Ayrshire: six secondary schools – Reading Journeys for All
  • East Renfrewshire: Barrhead High School – Barrhead High School Book Festival – Raising the Barr through Reading
  • EDINBURGH: Corstorphine Primary School – Creating a Playground Library to Encourage Reading for Pleasure, Improve Equity and Support Children’s Health and Wellbeing
  • Highland: Lairg Primary School and Rosehall Primary School – Reading Schools at Lairg and Rosehall Primary
  • Highland: Crown Primary School and Drakies Primary – Crown Changemakers: Beyond Barriers: Reading Reimagined: Powering Pupils to drive a Reading Revolution through Barrier Breaking Book Boxes, Inclusive ICT and Audiobook Access
  • Inverclyde: Across secondary school libraries in Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire – ACTIVATE – Young Voices in Action
  • North Ayrshire: St. Winning’s Primary School – Reading Beyond Walls – Creating a Whole-School Culture of Reading for Pleasure
  • Renfrewshire: Gryffe High School – Improving Girls’ Wellbeing Through Reading
  • South Ayrshire: eight secondary schools – READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS – A Project to Educate and Empower Young People to Know Their Rights and Engage with Social Justice Issues Within Their Communities and Beyond
  • Stirling: Dunblane Primary School – A Library for Everyone:  Shaping an Inclusive Literacy and Community Space at Dunblane Primary School
  • West Dunbartonshire: St Peter the Apostle High School and cluster primaries – Reading Roots –  Growing Family Reading Cultures
  • West Lothian: The James Young High School, Inveralmond Community High School, Armadale Academy, Whitburn Academy, Bathgate Academy – FACT (Factual And Creative Thinkers)

Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said: “School libraries play an important role in pupils’ lives, providing a space where they can thrive, broaden their horizons and fulfil their potential.

“The School Library Improvement Fund helps bring this vision to life by encouraging fresh ideas and forward-thinking approaches to what a library can do for young people.

“We were delighted by the remarkably high standard of the applications submitted which reflects the passion, creativity and ambition of school library staff across the country. We look forward to seeing these 16 projects take shape, helping libraries continue to evolve, inspire pupils and make a lasting difference to schools, families and local communities.”

The 2026-27 SLIF brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to over £2 million since the scheme’s inception. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary and secondary schools, the fund allows schools to apply individually or collaboratively, ensuring wide and equal access to this transformative support.

For more information about SLIF and to learn about some of the previous projects, visit: https://scottishlibraries.org/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Brass Among the Blooms

Qatari Police Band visits Edinburgh’s restored Palm Houses

The Qatari Police Band, currently performing at this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, stepped into one of the capital’s most remarkable landmarks as they visited the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s newly restored Palm Houses, offering a rare glimpse inside the spectacular space before it officially reopens to the public on the 2nd of October.

The band’s captivating presence created a striking visual within the towering heritage structure, described as the world’s tallest traditional stone-built Palm House, as two distinct worlds came together beneath its newly renovated glass roof.

The Qatari Police Band are among more than 800 performers taking part in this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing together musicians and performers from across the world for A Call To Gather.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs until 29 August on Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade.

Cala Homes (East) helps volunteer group grow greener communities and tackle loneliness

  • Community Pledge funding supports local volunteers, improving green spaces, supporting wildlife and bringing people together  

A volunteer group helping to tackle loneliness while transforming community spaces across Midlothian has received funding from leading housebuilder Cala Homes (East) to continue its work.

Newton Hutters, the local Men’s Shed based at Newton Church Centre, has been awarded more than £660 through Cala Homes (East)’s Community Pledge initiative, linked to its nearby Craighall Village development in Millerhill.

Established in 2021, in response to the social isolation experienced by many individuals following the pandemic, the group provides a welcoming space where people can make friends, learn new skills and support one another while undertaking practical projects that improve the local community.

Today, the group’s 16 members meet regularly to share skills and deliver projects that make a lasting difference locally, including growing fresh produce for Danderhall Community Pantry, creating accessible planters for residents at Angres Court, and building outdoor play and learning spaces for more than 20 children attending Danderhall Primary School’s after-school club.

The recent boost in funding from Cala has enabled the group to purchase essential gardening equipment and materials, including lightweight telescopic tools, soaker hoses and 100 native hedgerow plants, helping members continue projects that benefit both local people and wildlife.

***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Newton Hutters is making a remarkable difference across the local community.

“Not only are members helping create greener, more welcoming spaces, but they’re also supporting local families, encouraging biodiversity and providing an invaluable place where people can come together, build friendships and combat loneliness.

“Through our Community Pledge, we’re proud to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities, and we’re delighted this funding will help the group continue its fantastic work.”

