TRADE UNIONS in COMMUNITIES EVENT
Film Screening at Castlebrae: Everybody to Kenmure Street
Category: Uncategorized
Birthday parties at PYCP
Looking for the ultimate birthday party venue?
Let PYCP do the hard work while the kids have all the fun!
Bouncy castle with slide
Soft play & ball pit
Large gym hall
Space for up to 25 children
Kitchen & café area for party food
Best of all, every booking helps support our clubs and groups throughout the year. 
The Greenhouse, West Pilton Brae
info@pycp.co.uk
Book your child’s next birthday party with us!
More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit
- More than £300 million has been paid out to people on a low income through Help to Save.
- Eligibility for Help to Save will be expanded from 2028, so more people than ever before can benefit from the government savings scheme.
- More than 44,500 people on a low income in Scotland have opened a Help to Save account.
With more than £300 million having been paid out in bonus payments, and thousands more people set to be eligible for an account through the Help to Save scheme, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is kicking off UK Savings Week by reminding people who can benefit.
Help to Save is a government savings scheme offering low-income earners a 50% bonus on whatever they can save. Between £1 and £50 can be saved each month with an extra 50 pence added for every £1 saved.
Accounts can be open for up to 4 years, and people can save up to a maximum of £2,400, resulting in up to £1,200 government savings bonus being paid straight into their bank accounts. Bonus payments are made at the end of the second and fourth years and are based on how much has been saved.
In 2028, the earning criteria will be removed for people with caring responsibilities. The scheme will be open to all Universal Credit claimants, resulting in an additional 1.5 million households becoming eligible.
Latest figures show 44,950 Help to Save accounts have been opened in Scotland since September 2018, with savers depositing a total of £45.5 million into their savings pots.
Statistics also show that 94% of those who have opened a Help to Save account save the maximum amount of £50 each month.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby said: “Help to Save is a really beneficial scheme that offers a 50% government bonus on whatever you are able to save. We want more eligible people to take advantage of it.“
The scheme will also be more accessible as it will be delivered through a multi-provider model, instead of just one, so banks, building societies and credit unions will be able to offer the scheme directly to their eligible customers.
Peter Tyler, Director of Personal Banking at UK Finance, said: “Expanding Help to Save and enabling more financial services providers to offer the scheme directly is a positive step towards helping people build financial resilience.
“The scheme provides eligible customers with a great opportunity and incentives to develop regular savings habits.”
Money can be paid into Help to Save accounts via debit card, standing order or bank transfer.
In the last year, nearly 24,000 people have chosen to open a Help to Save account via the HMRC app where they can keep track of deposits and view bonus payments.
It takes just a few minutes to check eligibility and open an account online on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.
Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.
Find out more about Help to Save at GOV.UK.
- Latest statistics on Help to Save up to April 2026 were released 16 September 2026.
| Number of Accounts Opened to end of April 2026 | Total value of deposits | |
| UK Total | 656,700 | 676,737,000 |
| England | 562,300 | 580,130,000 |
| North East | 27,900 | 27,584,000 |
| North West | 83,750 | 84,975,000 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 60,900 | 63,053,000 |
| East Midlands | 53,800 | 56,120,000 |
| West Midlands | 62,350 | 62,957,000 |
| East of England | 58,150 | 60,391,000 |
| London | 76,950 | 78,111,000 |
| South East | 79,500 | 81,298,000 |
| South West | 58,950 | 65,641,000 |
| Wales | 30,450 | 31,394,000 |
| Scotland | 44,950 | 45,574,000 |
| Northern Ireland | 18,550 | 19,255,000 |
Maths Week Scotland
ELC ACTIVITY PACK
This Maths Week Scotland explore our new ELC activity pack to support learning about maths.
This resource provides adult-led experiences that support high-quality interactions and thoughtfully planned spaces.
