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Children Invited to Try Surfing for Free This Summer

Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are investing in the future of the sport

With Scotland preparing to welcome the Commonwealth Games this summer, Scottish Surfing and Lost Shore are encouraging children to discover a sport that could inspire the country’s next generation of athletes. 

Children across Scotland are being invited to catch their very first wave this summer, with Scottish Surfing offering free beginner surf lessons at Lost Shore Surf Resort as part of SportScotland’s ‘Summer of Sport’ campaign.

Research increasingly highlights surfing’s positive impact on physical fitness, confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing, making it an ideal activity for young people during the school holidays. 

The free sessions are taking place on Sunday 26th July and Sunday 2nd August from 10.30am, at Europe’s largest inland surf destination Lost Shore Surf Resort, located just outside Edinburgh.

Open to primary and secondary school children aged seven and over, the sessions give young people the opportunity to experience surfing in a safe, fun and supportive environment completely free of charge.

Delivered through Scottish Surfing’s Catch the Wave programme, the initiative is designed to widen participation in surfing, introduce young people to the sport at an early age and help build Scotland’s future surfing community .

Participants will receive expert coaching from qualified instructors, all surfing equipment and wetsuits, followed by lunch to refuel after their time in the wave pool.

SportScotland’s Summer of Sport is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage children and young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy positive experiences during the school holidays.

Mark Boyd, from Scottish Surfing, said: “Catch the Wave is all about giving young people the opportunity to experience surfing for the first time, regardless of their background or previous experience. We know that trying something new can be life-changing, helping build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of being active.

“Working alongside Lost Shore gives us an incredible venue where children can learn in a safe and controlled environment with expert coaching and guaranteed waves. We’re proud to be part of Summer of Sport and hope this inspires even more young people to discover everything surfing has to offer.”

Lee Wood, Managing Director of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “One of the reasons Lost Shore was created was to give more people the opportunity to experience surfing, regardless of where they live or whether they’ve ever stepped into the sea. These sessions are exactly what that vision is about.” 

“The sessions build on Lost Shore’s growing programme of community initiatives, schools engagement and youth development activities designed to make surfing more accessible across Scotland.”

Lost Shore’s consistent, controlled waves provide an ideal environment for first-time surfers, allowing children to build confidence without the unpredictability of the open sea. Every participant will be supported by experienced coaches throughout the session, with all equipment provided.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance. For more information about the Catch the Wave programme and to register for a free place, visit scottishsurfing.scot/catch-the-wave. 

To explore other surf opportunities including lessons and kids camps at Lost Shore Surf Resort visit www.lostshore.com and Scottish Surfing members can take advantage of a 20% discount.   

Coastguards win as pay cut ‘paused’ following GMB union campaign

Coastguards have scored a huge win in their campaign to stop their pay being cut.

Minister for Transport Keir Mather announced in parliament yesterday [Thursday] the Maritime and Coastguard Agency [MCA]’s plan to stop hourly remuneration for attending incidents and training exercises would be halted.

Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) carry out rescues and search for missing people around the UK’s coast, including Scotland, Wales and England’s south coast.

The move had followed a landmark case by GMB Union, which saw the Court of Appeal uphold a judgement classifying coastguards as workers.

Now, following a sustained campaign by GMB Coastguards, the move has been stopped.

Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer, said: “This is a richly deserved win for GMB’s coastguards, who took their campaign across the UK and into the corridors of power.

“It was a scandal that these brave, life-saving workers would have their pay cut.

“But Ministers have listened and done the right thing.”

NHS 24: Top Tips to Beat the Bites!

Mauled by midgies, tormented by ticks, chomped by clegs?🦟🐜🐝

Scotland’s summer wildlife is out in full force and they’re hungry!

Whether you’re hiking the Highlands or just enjoying a garden BBQ, insect bites can be more than just annoying. Some can cause allergic reactions or even carry infections like Lyme disease.

🧴 Top tips to stay bite-free:

✔️ Use insect repellent

✔️ Wear long sleeves and trousers in grassy or wooded areas

✔️ Keep food covered

✔️ Avoid strong perfumes that attract bugs

✔️ If you’re camping, avoid pitching your tent near water like rivers or lochs

If you’ve been bitten and it’s swollen, painful or not healing, get it checked. Your pharmacist can provide helpful advice or visit our bites and stings page on #NHSinform.

