Uncategorized – Page 15 – The NEN

Family take on Edinburgh Kiltwalk in young mum’s memory to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK

The family of a young Scottish mum who lost her life to bowel cancer earlier this year is taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.

Various members of Abigail Millar’s close family will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this Sunday 13^th September after she sadly died from bowel cancer on 12^th May this year aged just 41, leaving behind her husband Ross Millar and their two young children Gregor and Katie.

All funds raised by the team, named Abigail’s Star Team, will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.       

At the time of writing, the team has raised over £3,000 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.

“Abigail was a much-loved member of our family whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Abigail’s cousin, Fiona Durkin said on the family’s JustGiving page.

“Her loss has left a huge gap in our lives, and she is remembered every day with love and affection.

“By taking on this sponsored walk, we hope to honour Abigail’s memory, raise awareness of bowel cancer, and support the vital work being done to improve research, treatment, and early diagnosis.”

Abigail, who was originally from Corstorphine in Edinburgh before settling in Botley, Hampshire with her husband and children, first visited her GP with abdominal pain in October 2024, thinking there was a problem with her ovaries.

She gave a stool sample, was referred for a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer on 6^th December 2024.

She underwent surgery in January 2025 where part of her colon was removed and was relieved not to need a stoma. She and her family thought she was through the worst, particularly with doctors thinking that they had managed to catch her cancer early enough.

“Following surgery Abigail’s cancer staging results came through and that is when the bombshell hit us,” Abigail’s husband Ross said. “She was told that she had stage 3 cancer and needed to have some preventative chemotherapy.”

Three months into chemotherapy, doctors told Abigail that her cancer had spread due to a genetic mutation, it was aggressive and couldn’t be cured but could be managed.

In March 2026, Abigail and her family were told that her cancer was terminal. She enjoyed the time she had left with her family before passing away at home with them by her side on 12^th May 2026.

Abigail’s family are now determined to continue her legacy of fundraising for bowel cancer. Abigail’s husband Ross is now in training to complete a series of fundraising events to support Bowel Cancer UK.

Abigail and Ross’s son has always wanted to be a doctor, and this sad experience has solidified his focus on this goal, with the ultimate aim of helping other people in similar situations.

“Abigail and I spent 20 years of our lives together – she had such a zest for life,” Ross said. “She was bright, funny, fiercely loyal, and devoted to her family. She was a beautiful soul and created so many great moments in life for all those fortunate enough to be around her.

“It was one of Abigail’s wishes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly because cases are rising in younger people like her.

“Sadly, she can’t do that now, but I can, our children can, and our family can. If her story helps someone get an early diagnosis or saves a life, her message will have done what it needs to do.”

Jenny Poulter, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Abigail’s family for sharing her story with us and selecting Bowel Cancer UK as their chosen charity as they take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in her memory.

“Every 11 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money raised by Abigail’s Star Team will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

“We hope that Ross and the rest of Abigail’s family know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for their walk. We’re sure that Abigail would be immensely proud of their efforts.”

You can support Abigail’s Star Team and donate to Bowel Cancer UK by visiting Fiona’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/abigailsstarteam

Feeling inspired? Take on your own fundraising challenge for Bowel Cancer UK: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/

Opens Today: GATHER exhibition at St Margaret’s House

CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUBS NETWORK

GATHER is a brand new exhibition showcasing work by artists and community members from across Edinburgh, coming together for the very first time.

As well as artwork from the other hubs, the exhibition features 21 Art for Grown Ups members showing their work, plus our community banner (still a work in progress but almost complete!) on display alongside artwork created by NEA and Royston Wardieburn Community Centre members.

This is a truly special exhibition, and we’d love for you to join us!

GATHER EXHIBITION

Opening: Friday 11 September 2026, from 4:30pm

Main Exhibition: 12 – 26 September 2026

St Margaret’s House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh EH7 6AE

Free. No need to book.

The Creative Community Hubs Network consists of eight partner organisations based across Edinburgh: WHALE Arts, The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Granton:hub, North Edinburgh Arts, Duncan Place Leith, The Crannie, Lyra and Craigmillar Now.

Swinney writes to Prime Minister on Scotland’s right to decide

Meeting invite to turn principle into legal mechanism

First Minister John Swinney has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding his comments on the constitutional future of Scotland. The First Minister invited the PM to meet to turn the accepted principle into a legal mechanism for a referendum.

The full text of the First Minister’s letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham:

Dear Andy

I am writing with regards to your comments at Prime Ministers Question’s in response to my colleague Chris Law MP’s question.

Earlier today, you said; “on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country – when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered. I would say that it is exactly the same situation in Scotland.”

