Almost 826,000 UK families shared £632.2 million in government top-ups towards their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year
Working families urged to sign up now to give their summer plans a financial boost
Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change
Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer plans a financial boost.
Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 4,925 families compared to the previous March.
Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child.
Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that’s nursery for younger children, or for older children – wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you’re planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.”
For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards paying for their childcare costs.
Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.
Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:
have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday
the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average
each earn no more than £100,000 per annum
do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers
A SCREEN ICON RETURNS!SCOTLAND’S FLAGSHIP CINEMA, ‘FILMHOUSE’ IN EDINBURGH REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON 27 JUNE 2025
REOPENING MARKS THE CULMINATION OF A THREE-YEAR ‘OPEN THE DOORS’ CAMPAIGN THAT HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION AND SUPPORT FROM CINEMA’S FINEST TALENT AND FILM FANS BOTH LOCALLY AND AROUND THE WORLD
THE MUCH-LOVED FILM HUB ENTERS A NEW ERA WITH A NEW OUTLOOK AND NEWLY REFURBISHED SCREENS
This summer marks the long-anticipated return of Scotland’s leading independent cinema. On 27 June 2025, Filmhouse opens its doors and looks to the future as a home for community connection and cinematic discovery.
Following a £2 million refurbishment, Filmhouse returns with new leadership, a vision which builds on the venue’s legacy as a space for learning and discovery, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for this iconic cultural landmark.
With, ultimately, a total capacity of 350 seats, the venue will once again be a hub for film enthusiasts, offering a cutting-edge cinematic experience, a vibrant social space, and a platform for film lovers and filmmakers to engage with the very best in global cinema. Previously a three-screen venue, the new Filmhouse will become a four-screen cinema and will be unveiling a fourth screen with a capacity of 24, allowing for an even more expansive programme, as well as being available for private screenings and hires.
Opening on 27th June are the beautifully refurbished screens 1, 2 and 3 and all the public areas. Screen 4 will open later in July as part of a second phase of work and fundraising also continues for some remaining elements of the project.
Following its closure in October 2022, the reopening of Filmhouse marks the culmination of a three-year long campaign to save the historic cinema backed by film lovers in Edinburgh, Scotland, and around the world and by A-list film talent including patrons Jack Lowden and Charlotte Wells, as well as Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson.
The cinema will relaunch with a programme of films missed during the venue’s two-and-a-half-year closure.
The cinema has been brought back to life by a group consisting of Filmhouse Chair Ginnie Atkinson, Head of Programming Rod White, cinema strategist at Mustard Studio, James Rice, Technical Manager David Boyd, and strategic financial consultant, Mike Davidson.
The group is now joined by newly appointed Executive Director Andrew Simpson and a raft of new staff members. The cinema rebuild is designed by Unick Architects and built by Clark Contracts.
This next chapter for Filmhouse has been shaped by extensive research, expert consultation, and overwhelming community and industry support that emerged in the wake of its closure – notably through the Open the Doors crowdfunding campaign.
A successful campaign
With support from Screen Scotland, the reopening of Filmhouse began with the Filmhouse team negotiating with the building’s owners, Caledonian Heritable, to lease the building back for a minimum twenty-five-year period as a modern cinema space, before raising capital funding to refurbish the building.
Funding came from a successful ‘Open the Doors!’ Crowdfunder campaign which launched in September 2023 and has raised over £324,000. The project also fitted the criteria for the UK Government’s Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund (COF), which has supported community groups to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost. COF granted Filmhouse £1.5 Million with other capital funding coming from a raft of donations and from Trusts.
Further project support came from major funder Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council.
In July 2024, the cinema’s 25-year extendable lease was signed, and in February this year contractor, Clark Contracts, began refurbishment work on the cinema.