Breaking Multiple Sclerosis trial results: Alpha-lipoic acid shows ‘early promise’ to treat progressive MS at milestone moment
- First time a multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) trial has reported positive results in a neurological condition
- Diabetes drug metformin removed from trial, but innovative design means more drugs can be added in 2027
- Researcher warns of significant risk of taking unlicensed drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial
Interim results from a world-first multiple sclerosis (MS) trial have found that an existing medication, alpha-lipoic acid (also known as ALA), is showing early promise as a potential treatment to slow progression in MS.
Researchers from the Queen Square MS Centre and Innovative Clinical Trials Unit (InCTU) at University College London (UCL) revealed that the drug could have potential to become the first neuroprotective treatment in MS. But stress people should not attempt to acquire alpha-lipoic acid outside a clinical trial, as further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy – and particularly its safety – in MS.
MS can be debilitating, exhausting, and unpredictable, and symptoms range from chronic fatigue and bladder and bowel problems to mobility difficulties. While there are over a dozen treatments for those living with relapsing MS, tens of thousands with the progressive form* desperately need treatments to stop their MS getting worse. Those drugs that do exist only work on one aspect of the condition – the immune system. They don’t stop the gradual nerve damage that leads to long-term disability. Finding ways to protect nerves from damage is key.
The innovative progressive MS trial, Octopus, uses a multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) design, which means it can test potential new treatments up to three times faster than conventional trials.
Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre: UCLH, Octopus has provided a blueprint for similar trials across neurological conditions, from motor neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease to psychosis. It has been testing two drugs at once – a high dose of alpha-lipoic acid and diabetes drug, metformin – and comparing each one against a placebo.
Alpha-lipoic acid will now continue to the second stage of the trial. Data from both stages will then be combined to provide a definitive phase 3 result. However, metformin did not demonstrate sufficient promise to be taken forward. This will now be removed from the trial, with all participants from that arm leaving the trial and coming off the drug in the coming weeks.
More than 850 people have joined the trial at hospitals across the UK, including Scotland, as well as in Australia1. Now the team are seeking hundreds more people living with primary or secondary progressive MS to sign up.
Thanks to this positive result, in the coming years Octopus will become the world’s largest ever trial in progressive MS. The trial design means other drugs could be added as soon as early 2027.
Margaret Anderson, 57, lives in North Edinburgh and joined the Octopus trial after it launched in the city. She was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS about 20 years ago and now lives with the secondary progressive form of the condition. Her symptoms include fatigue, spasms, sensory pain, and mobility issues, and she uses crutches to help her walk.
After finding out she would be continuing on the trial, Margaret said: “It makes me feel optimistic for the future knowing there’s research like the Octopus trial happening. There must have been some good signs with the drug they’ve carried on so there’s hope there.
“I heard about the trial from my neurologist, and I wanted to take part because us patients have to do our bit as well. It might not benefit me but if it can benefit people with MS in the future then I’ll do anything I can. You don’t know whether you’re on a drug or a placebo but it’s a chance worth taking.”
When asked what she would say to someone living with MS who was considering registering their interest in Octopus or another research trial, Margaret added: “I’m being very, very well looked after and cared for on this trial. I would tell people not to be afraid of signing up.
“The more of us that can take part in research the better, and the more the researchers will learn. And hopefully, as well as finding new treatments, one day there’ll be a cure for MS.”
Dr Peter Foley is Principal Investigator for Octopus at the Edinburgh trial site, based at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh. He said: “The team at the Anne Rowling Clinic has been encouraged to hear of the latest developments in the Octopus trial.
“While of course it’s disappointing in some ways that metformin won’t progress to the next stage of the trial, it’s positive that Octopus is already helping to work out what treatments might be helpful.
“Building on these early results, alpha-lipoic acid will continue to be tested as a potential future treatment for progressive MS. We’re happy to be able to support delivering this important trial in Scotland, and are very grateful to all the trial participants who have committed so much time and effort.
