THIS STORY APPEARED ON THIS DAY IN 2017 – Ed.
Police have been conducting Stronger North activity in the North Edinburgh area over the past week. Officers have made 42 arrests and executed seven misuse of drugs warrants since last Monday. Over the last week £9000 worth of drugs have been recovered in the area, along with seven stolen motorcycles and one stolen car. Seventeen vehicles have also […]
Stronger North: crackdown on crime in North Edinburgh
Fraser McKinlay, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, has written in response to the statement from all 32 of Scotland’s Chief Social Work Officers warning of an emergency in availability of alternative care options for children:
Across Scotland there is now an acute shortage of suitable homes and carers for children who are unable to remain in the care of their family.
The lack of options increases the risk of harm to children from physical, sexual, emotional abuse or exploitation and neglect, as well as placing undue and unsustainable pressure on the people entrusted with keeping Scotland’s children, young people and adults safe.
The crisis is occurring at a time of growing concerns about the impact of poverty on families, a shortage of housing, and national attention on child sexual abuse and exploitation.
We, Scotland’s thirty-two Chief Social Work Officers, are therefore taking this unusual step of issuing a joint statement to ensure that the public and political leaders are aware of the situation, and the need for urgent action.
In the absence of placement options, newborn babies are remaining in the care of hospital nurses. Children as young as three years old are being placed in residential homes with young adults; a setting characterised by frequently changing staff and other young people.
Older children are sleeping on the sofas of foster carers and residential homes. And in such scarcity, where any safe placement will do, expensive specialist options are being used for children who do not have high levels of need, making them unavailable for those children who do.
The capacity of the care system is saturated, and it is only thanks to the incredible efforts of Scotland’s carers, social work staff and other professionals that we have been able to prevent the system collapsing entirely. Some carers have not had a break in many months, and in some parts of the country social workers have had to take children home with them, as no other safe options are available.
This is an emergency for Scotland’s care system, and we ask Scottish Government and Local Government leaders to work with us to take necessary action.
Principally, we – as the leaders of social work in local government – require the flexibility to authorise placements which we deem suitable to protect the welfare and wellbeing of children.
We also need to see political commitments to alleviate the administrative demand on social work implemented at pace.
Scotland aspires to be among the best places in the world to grow up, no matter what your background or circumstances. And Scotland has made a promise to those children and families who require social work support that the experience will be positive and nurturing. We share these ambitions wholeheartedly.
But the primary responsibility of public authorities is to protect the welfare and wellbeing of people, and if we are unable to do this fundamental task, those ambitions will never be realised.
Summer Breakfast Club is back at the hub!
Cereal, fruit, snacks and drinks available 10-12 every Mon to Sat during the summer holidays!
This year we’ve joined forces with the North Edinburgh Arts team to deliver this and a whole programme of family events and activities!
KEEP YOUR CAR SAFE
POLICE are aware of an increase in vehicle-related crime in the city.
While we continue to investigate reports and target offenders, there are simple steps motorists can take to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim:
Always lock your vehicle and close windows.
Keep vehicle keys away from doors and windows, particularly for keyless vehicles.
Remove valuables and personal belongings from sight.
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Consider additional security devices such as steering wheel locks.
Working together, we can make it harder for criminals to operate in our communities.
LOCK IT PROTECT IT 
REPORT IT 
Humanitarian aid efforts in Venezuela will receive £250,000 Scottish Government funding following the devastating earthquakes that have struck the country.
The support will help those affected by the earthquakes, which have caused significant loss of life and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
The funding will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support people to access shelter, food, water and medical care in the worst affected areas.
International Development Minister Simita Kumar said: “My heart goes out to everyone in Venezuela who has lost their loved ones or their home in the wake of these devastating earthquakes.
“The scale of suffering is immense, and I am deeply concerned for everyone caught up in the crisis, including the hundreds of thousands of children who most urgently need support.