State-of-the-art facilities in a historic building
Filmhouse’s historic home is a repurposed church on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road which has been a cinematic landmark since 1978. Originally opening with a single 90-seat screen, the venue expanded over the years to include three screens, a bustling café-bar and a welcoming front entrance, becoming a cherished gathering place for filmgoers.
Before the relaunch of the cinema, the building has undergone substantial repair work to the roof and stonework alongside an entire refit inside the cinema.
Filmhouse’s technical capabilities include 70mm, 35mm, 16mm, 8mm, and digital projection. The cinema also includes a Clipster Unit for creating Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) required for festival and theatrical distribution.
Comfortable seats and a new food and drink offer
Comfort has been prioritised across the new Filmhouse. Film-lovers can expect extra legroom and comfortable seats across the cinema’s screens, alongside a completely reworked foyer space.
The Filmhouse Bar has also been completely refurbished and will be able to seat 100 people for lunch and dinner, with drinks available throughout the day, catering for the many communities who enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, and placing an emphasis on produce from Edinburgh and Scotland, offering great food and drink alongside environmental sustainability. Filmhouse fans will be pleased to know that the cinema’s world-famous nachos are staying put too.
The cinema will announce new membership offers and multiple-tier ticket pricing over the next few weeks.
A wide-ranging film programme
Filmhouse has long been celebrated as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing world cinema in all its brilliance and diversity, from crowd-pleasing favourites and family films to avant-garde arthouse works, restored classics, and curated retrospectives.
Alongside this, the cinema will also look to screen events such as National Theatre Live and live Metropolitan Opera broadcasts for the first time, with more details to be confirmed in the coming months.
Details of Filmhouse’s involvement with this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival are yet to be announced.
Embedded in the community for everyone
Filmhouse will continue to prioritise its education and outreach work with facilities to inspire anyone with an interest in film.
A Learning & Engagement Officer has been appointed by the cinema, supported by a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council, and there will be forthcoming collaboration with the National Film and Television School’s Sean Connery Talent Lab, whose graduation shows will take place at the Filmhouse this summer.
The stage is set, the screens are ready, and the story of Filmhouse continues.
Andrew Simpson, Executive Director of Filmhouse, said: “The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited.
“The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond.
“We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we’re excited to welcome people back.”
Patron Jack Lowden said: “Filmhouse is a place utterly dedicated to the promotion and celebration of independent cinema. Films need to be watched, not just made. Now, after months of hard work, the incredible team at Filmhouse have managed to pull one of Scotland’s few truly independent cinemas back fae the brink.
“To have such a place on the streets of our capital providing the platform to give our world class filmmakers and storytellers the lift off they need, and continue to ask the big questions of ourselves through cinema, is exciting and vital.”
Patron Charlotte Wells has said: “The Filmhouse was an essential part of my own story and I’m delighted it can continue to be that for others too through its film and education programming and its role as a public forum for film lovers.
David Smith, Director of Screen Scotland said: “Reopening Filmhouse has been the mission for many people across the last three years.
“From the moment it closed the Screen Scotland team were working to get Filmhouse back. In the end that effort, our support, became focused around Ginnie, Rod, James and David and it was those four individuals who put in hours upon hours of hard work that made it a reality.
“Edinburgh – and everyone who loves film – owes them and the thousands of people who supported their crowdfunder a huge thank you. The revitalised, reimagined, reborn Filmhouse will bring back all that was lost and much more, and once again be the heart and home for cinema culture in Edinburgh.”
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event.
“This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.”
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years.
“Thanks to £1.54 million UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can’t wait to take in a movie there.”
Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to their weight loss or diabetes medicine or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA.
Women taking popular medicines for weight loss and diabetes, sometimes referred to as “skinny jabs”, are being reminded to use effective contraception while taking these medicines and, in some cases, for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant.
These medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding. Anyone who gets pregnant while using them should speak to their healthcare professional and stop the medicine as soon as possible. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.