“We hope that the success of the innovative Octopus trial design so far is a positive step towards developing effective therapies for people affected by progressive MS.”
Octopus is being led by leading UCL neurologist Professor Jeremy Chataway, whose vision to rethink trials for progressive MS was born over a decade ago. He says: “This is very exciting and proves not only that the Octopus trial design works, but that a new way of protecting nerves could be on the horizon.
“Of course, learning that metformin will be discontinued is disappointing. But finding treatments for progressive MS is extremely difficult, and we’re so pleased to be taking alpha-lipoic acid into the second stage of the trial.
“We’re now looking forward not only to seeing what the final results are, but also to adding in new ‘arms’ to Octopus next year.
“In the meantime, we do need to remind people with MS to not try to source unproven drugs outside the safety of a clinical trial.”
Dr Emma Gray, Director of Research at the MS Society, says: “We are so proud to be funding the first ever MAMs trial for people with progressive MS. It’s been a privilege to be part of the team and to have united the MS research community and worked with people living with MS to make this happen.
“MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable but today’s results are a huge step forward and show treatments to slow or stop MS progression have never been more within our reach. Octopus was made possible entirely by public donations and our Stop MS Appeal.
“We’re continuing to seek funding from our generous supporters for the future delivery of the trial to build a future where no one needs to worry about MS getting worse.”
Professor Max Parmar is Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology and Director of the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology at UCL. His underpinning work was key to the launch of the STAMPEDE trial for prostate cancer in 2005 – the world’s first MAMS Platform trial for any condition and the inspiration behind Octopus.
He says:”The MAMS platform design has transformed how we test new treatments in prostate cancer through the STAMPEDE trial, dramatically accelerating the evaluation of promising therapies and delivering benefits to patients years, and in some cases decades, sooner than would have been possible with conventional approaches.
“It has fundamentally changed the pace at which we can make progress. It is therefore tremendously encouraging to see these interim results from Octopus, demonstrating for the first time that this innovative approach can be successfully applied in multiple sclerosis. The potential to evaluate treatments more efficiently and accelerate progress for people living with MS is incredibly exciting.
“Reaching this stage is a remarkable achievement and reflects the vision, dedication and collaboration of the entire MS research community, as well as the commitment of the participants who have made the trial possible. I am excited to see how Octopus develops and the impact it could have on the future of MS treatment research.”
Anyone who has primary or secondary progressive MS and is aged between 25 and 70 in the UK can register their interest via the UK MS Register to take part in stage 2 of the Octopus trial.
Please note there is a waiting list for the trial.
Visit www.ukmsregister.org/octopus.
Thistle Awards: Pick of the Bunch
Central and East Thistle Awards winners revealed
Globally renowned events, world-famous attractions and a host of tourism businesses have been crowned winners at a top regional tourism and events award ceremony.
A total of nine local businesses and events took home awards at the Central and East Thistle Awards regional final, held on Thursday at the city’s Assembly Rooms.
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.
Winners from across the Capital include:
28 York Place which took home two prizes, winning Employer of the Year and Best Accommodation or Unique Stay.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, 28 York Place is a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse offering boutique accommodation, stylish event spaces and exceptional hospitality. Judges were particularly impressed by the combination of arts and culture, partnership working, operational sustainability and investment in future talent.
Gordon Wilson, General Manager of 28 York Place said: “To win is a huge honour. From the character of the building to the thoughtful touches that shape each guest’s stay, we work hard to make every visit feel personal and memorable.
“Being recognised among Scotland’s best is wonderful validation of the care our whole team puts in.”
The Best Eating Experience title was awarded to Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience with judges noting both the restaurant’s impressive sustainability credentials and it’s dining experience centred on storytelling and showcasing Scotland’s regions through provenance-led dishes.
Julie Trevisan-Hunter, Marketing Director at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “Being recognised at the Thistle Awards during Amber’s 25th anniversary is an incredible milestone for our entire team.