“Scotland has a proud tradition of standing with communities in their darkest hours and will play its part in supporting the international humanitarian effort in Venezuela. This funding will help get vital assistance to those who need it most.”
https://twitter.com/DECScotland/status/2072207916313067580/video/1
Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid in Scotland and spokesperson for the DEC Scotland Appeal, said: “This is an unimaginably difficult time for the people affected by the earthquake.
“From the terror and chaos of the earthquakes to the ongoing anguish of missing or injured loved ones. People are coming to terms with the fact that their whole lives have changed in seconds. Many have lost their homes and belongings, whole neighbourhoods have been destroyed.
“Many of DEC’s member charities were already working in Venezuela so are able to work well with local and national experts. They responded immediately by delivering basic aid from the very beginning – food, water, emergency medical care. But so much more is needed now and in the coming days and weeks.
“We’d like to thank the Scottish Government for their generous support for this latest appeal, the 80th we’ve launched in the DEC’s 60 year history. We hope the £250,000 they have provided will encourage people from all over Scotland to dig deep and help make a difference right now.”
https://twitter.com/DECScotland/status/2072207916313067580/video/1
The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of humanitarian crisis overseas, with 10 of its 15 member agencies already operational in Venezuela or working with local partners on the ground.
To make a donation to the Venezuela earthquake appeal, visit the DEC website.
Thousands of patients in Glasgow will have easier access to urgent same day care as Scotland’s latest GP walk-in service opened its doors.
First Minister John Swinney visited the centre in Cardonald as it opened to patients today. The service will enable residents in Cardonald and the surrounding area to receive treatment without an appointment, Monday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 20:00.
Depending on clinical need, patients may be seen by a GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner. The service will also be made available to those without fixed addresses or who are homeless to ensure no one misses out on access to care.
It is the ninth centre to open as part of the Scottish Government’s pilot GP walk-in programme, which has been designed to provide more choice for patients while helping to relieve pressure on wider NHS services.
The First Minister said: “I promised that my government would end the frustrating ‘8am rush’ for GP appointments – and we are delivering on that commitment.
“Patients across the country are already benefitting from this pilot, which enables access to urgent, same-day care at new GP-led walk-in services – with Glasgow the latest service to open its doors.
“Walk-in services will help us bridge between General Practice and Urgent care – offering patients with urgent health concerns another way to be seen and treated, on the day and closer to home. Existing GP services will continue to provide their patients with all general medical services.
“We are on track to open another at least another two additional walk-in centres and set out the next phase of expansion, within the first 100 days of this government. This year we will expand access to a further 14 locations, taking the total to 30 walk-in clinics across the country. That is a Scottish Government delivering for the people of Scotland.”
Jann Gardner, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) Chief Executive, said: “The opening of the GP Walk-In Clinic in Cardonald marks an important step in improving access to care for local residents.
“NHSGGC is at the forefront of this new approach and we are committed to learning from the Walk-In Clinic as we continue to modernise healthcare.
“This forms part of a wider programme of work to improve how patients access services, including initiatives such as FNC+ and e-triage. We will continue to develop services that are responsive to the needs of our communities.”
Dinosaurs from an exciting exhibition at Newcastle’s award-winning Life Science Centre (Life) have visited Edinburgh to celebrate a new partnership between the attraction and rail operator Lumo.
Families travelling to Newcastle with Lumo can now claim 20% off entry to the hugely popular The Great Dinosaur Escape, which features the largest collection of moving dinosaurs in the north of England.
Visitors can see 25 dinosaurs, including towering four-metre-tall giants, mischievous hatchlings and flying prehistoric creatures. The spectacular collection of animatronic dinosaurs from Mexico are making their UK debut, creating a Jurassic adventure guaranteed to thrill dinosaur fans of all ages!
The discounted offer is available to customers travelling with Lumo to Newcastle from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Morpeth, Stevenage and London King’s Cross. Visitors simply need to show a valid Lumo ticket at Life and use the code LUMO20 to unlock the discount.
