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Edinburgh Tradfest: Full Programme

TRADITIONAL MUSIC | FOLK FILM | STORYTELLING


FESTIVAL DATES: Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May 2026

Edinburgh Tradfest has announced full details of its 2026 programme of traditional music, film, storytelling, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events. Taking place from 1to 11 May at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.

The festival kicks off with RURA and special guests Astro Bloc at Potterrow on Friday night before moving to the Traverse Theatre for a jam-packed programme of live music. Folk film screenings take place at the Cameo Cinema, and there will be storytelling and special events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. 

Music highlights include: folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie;Scottish supergroup Session A9; The Furrow Collective (Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts); RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; and Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies.

In addition, the international line-up showcases: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.

Other must-sees include A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), the festival’s new music commission presented by singer songwriter Josie Duncan, celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction; fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr; master of the melodeon Tim Edey; The Nexus Project exploring contemporary and ancient Highland bagpipes; multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black; and Deiseil: Dancing in Time– a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance told through fiddle, feet, stories and Gaelic song.

Also, not to be missed on both weekends during the day, are music workshops led by Bruce Ncube (group singing), Laura Jane Wilkie (fiddle), Anna Massie (guitar) and Cahalen Morrison (songwriting); two glorious instrumental shows: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbatt, Laura Jane Wilkie and Angus Lyon; and Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish Four Seasons with Kristan Harvey, Emma Tomlinson, Natalie Haas, May Halyburton and Iona Reid; a child-friendly concert on Sunday 3 May, with award-winning singer Fiona Hunter; and this year’s Rebellious Truth talk with folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation with Dr Lori Watson from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Celtic and Scottish Studies.

Finally, on the last Sunday of the festival, our much loved Spotlight event returns with three amazing up-and-coming combos: Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza, Curlew and Dauntless.

At the Scottish Storytelling Centre there is an exciting line-up of ceilidhs, talks, workshops and storytelling sessions all programmed and supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).These include two storytelling shows: The Cold Heart by storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine which explores the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging; and The Corpse Roadby Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright, who perform a collection of stories and songs about the roads that for many, formed their final journey to the grave.

There is also a whole series of free talks, held both online and in-person at the Centre, exploring the roots and origins of the traditional arts. Each with a guest speaker giving a fresh perspective on their artform and asking ‘What is…’ traditional dance, music, craft, and storytelling in a contemporary Scotland? In addition, following the passing of the Scottish Languages Act last year, there will be talks on the central role that Gaelic and Scots play in defining the Traditional Arts in Scotland, as well as Edinburgh’s regular night of Gaelic culture and community Bothan Dhùn Èideann on Fri 8 May.

Alongside these talks there will be various workshops, where participants can get hands-on and learn different skills including step-dance, hand-bound brush making, willow-weaving, Gaelic song, Scots singing for the next generation of Young Scots Sangsters; and using the Ogham alphabet as a prompt for creating improvised music. 

These talks and workshops will culminate in a jam-packed Living Heritage Discovery Day on Sunday 10th May which will include a talk with Michael Fortune, one of Ireland’s leading folklorists, to discuss approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Living Heritage) and tradition-bearing. On the day there will also be a Living Heritage Fayre, Come and Try Sessions, and a traditional ‘house cèilidh’.

Furthermore, there will be an exhibition of Highland Story Quilts at the Storytelling Centre created by storyteller and artist Lizzie McDougall (3 April to 10 May); Dougie Mackay returns with Hearth Fire Sessions on Thu 7 May alongside Danica Boyce, Tom Muir and Riikka Palonen; and Claire McNicol andLinda Williamson present their quarterly full-moon celebration Moonspinners with guests Josie Duncan and Anna Lehr and a Beltane theme under the full Flower Moon.

Finally, to celebrate the Outer Hebrides Film Archive’s new website (www.faodailfilm.scot) accordionist composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil, will perform a live score for FAODAIL | FOUND to accompany a screening of some recently digitised archive films from the Outer Hebrides. This event at the Storytelling Centre, is part of the Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland which returns this year, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest with a selection of films from the world’s archives, and a focus on Scottish culture and traditions.

