A year of community fundraising delivers vital support sessions across Edinburgh
Scotmid and Maggie’s announced that their year-long charity partnership has raised an incredible £288,000 to support people with cancer and their family and friends. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication and generosity of everyone involved.
Over the past 12 months, Scotmid colleagues, members and customers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England have joined forces to raise funds for Maggie’s, which provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to anyone affected by cancer.
The funds raised will help Maggie’s deliver support sessions at its centres in Edinburgh, offering a vital lifeline to individuals navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Colleagues from across the Scotmid family – including Scotmid Funerals and Semichem – embraced the cause wholeheartedly, taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities, from a daring Jailbreak Challenge to a sponsored abseil down The Kelpies.
Alongside fundraising, the partnership placed a strong focus on raising awareness of the exceptional work Maggie’s does for individuals and their families. Throughout the year, Maggie’s ‘Support Squad’ volunteers visited Scotmid and Semichem stores to speak directly with customers, while Maggie’s-branded merchandise – including limited-edition pin badges and air fresheners – helped keep the cause front of mind.
Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive at Maggie’s said: “This partnership has helped us reach more people than ever before.
“The support we have received from Scotmid has been incredible, from the creativity of fundraising challenges to the warmth of staff, members and customers who welcomed our teams into stores.
“The money raised has, and will, make a real and lasting difference.”
Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer at Scotmid, said: “It’s been an honour to work with Maggie’s this year.
“I am grateful for the dedication of our colleagues, members, and customers in supporting their work. Thank you to all who contributed to this fundraising total and successful partnership.”
Scotmid has now raised over £1.53 million across its last five charity partnerships, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s leading retail fundraisers.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Glenogle Swim Centre marked its 125th anniversary in style on Friday, 5 September, with a historical celebration attended by the Lord Provost, Tracey Gilbert MP, staff, members and residents.
Affectionately known as ‘Glennies’, the Victorian swim centre in Stockbridge welcomed guests from 10:30 am for a morning of festivities that honoured its rich history and enduring community spirit.
The Lord Provost was greeted by Glenogle Manager Fiona Blacklock and PR Officer Kerry Teakle before joining the celebration, which included:
A welcome speech and cake cutting by the Lord Provost and Operations Supervisor, Ailsa Smith.
The burial of a time capsule in the beautiful Glenogle garden, curated by Sam Machin of Glenogle Café, featuring contributions from local residents.
The unveiling of a commemorative bench at the Saxe-Coburg garden entrance, recognising the efforts of community gardeners Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon.
A plant stall hosted by Mahboob Ditta, King’s Award for Volunteering recipient, offering horticultural advice.
The event also showcased Glenogle’s artistic and historical legacy:
An art competition involving local primary schools, themed Past, Present and Future, organised by Operations Supervisor and artist Johnathan Elders.
A community exhibition curated by leisure attendant Isla Miller, featuring historical research and memorabilia.
Works by artists inspired by Glenogle’s architecture, including Soo Burnell, Teresa Sumerfield, Dave Thompson, and Rose Cook.
As part of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 celebrations, the Great Lengths exhibition was on display at Glenogle and will move to The Living Memories Association’s new space at Ocean Terminal from 9 September.
A Living Memories podcast is also in development, capturing stories from Glenogle’s past and present, supported by a vintage memorabilia stall.
A Story of Resilience
Glenogle’s history is one of resilience. In the early 2000s, it faced closure, prompting a passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie Mantle and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures.
George Woodcock, then a postman, collected signatures on his round. “I learnt to swim here over 40 years ago,” he told the Stockbridge Gazette in April 2007. “It’s a scandal the pool might close.”
Thanks to community efforts, a £5.7 million refurbishment was secured, and the baths reopened in 2010.
Like Edinburgh Leisure’s other Victorian pools – Warrender, Leith Victoria, Dalry, and Portobello – Glenogle blends historic charm with modern amenities, including upgraded heating and energy-efficient systems.
Originally opened on 7 September 1900, Glenogle was designed by architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846. It has since evolved into a hub for sport, recreation, and community connection.