As schools are now breaking up for the summer, Newcastle is proving an increasingly popular destination for family days out, offering a mix of attractions, museums, parks, shopping and restaurants. The dinosaur collection is expected to be one of the city’s biggest family draws during the summer holiday period and is included in the entry ticket to Life.
Visitors can also enjoy full access to the science centre which has recently won Best Large Visitor Attraction in regional tourism awards and experience dinosaur-themed live shows, hands-on making activities and award-winning 360-degree immersive shows in the planetarium.
Paul Jackson, Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement at Lumo, said: “If you’re looking for a family day out that will keep children entertained this summer, Newcastle’s dinosaur exhibition is hard to beat. The dinosaurs are absolutely incredible and we’re delighted to help families save money on a fantastic attraction while also enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer.
“From giant dinosaurs to great food, shopping and family-friendly attractions, Newcastle is a brilliant destination for a summer break and Lumo makes getting there quick, comfortable and affordable.”
Linda Conlon, Life Chief Executive, said: “Dinosaurs have always been a firm favourite at Life and The Great Dinosaur Escape has already proved hugely popular with visitors.
“With the school holidays here, we’re looking forward to welcoming even more families travelling to Newcastle this summer.
“Visitors can also enjoy everything else in the centre while they are here from hands-on exhibits to live shows. So, whether you’re a dinosaur fanatic or just looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone.”
The promotion comes as Lumo was recently named the UK’s best-value rail operator, while also ranking among the country’s top long-distance train companies for customer satisfaction.
This exclusive offer also coincides with the Governments Summer Saving scheme, which has slashed VAT for visitor attractions until 1 September. Life is passing this additional saving on to visitors.
The Great Dinosaur Escape runs throughout the summer holidays at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre. Families travelling with Lumo can find full details of the offer by visiting the operator’s website.
In addition to this fantastic offer, Lumo customers can also enjoy exclusive offers at Newcastle’s iconic Tyneside Cinema, including £5 children’s tickets on selected family screenings, half-price kids’ meals during the summer holidays, and 10% off adult cinema tickets.
Business and leisure travellers can also claim discounts on food, drink and cinema tickets for up to three days after arriving in the city.
The National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCOS) has launched a new BSL Youth Choir in a landmark performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 27 June 2026, introducing what is believed to be the first ensemble of its kind in Scotland.
The performance formed part of the Opening Ceremony of the new parliamentary session, a nationally significant civic event bringing together political leaders, invited guests and representatives from across Scottish society in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III – who is the Patron of the National Deaf Association.
The ceremony underlined the Scottish Parliament’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with BSL playing a central role in proceedings. The NYCOS Edinburgh Choir, conducted by Mark Evans, performed Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum, accompanied by guitar and bodhrán, while the newly formed NYCOS BSL Youth Choir delivered the work in British Sign Language.
The NYCOS BSL Youth Choir – formed of Scottish young people aged 14-18 who use BSL – was led by Paul Whittaker OBE, one of the UK’s leading figures in accessible music-making.
A profoundly deaf musician, inspirational speaker and performer, Whittaker has spent decades pioneering approaches that enable Deaf and hearing musicians to work together at the highest level.
His work has transformed perceptions of how music can be experienced and shared, particularly through the development of integrated signing choirs.
Paul Whittaker said: “It’s so exciting to see the formation of a new NYCOS BSL Youth Choir, and to have our first performance at the Opening of the Scottish Parliament is a huge privilege.
“Having worked with NYCOS for several years, I’m delighted that they want to set up this choir and promote inclusion and the beauty of sign language. I’m pretty certain this is the first such national BSL choir anywhere – hooray!”
The creation of the ensemble builds on NYCOS’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and participation, and reflects a broader ambition to remove barriers to singing for young people across Scotland.
As the organisation celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, the launch of the NYCOS BSL Youth Choir marks one of a number of initiatives designed to broaden access and ensure that choir singing is open to all.
