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Life-saving ambulance drugs programme

MINISTER MARKS INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd has praised the Scottish Ambulance Service’s successful Take Home Naloxone (THN) programme, which has now issued more than 4,000 kits.

On a visit to Springburn Ambulance Station in Glasgow to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, Ms Todd was trained to use naloxone kits which temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The packs are given out to people at risk and their families who can use them to deal with any future overdose while they wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Since Scotland’s National Naloxone Programme began in 2011, up to December 2024, a total of 205,650 take-home naloxone kits have been issued.

Ms Todd said: “Every drug death is a tragedy, and my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one, on a day where we remember them.

“The work done by the Scottish Ambulance Service and other partners has been instrumental in saving lives, especially at a time when naloxone has become even more important. I am a grateful for the hard work of all the staff who provide this vital frontline service. I was very pleased to hear about the continued progress in delivery and to be shown how to use the naloxone kits.

“Due to the presence of an increasingly unpredictable drug supply of highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which raise the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them so repeat doses can be given if required.  

“I am determined to do even more to tackle the harm caused by drugs. That’s why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, including widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility, and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.”

All SAS crews have been trained in in distributing naloxone since 2023, following the launch of its training programme in 2021. As well as treating people for the effects of overdose themselves, and handing out the take-home kits, crews are providing a vital link to support and treatment.

Scottish Ambulance Service CEO Michael Dickson said: “Our staff respond with care and compassion to anyone who experiences an overdose.

“Our call handlers can offer advice during the 999 call, and our ambulance clinicians provide crucial treatment when they arrive at the scene.

“Ambulance crews are able to supply Take Home Naloxone, are starting to provide clean sterile injecting equipment, and can also connect people experiencing problematic substance use with other services who can provide further care and treatment.”

Edinburgh MPs initiate dialogue between tenants and Places for People

THREE Edinburgh Labour MPs – Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West), and Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) – came together with Places for People Scotland and tenants from across the city on Wednesday to build on joint engagement activity addressing housing queries.

After being elected, Tracy Gilbert MP noticed a trend in complaints and organised this meeting to support both tenants and Places for People Scotland.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Edinburgh MPs arranged the meeting with Places for People Scotland and Edinburgh Tenants Federation to support local tenants to proactively seek support on matters relating to their communities.

The meeting is a further step in the work Places for People Scotland has undertaken in the past 18 months in increasing customer engagement across the city.

The meeting covered matters raised by customers including understanding service charges, heating, and repairs and maintenance, as well as customer engagement.

By bringing all parties together, the MPs sought to bring together tenants’ voices to continue open, constructive, and effective dialogue.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Tenants deserve to feel heard and supported by their housing provider. As Edinburgh MPs, we were pleased to facilitate this meeting so residents could raise their concerns directly and begin to build stronger channels of communication.

“A lot of the issues raised centred on the transparency of bills from factors and the lack of clarity in communications.

“We hope that over the coming months these matters can be resolved, giving residents the confidence and reassurance they deserve.”

Dr Scott Arthur MP added: “Tenants in Edinburgh South West have understandably lost confidence in the service provided by Places for People Scotland.

“I’m therefore pleased that this meeting offered a chance to reset the relationship. It’s now in everyone’s best interest to work together constructively to rebuild trust and deliver the high-quality services that residents rightly expect and deserve.”

Chris Murray MP said: “I welcome Places for People Scotland’s commitment to an open, engaged, and transparent relationship with their tenants – demonstrated by our community meeting tonight.

“However, an engaged, transparent, and supportive housing provider and property factor should not be an exception, but an expectation.

“I will continue to work alongside residents, my fellow MPs, and Places for People Scotland, to ensure this is achieved.”

Kelly Brown, Director of Places for People Scotland, commented: “We recognise that there have been times in recent years where our communication with customers should have been better and we have taken the appropriate steps to improve this.

“Yesterday’s meeting marked another positive step forward, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together.

