Extinction Rebellion Scotland, Christian Climate Action and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a noisy Earth Day protest outside BlackRock offices in Edinburgh yesterday.
BlackRock is the world’s largest investment asset manager using the immense power of its algorithms and wealth to fund three crimes against life and humanity: AI, fossil fuels, war and genocide. The protest demanded that BlackRock stops using its power to crush humanity, and stops funding death by algorithm.
The protest included drummers from the Rhythms of Resistance network and Discobedience dancers.
Three corpses dressed in shrouds labelled with the words: BlackRock Funds Climate Violence, War and Genocide, AI Terror. Protest in Harmony, a radical activist singing group, sung songs of protest and an original work of art was created for the protest.
Activists held a giant banner saying BlackRock CRUSHING EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE and some held placards drawing attention to the fact that BlackRock’s wealth and algorithms fund climate violence, genocide and Big Tech. Larry Finkenstein, the alter ego of BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, also made an appearance.
Alex Cochrane, website manager, from XR Scotland said:“We are protesting on Earth Day because BlackRock is funding climate breakdown with its investments into fossil fuel companies and major polluters.
“They are a company prepared to lie, greenwash and crush us all under the weight of climate catastrophe just so their shares can get some returns.
“They have captured finance and become too big to fail – we will all suffer from this, including the staff of BlackRock. Climate breakdown will destroy our way of life and their way of business.”
A spokesman from Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign said:“BlackRock uses its financial might directly against the Palestinian people.
“As the UN special report on ‘the economy of genocide’ by Albanese details, BlackRock’s vast investments in Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon and others add up to a ‘joint criminal enterprise’ where there is a direct line between BlackRock’s profits and genocide.”
Levi Clark, support worker, from XR Scotland said:“Young families in Scotland like mine are struggling as BlackRock’s AI investment platform Aladdin, the algorithmic engine of the global financial system, drives historically unprecedented inequality.
“There have never been more billionaires, yet ordinary people everywhere are facing hardship. BlackRock funds Palantir which is using AI technology to devastate human rights. We need to wrestle back control of this technology’s future for the benefit of all humanity.”
Police Scotland’s national roll out of body worn video to frontline officers concludes today (Tuesday 21 April), with officers on duty with the cameras in Renfrewshire & Inverclyde (K Division) and Argyll and West Dunbartonshire (L Division).
Around 900 officers including road policing officers, dog handlers and custody staff, will be provided with devices over the coming weeks.
The equipment can help to de-escalate incidents, improve public trust in policing and reduce complaints, as well as support officer and staff safety, and bring wider benefits to the criminal justice system.
Since its introduction in March 2025, over 864,000 recordings have been captured by the devices with almost 174,000 hours of footage uploaded of which over 55,000 media files have been exported to our digital evidence sharing system, DESC.
Since taking command in October 2023, Chief Constable Jo Farrell has prioritised the introduction of body worn video.
Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett said: “The national roll out of body worn video cameras to our frontline officers is a key priority for us and is one of the ways that we can work towards our vision of safer communities and less crime.
“The cameras and technology will improve the quality of evidence presented in court to deliver faster justice for victims by increasing early guilty pleas and reduce the time spent at court for victims, witnesses and police officers.
“Body worn video can significantly enhance public confidence and support officer and public safety by providing effective and transparent evidence of police and public interactions.
“There is strong public and partner support for body worn video and we will continue to explain our use of this important technology including assurance around data privacy and human rights considerations.”
Every frontline uniformed police officer, including Special Constables, will be expected to wear a video camera on their uniform while on duty and to activate it when using police powers – including stop and search, an arrest of a suspect or executing a search warrant.
Police staff in custody suites will also use cameras when interacting with people in custody.
The footage may be used as evidence, but it will not replace existing procedures and requirements when gathering all available information. It will remain a matter for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to review and determine competence on a case-by-case basis.
Video footage will be uploaded to secure police systems and the evidence will be shared with the COPFS using the new Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) system.
The introduction of body worn video is not intended to encourage the greater use of single police officer deployments or alter current deployment model.
From football pitches to future forests: 13 projects backed by Urban Forestry Challenge Fund
In just two years, the Urban Forestry Challenge Fund has awarded £1,360,000 across 25 projects, bringing the benefits of trees to communities from Aberdeen to Dumfries
The latest round of funding will see £740,000 invested in 13 projects through the Urban Forestry Programme’s Challenge Fund. The programme is a partnership initiative between Future Woodlands Scotland and JERA Nex bp.