#SummerHealth

#InsectBites

#NHS24

#TickAwareness

#Midges

#Clegs

#OutdoorSafety

Dry weather sees water scarcity spread further across Scotland

Dry weather has led to more Scottish river catchments moving through the water scarcity levels, according to the latest report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). 

The number of catchments affected continues to grow this week, with four additional areas moving into Moderate Scarcity and nine more reaching Early Warning. Around half of Scotland’s river catchments are now at one of SEPA’s water scarcity levels. 

Moderate Scarcity is now in place in the Tyne in Lothian, Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don in Aberdeenshire, Esk and Tweed catchments. 

Alert remains in place for the Deveron, Ythan, Dee in Aberdeenshire, Almond and Findhorn catchments, while Early Warning now covers the Conon, Spey, Tay, Earn, Ness, Forth, Esk in Dumfriesshire, Annan, Nith, Dee in Galloway, Cree, Clyde, Irvine and Ayr catchments. 

The River Lossie catchment is no longer at Significant Scarcity following rainfall last weekend. However, the overall trend across Scotland is one of continued drying, with more catchments now affected. 

Water scarcity means there is less water available in rivers, lochs and groundwater, increasing pressure on the environment and on businesses, farmers and other organisations that rely on taking water directly from these natural sources. 

Rainfall has been normal to wet across western and much of northern Scotland. In contrast, much of the east has experienced dry conditions, with parts of Angus and Fife extremely dry. 

River flows reflect this pattern, with high to very high flows across western catchments and low to very low flows across much of the east. In the Tweed catchment, July river flows at the Coldstream gauging station reached the second lowest recorded at the site since records began in 1971. 

Ground conditions are dry across much of eastern Scotland, particularly in parts of the northeast and along the east coast. Groundwater levels in Fife are also very low for the time of year. 

SEPA are continuing to work directly with businesses, farmers and other organisations that take water from rivers, lochs and groundwater, providing practical advice to help them plan ahead, use water efficiently and reduce pressure on the environment. 

 Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “Scotland’s climate is changing, and periods of prolonged dry weather are becoming an increasingly important challenge for our rivers and the businesses that rely on taking water directly from the environment. 

“While conditions are not as severe as they were at this point last year, the coming weeks and months are a critical time for water demand. Those who take water directly from rivers, lochs and groundwater should already be taking steps to use less, plan ahead and make sure they are prepared if conditions continue to deteriorate. 

“We are working directly with businesses and other water users in affected catchments, providing practical advice to help them manage water responsibly and reduce pressure on Scotland’s rivers and the plants and animals that depend on them. 

“Acting early will help protect the environment and reduce the risk of restrictions being needed later in the summer. Anyone concerned about accessing enough water for their business, or who needs advice on preparing for drier conditions, should contact SEPA as early as possible.” 

SEPA are advising businesses and other organisations that take water directly from the environment to: 

  • monitor how much water they are using; 
  • use water as efficiently as possible; 
  • keep equipment in good working order to reduce leaks and losses; 
  • understand the water scarcity level in their catchment;  
  • have contingency plans in place should conditions worsen. 

People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website.

These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland. 

The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s website at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity  

SEPA Water Scarcity situation report – 16th July 2026

EICC confirms £50m boost to economy with new client wins

Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has generated almost £50 million in future economic impact for Edinburgh after securing 91 new events in the last six months.

The conferences and meetings are expected to bring nearly 54,000 delegates to the city and include several multi-year bookings extending through to 2031.

Medical conferences led the way, accounting for more than £17 million in economic impact during the period. This milestone is particularly significant in 2026, as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh celebrates its 300th anniversary. Finance and Investment, Charity, Education and IT & Technology events also featured strongly among the new bookings.

Major events confirmed to take place at the venue include the International Marine Conservation Congress 2026; World Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Conference 2026; and The Aerosol Society – Drug Delivery to the Lungs, which has been a client of the venue for more than 21 years, has now booked a multi-year event from 2029 until 2031.

Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: “We are hugely encouraged by the venue’s strong performance over the last six months.

Every business event we welcome to the EICC represents more than a booking; it brings together delegates from around the world to enable knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, generate economic impact and showcase Edinburgh on a global stage.

“This continued momentum reflects the confidence our clients place in both the EICC and Edinburgh, demonstrating the city’s enduring strengths as a destination for business events and the value these events create for our economy, our innovation ecosystem and our global reputation.