Effective contraception includes oral (the pill) and non-oral (the implant, coil or condoms) forms of contraception. However, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in those who are overweight. Therefore, those taking Mounjaro who are overweight and are using an oral form of contraception are advised to also use a non-oral form of contraception. This only applies to those taking Mounjaro and is especially important for the four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after any dose increase.
This advice, which is already in the patient leaflets that come with the medicine, is just one of the reminders in the latest guidance from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the safe use of “GLP-1 medicines” known by the brand names Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Victoza.
The full advice can be found on the regulator’s website. It comes after concerns from the UK regulator that some people are not using these medicines for weight loss and diabetes safely.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: “Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.
“Our guidance offers patients a “one stop shop” for our up-to-date advice on how to use these powerful medicines safely.
“This guidance should not be used as a substitute to reading the patient information leaflet or having a conversation with a healthcare professional as part of the prescribing process. ”
Alongside advice on contraceptive use, the MHRA reminds patients that these medicines should not be bought from unregulated sellers such as beauty salons or via social media, or taken without a prior consultation with a healthcare professional.
Not only does this expose people wanting to lose weight to serious health risks, it is also against the law to sell these medicines in this way.
The only way to guarantee receiving a genuine GLP-1 medicine is to obtain it from a legitimate pharmacy.
The guidance also reminds patients of the symptoms to look out for in the event of acute pancreatitis which, although uncommon, can be serious.
The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesn’t go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help.
Summary of advice to patients
You should only take GLP-1 medicines if they have been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional.
Always have a conversation with your prescriber about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 medicines before you start taking them.
Do not take GLP-1 medicines if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. If you get pregnant while using them, you speak to a healthcare professional and stop them as soon as possible.
If you are prescribed Mounjaro (tirzepatide), use a barrier form of contraception and do not rely on oral contraception.
Understand the potential side effects and have a conversation with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
Tell your doctor you take a GLP-1 medicine if you are about to have surgery.
Report any adverse reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.
After taking the recommended four doses in each syringe, any medicine left in the syringe should not be extracted and the syringe should be disposed of in the bin.
Use of these medicines is not a quick fix to lose weight and the MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used by people who do not meet the medical requirements.
Anyone who suspects that they’ve had an adverse reaction to a GLP-1 medicine, or suspects it is not a genuine product, should report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
BBC ALBA has secured the exclusive rights to air the Scottish Junior Cup Final – the annual tournament labelled the ‘Holy Grail’ in junior football.
Broadcasting from Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, BBC ALBA Spòrs presenter, Micheal Steele, alongside commentator, Alex O’Henley, will bring viewers all the live action as Johnstone Burgh take on Tranent this afternoon (Sunday 1 June).
As both sides battle it out for the coveted piece of silverware, it’s set to be a high-stakes clash in one of junior football’s most prestigious competitions.
Johnstone Burgh midfielder Aaron Mason, who scored the winning goal against Largs Thistle to secure the Renfrewshire-side’s place in the Junior Cup Final for first time in 25 years, said: “It’s a great feeling to be playing in a Scottish Junior Cup Final, and to be part of it with my teammates representing a great football club means a lot.We’ve worked hard all season for this and now we have the chance to go make it count!”
Burgh last made it to the final in 2000 when they faced Whitburn Juniors at Partick Thistle’s Firhill. The game finished 2-2 with the East of Scotland League side going on to win on penalties.
Tranent celebrated reaching the Junior Cup Final for the first time in 90 years after a 3-2 aggregate win over Drumchapel United earlier this month. The East Lothian club have played in the final twice before, losing to Yoker Athletic in 1933 and then lifting the trophy two years later, with a 6-1 victory over Petershill at Ibrox.
Playing in the tournament for the first time since leaving the Junior leagues, Tranent defender, Euan Bauld, said: “It’s a great feeling to be in the final! We’ve had a month to look forward to it so all the boys are buzzing.
