An outfit by Fijian designer Hupfeld Hoerder has gone on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The outfit was created in the early 1990s using barkcloth and was worn as a wedding dress.
Barkcloth is a type of natural cloth made by stripping, soaking, and beating or weaving lengths of the inner bark from certain trees, often decorated with intricate painted or stamped patterns.
Pacific Islanders have been making barkcloth for millennia, but its use declined during the 19th century. Today it is being revived in places such as Hawai’i and Niue and remains strong in the Islands of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa thanks in part to contemporary fashion designers who create couture from barkcloth.
The striking outfit consists of a skirt, bodice and jacket. It is now on display in the Facing the Sea gallery at the National Museum of Scotland.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our Let’s talk lymphoma campaign, Lymphoma Action is inviting people affected by lymphoma to write to their MP, MSP or MS and ask them to raise important issues about lymphoma treatment and care in Parliament.
The campaign aims to make it easier for decision-makers to understand the realities faced by people affected by lymphoma, and to encourage practical action to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.
Lymphoma is officially categorised as a rare or less common cancer. The recent National Cancer Plan recognised that people affected by rare and less common cancers often face major challenges with diagnosis and care. Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer, but too many people still experience delays in diagnosis, limited access to treatment and unequal care.
For the first time, the National Cancer Plan gives rare and less common cancers dedicated focus and commits to improvements in treatment and care. It recognises that people with these cancers must receive the same priority as those with more common cancers. But making promises is only the first step – they need to become reality.
This September, we want to hold the government to account and make sure the plan is put into action, leading to meaningful change for people affected by lymphoma and other cancers. If you are affected by lymphoma, you can write to your representative this September and ask them to raise lymphoma in Parliament.
Together, we can push for the improvements people affected by lymphoma deserve and help make sure the National Cancer Plan delivers real change.
Communities across the UK encouraged to donate pre-loved football boots and help give the beautiful game a second life
Saturday, 3 October 2026will see all twelve Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK come together to host Football Rebooted Day 2026, a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots, raise awareness of the award-winning Football Rebooted campaign, and make football more accessible for families and young people.
Hosted simultaneously at Utilita Energy Hubs in Leith (Edinburgh), Hartlepool, Huddersfield, Blackburn, Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, West Bromwich, Luton, Shirley (Southampton), Gosport and Newport (Isle of Wight), the event will encourage members of the public to donate unwanted football boots that can be refurbished and rehomed through the Football Rebooted initiative.
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
Visitors to any Utilita Energy Hub on the day will be invited to donate football boots via dedicated Football Rebooted collection points. In return, donors will have the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including football tickets, Utilita Arena tickets, signed shirts, and other household and spot prizes.
The day will also feature a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as ‘Guess the Footballer’ and the ‘Lace Race’, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Sam Cook, Senior Marketing Partnerships Manager, at Utilita, said: “Sport participation should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
“Football Rebooted Day is an opportunity for communities across the UK to come together and make a real difference with a simple donation. Every pair of boots collected can help another young player stay involved in the game they love, while also preventing perfectly usable footwear from going to waste.”
The event forms part of Utilita’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities through its nationwide network of Energy Hubs, which provide free advice, guidance and practical support to thousands of people every year.
As well as collecting boots, Football Rebooted Day aims to increase awareness of how individuals, schools, grassroots clubs, businesses and community organisations can get involved in the initiative, including becoming an official Football Rebooted collection point.
Members of the public are encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home.
All donated boots will be re-distributed to local football club foundations.
Event Details
Event: Utilita Energy Hubs Football Rebooted Day 2026
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Locations: All 12 Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK
Leith Energy Hub: 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA
Isle of Wight Energy Hub: 121 High Street, Newport, PO30 1TP
Scotland has entered autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, as prolonged rainfall deficits continue to affect river flows.
Significant Water Scarcity has now been recorded somewhere in Scotland in each of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) past six weekly reports, although the areas affected have changed during that time.