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Erika Pryde, Chair of the group, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said: “Receiving this funding means we can continue projects that make a real difference to local people while also protecting and enhancing our environment.

“The lightweight tools make gardening much more accessible for many of our members, while the soaker hose has already helped us keep our vegetables thriving through the recent dry weather, allowing us to continue supplying fresh produce to the community pantry.

“Meanwhile the native hedgerow will provide food, shelter and wildlife corridors for years to come, creating lasting benefits for birds, pollinators and other local wildlife.

“Just as importantly, Newton Hutters is a place where people can come together, make friends and feel part of something. Many of our members have told us it has helped them overcome loneliness and given them a renewed sense of purpose. We hope this funding will allow us to continue making a positive difference, both for our members and for the wider community.”

Cala’s Community Pledge goes beyond planning expectations, supporting local community groups and organisations throughout the lifecycle of local developments, and in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs are addressed.

To learn more about Cala’s Craighall Village development in Millerhill or its Community Pledge, visit: Craighall Village | Cala Homes.

VIEVE brand coming to The Centre Livingston next month

CENTRE MARKS ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

Nine years after thousands of beauty fans flocked to The Centre, Livingston to see Scottish beauty star Jamie Genevieve at a live make-up masterclass, her beauty brand VIEVE is now coming to the shopping centre, which is a full-circle moment in her incredible journey from a make-up artist to an international beauty entrepreneur. 

Back in 2017, Jamie was already a major name in the beauty world, sharing make-up tutorials in her own relatable, down-to-earth style with around 800,000 Instagram followers, and close to half a million YouTube subscribers.

Since then, she has built an impressive loyal fanbase around the world, with over two million Instagram and YouTube followers and partnered with various global brands, including L’Oréal Paris. 

She has also collaborated with MAC on a special-edition lipstick, which led to her launching her very own product range in 2020, attracting high-profile fans including Claudia Winkleman, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman and opened her own store in Glasgow in 2024.

Her collection is also available in retailers like Space NK and Sephora.

Although Jamie, who has just welcomed the arrival of her second child, won’t be appearing at The Centre, Livingston this time, her team of Pro Makeup Artists will be on hand to give people expert advice to help find their perfect shade and try out their award-winning products. Shoppers who spend £99 will also be invited to take part in a ‘Spin the Wheel’ competition to win lots of beauty treats.

The VIEVE ‘Tour de Face’, which is part of a Scotland-wide tour, will only be in the shopping centre from 10th – 13th September, located in front of New Look.

It also forms part of a 50th anniversary Fashion & Beauty event taking place in the shopping centre on the 12thand 13th, to help raise funds for its Charity Partner CHAS, (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), which provides specialist palliative care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to get a free mini colour analysis and Autumn/Winter style tips from resident stylist Leigh Maybury, located in front of M&S, with donations optional for CHAS, and check out some iconic styles dating back the last five decades. 

There will also be model scouting and live music with tunes from the past 50 years, and some lucky shoppers will be in with a chance of winning prizes in the ‘Guess the Fashion Year’ quiz.

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The arrival of the VIEVE beauty brand at The Centre, Livingston feels like a very special full-circle moment, going back to when we welcomed Jamie into the shopping centre nine years ago. 

“Her live make-up masterclass will go down as one of our most incredible and well-attended events of all time, with people travelling as far as Newcastle and Aberdeen to meet her.

“It feels even more extra special for us as we mark our 50th anniversary to have her team join in our 50thanniversary celebrations at our Fashion and Beauty Event.

“Shoppers can not only get beauty tips but also an insight into Autumn/Winter fashion trends with our fantastic resident stylist, Leigh Maybury, and a colour analysis. They can also check out some outfits which were trending over the past 50 years and enjoy live music too with tunes covering each decade.”

The Centre, Livingston, which is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, has over 150 stores and restaurants, spanning one million sq. ft. and welcoming over 15.8 million visitors a year.

These include M&S, Flannels, H&M, MINISO, Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, the country’s largest JD Sports store, Nando’s, Wagamama, Wingstop and the first ArrowHeadz store in Scotland.

SNP Government must do more to protect shop workers, says Usdaw

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOTLAND’S PROTECTION OF WORKERS LAW

Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect shop workers in light of an epidemic of retail crime. The call comes on the fifth anniversary of the Scottish protection of workers’ law, which the union says makes a big difference if backed up by investment in policing.

The Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021, promoted by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern), came into force on 24 August 2021.

It provides a specific offence for assaulting, threatening or abusing any retail worker and a harsher sentence if they were enforcing a statutory age restriction, resulting in a fine with penalties escalating to a prison sentence.

The legislation was a direct result of Usdaw’s ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign, working with Scottish politicians, retail employers and other organisations.

