The Leith Legends (aged 60-95) who virtually walked the 3,070-mile distance from Edinburgh to Boston have returned to their starting point at Easter Road Stadium.
Since January the group have been recording their distance walked at locations around the city, attempting to virtually reach Boston before Scotland’s first game at the FIFA World Cup. The group walked their final mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Scottish Parliament Building on Thursday 11 June.
The Leith Legends have received hundreds of messages of support from people in Scotland and around the world after completing their ‘March to the Match’ the same day that thousands of football fans flew to Boston.
In recognition of their achievement, the group were invited to a reception at Easter Road Stadium, greeted by a bagpiper as they disembarked from their team bus. The celebration was made more special when the Leith Legends met Hibernian legend John “Yogi” Hughes, who presented them with certificates.
“What an effort by the Leith Legends!” said Yogi. “It’s truly a remarkable achievement to have virtually walked all the way to Boston, and I know people at home and over watching in the States will be incredibly proud of them.
I miss playing football, I miss it every day. But what I miss most about football is the friendship, the band of brothers, the sense of purpose, getting up in the morning, and being a leader. Having met a few of the Leith Legends today and in the last few months, I’ve seen all of these things. Well done on a fantastic achievement.”
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
John Hughes was recently announced as an ambassador for the Hibernian Community Foundation, the official charity of Hibernian FC, and in his role will support at events across Edinburgh and Scotland, championing the services, programmes, and achievements of HCF and its many partners.
Maureen Combe who leads the Sheltered Housing Team at Harbour Homes said: “The enthusiasm and team spirit that our tenants have brought to this challenge is what made it so special.
“They lived up to the name of ‘Leith Legends’ and brought a smile to hundreds if not thousands of people who followed the story of their final mile.”
Pic Neil Hanna
07702 246823
In completing the challenge, the Leith Legends walked a combined distance of just over 3,070 miles in 140 days, at a pace of around 22 miles per day. This equates to a combined total of 17,048,303 steps taken by the group.
Following a series of incidents across Edinburgh on 19 June, the Capital’s Lord Provost has called for the city to unite against hatred:
Speaking at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday, 25 June, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said:“We recently saw a horrific attack on five of our fellow Edinburgh citizens. We were all shocked and stunned that such an attack should happen in this safe, welcoming and inclusive city.
“Edinburgh is very proud to be home to many faiths which we respect. Our rich diversity is what makes the city so special and our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
“There is no place in our city for islamophobia, nor will we tolerate any other form of discrimination, and I know that all my colleagues across the Council chamber believe that.
“An attack on any one of us is an attack on us all, so let us unite against those who seek to create division and hatred and show that as a city we stand together with all of our communities.”
The latest Public Health Scotland figures on waiting times for musculoskeletal (MSK) services should be a cause for concern.
Between August 2025 and March 2026, only 52.4 per cent of patients were seen within the Scottish Government’s four-week waiting time target. Meanwhile, the number of people waiting for care increased to 75,128 by the end of March 2026.
Behind these figures are people living with arthritis and other MSK conditions who are experiencing pain, reduced mobility and uncertainty while waiting for support. MSK conditions affect around 1.7 million people in Scotland and are the leading cause of pain and disability. Timely access to services such as physiotherapy is often critical to helping people manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.
Arthritis UK is calling for a national MSK Action Plan to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and support. We are also urging the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Care and Sport Committee to undertake a dedicated inquiry into musculoskeletal health, an area that has never been the subject of a parliamentary inquiry despite its significant impact on individuals and the health service.
These latest figures highlight the need for urgent action to improve outcomes for people living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions across Scotland. People living with this cannot afford to wait any longer.