The latest Water Scarcity Report from SEPA shows The Upper Tweed and Mid Tweed & Lauderdale have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. No abstraction licences are affected by this change.
Significant Scarcity is reached when representative river flows remain exceptionally low for 30 consecutive days.
Meanwhile, Dee (Galloway) and Urr Water have now moved out of Significant following rain this week, though the wider area remains at moderate scarcity. Across Scotland nine areas are at Moderate Scarcity, a level where environmental impacts are clear.
The picture varies sharply across Scotland. Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the north-east, with Deveron, Ythan and Don (Aberdeenshire) moving from Moderate Scarcity to Alert. Doon, Irvine and Ayr have returned to Normal Conditions.
Further down the east coast, very low river flows continue. In Fife, North Fife and Fife (East Neuk) both reached Significant Scarcity earlier this summer before conditions improved following rainfall. Both have now recorded 25 consecutive days of very low flows again.
Stonehaven, North Esk and the Lower Earn areas are also at risk of moving to Significant next week.
The report comes at the beginning of meteorological autumn, which began on 1st September.
Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland has a reputation for rain, so it can seem surprising to be at the start of autumn with two areas at Significant Water Scarcity, particularly when it may be raining where you are.
“But water scarcity isn’t determined by today’s weather. Rainfall deficits build up over time, and a few days of rain may not be enough to reverse the effects of a prolonged dry period.
“We can see that clearly this week. Conditions have improved in some areas, while rivers in parts of the south and east remain exceptionally low.
“This summer has shown why businesses which rely on water from the environment need to plan ahead. The impacts of dry conditions can last beyond the dry weather itself.
“As our climate changes, periods of water scarcity are expected to become more frequent and severe. Businesses need to understand what that could mean for them and have plans in place before water becomes constrained.”
Further showers are forecast on Friday, with potentially heavy rain on Sunday. SEPA will continue to monitor rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and groundwater levels and update water scarcity levels as conditions change.
A suspect has been traced, arrested, cautioned and charged following incidents at Tesco Express, Leith and Bonnington Road on Wednesday (2nd September). The suspect was in possession of a knife when traced.
You can report a crime or incident involving a knife or weapon to us. Always dial 999 and ask for police if someone is in immediate danger or an incident is happening right now. To report a non-emergency or past incidents, you can call Police Scotland on 101.
If you are an adult, you can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you are a young person, you can report anonymously to Fearless, the youth service for Crimestoppers, at https://orlo.uk/qj2zJ
An afternoon of enterprise, employability support and inspiring local stories!
Join us on Wednesday 9 September, 11.30am – 3pm at North Edinburgh Arts for a warm, welcoming afternoon of enterprise and employability support, practical advice, and inspiring stories from local entrepreneurs.
Everyone’s welcome, drop in for all of it, or just the parts that interest you.
What to expect:
Wednesday 9 September
11.30am – 12.00pm
Welcome tea and coffee, Local Makers’ Market and information stalls from Business Gateway, Capital City Partnership, Elevator, and Firstport
12.00pm – 1.15pm
Screening of ‘Create Community Wealth’ documentary film followed by a short discussion led by filmmaker, Bob Winton
1.15pm – 2.00pm
Lunch (soup and sandwiches) and a chance to chat, meet new people and find out more about support available
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Panel discussion focused on practical guidance, honest reflections, and real-life experiences of starting and developing projects, businesses and social enterprise
This event is being delivered by North Edinburgh Arts in partnership with Business Gateaway, Capital City Partnerships and Firstport.
2 in 5 employers are unaware of new sexual harassment law changes that take effect in October
A new survey from workplace expert, Acas, found that over two in five employers (41%) are unaware of new legal changes they must adopt to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens the law on sexual harassment from 30 October 2026 when employers will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their organisation.
In preparation for the new changes, Acas encourages employers to take proactive steps now to prevent sexual harassment such as reviewing and updating existing policies, assessing and managing risk, and providing meaningful training.