“We are incredibly grateful to our clients for that confidence and to our team for delivering the high standards and trusted partnerships that make it possible.”

Since opening in 1995, the EICC has delivered more than £1 billion in total economic impact to Edinburgh supporting jobs, investment, knowledge exchange and commercial opportunities created by world-class events.

Scran Café celebrates one year of impact at Royal Hospital for Children and Young People

Today marks one year since the opening of Scran Café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), the largest café operated by youth-led social enterprise Scran Academy.

In just 12 months, the café has become a valued and welcoming space for patients, families, NHS staff and visitors, while creating life-changing opportunities for young people across Edinburgh through real-life enterprise experience and Scran Academy’s youth programmes.

This year the café has made over 33,758 meals and 15,305 coffees, welcoming more than 37,540 customers, that’s over 200 NHS staff, patients and family members served each day, who are supporting Scran Academy’s mission to see every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life.

The RHCYP café represents this mission in action. Since opening, it has provided 8  young people with Living Wage employment, alongside work placements and volunteering opportunities, with young people making up the majority of the café team.

For many, it is their first experience of paid employment, giving them the chance to develop workplace skills, confidence and independence in a busy healthcare environment.

This impact has resulted in the café team gaining national recognition, with Scran Café becoming a finalist at the National Youth Work Awards 2026.

Reflecting on their first year, the young team at RHCYP shared: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We are also thankful to all the people who made this possible, who have been leading and supporting us in this newly opened space.

“We have also built great friendships along the way, and we are so proud of what we have created.”

Founder and Chair of Scran Academy, John Loughton BEM, said: “This year we’ve watched young people graft, grow in confidence and build something pretty special.

“Yet again, they proved what I believe to my core: Back young people and they will amaze you.

“To NHS Lothian, our customers, partners and every person who has championed us this year, thank you for believing in young people with us.”

COSLA calls for clarity over severance scheme for councillors

COSLA has responded to the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation for a severance scheme for councillors:

The COSLA President has written to the Deputy First Minister to express COSLA’s ‘profound disappointment’ in the Government’s position that a severance scheme for elected members cannot be implemented ahead of the 2027 local government election.

Commenting on the Government’s decision not to proceed with a consultation and legislation, Cllr Morrison said: “The Scottish Government’s position represents a significant departure from the expectation created by the Scottish Local Authorities Renumeration Committee (SLARC) recommendation and by the Scottish Government’s own acceptance of the recommendation.

“COSLA is clear that a severance scheme for elected members, which would bring councillors in line with what is already available for MSPs and MPs, is a key part of removing barriers to elected office and increasing the diversity and representation of local government.

“COSLA remains committed to delivering the SLARC recommendations, which includes severance, and working constructively with the Scottish Government to deliver this important reform.

“Scotland’s councillors now require a formal commitment by the Scottish Government detailing how they will take forward this recommendation in future.

“Such clarity would help provide reassurance regarding the Government’s continuing commitment to strengthening local democracy and removing barriers to elected office.”

Independent Age: Total take up of state support would reduce pensioner poverty by 15% 

Would also save the NHS and social care services over half-a-billion pounds

  • Research shows that 100% take up of key benefits would cut numbers of pensioners in poverty by 280,000
  • Due to health impacts, full take-up would also save the NHS and social care services in England £790 million a year
  • Independent Age recommends the UK Government publish a take-up strategy for financial entitlements to ensure all older people are receiving everything they should be

New research from national charity Independent Age shows that full take-up of three key financial entitlements could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty across the UK, reducing pensioner poverty by 15%. 

This includes Pension Credit, pensioner Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The analysis was carried out by the research agency Public First.

The report released today, entitled ‘The only way is up: The impact of improved entitlement take-up on pensioner poverty and healthcare spending’ also shows that increasing take-up of these entitlements to 100% could help improve older people’s health, leading to a reduction in health and social care public spending by up to a colossal £790 million a year in England. 

Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to publish an all-entitlements take-up strategy for the UK. This should include a strong commitment and targets to increase take-up. 

The number of older people in poverty in the UK is rising, with around 1.7 million in relative poverty in 2024/25, which is an increase of 200,000 compared to the year before. Another one million live close to the poverty line. 

