Heading down to the beach, loch or river with your pals?
Look after yourself and your mates in the water to make sun-filled memories.
Learn about Cold water shock following the link in the first comment.
Stay Safe in the Water
Category: Uncategorized
New Acas survey reveals widespread gaps in workplace mediation skills
One third of Britain’s workplaces do not have staff with the necessary mediation skills to resolve a workplace conflict, according to a new survey.
The Acas survey, carried out by YouGov, found that 33% of workers thought that their organisation did not have people with the necessary mediation skills to resolve a workplace conflict, with the figure rising to 40% for SMEs.
Mediation is a way of mending relationships when there is a disagreement at work, and looks at how people can work together. It is held by an impartial mediator who does not take sides, and is a less formal, flexible and voluntary way of resolving disagreements.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 has introduced significant changes to workers’ rights, and provides an opportunity for employers and workers to work together to help organisations thrive and improve working lives.
Acas is encouraging employers and workers to work together to raise standards of workplace relations and help prevent and manage potential disputes.
Kevin Rowan, Acas Director of Dispute Resolution, said: “Mediation can be great way of preventing and managing disputes informally without the need for potentially expensive formal action.
“It is not about judging who is wrong or who is right; it is about bringing people in a disagreement together to agree on a way of working together.
“Mediation is a valuable skill, but our survey shows that too few workers are confident their organisation has the skills to use it in a disagreement. We encourage employers to make sure their managers have the confidence and skill to mediate successfully.”
Mediation can be used to resolve disagreements around relationships at work. It might be used to resolve personality clashes or relationship breakdowns, or bullying and harassment. It is not generally used to resolve things like pay disputes or issues related to dismissal or serious misconduct.
It is a voluntary and confidential process, and the mediator will agree with everyone what information can be shared. If you do not reach an agreement, anything that’s said is kept confidential.
Mediation can help avoid stress, manage disagreements and avoid formal procedures like an employment tribunal. The outcome is decided by everyone involved and can be flexible.
The UK Mediation Conference, on 30th June 2026 in London, aims to equip managers with the key conflict resolution skills, including
- Managing difficult conversations
- Preventing escalation
- Handling sensitive disputes inclusively and effectively.
Acas National
Stay Safe in the sun this Summer
Lots of us enjoy the heat, but it can make us unwell.
This summer, find out how to take care of yourself and others during hot weather.
Great British Summer Savings: Tax cut on kids’ meals and days out goes live
- Every family across the UK will pay less tax on meals and days out as new VAT cut helps families enjoy trips to the seaside and making memories with loved ones.
- “I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer” – more businesses back the scheme and commit to passing on savings to customers including Butlin’s, Burger King, Wetherspoons and Picturehouse.
ALL FAMILIES can enjoy children’s meals in restaurants and days out for less from today as the Great British Summer Savings tax cut goes live today.
With every family set to benefit, the scheme will see VAT cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This tax cut will help families enjoy weekend treats, days out, and day trips that make the most of the summer.
Meanwhile, the scheme will support businesses by generating additional summer footfall. Businesses up and down the country have confirmed their involvement in Great British Summer Savings, including some of Britain’s most prominent attractions and eateries.
Picturehouse, Everyman Cinemas, Vue, Butlin’s, Wetherspoons, Shepherd Neame pubs, McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King are among the businesses that have made the commitment to pass on these savings to customers since the Chancellor held a roundtable with major leisure and hospitality companies last week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The cost of living isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family.
“Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets – that’s why we’re slashing VAT on family days out this summer.”
Haven Holidays is also participating and expects to give up to £5 million back to families across their 39 parks during the scheme. Families will benefit whether they have already booked their holiday or book in the coming weeks.
In addition to passing on the reduction in VAT on their kids’ menus, Haven holidaymakers who purchase the Play Pass as part of their booking will receive a £7.50 voucher for each child. These vouchers can be redeemed against any of the many activities available on its parks.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “I know the cost of living is a number one concern for families, and it can be even harder over the summer holidays when kids want to do things and money is tight. So we’re making it that bit easier for families to make memories together and enjoy the little treats – while giving a boost to businesses across the UK.
“This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, and freezing prescriptions and rail fares.
“We are able do this because we have the right economic plan, resulting in the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7.”
Prices will be slashed for:
- Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
- Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
- Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
Lyn Goleby, Founder and Chair of Picturehouse, said: “I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer.
“We’re looking forward to a summer of family cinema that is super charged in every way except price.”
Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said: “Summer is a time for making memories, and that’s why we’re giving back up to £5 million to our guests and owners as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and we want to help our holidaymakers enjoy more of what matters – whether that’s a hole-in-one on the Crazy Golf, a leap of faith off The Jump tower or another shot to hit the bullseye in the Archery.”
A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to support the Great British Summer Savings initiative by passing on the temporary VAT reduction where eligible.
“Families visiting our resorts will enjoy savings on Day Visits and children’s meals across a range of our dining venues during the campaign period.”
Alex Cole-Hamilton: UK should rejoin single market and boost defence ties with EU
To mark the 10-year anniversary of Brexit, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh North Western, Alex Cole-Hamilton has today highlighted their party’s plans to rejoin the single market and boost defence ties with the EU.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP warned that Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson’s Brexit experiment has failed.
Estimates suggest that Brexit costs the country £90 billion in lost tax revenue every year.
Liberal Democrats have unveiled plans for a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. This would mean:
- The UK immediately beginning talks to rejoin the single market and customs union, boosting trade with Britain’s biggest market and tearing down barriers for businesses.
- Forging a new defence pact with our European allies underpinned by a new European Security Council to improve coordination of Europe’s rearmament.