Looking Ahead
Johnathan Elders, Operations Supervisor at Glenogle said: “Glenogle holds a special place in so many people’s memories. Our celebration honoured the past 125 years and looked to the future, with the time capsule capturing life in 2025 for generations to come.”
A week-long programme of events will follow, including gym challenges and fun pool sessions for kids and families.
The new Maybury Primary School was officially opened at a special ceremony by Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish.
The school in the west of Edinburgh opened its doors to its first P1 pupils in January 2025 and has capacity for up to 630 school-aged learners and 124 children in its early learning and childcare setting.
The new primary school is the first in Edinburgh to share a campus with a medical centre, Barclay Medical Practice, as part of Maybury Community Hub. It has been delivered for the Council by Morrison Construction and designed by Architype to Passivhaus standards.
With sustainability, inclusivity, and flexibility at its core, Maybury Primary School supports The City of Edinburgh Council’s 2030 net-zero goals by significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption.
The school incorporates modern, flexible, and creative learning spaces with open-plan and agile classrooms, double height atrium voids featuring artwork and facilities that can be shared with the community such as the sports hall and activity studios.
The new primary school is part of the ‘Maybury Community Hub’ which will maximise the use of its buildings, allowing local residents to access services close to where they live in line with the ’20 minute neighbourhood’ strategy.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:“It’s important that all our schools and early years settings offer the best possible learning environment for our children and young people, and the new Maybury primary school has been designed with learners’ needs at its heart.
“The building itself is designed to be fit for the future, with innovative and sustainable design features that meet the needs of pupils and staff, offers facilities that benefit the wider community and supports our net-zero commitment.
“It is a pleasure to officially ‘open’ the school and to see pupils and school staff really making the most of the school environment.”
Susan Imrie, Head Teacher at Maybury Primary School, said: ““It has been fantastic to see our pupils and staff alike settling in and enjoying the new state of the art school environment.
“The new building sets us up to provide high quality teaching and enriching school experience for all our learners.”
David Wilson, Operations Director for Morrison Construction’s Building Central business, commented:“We are proud to have delivered Maybury Primary School in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.
“Designed to Passivhaus standards, the school combines sustainability with innovative learning spaces that will benefit both pupils and the wider community for generations to come, and we are delighted to see the school already making such a positive impact.”
Policing plans are in place this weekend for planned protests and as part of this, we would like to outline our approach and explain what people can expect from us.
The position on how protests are handled by policing in Scotland has not changed.
Campaigning and demonstration are a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. We want to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest and counter protest. Every week we have Police Liaison Teams who work with various protest groups across Scotland who engage with us, and we help them understand protest activity that can be done within the law. Engagement and communication is crucial.
We are proud of our approach and feel it’s important to be clear on what becomes unlawful behaviour.
Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt an event that poses a risk to safety is not legitimate protest.
There has been recent focus on the proscription of Palestine Action Group as a terrorist group under the Terrorism Act.
The decision to proscribe a group is a matter for UK Government. The role of policing is to enforce the law.
In Scotland, we do this in a proportionate way in conjunction with advice from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) who oversee prosecutions in this country. The legal system in Scotland is unique.
We know there are strong feelings towards the situation in Palestine and people continue to express their views about that through protest and demonstrations without breaking counter terrorism laws.
The key difference is showing support for Palestine Action Group as it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of a proscribed organisation or to invite or express support for them.
This includes wearing clothing or carrying any item in public in such a way as to arouse suspicion that they are a member of, or a supporter of, a proscribed organisation.
People should understand this and recognise our responsibility to uphold the law. Any use of enforcement powers by officers will be proportionate and in line with Uk legislation and guidance from COPFS. Every situation is unique and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Policing in Scotland has strong relationships with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our communities.
Police are appealing for information and witnesses, following the serious assault of a cyclist on Blackhall Cycle Path, near to Davidson Mains.
The incident took place around 6.05pm on Tuesday, 2 September, 2025. The cyclist, a 46-year-old man, was cycling away from the Drylaw area on his green vintage-style Dutch bike.
