The Financial Conduct Authority has announced it has conducted secret analysis, using evidence supplied by Citizens Advice Scotland.
Being without a bank account is the ultimate form of financial exclusion.
We’ve been working to raise awareness of the barriers banks create for so many people across Scotland and why more needs to be done.
Now, nine major banks have committed to improving their service in this area.
Read about our work on this here:
Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin to return with exciting series of fascinating lunchtime outdoor talks presented in collaboration with The Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, in partnership with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, is set to stage A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin, their popular series of fascinating talks featuring leading Scottish experts from science and the arts.
This year’s talks will open on Tuesday 21 July, in Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s picturesque outdoor Amphitheatre, with Prof Penny Fielding FRSE who makes a welcome return to Pitlochry to host a talk about the history of the spy novel in Scotland. From Scottish literary greats like Walter Scott and John Buchan to contemporary authors, hear how writers have woven surveillance, secret intelligence and carefully crafted misdirection into their stories.
Later that week on Friday 24 July, Prof Jennifer Smith FBA FRSE will be exploring the history and diversity of the Scots language. Hear how this living, evolving language is being used in everyday speech, in the creative industries, in writing, and what it might look like in the future as we move further into an increasingly AI-dependent world.
In August there will be two further talks in the amphitheatre. On Friday 21 August theastrophysicist Dr Anne-Marie Weijmans, a member of the Young Academy of Scotland, will take her audience on a journey through the Universe and the remarkable space objects within it.
Together, they will explore questions like: Was there ever life on Mars? Why is Pluto no longer a planet? And what are the oldest objects in the Universe?
The following week on Friday 28 Augustthe author Kenneth Steven will be presenting a talk on his book Atoms of Delight which comprises ten essays inspired by the natural world.
Kenneth’s book describes pilgrimages in Scottish nature: climbing to high lochs to encounter black and red throated divers; discovering hidden river pools in summer for swimming; walking to St Columba’s Bay at the south end of Iona to find serpentine pebbles.
The idea of A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin came from Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Alan Cumming HonFRSE, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and was inspired by the widely celebrated A Play, A Pie and A Pint.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh recognises, supports, and mobilises expertise from across academia, business, and public service for the benefit of Scotland and the wider world.
All tickets for A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin will include a beer and a bap (vegetarian / vegan options and non-alcoholic options available).
A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin is part of Alan Cumming’s inaugural season as Artistic Director in this the Theatre’s 75th anniversary year.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Artistic Director Alan Cumming HonFRSE said: “I’m so excited for the return of A Beer, Bap and a Boffin, our open-air lunch time lecture series. And what a line-up we have!
“To paraphrase Buzz Lightyear, we go to Scotland and beyond! We explore our language, the subterfuge in our literary heritage, the hidden wonders of our beautiful landscape, before blasting off into space – and all done from the safety of our garden’s amphitheatre!
“What better way to spend an hour this summer?”
RSE’s Vice-President, Public Engagement, Professor Martin Hendry FRSE, said: “It’s brilliant to see A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin return for a second year.
“It’s a testament to the success of its first year in 2025 and we’re delighted to be able to work with Pitlochry Festival Theatre, through our Honorary Fellow Alan Cumming, making the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s knowledge useful for public good.
“A refreshing drink, a bite to eat and a blether with an expert in their field in a superb setting, what more could you ask for this summer?”
For tickets and further information visit online at pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com or call the Box Office on 01796 484626.
Housing specialist, Lovell, currently building a mixed-tenure development in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland and Sigma Capital at The Crossings in South Queensferry, upgraded the cycle path at Echline Primary School to give pupils a safer space to build confidence on two wheels for the summer holidays.
The work was completed in time for the end of term, giving children a dedicated space to learn to ride and forms part of the ongoing commitment by Lovell to deliver social value in communities where it builds.
Over the course of six days Lovell staff members, along with partnering supply chain, cleared overgrown areas, resurfaced and repainted the cycling track so pupils could practise safer riding in a realistic layout. The team also refurbished the school’s sensory garden and pond area with new plants and small trees.