Other highlights from the Folk Film Gathering’s 12th edition include the opening film at the Cameo which is a World premiere of a new documentary celebrating the life and work of Trad treasure Jimmy Hutchison,featuring a one-off live concert with Jimmy and his protégé Erika Douglas. Plus, fresh from its acclaimed World premiere in Glasgow, there will be a screening of Sailm nan Daoine or (Psalms of the People) directed by Jack Archer, exploring the rich tradition of Gaelic psalm singing, and featuring Rob MacNeacail; the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia, a lively documentary celebrating Ireland’s current folk renaissance and featuring Lankum, The Mary Wallopers, The Deadlians and others; and a rare selection of early silent short films by Bill Douglas screening with the newly-digitised Ring of Truth written by Douglas and produced by students at Strathclyde University in 1996.

International folk film highlights include Czech romance thriller Hastrman about a nobleman/water spirit who faces an agonizing dilemma over whether to remain a wild creature or find happiness in love; 1970s Polish folk horror Lokis, A Manuscript of Professor Wittembach; cult Slovakian classic Perinbaba (The Feather Fairy); Canone Effimero directed by the De Serio brothers showcasing Italy’s vibrant folk traditions and the natural beauty of its local cultures; and the festival’s closing film, the newly-remastered 1954-Ukrainian classic Andriesh with a live performance from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.

Plus, there will be a rare cinema screening of Heiny Srour’s groundbreaking Lebanese drama-documentary Leila and the Wolves introduced by the Scottish-Palestinian poet Nada Shawa; two films celebrating the work of the Rojava Film Commune in North East Syria; and a special double-bill titled Women in Resistance: featuring Las Damas Azules and Daniel Draper’s Iron Ladies.

Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “At Soundhouse we have a very broad definition of traditional music and are always most excited by those artists carrying it forward in new and innovative ways.

“This year’s line-up is packed with trail-blazing musicians from the USA, Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland and India alongside a broad programme of Scotland’s finest. We’re certain that Edinburgh Tradfest ‘26 will be the best yet!”

Daniel Abercrombie, Scottish Storytelling Centre said:“Tradfest continues to be an important celebration of the traditional arts in Scotland, where Edinburgh gets to show off her blooming spring beauty with a ceilidh welcome for all.

“The Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS are proud to provide a programme of storytelling, music, crafts and dance as part of the festivities.”

Jamie Chambers, Folk Film Gathering producer, said: “We’re excited to be back for another year, as the world’s first folk film festival, exploring the many possibilities of what a folk cinema might be.

“As usual, our programme explores a core of rare Scottish films (including a chance to see some very rare work by the brilliant Bill Douglas) placed within a global context of the most exciting community-engaged filmmaking from across world cinema, with films from Lebanon/Palestine, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Peru and Italy.

“In particular, we’re really proud of our special strand exploring some of the different ways in which Eastern European folk tales have been translated to screen”

Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Tradfest 2026 looks to continue the festival’s trend in programming exciting emerging acts alongside household names and international visitors to make an innovative programme.

“New commissions, film screenings and workshops will sit alongside a range of activity across the traditional arts to entertain and delight Edinburgh at the start of the festival season. Creative Scotland is proud to support Soundhouse to sustain this important element of the cultural calendar.”

Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com   

Dedicated specialist support for families affected by childhood dementia

Scotland has taken an ‘important step forward’ in recognising childhood dementia by funding specialist support for families affected by it, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

The Scottish Government is providing £118,873 to Alzheimer Scotland to support the employment of two childhood dementia development officers – the first country in the United Kingdom to fund this kind of dedicated support.

The development officers will be responsible to raising awareness of childhood dementia, developing understanding amongst professionals, and ensuring a support network is in place for families affected by it.

Childhood dementia is a term used to describe a range of rare, inherited conditions that affect children and young people. Often life-limiting, it can lead to symptoms more commonly associated with adult dementia – including loss of speech, memory, mobility and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Mr Gray said: “My sympathies go out to any young people and families affected by childhood dementia.

“Childhood dementia may still be considered rare but for many it can be life-limiting. That’s why we’re doing all we can to maximise life expectancy and to ensure families have access to the support and care they need.

“The First Minister and I recently met with campaigners and families living with childhood dementia. I thank them for sharing their experiences and that meeting had a profound impact on us.