Christopher Bell, Founder and Artistic Director of NYCOS, said: “We were delighted to provide both a singing choir and the first ever BSL Youth Choir to perform at the opening of the Scottish Parliament.
“For over 30 years NYCOS has explored ways to include as many of Scotland’s young people as possible in singing activities. Our open access education work, our publications and our excellent Regional and National Choirs have made NYCOS one of the leading singing groups across Europe.
“A NYCOS BSL Youth Choir shows that once again we are a leading force in youth music.”
As schools in Scotland break up for the holidays, families heading to Europe are being advised to remember the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and check with travel operators.
EES replaces passport stamps, digitally recording each time a non-EU national enters or exits the Schengen area. This covers Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, as well as all EU countries except Cyprus and Ireland.
It works by verifying your biometrics and passport details at the border.
In most cases, EES border checks occur at passport control on arrival in your destination country (your entry) and when you leave (your exit).
However, if you are travelling from Eurostar – St Pancras, Le Shuttle – Eurotunnel at Folkestone or a ferry from the Port of Dover, entry checks take place before you leave the UK.
While EES checks should take a few minutes per person, queues may be longer at busy times – particularly during the peak summer months.
Travellers are therefore urged to follow advice from travel operators- including for your journey to your destination, onward connections, and when returning to the UK.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “As the school summer holidays begin in Scotland, it’s important that those heading abroad remember the EU’s Entry/Exit checks.
“We encourage all families to follow travel operator guidance to know when to arrive at airports and ports and what to expect.
“While this is an EU scheme, we continue working closely with European partners and the travel industry on keeping journeys smooth.”
The first time you complete EES checks, you’ll need to register. Your passport and fingerprints will be scanned, and your picture will be taken.
Once registered with EES, you only need a passport scan and one form of biometrics (a photo or fingerprints scan) on entry and exit, speeding up journeys.
EES registration lasts three years or when your passport expires, whichever is soonest.
Travel Aware also provides up‑to‑date country‑specific advice, including entry requirements like EES. Travellers can sign up for email alerts for a country.
More information on EES is available on GOV.UK and the EU’s Travel to Europe website.
· A Home Office Youtube explainer is available: How the EU Entry / Exit System (EES) Works
· EES digitally records compliance with EU rules allowing visa‑exempt stays of up to 90 days in every 180 days.
· There are some exemptions with EES. You will not need to complete EES checks if you hold a valid EU passport, or if you are legally resident in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland – including those covered by the Withdrawal Agreement – as long as you present the correct documents at the border.
· Full details of exemptions and further details on EES are available on the EU’s Travel to Europe website.
· Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint scans; however, EU rules mean all children, including babies, require a photograph for a digital record.
· No EES checks are required for travel within the Schengen area (e.g. Spain to France), only when crossing the external borders.
· Travellers should allow for some additional time at the border when travelling to and from the EU, particularly when they have connections or onward journeys planned. It is always advised to check with your travel operator for the latest information.
· We also encourage travellers to continue to check the latest travel advice via Travel Aware and follow instructions from local authorities and border officials when travelling.
· For further information contact the Home Office Press Office on 0300 123 3535, or 07623 514 628 out of hours.
National Bereaved Parents Day (3 July) helps us highlight financial support that could make a difference during such a difficult time.
We offer two payments which can help ease some of the money worries for bereaved parents.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment is available for eligible parents whose baby was stillborn or died within six months of birth. Parents can apply from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy up to six months after their baby’s birth date. If the baby was born before 24 weeks, parents can apply from the date their baby was born up to six months later.
Families eligible for free school meals may also receive support to access food during school holidays through their local authority.
Free and low-cost activities – including football, rugby, swimming, cycling and athletics are also available throughout Scotland.
The wider help available for families is listed here: A helping hand for families this summer
Shareable resources are available to download from our website: Resources –
Shareable resources are available to download from our website: website: Resources – Social Security Scotland
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