The Good Friday Agreement, as implemented in UK domestic law by the Northern Ireland Act 1998, makes clear that if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification, a referendum should be held.

Your acceptance of the fact that majority support for independence in Scotland also means that a referendum should take place is welcome.

I am encouraged that you have reconsidered your previous comments that the democratic right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is “off limits.”

This is a long-overdue acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future, not the UK Government, and a clear endorsement of the fact that the UK must be a voluntary union.

In May, the SNP won a historic and unprecedented fifth term in office, and the people of Scotland elected more pro-independence MSPs than at any point in the Parliament’s history.

Given that, the previous refusal of the UK Government to consider Scotland’s right to decide its own future was clearly unsustainable.

You have rightly identified that there must be a discussion about where power lies across these islands.

By concluding a clear, understandable mechanism, both sides of the constitutional debate can move forward constructively in the full knowledge of an agreed process by which the Scottish people can exercise their democratic right at a time of their choosing.

Now that you have agreed the principle that Scotland should have a referendum when it is likely that people would vote for independence, it is important for us to meet to discuss how we turn that principle into an agreed legal mechanism, as exists in Northern Ireland.

I have asked my office to take forward the necessary arrangements.

John Swinney MSP

A statement from the RNLI Chief Executive

I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in the Channel.

Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.

The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and their families.

The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you.

For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour.

When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help.

It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is our hallmark.

RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK Border Force.

‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesaving work’

Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigration authorities.

While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations.

These rumours are completely baseless and untrue.

Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning at sea.

I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.

With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making that possible.

Sincerely,

Peter Sparkes
RNLI Chief Executive

PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently asked questions.

Colleges’ financial challenges increase

Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.

Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. Five colleges needed a cash advance from the SFC in the same year – three more than in 2023/24. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year.

Despite an increase of over nine per cent in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It is not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government and its partners have been slow to progress reforms, including to how the sector is funded.

The sector has cut its workforce by 13 per cent since 2019 to reduce costs, and most colleges have limited ability to generate income. Student numbers continue to fall but the sector has proven resilient. The proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25, and most students went on to further study, training or employment.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘The financial pressure on Scotland’s colleges is increasing, and their situation remains extremely challenging. Without urgent and successful reform of the sector, it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.

‘The recommendations I made in 2025 remain important, but they are still in the early stages of being addressed. The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and colleges need to take action to implement them at pace.’

nr_260910_scotlands_colleges_2026_er Download

nr_260910_scotlands_colleges_2026 Download

Raise a Stein and back a winner at Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest

Musselburgh Racecourse takes on a distinctive Munich-style influence at its next race meeting this Saturday (12 September).

The popular Oktoberfest Raceday – supported by The Royal Regiment of Scotland – is now in its third year and continues to grow in popularity with thousands of racegoers embracing the famous German celebration.

Bavarian oompah bands and bratwurst will be to the fore while on the turf seven quality Flat races – including the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup – promises a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.

Live oompah band, the Jäger Maestros, will be performing a mix of classic tunes and oompah-style songs while the Oktoberfest Marquee will host a number of fun events, including a stein holding challenge, keg rolling and sing-alongs.

Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest which dates from 1810 and takes place throughout September and October, the East Lothian racecourse has tapped into a rich theme and is encouraging guests to enter the spirt of the raceday by donning traditional lederhosen.

Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has completed a soldier’s assault course at Glencorse Barracks and in return a soldier will complete a number of jockey-related challenges at the race meeting. The Regiment will also have a military stand at Oktoberfest setting out some challenges for gallus racegoers.

Street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race (scheduled for 7.20pm) the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.

The feature race of the day is the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first provisionally timed for 4.07pm.

Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German-inspired event with competitive horse racing.

“We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”

Gates open on 12 September at 2pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Children aged 17 years and under are admitted free with four children permitted per paying adult.

The racecourse provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations on each raceday.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Edinburgh landmarks shine a light of hope on World Suicide Prevention Day

On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10^th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline will join landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.

Buildings and landmarks across Scotland will unite by shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on the 10^th of September. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura, and the Balmoral Hotel will be some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.

Joining the venues will be Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen.

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts.

It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.

For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life.

“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”

After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.

“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.

“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’

“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”

A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.

A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.

But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection. More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.

It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:

Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
Let them know they are not alone.
Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
Ask them what things they care about and what they like.

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.

“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.”

“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Find advice on how to start a conversation, listen and support someone at www.samaritans.org/interrupt.

Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.

‘What I Want You To Know’: New film tells one dad’s story of losing his son

**“He didn’t want to die. He just didn’t want the pain anymore.”**

Suicide Prevention Scotland launches a new documentary, What I Want You To Know
The film follows Phil Wanless, whose son Fraser died by suicide in 2021
It confronts the reality of trauma, relationships, substance use, isolation and suicide
Released for World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, it’s available to watch on SuicidePrevention.scot/Fraser and YouTube

A groundbreaking new documentary has been launched today (Thursday 10 September) to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.