The suspect was riding an offroad dirt bike and is described as white, around 5ft 10 and slim build, but their gender is unknown. They were wearing a black full-face helmet and black puffer jacket.
Detective Sergeant Rob Finch said: “We are appealing for anyone who was in the area or witnessed this attack to please come forward.
“Enquiries have established that two members of the public provided aid to the victim, so would ask them to contact police as soon as possible.
“Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 1961 of 3 September, 2025. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
TechFest, Scotland’s leading STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop programme, including the TechFest Dome, one of its most immersive STEM experiences.
The charity invites primary school pupils across Scotland to join its interactive workshops that aim to make STEM fun and engaging through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
These initiatives support TechFest’s mission to aim to ignite imaginations and inspire a lifelong passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics among young learners.
Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.
When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.”
TechFest, the leading Scottish STEM charity, is continuing its Primary Outreach Workshop Programme, alongside The Dome, TechFest’s mobile planetarium, which is one of TechFest’s most immersive and popular STEM experiences.
Coinciding with the start of the new academic year, TechFest gives the chance for primary school pupils across Scotland to explore a wide range of STEM opportunities, all designed to ignite imaginations and foster a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Through the Primary Outreach programme, TechFest offers a diverse selection of interactive workshops that bring STEM subjects to life in classrooms across the country. Each session is designed to engage pupils via hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges. These activities allow young learners to experience STEM in a fun, accessible and inspiring way.
The workshops explore a range of topics from how magnets and circuits work, to discovering gravity and forces, solving maths puzzles, exploring renewable energy and understanding how our bodies function.
Complementing the workshop initiatives is the TechFest Dome, sponsored by the Apache Corporation, an immersive experience delivered inside TechFest’s state-of-the-art inflatable dome, which transforms school halls into a captivating window to the universe.
Jenny Taylor, Festival Manager at TechFest, said: “We’re delighted to relaunch our Primary Outreach programme and bring back the Dome for another year, as part of our mission to make STEM learning more exciting, engaging and accessible for children across Scotland.
“We believe every child deserves the chance to discover just how exciting and full of possibilities STEM can be.
“When children get to ask questions, get hands-on experiences and see science and technology come alive around them, it is these moments that inspire the next generation of Scottish scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers, who will tackle the big challenges and shape a better future for us all.”
Using Digitarium Zeta projection technology, the TechFest Dome brings astronomy and space science to life for pupils of all ages.
Younger pupils can discover where the Sun goes at night and how it moves across the sky through the seasons, while older pupils enjoy a guided tour of the constellations and planets, learning how the night sky changes and uncovering myths like the story of Perseus and Ursa Major.
These initiatives align with TechFest’s mission to enhance accessibility by developing programmes rooted in STEM, making the subjects fun and engaging while establishing meaningful connections with industry and education, inspiring young people pursue a future in STEM.
Extra protection for Scotland’s marine environment with new measures coming into effect from October.
Fisheries management measures for Marine Protected Areas within offshore waters between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the coast will come into effect from 16 October.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated sites that protect our nationally important species and habitats and are a key step in safeguarding and conserving marine biodiversity in Scotland’s seas.
Site specific measures being introduced include restrictions on certain fishing activities that could damage these habitats and species, such as bottom-towed gear.
These measures have been developed through collaboration with industry, scientists, environmental organisations and communities and are based on the best available evidence – they will help protect biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and build resilience to climate change.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s seas are an integral part of our national identity, and this is a major milestone in protecting our marine environment.
“It’s important, now, more than ever, that we address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change and these new measures will help to support and enable marine ecosystems to flourish and build climate resilience.
“With these new protections in place, Scotland’s marine environment will be better equipped to support thriving marine industries, protect food security and secure the ecosystem services that we all rely on.
“This achievement is the culmination of many years of dedicated, collaborative work across science, industry, environmental organisations and local communities. I’d like to thank all those involved in progressing this work to help safeguard these important ecosystems.”