“That’s why I’m pleased we have become the first country in the United Kingdom to provide specialised support, through Alzheimer Scotland, for childhood dementia. It’s an important step forward in recognising the impact of childhood dementia in Scotland and providing the care and advice to those who need it.”

Climate Change Plan published

Routemap to realising economic and social gains for people across Scotland

People will be able to benefit from warmer homes, lower bills, greater job opportunities and be less exposed to volatile fossil fuel prices under plans to cut emissions published today.

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026-2040 sets out over 150 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years, bringing over £42.3 billion in financial benefits and cost savings to the economy over the same period.

Scotland is already over halfway to net zero having reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990 – the largest reduction in the UK and faster than the EU average, using comparable statistics.

The final plan details how Scotland will meet  our next three carbon budgets, along with a range of delivery indicators. These include:

  • setting a target to decarbonise heat in buildings by 2045
  • phasing out the need for new diesel and petrol cars by 2030
  • increasing woodland creation so that by 2029-30, 18,000 hectares are planted every year, with 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032
  • increasing peatland restoration by 10% each year to 2030

Actions in the Climate Change Plan will also contribute to both the Environment Strategy, and the Circular Economy Strategy, also published today.

The new Environment Strategy creates an integrated framework for environment and climate policies, while harnessing the powerful synergies between the health of our environment, the well-being of Scotland’s people and the success of our economy while the Circular Economy Strategy underpins delivery of our climate goals by cutting the amount of waste produced in Scotland, and managing our resources more sustainably, to reduce emissions.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The Climate Change Plan is Scotland’s pathway to net zero and outlines the action we will take to meet our first three carbon budgets.

“However it is also a routemap to realising economic and social gains for people across Scotland as part of a fair and just transition. It highlights the potential of growth areas ranging from renewables to heat networks to the circular economy, and sets out our commitment to increase investment in areas that will simultaneously decarbonise Scotland and improve our lives.

“Together with the Environment Strategy and Circular Economy Strategy, our Climate Change Plan forms a blueprint for how we will use this once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformation to reduce emissions while ensuring that our economy prospers, our communities are supported to become more resilient to the effects of climate change and to redress the issues of poverty and energy security that affect individual households.”

scotlands-climate-change-plan-2026-2040Download

Veterinary services for household pets

COMPETITION AND MARKETS AUTHORITY SETS OUT REFORMS

The CMA has set out its final reforms – which will start coming into force later this year – to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market.

  • Legally binding measures include price lists, prescription fee caps, a price comparison website and mandatory branding by the large groups to boost competition and drive down prices
  • Pet owners using a vet practice that is part of a larger chain can expect to see changes before Christmas – including standard price lists

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today concluded its investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK, after an independent inquiry group found that the current system is leaving pet owners in the dark. A lack of information that helps people make informed decisions is leading to weak competition and high prices.

An unprecedented response from both the public and the sector has help to shape the CMA’s final report, which green lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate and more responsive to pet owners’ needs.

The investigation has intensified public scrutiny of the veterinary services industry, yet the professionalism, compassion, and commitment to animal welfare shown by veterinary professionals remains unquestioned.

Martin Coleman, Chair of the independent Inquiry Group, said: “This is the most extensive review of veterinary services in a generation, and today’s reforms will make a real difference to the millions of pet owners who want the best for their pets but struggle to find the practice, treatment and price that meets their needs.

“Too often, people are left in the dark about who owns their practice, treatment options and prices – even when facing bills running into thousands of pounds.

“Our measures mean it will be made clear to pet owners which practices are part of large groups, which are charging higher prices, and for the first time, vet businesses will be held to account by an independent regulator.

“Our changes put pet owners at the centre but also help vets by enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgement from undue commercial pressure – and that is important to ensure our pets continue to get the best care.”

The report outlines the final remedies and recommendations which together will transform the market.

More details on when the changes will happen can be found in the timetable for remedies.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 individual vets across the UK, welcomes the majority of the measures, particularly those designed to improve transparency and consumer choice, outlined by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as it publishes its final decision following more than two years of investigation into the UK vet services market for household pets.

British Veterinary Association responds to Competition and Markets Authority final measures following investigation into UK vet services Image

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Vets care deeply for animals and anything we can do to build trust between us and their owners is a good thing. 