“We are always listening. Over the last 18 months, we’ve worked closely with our customers and local MPs to improve the overall customer experience. For those whose homes are powered by a district heating system, we’ve brought in an internal expert to review all tariffs and procure a new partner.

“We remain committed to driving further improvements to ensure we provide a service that our customers can be proud of.”

Housing is a matter devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

Woman dies following Restalrig assault

A 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault of a woman in Restalrig.

Around 1am this morning (Thursday, 28 August, 2025), officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property in Restalrig Avenue.

Emergency services attended and the woman was taken to hospital where she died a short time later.

The 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault and enquiries are ongoing.

Restalrig Avenue remains closed while enquiries are carried out.

Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman at this extremely difficult time.

“There will be a continued police presence in the area while our investigations continue and I would urge anyone with any concerns, or information, to approach these officers.”

TONIGHT: An evening of music inspired by the work of John Bellany

Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral

TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.

On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.

A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.

Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.

Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:

  • Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
  • Julia Hart (violin)
  • Cameron Smith (cello)
  • Erin Sawicka (piano)

The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.

The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.

This special event coincides with the City Art Centre’s major exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, on display nearby until 28 September.

The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.

“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.

New Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Service launches across Scotland

CRUSE SCOTLAND AND GRIEVING FAMILY COLLABORATE TO OFFER FREE SUPPORT

Cruse Scotland, the Nation’s leading bereavement support experts, have joined forces with a family-run charity, Lewis Leap, to launch a new support service for children, young people and adults bereaved by a sudden and traumatic death.

Lewis Leap was founded following the tragic death of 13-year-old Lewis Johnson on a family holiday in 2019. The family from Edinburgh wanted to honour the life and spirit of Lewis and help others who unfortunately find themselves facing such a devastating loss under challenging circumstances.

The Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service has been shaped by those with lived experience, including some of Lewis’ family members.

This new service was launched at the charity’s annual fundraising event in the Cammo Estate yesterday (Sunday 24 August 2025), surrounded by Lewis’ family, friends and community as well as members of the Cruse Scotland staff and volunteer team.   

Lewis’ mum, Elizabeth Johnson, said, “The impact of Lewis’ death on our family and friends was overwhelming, and we struggled to process what had happened and why it had happened to us.

“The support we so desperately wanted didn’t seem to be available. We committed to work with Cruse Scotland to shape a specialist support service for others to access in the early stages of grief who had experienced a sudden and traumatic death.”

“I’m so proud that the service is named after Lewis, as he was always so kind and generous to friends and strangers alike. Through this service, his selfless spirit lives on.”

Specialist support can be accessed via any of the existing Cruse Scotland routes:

Fiona Arnott-Barron, Cruse Scotland Chief Executive, said, “We are delighted to launch this vital service after three years of hard work and collaboration with Lewis Leap.

“Having members of the Johnson family and many other bereaved people help us shape this support service, which has been extremely valuable in ensuring it will provide the most appropriate support at the right time.

“Although Cruse Scotland had already taken some steps to address the gap in support for people struggling in the early days and weeks following a death, we knew there were still significant gaps for those who had been catapulted into a new and unwelcomed reality following an unexpected and traumatic death.

“For those requiring support with their grief after such a sudden loss, Cruse Scotland is here, and I would like to thank the Johnson family sincerely for their support in making it possible.”

If you need support with your grief, no matter how recent or long ago the death occurred, or your relationship to them, you can find the support that’s right for you at www.crusescotland.org.uk

Local children with disabilities excluded from play due to inaccessible playgrounds

  • Across the UK, half of parents of children with physical disabilities surveyed say their child is excluded from play due to inaccessible playgrounds
  • As well as reducing friendships and confidence, parents are turning to screentime to fill the gap
  • To support parents and children, Scottish housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is committing to ensure every play area they create is inclusive and accessible

New research reveals children with disabilities are excluded from playgrounds in Scotland. Across the UK, half (50%) of parents of children with physical disabilities surveyed say their child is excluded from play due to playgrounds being inaccessible to them.