Together, Lovell and their partners provided around £2,000 of materials for the cycle path and garden.
Tony Rankin, Regional Managing Director at Lovell in Scotland, said: “At Lovell we’re proud to be delivering much-needed housing in South Queensferry and committed to helping to create a thriving, sustainable community.
“Our team were glad to give their time and skills to upgrade the cycle path at Echline Primary School and we hope pupils feel more confident getting out on their bikes safely this summer.”
Sarah Macauley, Senior Project Manager, Sanctuary Scotland, said: “Great housing is about far more than the homes themselves. It’s about strengthening communities and making sure people feel the benefit for years to come.
“That is exactly why Sanctuary Scotland is proud to partner with Lovell, who share our commitment to building communities. The work to improve the cycle path and garden at Echline Primary School is a perfect example, giving local children a better and safer place to learn.”
Laura Marshall, Sustainability Lead and Eco-Schools Co-ordinator at Echline Primary School, said: “At Echline we want every child to feel safe and secure so they can grow in confidence.
“We are very grateful to Lovell for donating their time and skills to upgrade our cycle path to give our pupils a brilliant space to practise and become more independent on their bikes.”
The Crossings will deliver 398 homes, including 100 for social rent in partnership with Sanctuary Scotland, 185 homes for private rent through Sigma Simple Life, 113 private homes for sale by Lovell Homes and 14 commercial units. The development will also support more than 300 local jobs.
For more information, visit www.lovell.co.uk
SUMMER TICKET GIVE-AWAY FOR NEA ORDINARY MEMBERS
We have six pairs of Fringe Days Out vouchers (worth £30) up for grabs for NEA Ordinary Members.
These can be used to book tickets to any shows that are part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. All NEA Ordinary Members will be entered into a draw, with six lucky winners picked at random.
Not a Member yet? Sign up by end of the day Monday 20 July and have your name added to the prize draw to be in with a chance of winning:
https://northedinburgharts.co.uk/get…/become-a-member/
Names will be drawn and winners contacted on Tuesday 21 July, with announcement on our social media.
The Besties awards celebrating the best across Edinburgh’s August Festivals are now in their third year. The Award is a partnership between Radge Media, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland.
The Besties 2026 design by Camillo Feuchter
The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce that The Besties are back!
Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals,
The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.
2026 winners will be announced at weekly ceremonies taking place at Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 15, 22 and 29 August.
The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT – 27 & 28th AUGUST
From trust in public institutions to the impact of social media, democracy is facing new challenges and raising important questions about how we communicate and make decisions together.
This year’s Festival of Politics will bring together leading voices to explore some of the issues shaping public life today, including:
‘Brexit – ten years on’ – A look back at a decade of political and economic change, and where the UK’s relationship with Europe stands today.
‘Trust in public institutions’ – How can confidence be rebuilt after major public scandals?
‘Why social media abuse towards women in politics is damaging democracy’ – Exploring how online abuse and misinformation can affect political participation and representation.
‘When does free speech become hate speech?’ – Where should the line be drawn, and what role do social media platforms play?
‘The evolution of devolution’ – How has devolution changed decision-making across the UK, and what impact has it had over the years?
‘In conversation with Brenda Hale, Baroness Hale of Richmond’ – Hear from one of the UK’s most influential legal figures as she reflects on her career and discusses her latest book, With the Law on Our Side.
Come along and join the conversation!
27-28 August
Browse the full programme and book tickets: https://ow.ly/oM8e50ZlaMr
Childline is anticipating a summer spike in children seeking support for body image issues and eating disorders.
New data from the NSPCC service reveals it delivered 3,364 counselling sessions to young people from April 2025 to March 2026 about these problems.
Support from Childline about body image issues and eating disorders peaked over the summer months last year, with the service delivering almost 1,000 counselling sessions across June, July and August.
The summer months leading into the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.
They speak to Childline about their fears of wearing certain clothes, including swimsuits, and how they feel under pressure to look a certain way.