“It’s a massive day for the club as it’s 90 years since Tranent last won the Scottish Junior Cup. Hopefully we can do the town proud and bring home the trophy.”
The Junior Cup Final kicks off at 4.05pm, with BBC ALBA coverage from 4pm.
Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “The Scottish Junior Cup Final is a standout event in BBC ALBA’s spring sporting schedule that showcases the passion and commitment of the players – and their communities – at every level of the game.
“With two passionate clubs, with everything to play for, this year’s final promises all the drama and excitement that makes Junior football so unique and we’re proud to be able to showcase this iconic fixture to a wider audience across our channels.”
Watch the Scottish Junior Cup Final live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer:
NHS Lothian, and Asthma + Lung UK have praised the benefits of the LEZ, following a year of enforcement.
Experts at the NHS and a leading charity have highlighted the ongoing impact of the LEZ enforcement on air quality and health. In addition, the new rules have incentivised active travel and greater use of public transport.
A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. Edinburgh began enforcement alongside Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. Dundee began enforcement on May 30, 2024, and Glasgow on June 1, 2023.
With Clean Air Day (19 June) just a few weeks away too this one-year anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the LEZ here in Edinburgh and beyond.
In recent years air quality in Edinburgh has improved, with our monitoring data showing reduced pollution levels, and people getting ready for the LEZ may have contributed to this.
Over the last year, the average amount of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for non-compliant vehicles entering the zone has been decreasing steadily.
Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number decreased by 56%. There is also evidence of lower numbers of second contraventions. The vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant, over 95%. Around 3% of vehicles entering the LEZ are exempted classed.
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement.
The first annual report on LEZ operation is expected to be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee later this year, including air quality trends and how the scheme contributes to our carbon reduction targets, as well as operational matters such as the number of PCNs issued, costs of maintaining and operating the scheme, gross and net revenue and other key issues.
The Council is working with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on data collection and analysis of the LEZ and will present a report in the Scottish Parliament that will help inform the national picture of LEZ impact.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson: “I’m proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone.
“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health.
“Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people’s health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this.
“The average decrease in PCNs here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It’s also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport.
I look forward to seeing the annual report when it is considered by Committee.
“The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”
Flora Ogilvie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian said: “It’s great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents.
“Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.
“Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe.
“With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air.
“With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.
“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.”
77% of all PCNs in the last year were served to light passenger vehicles (private cars) and 21% to light goods vehicles (panel vans) with the remaining 2% being divided among the other classes of vehicle. 62.4% of PCNs are paid within 14 days at the discounted rate.
Income from the LEZ will be used in the first instance to pay for the operation and maintenance of the scheme. Any surplus income will be contributed towards Council projects which contribute towards the wider goals of the LEZ, particularly improving air quality and climate change emission reduction.
Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK. The World Health Organization and the UK Government both recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health.
Another key development is that the Low Emission Zone Support Fund has now resumed and is open to new applications. This is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.
New paper led by ENU’s Dr Adele Goman is the first randomised control trial of this kind
Hearing interventions such as hearing aids and regular audiology appointments have been linked to a reduction in the number of falls among older adults, according to a new paper led by Dr Adele Goman of Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Health & Social Care.
This research, published today in the Lancet Public Health journal, showed that participants with hearing loss who were randomly assigned best practice hearing care reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.
Falls are a leading cause of injury for older people and have rising mortality rates, while hearing loss is highly prevalent among those aged 70 and above. However, existing evidence on the effect of hearing aids on falls is mixed, and limited by the methodology of previous studies.
Goman and her colleagues analysed data from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, a three-year, unmasked, randomised controlled trial of adults aged 70–84 years in the USA designed to study the effect of intervention on cognitive abilities and other health outcomes, such as falls.