- Rebuilding trust and economic ties with our partners in Europe, putting the UK on a path towards EU membership in the long-term.
Alex Cole-Hamilton also said that Reform UK should use their voice in parliament to explain how they would fill the £90 billion blackhole without backing Liberal Democrat proposals.
Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson are the authors of the failed Brexit experiment. They have cost our country £90 billion every year.
“This is money which is being taken away from nurses, doctors, teachers, patients and pupils all across Edinburgh.
“Liberal Democrats have announced bold new plans for a Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. It’s how we can cut bills for local people, give our children a better future and help keep everyone in Edinburgh safe.
“Our plans would stop the chaos and end the crisis. If Reform don’t like them, they should use the voice they now have in parliament to explain what they would do instead.”
Peter Murrell jail sentence: Police Scotland comment
On Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
This follows the 61-year-old’s conviction, on 25 May, 2026, of embezzling funds in excess of £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of Police Scotland’s investigation into the embezzlement, Operation Branchform.
ACC Houston said: “Today’s sentencing of Peter Murrell – and a sentence of such duration – is proof that those who flout the law, who break the trust of those around them, and who embezzle vast sums of money will not escape justice, regardless of how high a profile or role they may hold.
“Operation Branchform has been an extremely detailed, complex and intricate enquiry, carried out over a protracted period of time in order to ensure a thorough investigation which fully exposed the extent of this wrongdoing, committed over a sustained period of time.
“Murrell occupied a significant position of privilege and power in public life in Scotland, entrusted to oversee the day-to-day operations of the country’s governing political party. His undeniably deliberate and calculated actions to mislead and steal for his own personal gain has proved his disregard for those who placed their trust in him.
“People came forward and told us of their sense and experiences of things not being right, and they are to be publicly commended – their statements, combined with our investigations, have led to the outcome we see today.
“Through ongoing close work with key criminal justice partners, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, this enquiry resulted in the compilation of such a robust case that an early admission of guilt was secured, enabling proceedings to conclude sooner rather than later.
“My sincere thanks go to the officers and staff of Police Scotland, who have committed their specialist knowledge, professionalism, commitment and expertise to this matter from start to finish, and without whom we would not have been able to achieve justice.
“Work remains to be undertaken in regards to the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to this case by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Police Scotland, and in particular the Cyber and Fraud Unit, will assist in this process and in any further investigations which may be required.”
Police: Further update on Friday evenng incidents across Edinburgh
Update following incidents that happened in Edinburgh on Friday 19 June:
We recognise the concerns felt within all communities, including those who experienced and witnessed these horrific attacks, and we understand concerns may be heightened at this time. Policing and communities experience the direct impact and live time reactions to international conflicts, UK incidents and online commentary.
It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.
Community cohesion is a partnership effort. Since Friday, we have engaged with over 90 multi-faith organisations and community leaders in Edinburgh and across Scotland. Local policing officers have visited businesses affected by the incident and will continue to do so. We are carrying out a community impact assessment and will closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities, and we are prepared to respond promptly to any emerging issues.
We have also been in touch with the police officers who bravely carried out the arrest on Friday, as well as speaking to other officers to offer any support they need.
A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged, and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage 
Anyone impacted by the incident can access free, confidential, emotional and practical support from Victim Support Scotland https://orlo.uk/x0Grk
We would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. We are a police service for every community.
Our message is clear – there is no place for violence, hatred, or intimidation in our communities.
Thank you for your continued support.
Edinburgh Festival Carnival’s back!
We are thrilled that this year’s Edinburgh Festival Carnival will return to the streets!
Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Visitor Levy, the 2026 Carnival will see over 1,000 performers parading down The Mound and along Princes Street in a breath-taking display of music, dance and carnival costumes from local, national and international artists.
Following the parade, the party continues with performances across West Princes Street Gardens.
More information coming soon!
Edinburgh school uniform exchange breaking down barriers to education
The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help families in need
They say your school days are the best days of your life. But for many pupils in Edinburgh, just making it to the school gates can be an issue, especially for those whose families are struggling to cover the cost of basic essentials such as a uniform.
And so, before the current term draws to a close, one local Community Interest Company is launching a free school uniform exchange, so every pupil can start the new academic year in August looking smart and feeling confident.
Back for the fourth year, The Leith Collective will open a free school uniform exchange within its Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird stores in Edinburgh, as well as its store at the Overgate Centre in Dundee on Friday 26th June. Here, families in need can collect good quality uniforms, coats, gym kits, shoes, schoolbags and pencil cases, completely free of charge, no questions asked.
The aim of this initiative is to give all pupils an equal start to the school year, as The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson explains; “Every day I see first-hand the huge inequality here in Edinburgh.
“Education has the power to provide a path out of poverty, but for some children, just accessing that education is fraught with obstacles. A lack of uniform is one of them.
“I hope that providing good quality items, no child will feel forced to skip school because they fear being judged for not having a uniform or for wearing ill-fitting or worn-out items. All children should start school on an equal footing, and uniforms shouldn’t hold anyone back.”
To ensure there are enough uniform items to meet demand, The Leith Collection is calling on locals to donate good quality pre-loved items, and businesses to donate surplus new stock.
People can donate and collect items at any of The Leith Collective stores during opening hours.
Girlguiding: Give girls a voice in Scottish Youth Parliament
Did you know Girlguiding Scotland members aged 14-25 can register to stand as a candidate in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections?
If you’d like to represent Girlguiding members from across Scotland and advocate for the issues impacting them, SYP is where your voice can find its place!
No previous experience required.
You can get in touch for support by emailing: syp@girlguiding-scot.org.uk
If you’re interested, register here: https://elections.syp.org.uk/elections/