“The majority of the CMA’s measures focus on increasing transparency and information, which will help pet owners make more informed choices and support competition, which is a really positive step. 

“We’re also pleased to see that the CMA continues to support our calls for reform of the woefully outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act, including the introduction of vet practice regulation, which will go a long way to addressing many of the issues its investigation raised.   

“Delivering highly skilled veterinary medicine is costly and whilst we recognise prices have risen sharply in recent years this is due to a number of factors, including the higher costs all businesses are experiencing – and vet practices are not immune.

“Plus, thanks to advances in diagnostics and medical technology over the last 20 years, vets can now do much more to manage disease and injury in animals, whereas in the past the only option available may have been to euthanase.

“Owners today also have a greater expectation of their vet, with many expecting human quality healthcare for their pets and whilst this is possible to deliver, it comes at a cost. 

“If pet owners do have concerns about cost, talk to us, we will always do our best to help.” 

For more information visit bva.co.uk/cma  

Vet_timetable_infographicsDownload

Get set for mushroom growing season at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Preparation for the new mushroom growing season

Date: 27 March 2026, 1 – 3 pm

Location: Granton Castle Walled Garden

Join MycoBee Mushrooms CICas they prepare their site for the new mushroom growing season.

This is an informal event that volunteers are welcome to join – just turn up, no need to book!

📷️ by Mycobee

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

#grantoncommunity

#mushroomgrowing

#events

Heritage chief challenges Edinburgh World Heritage hostel stance

THE CHAIR of an influential charity dedicated to protecting Scotland’s historic buildings has urged Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) to reconsider its position on controversial plans for a large-scale capsule hostel in the city’s New Town.

Jocelyn Cunliffe, Chair of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS), has called for reflection and open dialogue after EWH expressed support for proposals to convert four Category A-listed townhouses and associated mews buildings at Atholl Crescent into a 544-bed hostel.

She warns that the EWH stance places it at odds with professional opinion and civic opposition, with all four City Centre ward councillors recently condemning the proposals and the developer’s approach.

The proposals are currently under appeal to the Scottish Government after the developer chose to withdraw the application and seek a decision before it was determined by City of Edinburgh Council.

She said: “I hope that Edinburgh World Heritage will reflect on its outlier position on Atholl Crescent and engage constructively with organisations such as the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland and others who share a commitment to protecting the city’s historic fabric.

“Open discussion would be a positive step in ensuring that decisions affecting Edinburgh’s heritage are made with the fullest possible understanding of their long-term implications.”

Cunliffe, an conservation architect and former Partner at Gray, Marshall & Associates, also questioned a central element of Edinburgh World Heritage’s formal response as a statutory consultee – a claim that the intensity of occupation was a “management issue” rather than a planning consideration.

She added: “How a building is used matters just as much as how it is altered. The issue is not simply the physical alterations that may or may not take place. It is the scale and intensity of the proposed use.

“Cramming in hundreds of sleeping pods into those spaces inevitably alters that character, regardless of whether the pods themselves are technically removable.”

Cunliffe warned that approving developments of this significance could have wider implications for the city.

“If developments of this scale and intensity are considered acceptable within some of the most important Georgian buildings in the New Town, what precedent does that set for other streets and crescents?

“These pressures cannot be allowed to erode the very qualities that make the city special.”

Atholl Crescent forms part of Edinburgh’s New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognised for its architectural and urban planning significance. Designed in the early 19th century by architect Thomas Bonnar, the crescent is a key example of Georgian town planning, with its uniform terraces and carefully proportioned residential buildings contributing to the area’s distinctive character.

Numbers 14–17 Atholl Crescent are Category A-listed townhouses, reflecting their national importance as buildings of exceptional architectural and historic interest. For many years, the properties were occupied as offices by a legal firm, before becoming vacant in recent years.

Proposals have been brought forward to convert the buildings, along with associated lane properties, into a 544-bed capsule-style hostel – a level of intensification that has prompted significant concern among residents, elected representatives and heritage bodies. The plans represent a substantial shift from both the buildings’ original residential purpose and their more recent use.

As well as political condemnation and criticism from AHSS, formal objections from the Cockburn Association and the West End Community Council add to the more than 280 objections lodged against the hostel plan.