“For a quarter-century, we have pioneered immersive food and whisky dining on the Royal Mile, proudly showcasing Scotland’s larder and creating lasting memories through exceptional food and drink, bringing the stories behind them to light.”
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Victoria Street was named Best Hotel, sponsored by Fishers. Judges were impressed by the hotel’s extremely high-quality visitor experience and a clear passion for local partnerships.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “Winning Best Hotel at the Scottish Thistle Awards is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
“This recognition belongs to our exceptional team, whose passion, warmth and commitment create unforgettable stays every day. We’re delighted to celebrate this achievement alongside our guests, partners and the Edinburgh community who inspire us to keep raising the bar.”
While A Wee Pedal, earned the title of Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, sponsored by GetYourGuide. The family-run business helps visitors discover a different side of Edinburgh through guided bike and e-bike experiences and judges commended the forward-thinking and progressive approach while firmly remaining centred around people.
Leanne Farmer, Owner of A Wee Pedal said: “Winning the Scottish Thistle Award is a tremendous honour, recognising the passion, dedication and innovation that underpins everything we do.
It celebrates our incredible team, strengthens our reputation, inspires confidence among visitors and partners, and showcases how tourism can successfully combine outstanding visitor experiences with meaningful community impact and sustainability.”
There was further success for Edinburgh Zoo following its Climate Action award win at last year’s national ceremony. The popular attraction took home the Inclusion Award, sponsored by AccessAble, for its work including the development of employment pathways with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, extensive youth employability and significant investment into community engagement programmes.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland said: “Making nature more inclusive is at the very heart of our work at Edinburgh Zoo and across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
“We passionately believe that nature is for everyone which is why we are determined to make the zoo as accessible as possible.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV.
Every year, the spectacular showcase at Edinburgh Castle brings together military bands, musicians and performers from around the world. This international appeal alongside the iconic venue and the event’s success in showcasing Scotland’s culture and heritage were key reasons the event took home the trophy.
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said: “This award celebrates the passion and vision that drives The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and we are honoured to be recognised for the power of our performance to connect, inspire and uplift.
“We are proud to share in Scotland’s rich cultural story with the world, and this achievement reflects the exceptional efforts of our team, partners, and global cast.”
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction, earned the title of Best Visitor Attraction. Judges commended the attractions groundbreaking approach to the visitor experience with innovation evident in every area of the organisation.
Andrew Johnson, General Manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award.
“It is a powerful recognition of the creativity, commitment and care shown by our entire team, and of our ongoing ambition to make Camera Obscura & World of Illusions an inspiring, welcoming and forward-thinking place to visit, work and enjoy.”
The Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Scotland, was won by Edinburgh International Festival. The world-renowned event earned the judges’ favour through initiatives like their carbon foot printing process and strong staff engagement and training.
Francesca Hegyi, Edinburgh International Festival’s Chief Executive said: “We’re delighted to accept this Climate Action Award from the Scottish Thistle Awards.
“Climate action is built into how we plan, programme and deliver the Festival, and this award is a real encouragement to keep pushing further and lead by example within Scotland’s cultural sector”.
Finally, Helen McVey of Highland Experience Tours was named the winner of the Rising Star award, sponsored by HIT Scotland.
Since joining Highland Experience Tours in 2023 Helen has progressed into the leading role of developing the company’s sustainability, operational improvements and ethical strategy. She took the lead in the company’s application to become a certified B Corp business that has helped embed value-led practices across the whole business.
Helen said: “Winning the Rising Star Award is an incredible honour. I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown with Highland Experience, a team that believes tourism can be a force for good.
“Leading our B Corp journey has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career, allowing me to help turn those values into action.”
Delivered by VisitScotland with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland, in September. The Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Congratulations to all nine Edinburgh businesses and events recognised at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards regional final. Their success reflects the innovation, dedication and passion that continue to make Edinburgh one of the world’s most inspiring visitor destinations.