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Species Team Leader Declan Tobin said: “This is a landmark moment for MPA protection, following fifteen years of collaboration.
“JNCC is proud to have supported Scottish Government in developing these measures, turning science into action for a brighter and more sustainable future for our seas.”
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s “common sense” announcement of management measures for offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
HOME SECRETARY UPDATES WESTMINSTER FOLLOWING SUMMER RECESS
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made a statement in parliament yesterday on actions the government is taking with France to strengthen border security and reforms to the asylum system:
Mr Speaker, with your permission, I will update the House on the actions we are taking with France to strengthen our border security and the next steps on our reforms to the asylum system.
Now to be aware when we came into the government, we found an asylum and immigration system in chaos.
Small boat gangs for 7 years had been allowed to embed their criminal trade along the French coast. The asylum backlog was soaring. Illegal working was being ignored.
It is little wonder that people right across the country lost confidence in the system and demanded to know why they were paying the price of a system that was so out of control.
But that does not mean people rejected the long and proud history of Britain doing our bit to help those fleeing persecution or conflict – including in the past decade families from Ukraine, Syria and Hong Kong.
It is the British way, to do our bit alongside other countries to help those who need sanctuary.
But the system has to be controlled and managed, based on fair and properly enforced rules, not chaos and exploitation driven by criminal smuggler gangs.
It is exactly because of that important tradition, that substantial reforms are needed now.
In our first year, we have taken immediate action, laying the foundations for more fundamental reform.
We have restored asylum decision making and then rapidly increased the rate of decisions.
Instead, we removed 35,000 people with no right to be here, including a 28% increase in returns of failed asylum seekers and a 14% increase in removals of foreign criminals.
We have increased raids and arrests on illegal working by 50%, and we cut the annual hotel bill by almost a billion pounds in the last financial year. We are rolling out digital ID and biometric kits so immigration enforcement can check on the spot whether someone has a right to work or a right to be in the UK.
And on Channel crossings and organised immigration crime we are putting in place new powers, new structures and new international agreements to help dismantle the criminal industry behind small boats.
I want to update the House on the further steps we are now taking.
In August I signed the new treaty with France allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats.
The first detentions took place the next day – of people immediately on arrival at Dover.
We expect the first returns to begin later this month.
Applications have also been opened for the reciprocal legal route, with the first cases under consideration, subject to the strict security checks.
We have made clear this is a pilot scheme – the more that we prove the concept at the outset, the better we will be able to develop and grow it.
But the principles it embodies are crucial.
Because no one should be making these dangerous or illegal journeys on small boats.
And if they do, we want to see them swiftly returned.
But in return, we believe in doing our bit alongside other countries to help those who have fled persecution through managed and controlled legal programmes.
This summer we have also taken further action to strengthen enforcement against the smuggling gangs.
France has reviewed its maritime approach to allow for the interception of taxi boats in French waters, and we will continue to work with them to implement this change as soon as possible.
In the last year, the NCA has led 347 disruptions of immigration crime networks – their highest level on record and a 40% increase in a year.
Over the summer, we announced a £100 million uplift in funding for border security and up to 300 more personnel in the NCA focussing on targeting gangs.
The Border Security Bill will give them stronger powers. Counter terrorism powers against smuggler gangs and powers to seize and download mobile phones of small boat arrivals.
And the power to ban sex offenders from the asylum system altogether.
Those powers could be in place within months, making our country safer and more secure. (Political content redacted)
Let me turn now to the major reforms that are needed to fix the broken asylum system we inherited.
Although we have increased decision making and increased returns the overall system remains outdated, sclerotic and unfair.
So, as we set out in the Immigration White Paper, we will shortly set out radical reforms to modernise the asylum system and boost our border security.
Tackling the pull factors. Strengthening enforcement. Making sure people are treated fairly. Reforming the way that the ECHR is interpreted here at home. Speeding up the system, cutting numbers and ending the use of hotels. And developing controlled and managed routes for genuine refugees.
At the heart of these reforms will be a complete overhaul of the appeals system.