Recipients include Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust (ELGT), for their Urban Street Trees Canopy Custodians proramme, and Edible Estates, for their South West Edinburgh Urban Woodlands project.
The fund supports projects that create, enhance and expand urban woodlands, helping to make Scotland’s towns and cities greener, healthier and more resilient places to live. The 2026 awards span communities across the country, backing initiatives that aim to improve biodiversity, strengthen climate change resilience and bring more people into contact with nature in the places they live, work and play.
Since the first projects were funded in 2025, £1,360,000 has been invested, over 6,500 trees have been planted, engaging more than 320 volunteers, and four new urban forestry jobs have been created.
Among the projects awarded funding this year is FEL Scotland’s ‘Trees for Goals’, which will receive £94,500 to support community sports clubs to plant and care for trees in and around their grounds.
The simple but powerful scheme began as a pilot with grassroots football team Alloa Saints where a tree was planted for every goal scored throughout the season. Enough goals were scored to plant around 2,000 trees, helping connect sport with practical environmental action. The programme has grown to include 16 clubs across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling.
Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland, said: “This funding enables us to plant trees where they’ll make the biggest difference, strengthening communities, improving local environments and inspiring climate action through the power of sport. By working with a range of local partners, we can grow greener neighbourhoods and ensure the impact makes a difference now and lasts well into the future.”
Trees for Goals focuses on communities with low tree cover and poor tree equity, helping to bring the benefits of urban woodland to areas where it is needed most. As well as increasing tree cover, the project is designed to leave a legacy by embedding tree care into regular club activity, ensuring that young people and volunteers continue to nurture the spaces they have helped create.
Trees for Goals is one of a wide range of projects supported through the 2026 Urban Forestry Fund, reflecting the diversity of community-led urban greening taking place across Scotland.
Other successful projects in this year’s funding round include Dumfries LIFT’s NANA’s Garden, which was awarded £18,000 to plant native and fruit trees in Lochside while helping local children and families learn more about biodiversity and climate change resilience.
In Dundee, Maxwell Community Centre and Garden’s Dundee Food Forests: The Big Grow is to receive £67,600 to work with community groups and schools to create 25 biodiverse food forests in areas with the greatest tree inequity.
Meanwhile in Aberdeen, Social Juice CIC’s Silver City Trees will receive £20,000 to plant 200 fruit and native trees in priority neighbourhoods, combining greener spaces with practical community skills development.
Des Hackett, Urban Forestry Programme Manager at Future Woodlands Scotland said: “The second year of projects to receive Urban Forestry Challenge Funding demonstrates the growing ambition and creativity of organisations across Scotland to make our urban areas greener and healthier.
“From community sports grounds to neighbourhood woodlands, the 13 projects show how local action can deliver long-term benefits for climate resilience, biodiversity and wellbeing.”
A total of 29 applications were submitted this year, across two competitive grant categories: projects ranging from £2,000 to £20,000, and those ranging from £20,000 to £100,000.
Projects were chosen based on the contribution they could make to the Urban Forestry goal of helping towns and cities across Scotland achieve the 3:30:300 rule: everyone should see three trees from their home; every neighbourhood should have 30% tree canopy and quality green space within 300 metres.
JERA Nex bp’s Thomas Hudson, Morven Project Director, added: “These projects demonstrate the power of community-led action to create lasting environmental change.
“Through the Urban Forestry Challenge Fund, we are supporting initiatives that not only increase tree cover, but also bring people together, build skills and create greener, more resilient neighbourhoods across Scotland.”
Applications for both categories of Urban Forestry Challenge Fund grants will reopen in Autumn. More information on the Urban Forestry programme is available at www.futurewoodlands.org.uk
2026 Urban Forestry Challenge Fund awards
SMALL GRANTS – up to £20,000
LIFT Dumfries NANA’s Garden: Growing Trees, Skills and Community in Lochside A community-led greening project in Lochside that will plant native and fruit trees while engaging local children and families in biodiversity, climate resilience and long-term tree care.
CLEAR, Buckhaven and Methil, Fife
Trees, Bees and Fruit This project will plant fruit trees in gardens, create community orchards and establish new native woodland, alongside resident-led learning in pruning, grafting and tree care.