Police recorded retail crime figures in Scotland, released in June, show that:

  • Shoplifting increased from 20,557 incidents during the pandemic to 53,269 last year (2025/6), which is a 159% increase and includes a 19% rise on the previous year (2024/5).
  • The ‘clear-up’ rate for shoplifting has fallen from 74.6% in 2014/5 to 50.6% in 2025/6, an overall decrease of nearly one-third, although there was a slight improvement last year of 1.6%.
  • Since the Protection of Workers Act came into effect, the number of times the legislation has been used has increased every year. There have been 11,023 police recorded incidents of common assault of a retail worker over 5 years.

Voice from the frontline: Scottish supermarket worker Rhianna talks about how the Act has made a difference when used: “A customer was refused alcohol because they were drunk and they smacked another customer over the head with a bottle of vodka <which also injured the shop worker>.

“The staff called the police and they got there within five minutes…beforehand, it would have been ignored. So, to see that type of improvement is huge and it’s thanks to the protection of workers’ law.”

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “Scotland’s protection of retail workers’ law has made a difference, as Rhianna explains, and has been used to punish over 11,000 offenders, but much more needs to be done in Scotland’s epidemic of retail crime.

“We are continuing to work with retailers and Police Scotland to help ensure that the legislation is fully utilised. However, we have been concerned by a lack of urgency to tackle retail crime from the Scottish Government, who have overseen a record-breaking more than doubling in shoplifting, with a 19% increase last year.

“In contrast, Labour’s actions have seen retail crime reduce over the last two quarters in England and Wales. Northern Ireland rates of theft from shops have also been trending downwards.

“Scottish retail workers suffer far too many incidents of violence, abuse and threats – over two-thirds of which are triggered by theft from shops and armed robbery.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work, but far too many retail workers do. Usdaw’s own survey shows that over three-quarters of our Scottish members working in retail are being abused, threatened and assaulted for simply doing their job and serving the community.

“They provide an essential service and deserve our respect and the protection of the law, along with the full backing of the Government.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Scottish shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. The groundbreaking protection of workers’ legislation that came into force in Scotland was an important step forward and has inspired similar legislation in Westminster for England and Wales, and Stormont for Northern Ireland.

“However, passing the legislation is not enough on its own and it must be backed up with investment in policing and a priority being given to retail crime, which is spiralling out of control. Violence and abuse is not an acceptable part of the job and too many shop workers suffer all too often.

“We still need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need.”

Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern) says: “Having worked in retail before entering Parliament, I know first-hand the growing impact of retail crime faced by shop workers in our communities.

“I’m proud of the impact made by the legislation I introduced 5 years ago to make it a specific offence to threaten, abuse or assault retail staff, with over 10,000 offences recorded since it came into force.

“The law has strengthened protections, improved reporting and sent a clear message that abuse of shop workers is unacceptable. Now we need urgent action from the Scottish Government to go further in tackling the epidemic of retail crime through stronger policing and closer partnership with retailers.”

Walker’s Shortbread’s “Magic Taxi” brings touch of Speyside magic to Edinburgh Fringe

Fringe magician Elliot Bibby took to the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday in a bespoke Walker’s Shortbread ‘Magic Taxi’ to surprise festival-goers with free rides, close-up magic, and buttery shortbread.

Serving as an on-the-move venue with a difference, the tartan-clad cab – which features brand ambassador Sir Andy Murray – transported busy Fringe-goers across the city between venues while keeping them entertained and fuelled with shortbread.

Amazon employees donate back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland

Employees at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline have packed and donated 700 back-to-school kits to Multibank Scotland, helping families prepare for the new school year.

The kits were packed by 60 Amazon employees during a dedicated volunteering event at the Dunfermline fulfilment centre. Containing essential school supplies for both primary and secondary school pupils, the kits will be distributed by Multibank Scotland to families across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh ahead of the new academic year.

Multibank Scotland provides essential items to people experiencing financial hardship by working with charities, schools and community organisations across Fife, Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh. The partnership helps ensure families can access everyday essentials when they need them most.

Natasha Blyth, an employee at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline who took part in the kitting event, said: “We’re pleased to support Multibank Scotland with this donation ahead of the new school year.

“Preparing children for a new term can be a significant expense for many families and we hope these back-to-school kits will provide practical support where it’s needed most.”

Grant Barnes, from Multibank Scotland said: “Thank you to Amazon and its employees for this donation of back-to-school kits.

“The cost of school supplies can be a real challenge for many families, and these kits will help ensure hundreds of children have the essentials they need to start the new school year ready to learn.”

Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.

Amazon co-founded Multibank Scotland in Fife with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. The Multibank network has now donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Scotland, Wales, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. 

This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK. 

Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.

Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.