The appeal, by a developer called Atholl Crescent Propco Ltd, is currently under consideration by a Reporter at the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.

National Puppy Day: What to buy before bringing a puppy home

New puppy owners are being advised to make essential purchases ahead of welcoming their furry friend home to ensure a smooth transition.

On National Puppy Day (23 March), the dog training experts at ACME Kennels have revealed the vital items soon-to-be owners should buy so they are properly equipped to give their pup everything it needs to flourish. 

Bringing a puppy home is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a significant financial commitment. In addition to pet insurance and vaccinations, owners must consider essentials like food, training equipment and the correct bedding for their new addition to thrive.

Not having the right gear at home before bringing a new puppy home can lead to several risks, for example a lack of appropriate toys and training tools can lead to boredom and destructive behaviours.

Additionally, being unprepared can affect a puppy’s comfort and health, making house training more challenging and limiting their socialisation opportunities.

Ben Mcfarlane, expert from  ACME Kennels , said: “Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting yet hectic experience for the whole family. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent boredom or bad behaviours developing, it’s essential to have the right supplies ready before their arrival- such as toys, food, and training kit.

“A well-prepared home lays the foundation for your puppy’s happiness and development. So, to help first-time puppy owners, we’ve created a checklist of must-have items to consider before bringing your new pup home, along with information on why each item is so important.”

Seven most important items to get before bringing home a puppy:

  1. Bedding

To ensure the puppy feels comfortable, choose a soft bed with supportive sides and avoid oversized options, as they like to feel cosy. Select high-quality materials that can withstand chewing. Also, consider how easy it is to wash and how quickly it dries, as there may be a few accidents while the puppy settles in.

  1. Food

It’s important to buy food they’re already familiar with to prevent an upset stomach. If you plan to switch foods, do so gradually after they’ve settled in to minimise stress. Always have a bowl of fresh water nearby so they are well hydrated. Being unprepared with the incorrect food and not enough water can impact their overall health.

  1. Toys

Toys are vital for puppies who have boundless energy at this stage of their development, so select ones appropriate for their age and size, providing plenty of chew toys to protect your furniture. Without proper toys, puppies may become bored and engage in destructive behaviours, so ensure they have enough stimulation to develop good habits.

  1. Safety Hazards

Puppies are naturally curious and can easily get into trouble without the right safety hazards in place. To keep them safe and prevent potential injuries, invest in items like baby gates and secure storage for toxic items.

  1. Training tools

Training tools are crucial for helping puppies learn consistent good behaviours. Once the puppy has settled in, start with housetraining and teaching them their name; using a whistle can be very effective for this. Other useful tools include clickers for positive reinforcement and adjustable harnesses for safe walks, because establishing clear boundaries is key to your puppy’s development.

  1. Collar & leash 

Taking walks is a great way to bond with your new puppy. Owners can choose between a collar and leash or a harness and leash- experiment to see which works best for your pup. Once vaccinated, start with short walks, five minutes for each month of their age, up to twice daily.

  1. House training supplies

Puppy pads or designated bathroom spaces are essential for effective house training, because inadequate supplies can lead to accidents that frustrate both owner and puppy. This not only results in uncleanliness and bad odours but can also damage furniture and stain carpets.

For more information on what to buy a puppy, please visit: 

https://www.acmewhistles.co.uk/stories/must-haves-bringing-home-puppy-rescue-dog  

For more information and training tips from Ben visit ACME Kennels.

£34k investment set to power pioneering library projects across Scotland

Four innovative projects across Scotland’s libraries and information services have secured a share of £34,000 from the Scottish Library and Information Council’s (SLIC) Innovation and Development Fund, supporting new ideas that will shape the future of learning, research and access to information.

Now in its 14th year, the fund backs bold initiatives from across Scotland’s library network, helping services test new approaches, develop fresh resources and respond to the changing needs of communities and learners.

The latest round of funding will champion projects ranging from a Scots language learning course for prison libraries to an affordable journal publishing scheme through Scottish Universities Press:

  • Read tae rise: Scots language and library learning with Scotland’s prisons

The National Library of Scotland has received just over £9,500 to develop a new Scots language course and resource pack for prison libraries.

Co-created with learners, the course will draw on the library’s historic and contemporary collections while highlighting the role of libraries as powerful tools for lifelong learning and cultural connection.