Kirkton Community Centre, Dundee
Keswick Terrace Greenspace Development New trees and shrubs will transform local greenspace into a more welcoming, wildlife-friendly area while helping absorb rainfall and reduce local flood risk.
Social Juice CIC, Aberdeen Silver City Trees Working in priority neighbourhoods, this project will plant 200 fruit and native trees while helping communities build skills and greener local spaces.
LARGE GRANTS – £20,000-£100,000
Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, Edinburgh Urban Street Trees Canopy Custodians A community-led street tree programme that will replace trees in vacant pits and grass verges in low tree equity areas, creating a model that can be replicated city-wide.
West Lothian Council, West Lothian Trees and Woodlands in the West Focused on former mining communities, this project will identify new planting opportunities and work with residents and schools to increase canopy cover in tree-depleted neighbourhoods.
FEL Scotland, Forth Climate Forest Area Trees for Goals A practical project supporting community sports clubs to plant and care for trees around their grounds, using football as an accessible route into climate action and biodiversity.
Natural Connections, Tranent, East Lothian Tranent Tree Town A three-year community planting project that will help local people grow, plant and care for trees in one of East Lothian’s lowest tree equity areas.
Maxwell Community Centre and Garden, Dundee Dundee Food Forests: The Big Grow! Working with community groups, schools and gardens, this project will create 25 biodiverse food forests across Dundee in areas of greatest tree inequity.
The Orchard Project – Glasgow and Inverclyde Orchard Commons: Planting and Stewardship for Resilient Edible Treescapes A community-led orchard planting programme that will increase canopy cover in low-canopy neighbourhoods while building long-term local stewardship and skills.
South Lanarkshire Council – South Lanarkshire Improving Tree Equity in South Lanarkshire’s Lowest-Scoring Urban Areas Using Community Payback teams, the council will plant 450 standard trees in low-scoring urban areas to deliver lasting environmental and social benefits.
Edible Estates, South West Edinburgh South West Edinburgh Urban Woodlands A community-led woodland project across four council estates that combines tree planting, training and local partnerships to create healthier, climate-resilient neighbourhoods.
Details of one further project will be confirmed once contractual arrangements are complete.
A shuttle bus service will run daily from Tuesday 21 April to connect Davidson’s Mains and Cramond while the 47 bus is out of service on that section of the route.
– Shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes starting from the Tesco in Davidson’s Mains.
– They will run daily from 7am – 7pm.
– They will travel on a loop between Tesco at Davidson’s Mains, along Cramond Road South, Gamekeeper’s Road, and Cramond Road North. We expect the full loop to take around 15 minutes subject to traffic.
– The buses will stop at all bus stops that are usually serviced by the 47 bus along that section of the route.
– Each bus can hold up to 16 people.
There is also a replacement bus service between Cammo and Cramond.
As charities across the UK face increasing financial pressure and a decline in overall donations, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is thanking its community of regular donors whose ongoing support is helping transform the lives of pets and their owners.
Today, 3,044 regular donors collectively fund approximately one sixth of the charity’s work and aid in ensuring animals receive the care they need all year round.
With rising energy and operational costs placing growing pressure on animal welfare charities, the Home is highlighting the vital role that consistent, monthly donations play in keeping its doors open. It costs around £7,000 per day to run the Home, which receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public.
Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said:“Regular giving allows us to plan for the future and ensure these wonderful animals receive the highest quality of care all year round, no matter what.
“We are endlessly grateful for the continuing support of our regular donors who help us be there for dogs and cats who need us.”
Even small monthly donations have a direct impact, from helping provide food for growing kittens and puppies, to covering essential treatments, specialist diets, and dedicated behavioural training to help dogs thrive.
That ongoing support is what enables the charity to make rehoming stories like Hamish’s possible.
Hamish, an anxious collie, spent almost a year in the Home’s care after struggling to trust new people. The team worked patiently to build his confidence, knowing it would take time for him to truly come out of his shell and find the right person for Hamish.
That moment came when he met his new owner Paul. Visit by visit, trust began to grow, until Hamish was ready to take the next step. Today, he is thriving, full of life, loyal and enjoying the loving home he deserves.
Hamish’s journey is just one example of the impact regular donations make every day. In 2025 alone, the Home accepted 343 animals, rehomed or reunited 318 pets, and provided more than 636,000 meals through community food banks, support that met only half of the demand seen across the region.