The YouGov poll asked British businesses about whether they were aware of the new change. The survey found 41% were unaware while 59% were aware.
Acas has updated its advice on sexual harassment at work to help prepare employers for the new changes. The updates also reflect an upcoming new law change of organisations being liable for third party harassment such as from customers or the public unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said: “Most employers are up to speed on upcoming new responsibilities to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work but it’s concerning that 2 in 5 bosses are not.
“Next month employers could also be liable if customers or members of the public harass their staff too.
“Acas has updated its advice in this area, which outlines how employers will be impacted and can keep within the law.”
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can happen to men, women and people of any sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, another sex or anyone of any sexual orientation.
Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Feeling safe from sexual harassment in the workplace should be the absolute bare minimum.
“The Employment Rights Act is delivering the biggest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation. With new measures taking effect in October, employers should act now to prepare for the changes and stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace for good.”
Currently, employers could be liable if a worker is harassed by another worker. In October 2026, the new law change means employers could be liable if the harassment is from a third party too unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
A third party can be anyone in contact with workers who do not work for their organisations such as clients, customers, members of the public or people at conferences or events.
Employers must consider practical prevention measures that suit their organisations. This can include clear policies, staff briefings, signage for customers, security measures or reviewing supplier and customer contracts.
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, said: “No one should have to endure harassment at work. Our Employment Rights Act puts workers’ safety first by making sure bosses take all reasonable steps to prevent this behaviour.
“Workplaces should be a place to thrive, not fear, and I encourage all employers to study their responsibilities and start preparing now for these changes.”
New support for families to be phased in from next year
Parents and carers will benefit from a new childcare offer aimed at bringing down the cost of living, tackling child poverty and boosting family incomes, First Minister John Swinney has said.
As part of the newly-published Programme for Government, the Scottish Government is transforming its childcare offer to ensure greater childcare support is available to families with children from nine months old through to the end of primary school.
Consultation on the new approach will take place next year, with delivery phased in over time. This will begin with a £44 million annual investment in breakfast clubs in primary schools across Scotland from August 2027, followed by the introduction of after-school and holiday childcare for primary school children from August 2029.
The First Minister also announced the first recipients of the new £15 million Childcare Support Fund, which is expected to help those organisations support an estimated 4,800 low-income families with the cost of childcare at times when they most need it.
Speaking ahead of a visit with Education Secretary Màiri McAllan to Fintry Mains Childcare and Community Hub in Dundee, one of the organisations benefiting from the funding, the First Minister said:“High-quality childcare plays an important role in helping children thrive, easing cost of living pressures and creating opportunities for parents and carers to work, train and study.
“Too many families still face barriers to accessing the childcare they need. By transforming the support available to families from nine months through to the end of primary school we will help more parents and carers into employment, boost household incomes and give children the best possible start in life.
“Alongside our long-term plans to transform childcare, the £15 million Childcare Support Fund announced today will provide practical support to families who need it most.
“This forms part of our wider Programme for Government, which is focused on making tangible improvements to people’s lives by creating jobs, raising living standards and growing Scotland’s economy to help eradicate child poverty.”
Susan McGhee, Chief Executive of Flexible Childcare Services Scotland which runs Fintry Mains Childcare, said: “Receiving a grant from the Scottish Government’s Childcare Support Fund will allow us to support even more families across Scotland.
“We already deliver flexible childcare to over 1,000 parents a year and, according to our research, those families are more than £2 million better off thanks to our book-by-the-hour model.
“We look forward to working alongside Midlothian Sure Start and Renfrewshire Out of School Network to ensure families can access affordable, flexible all-age childcare within their communities.”
Chloe Sinclair, whose three-year-old daughter Lola attends Fintry Mains Childcare, said: “I heard good things about Flexible Childcare Services Scotland from other parents.