  • Robert Gordon University Library: developing future library designs

Robert Gordon University Library has secured just under £5,000 for a student-led design concept project that will explore the future of its library spaces. Students from the School of Law & Social Sciences and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment will collaborate to gather user insights and produce draft design concepts to inform future library redevelopment.

  • Delivering a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press

The University of Dundee has been awarded £12,500 to pilot a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press.

The initiative will test a sustainable, high-quality alternative to traditional academic journal publishing models, offering a more affordable and accessible route for scholarly research.

  • University of Strathclyde: decolonising academic libraries in Scotland

At University of Strathclyde, the iSchool has received £7,200 to work with academic libraries across Scotland to develop clear, practical guidance on applying decolonisation principles in library services and collections.

The outputs will include accessible guidelines and infographics designed to support library staff in turning shared ambitions around inclusion and representation into everyday practice.

The Innovation and Development Fund, administered and financed by SLIC, is designed to support organisations that fall outside the remit of other annual funding programmes, such as the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) and the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

This includes further education and higher education institutions, as well as specialist libraries and information services. All projects link to SLIC’s strategic pillars of Standards, Leadership, Information and Collaboration.

Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “Scotland’s libraries and information services continue to adapt and innovate, creating resilient, future-proofed environments that respond to the evolving needs of their users.

“The Innovation and Development Fund plays an important role in supporting that progress by backing bold, forward-thinking ideas.

“The projects awarded funding this year demonstrate the creativity and ambition across the sector, from empowering people through language and culture to rethinking how knowledge is created, shared and accessed.”

Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded over £425,000 to over 40 projects.

Previous initiatives have included a TED Talk style ‘health conversations’ webinar series developed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board Library, a literacy and numeracy course by Glasgow Women’s Library, and the creation of a podcast studio at the University of the Highlands and Islands Moray campus.

For more information about the Innovation and Development Fund, visit: 

The Innovation and Development Fund Overview – The Scottish Library and Information Council

Seven new towns proposed to kickstart housebuilding push

Seven locations proposed in England as new towns with each location delivering at least 10,000 homes

The locations of seven new towns have been named for consideration as part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century.   

Built for the future from the ground up, the next generation of new towns will create well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links planned from the start. 

Each proposed location is expected to deliver at least 10,000 homes, with several delivering 40,000 or more in the decades to come. 

The proposed locations are: 

  • Tempsford, Bedfordshire — up to 40,000 homes built around a new East West Rail station, linking residents to Cambridge, Oxford, London and Milton Keynes 
  • Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield — up to 21,000 homes helping to meet London’s acute housing need 
  • Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire — up to 20,000 homes capitalising on the city’s economic momentum and the government’s £2.1 billion local transport investment 
  • Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester — at least 15,000 homes regenerating the heart of Greater Manchester, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city 
  • Thamesmead, Greenwich — up to 15,000 homes unlocking inaccessible riverside land in London, enabled by the planned Docklands Light Railway extension 
  • Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, South Gloucestershire — up to 40,000 homes at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy 
  • Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire — building on its history as one of the original new towns, to take forward the ‘renewed town’ vision to expand the city by around 40,000 homes and reinvigorate the centre with a new local transport system, boosting connectivity in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor 

Furthermore, as part of the government’s drive to instil pride in our communities, these towns will be designed for modern, everyday life – with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “People want real change – homes they can afford, local infrastructure that works, and good jobs in thriving communities.

“Our next generation of new towns marks a turning point in how we build for the future. 

“From the ground up, we’re planning whole communities with homes, jobs, transport links, and green spaces designed together — so we can give families the security and opportunities they deserve.”

To drive forward delivery, four interim advisers have been appointed to support the New Towns Unit: 

  • Lyn Garner, former Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation; 
  • Ian Piper, former Chief Executive of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation;  
  • Emma Cariaga, Chief Operating Officer of British Land;  
  • David Rudlin, Founding Principal of Rudlin & Co and principal author of the UK Government’s National Model Design Code 

Building on the success seen in Stratford through the London Legacy Development Corporation and elsewhere, some new development corporations will also be stood up to support the delivery of these new towns. 