Children and young people also mention comparing themselves to influencers they see online. Some spoke to Childline about watching what I eat in a day and calorie counting videos, which often promote unhealthy habits such as extreme calorie restriction.
Last year, social media platform, TikTok, banned the hashtag #SkinnyTok in an effort to prevent young people being exposed to dangerous eating disorder content. In spite of this, Childline is still hearing from young people who are watching these types of videos on TikTok and other platforms.
29-year-old Lauren* from Scotland, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, said: “I had body image insecurities from the age of five. I would look at different parts of my body and think they weren’t good enough or try to measure the size of my stomach.
“At secondary school my eating disorder habits started, and I found restricting my food intake was a way of staying in control. I was trying to be as secretive about it as possible. I felt more accepted as I lost weight and if I got praise for being slimmer, it just confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing.
“Eventually I found a treatment that worked better for me, and I’ve gone from having certain beliefs and thoughts around food, weight and calories that I genuinely no longer believe.
“I know how to protect myself now and I am much better than I ever thought I would be. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I would say I am 90% of the way there.”
A 17-year-old from Scotland told Childline: “I’ve had an eating disorder for years and I’m just stuck in a cycle. I get treatment for a while, hit a healthy weight, get discharged, then spiral back into restricting.
“This time I tried to get help when I knew it was starting to happen again, but they wouldn’t see me because my BMI was still ok. I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t know how to do it without support.”
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “With the warm weather continuing and families planning their summer holidays, young people might be finding themselves in positions where they feel anxious about their body.
“To cope, some young people are taking drastic measures, such as restricting their food intake or, in some instances, developing disordered eating behaviours. Children are also telling us that unrealistic beauty standards are affecting their wellbeing and self-worth, with many comparing themselves to others, particularly influencers on social media.
“Childline wants every young person to know that whatever they’re going through our trained counsellors are here to listen without judgment. Seeking help is always a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Advice for parents on encouraging healthy body image in children:
All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.
Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on body image and eating disorders.
Shoppers turned up in their droves at The Centre, Livingston for the opening of Scotland’s largest JD Sports store on Thursday (9th July).
The retailer, known as the ‘King of Trainers’, which has over 350 stores across the UK, relocated in the shopping centre due to customer demand.
The store opened with a celebratory launch which included a Spin the Wheel competition, running from Friday until Sunday, goody bags and a DJ.
Larissa Fleming from Livingston said: “The new store looks amazing – it is really bright with a lovely layout and has a fantastic selection of trainers and clothing.
I just had to treat myself to a new pair of On Cloud trainers which I’ve had my eye on for a while.”
Tammy Wilson, who was shopping with her son Rory, said: “It was great to pop into the new-look JD Sports store this morning, which my son is a big fan of.
“He picked out a really nice pair of Montirex shorts and t-shirt, but I have a feeling we’ll be back again very soon – we loved it!”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “The new larger JD Sports store looks fantastic and really enhances our overall offering at The Centre, Livingston – we are very confident it will be a big hit with our shoppers!”
As charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom) marks its 25th anniversary, founder Sophie Dow launches the English edition of her internationally acclaimed memoir, with proceeds from the limited 1,000-copy run helping ensure “No Mind Is Left Behind.”
What happens when a Mother refuses to accept a broken system? For journalist, writer and Mum Sophie Dow, the answer was to change it.
Now, twenty-five years after co-founding Scottish neurodiversity charity Mindroom following the birth of her daughter Annie, Dow is publishing the first English-language edition of her acclaimed memoir, “When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script”, an extraordinary true story of love, resilience and one family’s determination to create a better future for neurodivergent people.
Inspired by Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”, the book tells the deeply personal story behind a decision that has gone on to transform the lives of thousands and thousands of families.
The book was officially launched at an intimate soft launch on Wednesday, 9 July, as part of Mindroom’s 25th anniversary celebrations. In a special limited-edition print run of just 1,000 copies, every penny of proceeds will support the charity’s work with neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland.