“From outstanding visitor experiences and exceptional hospitality to internationally renowned events and attractions, these winners showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry. They play a vital role in supporting jobs, communities and local economies while delivering memorable experiences for visitors from near and far.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across our sector, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of the teams behind each business and event. I wish all of our winners the very best as they go on to represent Edinburgh at the national final later this year.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field.
Regional winners for Central and East were announced at a ceremony hosted by radio DJ Grant Stott and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include the West of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) go on to compete at the Scottish Thistle Award national ceremony in November.
This year’s sponsors also include AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
For a full list of winners, please visit:
Central and East Thistle Awards Winners 2026 – News | VisitScotland.org
The Spartans: Club Statement
Head Coach Douglas Samuel has left the Club
Following an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct, The Spartans FC Head Coach Douglas Samuel has left the club.
Out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved, and in accordance with our confidentiality policies, we will make no further comment on the specific details of the investigation or its findings
Paul Thomson will continue as our Interim Head Coach for the foreseeable future, we really appreciate the commitment of our coaching, medical and support teams plus our players through this busy spell with another game on Tuesday.
Coffee, cake and community spirit on offer at Utilita Energy Hub’s Macmillan fundraiser in Leith
Local community invited to support Macmillan Coffee Morning at Utilita Energy Hub in Leith
A Cup of Kindness: Join Utilita Leith’s Macmillan Coffee Morning
Residents are invited to come together for coffee, cake and community spirit as the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith hosts a special Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday, 25 September raising funds for people living with cancer across the UK.
Taking place at the hub’s free-to-hire community space, the event forms part of the UK’s biggest coffee morning fundraiser, organised by Macmillan Cancer Support. Visitors will be able to enjoy coffee, tea, homemade cakes and cookies, and community activities such as Name The Bear, while helping to raise vital funds for the charity.
The event will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Utilita Energy Hub, located at 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and is open to everyone.
Funds raised will help Macmillan Cancer Support continue its work providing practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Macmillan Coffee Morning and bringing our local community together for such an important cause.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at the Utilita Energy Hub, and we hope residents will join us for a coffee, a slice of cake and the opportunity to help make a difference for people affected by cancer.”
Visitors can also find out more about the services and support available through the Utilita Energy Hub, which provides a welcoming space for local residents and community groups throughout the year.
A spokesperson for Macmillan Cancer Support added: “Donations from thousands of Coffee Mornings, big and small, help raise vital funds to support the almost 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, from the moment they are diagnosed, throughout treatment and beyond.”
The event is free to attend and open to all, although donations to Macmillan Cancer Support are welcome on the day.
When to call 111
Not sure if you should call 111? 
We can help you get the right care, in the right place.
Call 111 when:
• You feel unwell and need urgent advice, but it’s NOT life-threatening
• You think you might need A&E, but it isn’t an emergency
• You need help and your GP, pharmacy or dentist is closed
• You’re experiencing mental health distress and need support
When you call, a trained team will assess your symptoms and make sure you get the right help. That could be advice, a call from another clinician, or being directed to a local service.
REMEMBER:
Always call 999 or go to A&E for life-threatening emergencies.
for more info: https://www.nhs24.scot/111/
Strachan House Care Home to host free weekly Coffee Mornings
Staff and residents at Strachan House care home in Edinburgh wish to invite neighbours and friends from the local community to their free weekly coffee morning.
Taking place every Friday from 2nd October 10.30am-12pm, residents from within the local community will have a chance to meet and chat over tea or coffee and homemade cakes provided by the home.
Guests will also have a chance to take a tour of the home, and ask any questions they might have about care.
General Manager of the home, Fran Fisher said: “Our Community Coffee Morning allows individuals from the local area to meet and connect with one another regularly. It’s a great chance to share stories, make new friends, and of course, enjoy our wonderful spread provided by our hospitality team!’
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.