Alan McGinley
Policy and Engagement Manager (Scotland) Arthritis UK
PARENTS GET HELPING HAND WITH THOUSANDS OF FREE SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMP PLACES UP FOR GRABS
Kellogg’s Football Camps are BACK for 2026, helping thousands of kids stay active, while relieving pressure from parents nationwide
Camps are set to return as half of parents (50%) say they are stressed at the thought of the summer holiday ‘juggle’, with almost a fifth (17%) even resorting to taking sick leave due to limited childcare options during the holidays*
Kellogg’s is offering over 39,000 FREE spots at 73 football clubs** nationwide – parents simply need to buy a box of Kellogg’s cereal and use the on-pack QR code to sign up at www.kelloggsfc.com
After delivering over 80,000 camp days during last year’s summer holidays. Kellogg’s Football Camps are returning for a third consecutive year. Delivered in partnership with the EFL, Manchester City, Celtic FC and Rangers FC, over 39,000 free spots are on offer, giving families across the UK extra support during the busiest and most expensive weeks of the school break.
The camps return as new research from the cereal giant highlights just how challenging the school holidays have become for families. Half of parents (50%) say they are stressed at the thought of balancing work and childcare during the summer break, as 41% struggle to keep children entertained. Almost a fifth (17%) admit they’ve even resorted to taking sick leave due to limited childcare options.*
Parents say the summer holiday turns them into multi-tasking superheroes, taking on an average of four different roles to keep their children occupied – with 49% acting as ‘entertainers’, alongside roles such as ‘chef’ (42%), ‘referee’ between siblings (24%) and even ‘sports coach’ (18%). This comes as children say “I’m bored” an average of 14 times a week during the summer break, adding to the pressure on parents to constantly find ways to keep them engaged.*
Almost all parents (94%) say it’s important their child stays active during the summer holidays, with football cited as helping to improve children’s teamwork skills (63%) and confidence (59%). Yet there’s a clear gap between intention and reality, as 47% of parents say their children are less physically active during the holidays, and 68% say they spend more time on screens.*
Kellogg’s Football Camps offer a solution, giving children the chance to get active, make friends, step away from screens and learn new skills in sessions led by FA-qualified coaches. This is all while providing parents with a little extra support during the busiest weeks of the summer.
With over 39,000 freespots up for grabs nationwide, parents simply need to buy a box of Kellogg’s cereal and use the on-pack QR code to sign up at:
In addition, Kellogg’s research also highlights the financial strain facing families, with 34% of parents saying the cost of activities is one of their biggest challenges*, reinforcing the need for more accessible options during the summer.
The camps will return from 27th June for girls and boys aged 5-15. Taking place across 73 clubs across the UK, spanning everywhere from Doncaster and Swansea to London and Glasgow. Last year alone, over 16,000 hours of coaching was delivered – the equivalent of more than 650 full days of football.
With a huge summer of football on the horizon, the camps also arrive at a time when interest in the sport is set to surge. 54% of parents say major sporting events such as the World Cup inspire their children to get involved in sport* – something Kellogg’s aims to turn into real opportunities for kids to get active, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of the game through its Football Camps.
Dean O’Brien UK General Manager, Kellogg’s said: “We’re proud to bring Kellogg’s Football Camps back for a third year, helping parents during the school holidays and giving children the chance to stay active.
“Our goal is to make camps more accessible, especially for families who might otherwise miss out. Working closely with club charities across the country helps us ensure the camps are open to everyone, inclusive and able to deliver real impact.”
EFL Director of Community, Debbie Cook, said: “Supporting communities is fundamental to the EFL’s purpose. Our Clubs are deeply rooted in their towns and cities, serving as trusted local institutions that bring people together and create opportunities far beyond the pitch.
“Our partnership with Kellogg’s helps us extend that impact even further, once again giving thousands of young people the chance to stay active and grow in confidence. These camps don’t just keep children entertained – they bring communities together, offer vital support to families during the busy school holidays, and showcase the important role Clubs play.”
For a free place, parents can sign up by purchasing a participating Kellogg’s cereal box and scanning the on-pack QR code or visitingwww.kelloggsfc.com.
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.
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.”
Come Along and Find Out More About PEP!
North Edinburgh Arts
Wednesday 1st July 2026
9:30am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Wellbeing Groups (Monday to Saturday)
Volunteering Opportunities
Transport Services
Community Sharing Shelf
