Uncategorized – Page 7 – The NEN

Veterinary services for household pets

COMPETITION AND MARKETS AUTHORITY SETS OUT REFORMS

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

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

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

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

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

We’ve set out major reforms to the UK’s veterinary sector now our market investigation is complete.

Our reforms will help pet owners better navigate the vet services market and will start coming into force later this year.

Find out more: https://t.co/MXmvZsg4hN pic.twitter.com/sUK3YFZK8G
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) March 24, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit bva.co.uk/cma

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Get set for mushroom growing season at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Preparation for the new mushroom growing season

Date: 27 March 2026, 1 – 3 pm

Location: Granton Castle Walled Garden

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

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

by Mycobee

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

#grantoncommunity

#mushroomgrowing

#events

Heritage chief challenges Edinburgh World Heritage hostel stance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bedding

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

Food

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

Toys

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

Safety Hazards

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

Training tools

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

Collar & leash

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

House training supplies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Gordon University Library: developing future library designs

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

Delivering a journal publishing programme through Scottish Universities Press

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

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

University of Strathclyde: decolonising academic libraries in Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seven new towns proposed to kickstart housebuilding push

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

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

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

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

The proposed locations are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holyrood committee calls for BBC to have stronger Scottish voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Edinburgh Hospital Radio Volunteer Honoured with MBE

A volunteer who has been at the heart of hospital radio in Edinburgh for over 50 years has been appointed an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospital broadcasting.

Malcolm Kirby – the current Chair received that award from HRH The Princess Royal at an Investiture held in Windsor Castle on Tuesday March 10 2026.

Malcolm has been involved since 1969 when he moved to Edinburgh to study electrical engineering at Heriot Watt.

He became technical director in 1972, a post he has held for most of his time with the radio.

Malcolm has been instrumental in the design and construction of the red dot radio studios from the early days in Hanover Street to the old Royal Infirmary and finally to the current location in the Western General Hospital.

He designed and manufactured the studio furniture, customised electronics and wrote special software to aid in programming.

When the pandemic hit he was instrumental in keeping the station going and wrote additional custom software to enable the radio to be streamed online.

His determination to provide a bespoke, personal service for hospital patients has lasted to this day and has been appreciated by hundreds of hospital patients and their families and friends.

Malcolm was previously recognised by the National Hospital Broadcasting Association in 2012 when he received the John Whitney Award for an outstanding contribution to hospital radio.

Malcolm said: “It’s a real privilege being involved in a service that’s entertained hospital patients for 60 years. It seems that today, just as in the past, there is a real need for this sort of personal service for people who find themselves alone in a strange environment.

“It’s particularly gratifying that we were able to continue throughout the pandemic with our new online service providing an invaluable link between the patients and their family and friends at home – let’s hope this continues for many more years.”

Have you seen Tyrone?

POLICE are appealing for help to trace Tyrone Nicholson, 54, who has been reported missing from Edinburgh.

Tyrone was last seen in the Restalrig area around 2.30pm on Friday, 20 March, 2026.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, with short brown hair.

Inspector Iona Cory said: “We’re concerned for Tyrone’s welfare and are urgently trying to trace him to ensure he’s safe and well.

“Officers are carrying out a number of enquiries but I’m also asking for the public’s help. Do you know Tyrone and have any information on where he might be? Or do you think you’ve seen him since Friday afternoon? If you do, please come forward.

“Tyrone, if you see this appeal, please make contact with police so we can ensure you’re safe and well.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0906 of 21 March.