In Scotland, parents of children who visit playgrounds are travelling an average of 3.77 miles from their homes to reach a suitable play area. As a result, 32% say they are relying more on screens because there are not enough suitable outdoor play areas nearby.

The research of over 2,000 parents from across the UK, showed that exclusion from play is an issue for disabled and non-disabled children alike. Almost two thirds (65%) of UK parents surveyed say their children are playing out less than they did at the same age, with similar findings reported in Scotland (64%). 

Almost a quarter of parents in Scotland have struggled to find a playground that accommodates their child’s needs (23%), while others reported that their local playground is currently closed or out of order (36%).

Parents say the lack of play is negatively affecting their child’s ability to make friendships, build confidence and develop a sense of adventure, and shockingly over a third (37%) of children in Scotland now prefer to spend time playing indoors or on screens, creating barriers for children accessing outdoor play.

To get the nation playing out again, Barratt Redrow, of which Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland is a part, is making a landmark commitment to prioritise inclusive play spaces across its developments.

This new commitment will see the housebuilder incorporate inclusive and accessible play areas across their new developments in Scotland, working with children and young people to design play spaces that meet the needs of the local community where possible. As the UK’s largest housebuilder this could deliver up to 100 new accessible and inclusive play spaces for parents and children to enjoy each year.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, said: “This isn’t just about playgrounds, it’s about building places where families can truly thrive, and that starts by ensuring every child can safely and confidently enjoy the freedom, fun and benefits that outdoor play delivers.

“We want local authorities and other homebuilders to work together to make inclusive and accessible play the standard, not the exception. When we build with all children in mind, we can create places that work better for everyone.”

Alison Condie, Regional Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, said: “Play isn’t a luxury, it’s something that inspires connection, confidence and childhood itself.

“This commitment will make a huge difference to parents and children in Scotland. We want parents and homebuyers to know that when they buy one of our homes, they can be confident that we’re prioritising the right things from day one.”

The New Commitments to Play

As the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Barratt Redrow is ensuring play for everybody is the standard, not the exception. In practice, its new Inclusive Play Guidance will mean communities in Scotland can expect:

1.     Every play space being designed by Barratt Redrow will include inclusive equipment, accessible surfaces and be located in safe and easy to access locations for the whole community to enjoy.

2.     Designs will allow for active, challenging, imaginative, sensory and quiet play for children and young people, while encouraging social interaction between neighbours and friends.

3.     Play spaces will be integrated into high quality landscapes at the heart of our developments, bringing people closer to nature.    

4.     Wherever possible, Barratt Redrow will work with children and young people to ensure they are continually responding to the needs of the local community.

*Our teams work on planning applications for a period of six months before submission, therefore the new commitment will apply to all new planning applications from January 2026 onwards.

As well as children’s charity Whizz Kidz, the Barratt Redrow Commitments and New Design Guidelines were created with support from industry bodies, including Play Wales, Play England, play expert Tim Gill and children’s psychologist Prof. Helen Dodd. 

For more information, visit www.barrattredrow.co.uk/playmaking

Empty Kitchens Full Hearts: Friday’s Community Lunch Menu

Menu for Friday the 22nd of August 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding. What’s on the menu tomorrow:

Root vegetables and split pea soup

Chicken with creamy sundried tomatoes

Creamy sundried tomatoes pasta (Vegetarian)

Both served with herby vegetables

Bread and butter pudding

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland launch 2026 Holyrood Election Manifesto

Scotland’s national walking charities urge all political parties to deliver a healthier, cleaner and safer Scotland by stepping up their commitment to everyday walking and wheeling

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have published ‘The Power of Walking – A Walking and Wheeling Manifesto for 2026,’ which outlines four practical steps the future Scottish Government can take to make walking and wheeling safer, more accessible, and more integrated into daily life:

  • Put walking and wheeling at the heart of government – with progressive leadership across health, transport, planning and climate agendas.
  • Invest in walking and wheeling – focusing on long-term funding, behavioural programmes, and better connections to public transport.
  • Prioritise walking and wheeling in communities – through improved infrastructure, inclusive design, and access to green spaces.
  • Improve safety for walking and wheeling – by promoting pedestrian-first streets including reduced traffic speeds and enforcement of pavement parking bans. 