As demand continues to grow, the charity says regular giving will play an increasingly important role in ensuring it can continue to support pets and their owners through challenging times.
Amelia added:“Every single regular donation helps us be there for animals like Hamish and the thousands more who need us each year.
“To everyone who already supports us, thank you. You are making a real and lasting difference every single day.”
To donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, please visit:
Wildlife experts have been left devastated by the continued intentional destruction of dune habitat on the Ardeer Peninsula in Ayrshire by its landowners – despite the dunes being ear-marked as part of a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Local community groups and national wildlife organisations called on Scottish Government agency NatureScot to designate the special habitats of the Ardeer Peninsula as part of a Garnock Estuary SSSI back in 2022, building on a long-running local campaign to protect its wildlife.
As it stands, much of the Ardeer Peninsula remains under threat from a Special Development Order dating back to 1953 which removes the requirements for planning permission that are needed almost anywhere else in Scotland.
In a welcomed move, NatureScot has been reviewing the potential boundaries for a SSSI in recent years, a vital step towards protecting its mosaic of dunes, grassland, woodlands, scrub and wetlands
However, the local community has reported that despite NatureScot engaging with landowners about the potential designation, precious and irreplaceable sand dune habitat continues to be subject to sand extraction and further degradation through the dumping of soils, while large areas of biodiverse woodland have also been cleared.
Roger Hissett from the Ardeer Action Group said, “After more than a decade of campaigning by local naturalists it is tragic to see a developer determined to destroy the special and rare habitats and wildlife of this part of the Ardeer Peninsula.
“It is so sad that this attitude still persists into the 21st century just when the area is being considered for protection for the benefit of future generations.”
Rebecca Lewis, Buglife Scotland and Northern Ireland Manager said, “The Ardeer Peninsula has an important role to play in supporting the Scottish Government’s commitment to reversing biodiversity loss and NatureScot’s strategic goal of protecting 30% of Scotland’s land for nature by 2030.
“We are delighted that NatureScot agree that it is worthy of consideration for SSSI notification, but the ongoing activity is a blow to the integrity of this nationally important wildlife site- which has been called Scotland’s best site for bees.”
It is hoped that some of the damage that has taken place could be reversed with appropriate management and funding. The Garnock Estuary, which includes the Ardeer Peninsula in Stevenston and Garnock East in Irvine, is a unique mosaic of dunes, grassland, woodlands, scrub and wetlands.
Although it has been modified by the site’s complex industrial past, it remains an incomparable haven for wildlife, including species that have been lost across much of the landscape.
It is home to over 1,000 invertebrate species, including at least 99 of conservation concern and some found nowhere else in Scotland. The estuary is one of the most important breeding bird populations on the Lower Clyde coast and supports at least 46 rare plants, including endemic sub-species and those for which Scotland has an international responsibility.
Time is running out for voters to register to have their say in the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday 7 May, with the deadline for registrations at 11.59pm TONIGHT.
Registering takes minutes and can be done online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. All voters need is a name, address, and National Insurance number.
Those who are already registered will have received a poll card, which tells them where and when to vote.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “We want everyone to be able to have their say in this election, but first they need to be registered to vote.
“If you’re voting for the first time, have moved house, or changed any of your details, it’s especially important that you register online before the deadline tonight.
“It takes just five minutes and all you need is your name, address, and National Insurance number. You can do it now at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“If you want to vote by post or by proxy, you still have time to apply, but you’ll need to be registered to vote first. Anyone not registered in time won’t be able to vote on Thursday 7 May.
“Once you’re registered, the deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 21 April and the deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5.00pm on Tuesday 28 April.”
Get ready for glitter, grit, and a gut-punch of truth. ACID’S REIGN, the explosive new drag climate musical from Relish Theatre in association with Pleasance, storms into the Edinburgh Fringe with a fierce blend of powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp wit, and unapologetic queer energy.
This is not just a musical – it’s a movement.
GLAMOUR. ACTIVISM. RECKONING.
2019: A radical drag supergroup rises, ready to take on climate change. Now: Funding dries up. Attention fades. The world moves on.
When commercial success comes calling, the group faces an impossible choice: stay radical- or stay visible.