What I want you to know is a powerful film from Suicide Prevention Scotland following bereaved father Phil Wanless as he seeks to understand his son Fraser’s death.

Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations delivering the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

Running to 30 minutes, it gives one family’s story the space to explore some of the most difficult themes.

Ultimately, the film asks what might have been different if the people around Fraser, and Phil, had been met with time, space and compassion sooner.

Fraser was just eleven years old when he found his mum, Lisa, dead after she experienced a fatal epileptic seizure.

Phil’s journey has helped him understand that his son struggled to grieve her death. Later he turned to substance use and experienced difficult relationships.

Ultimately, the documentary challenges people to consider the principles of time, space and compassion, in every part of our lives – not just suicide prevention; that every one of us can help save lives.

Phil is joined by his partner Debbie Rowan, Fraser’s friend Darren Gallagher, Iain Corbett, a community development practitioner who has extensive experience working with young men, and John Gibson, founder of The Canmore Trust.

John and his wife Isobel lost their son Cameron to suicide in 2019.

A facilitation pack has also been launched so that a range of different groups and communities across Scotland can watch the film and talk about it together. It is designed for anyone, regardless of their experience.

In the documentary, Phil Wanless says of his son’s suicide: “Fraser and I spoke every day, whether it was a voice call or a text. I hadn’t heard from him for a day, and that was very unusual.

“I don’t believe he wanted to die. I just don’t think he wanted to live. He just didn’t want the pain any more.

“The boy that I brought up, bought his first football boots, and put his first Hearts top on, everything was gone in the blink of an eye. Part of my heart is missing. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s not a cliché. Part of my heart is missing.

“It broke us. It took a family that was pretty close, and broke us. I wish I had the chance to tell Fraser right now how much I loved him.

“It is Fraser’s story, but it could be anybody’s story.”

The impact of Fraser’s death was profound, and was felt from as soon as Phil learned his son was gone. Eventually, he also planned to take his own life.

“There were no instructions on how to grieve. The only time anybody talked to me about my mind health was at the point of crisis. That has to be the wrong way round.

“Suicide is the end product, and it’s the permanent product. But the truth is, we want to reach anybody who’s feeling like that long before we get to crisis.

“We need to stop the idea that the first time you get to talk to anybody is when you’re thinking about taking your life. We have to treat mind health as every bit as important as physical health.”

Phil wants the principles of time, space and compassion to be taught from an early age. Only as a bereaved father has he learned about the impact of trauma.

“In my whole life nobody ever taught me about compassion, and yet it’s one of the most important things in life. I think we should be teaching it at school.”

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, said: “I want to thank Phil Wanless and his family and friends for their courage in sharing their experiences in this powerful film.

“Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy beyond measure and this documentary brings home the devastating impact. It also reminds us that opening up conversations about suicide and encouraging people to seek help can save lives.

“Our work on suicide prevention is informed and guided by those with lived and living experience. I am determined that we learn from Fraser’s tragic death as we continue that work to ensure that anyone with thoughts of suicide or impacted by suicide in any way gets the help they need and feels a sense of hope.

“Our Suicide Prevention Action Plan – joint with COSLA – aims to reduce deaths by suicide whilst also tackling the inequalities that can increase the risk of suicide, and is backed by a budget of £3 million in 2026–27.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Phil Wanless’ story of his son Fraser’s tragic death, and of his own experiences of bereavement and suicide, is incredibly moving.

“Thank you, Phil, for sharing so openly. The documentary powerfully shows how deeply suicide is felt by friends, families, and wider communities, and is a clear call to action for all of us.

“The film is also striking in how it tells us about the complexities of Fraser’s life, with trauma, substance use, and relationships all having a significant impact. It reminds us of the importance of ensuring our work on suicide prevention in Scotland continues to address the wider factors in our lives.

“The COSLA and Scottish Government Suicide Prevention strategy and action plan sets out our vision and I am committed to ensuring that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or is bereaved by suicide can access the support they need, when they need, and that local government does all it can to both provide support and address the wider social factors that can impact on suicide risk.

“Phil has told us what he wants us to know, and now we must all act.”

Suicide Prevention Scotland’s national delivery lead Haylis Smith says: “The film shines a light on the reality of suicide in a way that hasn’t happened before. I know Phil doesn’t think he’s extraordinary, that he’s simply a grieving father angry after the loss of his son.

“But Fraser’s death will not be in vain, because Phil, Debbie and their families have opened up their home and lives in a way that will help so many people think about how to support people who experience trauma. He is extraordinary, because Phil’s intervention will save lives. We might never know who, but it will.