The biggest obstacle to reducing the size of the asylum system and ending hotel use.
Tens of thousands of people in asylum accommodation are currently waiting for appeals and under the current system that figure is set to grow, with an average wait time of 54 weeks.
We have already funded thousands of additional sitting days this year.
And the Border Security Bill will introduce a statutory timeframe of 24 weeks.
But we need to go further. So, we will introduce a new independent body to deal with immigration and asylum appeals fully independent of government, staffed by professionally trained adjudicators, with safeguards to ensure high standards but able to surge capacity as needed and accelerate and prioritise cases, alongside new procedures to tackle repeat applications and unnecessary delays.
We are also increasing detention and returns capacity – including a 1,000-bed expansion at Campsfield and Haslar, with the first tranche of additional beds coming online within months to support many thousands more enforced removals each year.
Our reforms will also address the overly complex system for family migration, including changes to the way Article 8 of the ECHR is interpreted.
We should be clear that international law is important – it is because other countries know we abide by it that we have been able to do new agreements with France to return people who arrive on small boats, to make new agreements with Germany to stop the warehousing of small boats by criminal gangs and to explore return hubs partnerships with other European countries.
But we also need the interpretation of international law to keep up with the realities and challenges of today’s world.
But there is one area where we also need to make more immediate changes.
The current rules for family reunion for refugees were designed many years ago to help families separated by war, conflict and persecution.
But the way they are being used now has changed.
Even just before the pandemic, refugees who applied to bring family to the UK did so on average more than 1 or 2 years after they were granted protection.
Long enough for them to get jobs, find housing and be able to provide their family with some support.
In Denmark and Switzerland, currently those granted humanitarian protection are not able to apply to bring family for at least 2 years after protection has been granted.
Here in the UK now however those applications now come in on average within 1 month, even before a newly granted refugee has left asylum accommodation. As a consequence, refugee families who arrive are far more likely to seek homelessness assistance.
Some councils are finding that more than a quarter of their family homelessness applications are linked to refugee family reunion. That is not sustainable.
Currently there are also no conditions on family reunion for refugee sponsors unlike those in place if the sponsor is a British citizen or a long-term UK resident. That is not fair.
Finally, the proportion of migrants who have arrived on small boats and who then apply to bring family has also increased sharply in recent years.
With signs that smuggler gangs are now able to use the promise of family reunion to promote dangerous boat journeys to the UK.
Mr Speaker, we continue to believe that families staying together is important. It is why we will seek to prioritise family groups among the applicants to come to Britain under our new deal with France.
But reforms are needed. In our asylum policy statement later this year, we will set out a new system for family migration.
Including contribution requirements, longer periods before newly granted refugees can apply, and dedicated control arrangements for unaccompanied children, and for those fleeing persecution who have family in the UK. We aim to have some of those changes in place for the spring.
In the meantime, we need do to address the immediate pressures on local authorities.
And the risks from criminal gangs using family reunion as a pull factor to encourage more people onto boats.
Therefore, we are bringing forward new Immigration Rules this week to temporarily suspend new applications under the existing dedicated Refugee Family Reunion route. Until the new framework is introduced, refugees will be covered by the same Family Migration rules and conditions as everyone else.
Mr Speaker, let me turn next to the action we are taking to ensure that every asylum hotel will be closed for good under this government.
Not just by shifting individuals from hotels to other sites, but by driving down the numbers in supported accommodation overall.
Not in a chaotic way, through piecemeal court judgements, but through a controlled, managed and orderly programme, driving down inflow into the asylum system, clearing the appeals backlog which is crucial, and continuing to increase returns.
Within the asylum estate, we are reconfiguring sites, increasing room-sharing, tightening the test for accommodation and working at pace to identify alternative cheaper and more appropriate accommodation with other government departments and with local authorities.
And we are increasing standards and security and joint public safety cooperation between the police, accommodation providers and the Home Office to ensure that laws and rules are enforced.
Mr Speaker, I understand and agree with local councils and communities who want the asylum hotels in their communities closed.
Because we need to close all asylum hotels, and we need to do so for good.