Walking Scotland and Living Streets Scotland have set out a clear and achievable plan for the next Scottish Government and have called for all political parties to endorse the actions. 

The proposals set out are practical, proven measures that reflect what people across Scotland need. By taking these simple four steps, the organisations believe that the next Scottish Government can create a Scotland where walking and wheeling are not just possible, but easy, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

With research showing that 85% of Scots already walk or wheel regularly, and many wanting to do more, the manifesto highlights a clear opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in active, inclusive and sustainable travel.

Putting walking and wheeling first can bring big returns for Scotland by helping people stay healthier for longer, cutting pressure on the NHS, and supporting local jobs and businesses.

Investment in walking and wheeling delivers exceptional value: returning around £6 for every £1 spent and preventing thousands of serious health conditions. It also means cleaner air and more connected, welcoming communities where everyone can get around safely and easily.

Kevin Lafferty, CEO of Walking Scotland, said: “Walking and wheeling are some of the most powerful tools we have to improve health, tackle climate change and bring communities together.

“They’re simple, affordable and accessible, and people across Scotland want to do it more. This manifesto shows how we can make that happen, with practical steps that will help everyone enjoy safer, easier and more active everyday journeys.

“This is why we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to take these four steps – not as a nice-to-have, but as a vital part of building a fairer, healthier and greener Scotland.”

Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “We all deserve streets that are safe and welcoming, so we can enjoy the many benefits that come from walking and wheeling our everyday journeys. 

“Many of us want to walk more but need better pavements, better public transport connections and better walking routes to feel safe and confident to do so. A commitment to invest in walking is a commitment to creating a Scotland where people enjoy healthier lives and communities thrive.”

Walking addresses inequality – it is the most inclusive form of physical activity. Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of walking and wheeling. Accessible, well-maintained paths and pavements, and access to high-quality and sustainable public green and recreational spaces for every community in Scotland are vital to encouraging people to walk and wheel.

Walking Scotland’s 2023 national survey found that improved safety, better paths locally and having someone to walk with were key factors that would encourage people to walk or wheel more often. This is why this Walking Manifesto looks for a commitment to a Path Fund to improve and maintain path networks.

The manifesto is published online, available here:

A-walking-and-wheeling-manifestoDownload

https://walkingscotland.org.uk/a-walking-and-wheeling-manifesto/

The Ripple community project may take EIJB to court

The Ripple Project is threatening to take Edinburgh Intergation Joint Board to court over this year’s controversial funding process.

The Restalrig-based community hub believes the EIJB’s consultation process was too short, key information was withheld and responses were not adequately considered.

They maintain the EIJB’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved after ‘an unfair and unlawful consultation process’. 

THE RIPPLE STATEMENT:

“The Ripple Project has formally written with a pre-action letter to the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to challenge the way its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was approved. We believe the consultation process was too short, key information was withheld, and responses were not properly considered.

“We have asked the Board to withdraw the decision and re-run a lawful, transparent consultation — and we hope they will do so without the need for court action.” 

The EIJB has until 27 August to reply. The Ripple would prefer the EIJB to withdraw their decision and ‘run a fair, lawful consultation without going to court’ – but if the Ripple Project finds the EIJB’s response unsatisfactory, they may then lodge a petition for judicial review at the Court of Session. 

The date of the EIJB’s next meeting does not currently appear on the organisation’s website.

THE RIPPLE’s PRE-ACTION LETTER TO THE EIJB IN FULL:

Pre-Action+Letter+Proposed+Petition+for+Judicial+Review+under+Chapter+58+of+the+Rules+of+the+Court+of+SessionDownload