As set out in the proposed placemaking principles, these new towns will create affordable and balanced communities with the schools, health facilities and community infrastructure neighbourhoods need, supported by high quality public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.  

To ensure that new towns are built in a holistic way, that meets communities’ growing needs, government is taking a cross-government approach to ensure the utilities, health, education, and digital infrastructure to underpin new towns from the outset. 

Alongside the new towns consultation, the government has also confirmed today that the National Housing Bank will launch on 1 April. It will be backed with up to £16bn of financial capacity and will aim to deliver over 500,000 new homes.  

The government has also confirmed additional support worth up to £400 million over the next decade for subsidised products. This will enable both the National Housing Bank and regional Mayors to issue loans and investments at lower interest rates and unlock housebuilding across the country. 

Confirmed today that the Bank will be chaired by Peter Vernon, with Simon Century as its Chief Executive, the Bank will respond flexibly to market needs, unlock over £53 billion of private investment, and provide developers with more financial stability and certainty to support the delivery of over half a million new homes. Century and Vernon both have comprehensive experience in property, financial services, regeneration, and management consultancy.   

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “For decades this country’s planning system has been a direct obstacle to building new homes, ramping up costs and pricing young people out of the housing market.   

“Two years ago, I promised that we would grasp the nettle of planning reform. Now we’re planning to build a new generation of new towns, opening up the expansion of our most dynamic cities and raise up new communities.   

“Our economic plan is the right one. Through stability, investment and reform we are building a stronger and more secure economy.”

Simon Century, National Housing Bank Chief Executive, said: “From day one, we’ll use deep expertise to back innovative, large-scale delivery — accelerating the supply of high-quality affordable homes and thriving places people want to live.

The Government also assessed six further New Town locations — Adlington, Heyford Park, Marlcombe (East Devon), Plymouth, South Barking and Wychavon Town — which will not be taken forward as New Towns at this stage but are deemed to be credible development opportunities and may continue to be supported through existing housing programmes.

In Plymouth, for example, there is a unique opportunity to bolster the UK’s defence and security sector, and will have its own bespoke support package to unlock its potential as a centre of excellence in naval technology, and to ensure that lack of good quality homes does not act as a barrier to growth.  

Furthermore, an additional £234 million grant fund will support Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) to unlock 8,000 new homes on derelict brownfield land. Areas benefitting from the funding include Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire, Hull & East Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West of England and York & North Yorkshire. 

Together, these measures form part of the government’s commitment to ease the housing crisis, supporting first-time buyers, and creating thousands of jobs across construction and related industries.  

Holyrood committee calls for BBC to have stronger Scottish voice

The BBC must have more Scottish voices telling Scottish stories, be clearer on devolved and reserved issues in its news reporting and give Welsh and Gaelic language services equal status, according to a Scottish Parliament Committee.

A new report from the Constitution, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Committee describes concern at the “long-standing frustration” that the BBC Network continues to fall short in serving the interests of licence fee payers in all parts of the UK equally by missing opportunities to be precise in its reporting of issues which only apply to England or Scotland.  

It asks whether the BBC should adopt a more federal structure in which BBC Scotland would be a partner rather than a subsidiary, with greater editorial control and commissioning power. 

The report also raises concerns about the downgrading of  local news within Scotland, encouraging the regulator OFCOM to be vigilant and use its power to mitigate risks from any plans for centralisation and reduced regional coverage. 

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry in to broadcasting in Scotland and will feed into the UK Government’s public consultation on the BBC Charter – the legal document which sets out what the BBC is for and how it should operate.  

Changes to BBC Radio Scotland programming and its use of new, emerging and established Scottish artists also feature in the report, with the Committee stating  it was “not convinced” by the response to concerns raised by campaigners and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to pursue the matter. 

The Committee also expresses its support for greater transparency in how the BBC’s commercial income is used in relation to its public service broadcast obligations and of sustainable funding for minority language broadcasting across the UK, including Gaelic through BBC ALBA. 

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson, said: “We know broadcasters – particularly public sector broadcasters – face major challenges as people’s watching and listening choices move towards online platforms. However, local broadcasters continue to play a vital role in the social fabric of Scotland’s communities. 

“We support an adventurous, adaptable and accountable BBC and have made a series of recommendations directed at the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Screen Scotland, Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that Scotland and its license fee payers are well served.”

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