Despite this, the charity says that too many eligible older people are missing out on money set aside for them. Over one in three (38%) of those eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, and around 230,000 older households are missing out on Housing Benefit. 

Official take-up figures of Council Tax Reduction are not produced, however the report analysis indicates that over a million pensioner households could be missing out on this vital support. 

The organisation is also calling for the Pensions Commission to agree on what an adequate income in later life looks like, and the UK Government to commit to ensuring everyone receives this. 

Concerningly, full take up would also provide an additional 770,000 older people with more vital income, but they would still remain in poverty, indicating that financial entitlements and the State Pension alone is not always adequate to live on.

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age said: “Our social security system was designed as a safety net for all of us but the evidence is clear, it is failing older people in poverty. Money that has been set aside is not reaching the older people who need it and at a time with increasing costs, the impact of this is devastating. 

“Through our helpline, we hear often from older people who are having to skip meals or only wash once a week to make ends meet. This is unacceptable. 

“Older people on a low income have been left to struggle for too long. That’s why we urgently need a strategy to ensure everyone receives the support they are entitled to and an agreement on what an adequate income looks like in later life for all of us as we age.

“With the upcoming changes in leadership, this is a golden opportunity for the UK Government to reverse the worsening picture of poverty in later life.”

Independent Age’s report found that three groups especially benefitted from increased take-up of these entitlements. These were: older people living alone, older renters and those on the old State Pension. This is due to a combination of likely higher initial costs such as housing or energy, and a lower income.

Valerie’s Story

Valerie, 68, from the Isle of Wight

“Once the rent was paid, along with Council Tax – more than £150 a month even with the single person discount – there wasn’t enough left. I had to cut back on everything. I lived on £1 meals from Iceland because they were cheap and filling, even though I knew they weren’t very nutritious.

I relied on a local community pantry where £5 bought roughly £15 of food. I couldn’t afford to put the heating on. My house is all electric and it was simply too expensive. I spent winters wrapped in blankets, drinking cups of instant soup to keep warm, and sometimes slept downstairs so I didn’t have to walk through cold rooms at night.”

Valerie called Independent Age and, while she wasn’t eligible for Pension Credit, an adviser supported her to start receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which she hadn’t previously been aware of.

After starting to receive these entitlements, Valerie described the impact this had on her life: 

“Life is so much better now. I still budget carefully, but I’m not living on my credit card anymore. I can buy fresh vegetables, cook proper meals and freeze portions so food lasts longer.

“I can travel to the mainland to see family, and I enjoy the things that matter to me, such as going to the local theatre and being part of the choir.

“I called the Independent Age Helpline at a time in my life when I didn’t know where to turn. The support I received has made a dramatic difference to my daily life. I nearly didn’t make that call – but I’m so glad I did.

“Before that call, I was surviving day to day. Now, I feel like I’m living again.”

independent-age-reportDownload

Very High Wildfire Risk

15 – 20 JULY

A very high wildfire risk is forecast across central highlands, southern and eastern Scotland later this week and into the weekend.

If you’re enjoying the warmer weather, please do so responsibly. One spark can start a wildfire that destroys property, wildlife and landscapes.

Stay vigilant, even if a warning is not in place in your area.

Learn more – https://ow.ly/3cTp50ZnuAx

Very High risk of wildfire warning for Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: 15-20 July

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in conjunction with the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) have issued a wildfire warning for some parts of Scotland:

  • Central Highlands, Southern and Eastern Scotland: from Wednesday, 15 July to Monday, 20 July, there will be a very high risk of wildfire.

SFRS’ Wildfire Tactical Advisor, Kevin Dingwall, said: “A very high wildfire risk is forecast across central highlands, southern and eastern Scotland later this week and into the weekend.

“We know many people will want to enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re spending time outdoors, please do so responsibly and take simple steps to prevent fires from starting.

“Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfire across Scotland. Even if a warning is not in place where you live, we ask everyone to stay vigilant.

“Wildfires can destroy property, landscapes and wildlife. That’s why it’s so important that everyone takes extra care during these conditions.

“Avoid lighting outdoor fires or barbecues in affected areas, and remember that a single spark can cause significant damage. There is no such thing as a harmless fire.

“You can help by sharing wildfire warnings with your family, friends, and any visitors.”

If you see a large outdoor fire, call 999 immediately. Give the location and any other relevant information so we can respond quickly.

Learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code..