A CAST OF DRAG SUPERSTARS
Led by the electrifying Victoria Scone (RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Alex Acid, ACID’S REIGN features a sensational line up including Scarlett Harlett (RuPaul’s Drag Race) as Dina Mite, Gigi Zahir as Ria Listic (fresh from supporting Chappell Roan), Sé Carr (Jamie Fuxx) as Micky Steele and Offie nominated Ash Weir as Olive Branch. Backed by a live band, the show delivers unforgettable performances packed with charisma, heart, and defiance.
BOLD, CAMP, AND UNMISSABLE
Provocative, hilarious, and deeply moving, ACID’S REIGN is a riotous celebration of activism, community, and the transformative power of performance.
ACID’S REIGN is bold, brilliant, and burning with urgency. This Edinburgh Fringe, don’t just watch the revolution, sing along with it.
Co-writer and Director Luke Howarthsaid: “I feel absurdly lucky to be bringing this biggest, brightest, brashest version of ACID’S REIGN to the Fringe this year.
“Our formidable cast have been joined by drag icon Victoria Scone, and the maddeningly talented Gabriel Chernick has written an entirely original score. I’m so excited for the audience to jump into the camp and chaotic world of our show.”
Producer Morag Davies of Relish Theatresaid: ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing ACID’S REIGN to Edinburgh Fringe this year.
“We’ve spent a long time developing this show and seeing it come to fruition in bigger venues than ever before, with the most phenomenal cast, creative team and our incredible live band is a dream come true.
“Expect all new original songs, killer vocals and stunning production design. We can’t wait for audiences to come along and join the party!’
CAST ALBUM LAUNCH A special ACID’S REIGN Cast Album has been recorded and to celebrate the release there will be a one-night-only live event Pizza Express Live in Holborn, London on 22nd April from 7pm.
Featuring the cast and band performing songs fromACID’S REIGN, this special launch brings the show’s electrifying soundtrack to life on stage.
Expect powerhouse vocals, a live band, and performances from drag superstars Victoria Scone, Scarlett Harlett, Jamie Fuxx, and Gigi Zahir (fresh from supporting Chappell Roan) alongside Offie-Nominated Ash Weir.
CREDITS
Cast Alex Acid : Victoria Scone Dina Mite : Scarlett Harlett Ria Listic : Gigi Zahir Micky Steele: Sé Carr / Jamie Fuxx Olive Branch : Ash Weir
Creative Team Book & Lyrics : Luke Howarth and Evie Fehilly Composition & Musical Direction : Gabriel Chernick Original Idea : James McDermott and Rob Ellis Director : Luke Howarth Producer :Morag Davies for Relish Theatre Assistant Producer : Ella Dale Production Manager :Pete Rickards for eStage Choreographer: David Allwood Costume Designer :Harry Whitfield Set Design :Good Teeth Lighting Design :Catja Hamilton Sound Design: Dan Samson Casting Director: Nick Hockaday Artist Wellbeing Practitioner :Lou Platt (The Artist Wellbeing Company)
★★★★★ “A revelation… a celebration of the LGBTQ experience.” – Salterton Arts Review ★★★★★ “Playful, witty and a surefire hit.” – The Reviews Hub ★★★★ “Disarmingly poignant… vibrant and authentic.” – The Stage ★★★★ “A dazzling, thought-provoking triumph.” – The Live Review
With the deadline for new voter registration at 11:59pm on MONDAY 20 APRIL fast approaching, the city council is reminding all eligible residents in Edinburgh to register in time.
Registering online is quick and easy, with full details on the UK Government’s website. If you have recently moved home or your details have changed you will need to register to vote again.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April, and for a proxy vote it’s 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “Next week marks several crucial milestones as our city prepares for polling day.
“We want everyone to be able to cast their vote and make their voice heard in this election. I’d urge anyone in Edinburgh who is eligible to make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.”
Polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7. You can find your nearest polling place on our website. The count will take place on Friday May 8.
Both fuels began to drop yesterday for the first time since the war started. And they’ve both gone a little further today: petrol is now below 158p and diesel below 191p for the first time since 8 April.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “After 46 days of rising prices, the cost of both petrol and diesel across the country has finally begun to drop very slightly. Wholesale prices are still lower, so we’re hopeful there will be further reductions amounting to several pence a litre in the coming days.
“After record rises, drivers will be relieved to finally see prices going the other way.
“While we’re a long way from a return to the prices we had at the start of the conflict, there’s now a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.”