But that must be done in a controlled and orderly manner, (…) that led to the opening of hotels in the first place.
Finally, Mr Speaker, let me update the House on the continued legal and controlled support we will provide for those facing conflict and persecution.
We will continue to do our bit to support Ukraine – extending the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme by a further 24 months, with further details to be set out in due course.
We are also taking immediate action to rescue children who have been seriously injured in the horrendous onslaught on civilians in Gaza so they can get the urgent health treatment they need.
The Foreign Secretary will update the House shortly on the progress to get those children out.
I can confirm the Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for children and their immediate accompanying family members.
We have done the same for all the Chevening scholars and are in the process of doing so now for the next group of students who have been awarded fully funded scholarships and places at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn this year.
Later this year, we will set out our plans to establish a permanent framework for refugee students to come study in the UK so that we can help talented young people fleeing war and persecution to find a better future. Alongside capped and managed ways for refugees to work here in the UK.
Mr Speaker, this is a government determined to fix every aspect of the broken system we inherited and restore the confidence of the British people.
What we will never do is seek to stir up chaos, division or hate.
That is not who we are as a country. That is not what Britain stands for.
A practical plan to strengthen our border security, to fix the asylum chaos and to rebuild confidence in an asylum and immigration system that serves our national interest, protects our national security, and reflects our national values.
Because, when we wave the Union Flag, when we wave the St George’s Flag, when we sing God Save The King, and celebrate everything that is great about Britain and about our country.
We do so with pride because of the values that our flags, our King, and our country represent.
Togetherness, Fairness and Decency.
Respect for each other, and respect for the Rule of Law.
That is what our country stands for.
That is the British way to fix the problems we face.
From today – Monday, 1 September – customers will pay the same fare no matter what time they travel, or the day of the week.
The policy announced by the Scottish Government in May this year is aiming to make train fares simpler, more flexible, and provide better value for money for rail users. A further aim of the change is to get more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail instead.
Removing peak fares will mean significant savings for customers across the country, with some journeys set to reduce by almost 50 per cent – including those between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Examples of the massive savings to be made include:
Journey
Return fare from 1 September
Saving
Percentage saving
Edinburgh – Glasgow
£16.80
£15.80
48%
Inverkeithing – Edinburgh
£7.40
£5.20
41%
Perth – Dundee
£11.20
£5.10
31%
Glasgow – Stirling
£10.80
£7.40
40%
Inverurie – Aberdeen
£10.10
£2.50
20%
Inverness – Elgin
£16.30
£8.50
34%
There are some routes where no off-peak fare exists because the same fare is already available at any time of the day, and as such, customers will not see any change in those areas.
Customers can now check the ScotRail website, or the app, to see Off-Peak fares for their route, and get set for savings when peak fares are removed. The ScotRail website also has a fare comparison tool that helps customers find the best ticket option for their travel needs.
As part of the move to simpler and more flexible fares, a number of other tickets will also be updated:
Season Tickets will remain at their current pricing until 27 September, offering exceptional value. For regular travellers, this represents a saving of at least 40 per cent compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre-1 September prices. This discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024.
Flexipass tickets will have adjusted pricing from 1 September to ensure they continue to offer a saving compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters.
Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn, as the removal of peak fares means customers now benefit from great value fares all day, every day.
Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15am, in line with existing conditions. These changes are designed to make rail travel easier to understand and more accessible, while continuing to offer excellent value for a wide range of customers.
The significant change to the fare structure will support the Scottish Government’s ambition to achieve net zero, providing more people with the opportunity to use trains as their primary form of transport.
ScotRail was recently ranked as one of the best train operating companies for customer satisfaction. With an overall satisfaction of 91 per cent, ScotRail is performing better than all other large operators in Britain.
It has been a hugely successful summer for the operator, with more than 200,000 customers travelling on services to attend events across the country, including the Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen, music events at Hampden Park, the Edinburgh Festivals, and Oasis in concert at Murrayfield stadium.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:“Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.
“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
“By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”
Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said:“This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys.
“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”