The ACHIEVE study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. It was conducted by a consortium of eight universities in the United States and led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
The 977 ACHIEVE study participants, all of whom had hearing loss, were randomly assigned to either receive a hearing intervention or to a health education control intervention. Those randomly assigned to the hearing intervention were offered regular one-to-one audiologist appointments, bilateral hearing aids, the option of additional hearing assistive devices, device use support and educational materials. The health education control intervention group received the same number of appointments with a health educator and more broad educational content on healthy aging.
For this paper, participants were asked to report the number of falls they had experienced over a period of three years. Data indicate that participants who received the hearing intervention reported an average of 27% fewer falls over the course of three years compared to a control group.
Dr Goman’s is the first known large-scale randomised control trial that has examined the effect of hearing intervention on falls.
The researchers believe the reduced number of falls among the hearing intervention group could be down to improved auditory input enhancing spatial awareness, or from having to devote less attention to processing auditory input allowing for more attention to be placed on maintaining postural control.
They are now working on a follow-up study with participants to examine the longer-term effects of hearing intervention on brain health, falls, and other health outcomes.
Dr Adele Goman said: “Hearing loss has previously been associated with a greater risk of falling among older adults, but few studies have directly investigated the connection.
“It is possible that the benefit of improved hearing may have enhanced the spatial environmental awareness of these participants, or that the lower demand on cognitive resources for hearing allowed them to focus more on their movement.
“As this is the first study of its kind, more research is needed to establish our conclusion that hearing intervention may reduce the overall average rate of falls. Our ongoing follow-up will also aim to tell us more about the effect over a longer period of time.
“We hope that these findings have the potential to inform researchers and health professionals, and address a leading cause of injury among older people.”
Survey data from People’s Postcode Lottery reveals Scottish attitudes to their connection with nature
While the British weather can be a bit of a lottery, this Spring Bank Holiday (May 26, 2025) is a great opportunity to spend much-needed moments reconnecting with parks, woodlands and open spaces.
This comes after a recent UK survey by People’s Postcode Lottery, where 45% of respondents in Scotland said they do not have enough time to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The survey highlights that more people would like to spend time outside enjoying nature, so I hope this bank holiday provides an opportunity for many to embrace the great outdoors in their local park or woodland.
“The incredible plant species and wildlife in these areas offer a great way to reconnect with nature and enjoy its benefits.
“Players of People’s Postcode Lottery raised more than £40 million in 2024 for charities working to protect wildlife and the natural world.”
The UK-wide survey revealed attitudes, relationships and connections towards nature and the environment. Among these include attitudes towards lifestyle and environmental topics, including sustainability-focused practices.
Information from respondents living in Scottish postcodes found:
82% said they felt that spending time in nature was important to their overall wellbeing and mental health.
49% said they only feel fairly connected to the environment around them.
17% spend intentional time outdoors once a month or less.
82% of respondents said spending time in nature is important to their overall wellbeing and mental health, and 45% said a lack of time was a key part of not being able to spend more time outside.
17% of people surveyed said they intentionally spend time outdoors in parks, forests or other natural spaces every day, while 35% said they spend time outdoors several times a week.
A staggering 17% of people saying they spend intentional time outdoors only once a month or less.
Empowering people to get out more
People’s Postcode Lottery supports a huge range of environmental charities, including Woodland Trust, The Wildlife Trusts and Friends of the Earth. These organisations help protect and preserve nature so everyone can spend more time in green spaces, forests, parks and beaches across their own postcodes and beyond.
You can get involved too; use this bank holiday to immerse yourself in nature, by taking on some nature trails with your family, organising a beach clean with your friends, or swapping your gym session for a run through your local park.
All of these are great ways to reconnect with the environment and benefit from the abundance of parks and open spaces available in your area.
Two retired Army veterans with over 75 years’ military service between them are set to finish their demanding 65-day walking challenge – LeJog – this weekend.
John McBride from Fife (65) and Barry Ince (70) from Shropshire set out on 23 March 2025 to walk the 1200-mile End to End trail from Land End to John O’ Groats. They are expecting to reach their destination on Sunday 25 May, passing through Lybster, Wick and Freswick along the way.