“We can see in the film where there were missed opportunities for time, space, compassion. It shows what their absence feels like, how much there still is to learn about reaching people long before a crisis and how we can all play a part in supporting people at risk of, or impacted by suicide.”

suicide-prevention-what-i-want-you-to-know-facilitation-pack Download

Three people charged following fatal crash near Newbridge

CRASH VICTIM NAMED AS LINDA PATTERSON

A 32-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 23, have been charged following a fatal crash on the A8 near Newbridge.

Around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, 2026, officers were called to the crash involving four cars.

A 58-year-old woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Linda Patterson and the following statement has been released on behalf of her family:

“Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.

“She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.

“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.

“She will be greatly missed.

“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”

Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with Linda’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.

“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

The two women and the man were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Read more – https://orlo.uk/8pQKJ

Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt supports Scottish charity’s campaign to help feed hungry children

Join Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt: Swap your £4 meal deal to help feed hungry children

Saturday Kitchen star Matt Tebbutt is encouraging people across Edinburgh to swap their £4 supermarket meal deal to help feed hungry children.

Matt, who is one of Britain’s most recognisable chefs, having also hosted Food Unwrapped and Drop Down Menu and been a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, has teamed up with school feeding charity Mary’s Meals to promote its Meals Deals campaign.

Mary’s Meals, which started in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides a nutritious meal to more than three million children every school day. Working in some of the world’s poorest communities in 16 countries, including Haiti, Lebanon and Zimbabwe, the charity’s school meals bring hungry children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and look to a brighter future.

Thanks to Mary’s Meals’ low-cost approach, it costs only £19.15 to provide a child with meals in a place of education for a whole school year, just 10p a meal.

Matt is backing their Meals Deals campaign, which calls on people to swap out their £4 meal deal for a donation that will be transformed into nutritious food for 40 children at school.

The TV chef says: “We all have busy lives and it’s so easy to quickly grab a meal deal when we’re on the go – I’ll often seek out my favourite sandwich, crisps and a drink in between cooking and filming.

“But it’s incredible to think that by skipping just one meal deal and instead donating £4, you could help to transform the lives of 40 hungry children by providing them with food, education and hope.

“It’s easy to feel a bit helpless when we watch the news and see everything going on in the world. There’s so much sadness out there and you don’t know how to respond. But when I heard about the Meals Deals campaign and the simplicity of it, I loved it and had to get involved. They have a lovely line of ‘school + food = hope’, and I think that’s something we can all get behind.”

By swapping out a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals, you can help children like Samar.

The primary 8 student lives in South Sudan, where more than one third of all children under five years old suffer chronic malnutrition, and over 70% of primary school-age children are out of school – the highest figure anywhere in the world. Economic hardship is such that many families have to make the heartbreaking decision to send their children out to work rather than attending school.

Samar’s mother, Medina, is bringing up her daughter alone. To make money, she buys small quantities of flour to make cakes to sell; this is the family’s main source of income.

Samar explains: “When my mother has some money, we can have two meals a day. However, when there is not enough money, we may only have tea in the morning and then wait until evening to have a meal. When there is not enough food at home, I simply endure the situation.”

But thanks to Mary’s Meals, Samar can now rely on a nutritious daily meal at school. She says: “I feel happy to come to school every day because I know that I will receive a meal. Even when I do not have anything to eat at home, I know there will be food at school.”

Anna Houghton, Regional Development Officer for Mary’s Meals, says: “We’re all big Saturday Kitchen fans here at Mary’s Meals and so excited Matt has chosen to put our Meals Deals campaign in the spotlight.

“With one simple act, by saying no to a meal deal and donating just £4, you can help shape a brighter future for 40 children like Samar who face a daily battle for survival. Your spare pennies can make a tangible on-the-ground difference and be turned into happiness and hope through Mary’s Meals.”

Matt is encouraging the Scottish public to support the Meals Deals campaign today and says: “I love my trips to Scotland. It has incredible food, amazing produce, but most importantly, the most welcoming people.

“It’s no surprise that Mary’s Meals has achieved so much since its humble beginnings, fuelled by the renowned Scottish generosity and spirit.

“For me, food is always about bringing people together. And Mary’s Meals is doing that by showing that even the smallest of donations can connect people here in Scotland and hungry children across the world, by providing them with a nutritious meal and hope for a better tomorrow.”

A regular supermarket meal deal gives you a sandwich, snack and drink. But Meals Deals offers so much more. Could you help to transform a child’s life by swapping a meal deal for a £4 donation to Mary’s Meals?

Help support children like Samar today: www.marysmeals.org.uk/meal-deal