Originally published in Sweden in 2018 as “När livet inte följer manus”, the memoir received widespread critical acclaim and has now been updated and translated into English by Sophie and her husband Robin for the first time.
At the heart of both the charity and the book is a simple belief: society should stop focusing on what neurodivergent people cannot do and instead recognise what they can.
‘When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script’ is an inspiring, personal detective drama written with humour, passion and a determined focus on the question: Why aren’t all minds valued equally?
Each chapter is illustrated with artwork created by Annie herself, making the book not only a memoir but also a celebration of creativity, individuality and the many ways people experience the world.
Author Sophie Dow says: “When Annie was born, everything changed. We found ourselves navigating systems that often focused on limitations rather than possibilities. I found that totally unacceptable.
“We are certainly not alone. There are thousands of other families out there in the same situation. This is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. So, Salvesen Mindroom Centre was founded 25 years ago to ensure that no mind is left behind.”
That vision has flourished into an influential organisation with a trusted reputation for advice, advocacy and practical support for neurodivergent children, young people, families and people in the workplace across Scotland and beyond, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
Alan Thornburrow, CEO for Mindroom, continues: “In 2025 alone, Mindroom supported 2,172 families. We received 1,801 NEW enquiries over the course of this year alone and trained 3,546 delegates. Since 2020, we have experienced a 309% increase in the number of families seeking support.
“Sophie and Robin’s story is one I recognise, and I know so many other parents and carers will too. Every day, families tell us about the challenges of navigating fragmented systems while trying to secure the understanding and support their children need.
“That’s why we work so hard to help parents, carers, children and young people – as well as employers and employees – find a path through those barriers and access the support that enables everyone to feel valued and thrive.”
As Mindroom celebrates 25 years, the publication represents both a reflection on how far understanding of neurodiversity has come and a call for much more to be done.
Every copy sold will help fund the charity’s continuing work to ensure neurodivergent children, young people and neurodivergent people in the workplace have equal opportunities to thrive.
As demand for its services continues to grow, Mindroom also works alongside leading researchers to deepen understanding of neurodiversity and help drive lasting change.
To purchase the book, please visit: “When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script – Buy the book”
For more information about Sophie’s work, please visit www.sophie-dow.com.
To find out more about Mindroom and the support it provides, visit: www.mindroom.org.
Whether it’s a walk to the shops or taking the stairs, regular physical activity adds up to real health benefits 
The UK Chief Medical Officers have refreshed their Physical Activity Guidelines for adults to reflect new evidence on how moving more improves your health:
https://www.gov.uk/…/physical-activity-guidelines-uk…
Almost everybody reading this will be aware in broad terms that physical activity is good for health. To exercise more is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions in the UK according to surveys.
Quite how good it is for physical and mental health has however become steadily clearer from multiple studies over the last few years, and the evidence base in both men and women is now very robust. Among the diseases physical activity makes less common, delays or prevents are coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes, breast cancer and bowel cancer, arthritis and depression.
The UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have just updated their main physical activity guidelines to reflect the new data.
We have made clearer that for those who do almost no physical activity even small amounts will significantly improve their overall physical and mental health, and this increases rapidly with every increment of activity up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, with the benefits increasing more slowly after that.
Do not therefore be put off if you think you cannot make 150 minutes – make a start and see how you go. Every extra bit will benefit you.
In addition to this general improvement in health, it is important to do things which maintain strength and balance. As we age we all lose muscle mass – keeping strength and balance into older age can be the difference between an active and independent later life and earlier frailty and dependency.
Since the last time CMOs reviewed the guidelines many people have started GLP-1 agonist drugs for diabetes and weight loss and it is important those taking the drugs concentrate on strength as weight decreases to protect muscle.
Physical activity is far more likely to be sustained if it is either useful, enjoyable or both and ideally built into a routine. Active transport including walking, cycling and wheeling; all sports; gyms and running; and dancing are examples of the wide range of activity that help.
Whether it is in groups, with friends or alone, if it works for you it is a good thing to do – and mid-July is often a lot easier to start than the beginning of January.