Accompanying the pair to the finish line is ‘honourary’ member of the LeJog team, Katie, 22. Katie was hoping to realise her lifelong dream of walking from Lands End to John O’Groats with her partner, until a serious foot injury cut short his hike.
When John and Barry heard about Katie’s plight, halfway through their walk, they welcomed her to the team. Katie’s father has followed her progress with the team from home and has helped support her along the way.
As John says: “In the Army we say, leave no man or woman behind and Katie has been an absolute star!”
John and Barry are long-time friends and Army veterans, who have taken on one of the world’s most famous walking challenges to raise money for four charities which are close to their hearts. Two are national charities – Cancer Research UK and the Army Benevolent Fund – and two are organisations working locally to each man’s hometown.
Fife resident, John, explains: “We have both been touched by cancer and by the loss of many dear friends and family. The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity and does great work supporting many of our veterans and their families in times of need.
“Barry’s chosen local charity is the incredible Midlands Air Ambulance service, which always needs funds, and mine is Include Me, which provides much-needed support to vulnerable adults in Northeast Fife, by matching them with Volunteer Citizen Advocates.”
The route from Cornwall to Northeast Scotland has taken in the best of British countryside including the scenic West Highland Way and Ben Nevis which Barry and John climbed together earlier this month.
But the team has faced tough times during their journey. John has suffered with severe shin splints for prolonged periods and Barry injured himself falling off a badly maintained stile earlier this month, which is still causing him pain.
So far the LeJog challenge has raised almost £15,000 for the four charities and donations are still coming in. What has kept both veterans going is the support of the local communities they have passed through and their family and friends, some of whom have joined them for part of the walk and helped with free accommodation, meals, laundry and moral support.
Barry says: “We set ourselves a goal to achieve this very difficult task, to walk 1200 miles in 65 days with no rest days, including climbing Ben Nevis. Our extensive military service, self-discipline and determination means neither would allow ourselves to fail.
“We wanted to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities we believe make a difference.”
Sunday will be the culmination of a challenge which has been over almost 18 months in the planning. As they approach John O’Groats, the pair admit to mixed emotions as fatigue and niggling injuries are starting to set in, but they are determined to push themselves to the limit after LeJog is over.
Barry and John hope to lace up their walking boots again just 2 weeks later by taking part in the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour trek in the Cairngorms, the 54-mile Cateran Yomp on 7th-8th June.
Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund said: “We are so grateful for all the efforts made by Barry and John, and their team in taking on this epic 65-day challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats for the Army Benevolent Fund and other charities.
“It is only thanks to funds raised through events such as these that the ABF is able to offer a lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their families. We look forward to welcoming both veterans to this year’s Cateran Yomp in June, after some well-deserved rest and recovery!”
The Army Benevolent Fundis here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides.
Last year, the ABF supported over 75,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 50 countries around the world.
Police Scotland have released images of two males who may be able to assist with their enquiries following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 31 October 2024.
The incident occurred at around 2.40am at the Gorgie Road and Wardlaw Street junction in Edinburgh.
Officers believe the males could assist them in their ongoing enquiries and are appealing for them or anyone who may recognise them or has information about this incident to get in touch.
The first male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 19-20 years old and approximately 5’8” in height. He has short, thick dark hair and facial hair. He was seen to be wearing a dark zip-up jumper with a Fred Perry logo on the left chest, socks but no shoes.
The second male (pictured) is described as being white, aged between 18-19 years old and between approximately 5’11” and 6ft in height. He has short brown hair styled up at the front.
He was seen to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, yellow and purple Nike Dunk style trainers and a black hooded jumper.
A Police Scotland representative said: “We urge the males pictured or anyone who may recognise them to contact us. If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch as soon as possible”.
Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1439 of 31 October 2024. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.