“The flexibility has really helped me and my partner as we work shifts and need to know our three-year-old daughter Lola is cared for. Being able to book what we need is ideal for our jobs and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”
First recipients of the Childcare Support Fund
Grant Value
Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector – Provides intensive, referral-based childcare support across Glasgow, helping priority families overcome childcare barriers so they can enter, sustain or progress in work, study and training.
£1,000,000
Flexible Childcare Services Scotland SCIO – Delivers flexible childcare across six local authority areas, supporting families in insecure or low-paid work to take up opportunities, increase hours and reduce employment barriers caused by childcare costs.
£878,367
Early Years Scotland – Acts as a national childcare broker, connecting low-income families to childcare that fills specific gaps in provision, including bridging periods, additional hours and support for children not covered by existing entitlements.
£1,000,000
The Scottish Centre for Children with Motor Impairments – known as Craighalbert – Provides specialist childcare for children with complex disabilities and additional support needs, enabling parents to work or study at points of transition while children receive tailored care and developmental support.
£615,326
Scottish Childminding Association – Funds flexible childminding placements with registered childminders, giving families personalised childcare and informal support that enables parents to seek work, remain employed or access training.
£302,948
The Indigo Childcare Group – Offers free childcare places, including a mobile crèche for parents attending employability programmes, with additional support for families experiencing crisis situations or caring for children with additional needs.
£412,045
Scottish Out Of School Care Network – Provides short-term financial support for school-age childcare, protecting families from losing childcare during periods of financial hardship and helping parents stay in work, study or training.
£1,000,000
Family and Community Development West Lothian – Combines flexible after-school and holiday childcare with support to help parents access employment and education.
£421,310
Inspiring Scotland – Provides rapid-response childcare funding through community networks, helping families manage emergencies, attend interviews and sustain income while longer-term childcare arrangements are put in place.
£300,064
Perceptive Action C.I.C – Offers breakfast, after-school and holiday childcare across the Borders and Midlothian, supporting families through key transition periods while helping them access longer-term childcare and financial support.
£263,070
The Lennox Partnership – Removes childcare costs as a barrier to employability programmes, enabling parents to participate in structured pathways into work, skills development and learning opportunities.
£947,250
Third Sector Hebrides – Improves access to childcare across the Western Isles by coordinating support through local childcare providers, helping families access provision that is often difficult to secure in island communities.
£277,500
St Roch’s Childcare Services – Provides flexible childcare alongside one-to-one family support, helping parents access employment, education and wider services while building confidence and family wellbeing.
£286,405
Care and Learning Alliance – Supports families in rural Highland and Island communities by helping them find and access childcare, while addressing additional challenges such as transport costs, limited provision and rural poverty.
SPECSAVERS Glenrothes has helped a youth football team kick off the new season in style after sponsoring a new set of home shirts for the squad.
The locally owned and run Glenrothes store donated £1,000 to Cramond FC, with the sponsorship covering the cost of new home kits for the team’s 36 young players.
The team are now sporting their new shirts as they prepare for the season ahead, with the sponsorship helping ensure the whole squad is equipped with matching kit.
Cramond FC is a long-established community football club which provides opportunities for children and young people to take part in the sport in a positive and supportive environment.
David Platt, store director at Specsavers Glenrothes, says: ‘We’re delighted to be able to support Cramond FC and provide the team with their new home shirts.
‘Grassroots sport plays such an important role in helping young people build confidence, stay active and develop friendships, and we’re really pleased to know our sponsorship has helped all 36 boys start the season with a new kit.
‘Supporting local communities is something that’s important to us at Specsavers, and it’s fantastic to see the players wearing their new shirts and representing their club with pride.’
The sponsorship is part of Specsavers Glenrothes’ commitment to supporting community initiatives and helping young people access opportunities through sport.
To book an appointment at Specsavers Glenrothes for optical or audiology needs, speak to a member of the team on 01592 611044or visit:
. A truly incredible amount raised at our annual dinner last night 
