With the warmer weather, being in or around water often feels inviting.
It is important to stay safe and follow the Water Safety Code:
• stop and think
• stay together
• in an emergency, call 999
Police Scotland has declared a major incident as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing wildfire within the Cairngorms National Park.
The decision follows a significant change in weather conditions, with strengthening winds contributing to increased unpredictable fire behaviour and the spread of the wildfire towards Nethy Bridge.
As a precaution, all residents of Nethy Bridge are being evacuated to allow emergency services to continue their operational response safely and effectively. Residents are being directed to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and access roads into Nethy Bridge have been closed.
Superintendent Judy Hill, Police Scotland, said: “The weather conditions experienced within the Cairngorms over the last 24 hours have added further complexities to this situation. With evidence suggesting the fire is spreading towards Nethy Bridge, the decision has been taken to declare a major incident and evacuate residents as a precaution.
“Additional police resources are being deployed to assist in contacting those who need to leave their properties and to maintain cordons around restricted areas while our fire service colleagues continue to tackle the wildfire.
“We understand this is a very concerning time for residents, businesses and visitors to the Cairngorms region. Please be assured that the multi-agency response remains fully committed to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion as quickly as possible.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has maintained a significant operational response since the wildfire was first reported on Wednesday, 15 July.
More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised over the course of the incident, alongside specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter water-bombing operations and partner agencies.
Firefighters continue to work across a vast and challenging landscape alongside Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and emergency service partners.
Their expertise, local knowledge and support have been instrumental in helping crews respond to this complex and dynamic incident.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour said: “Our firefighters, specialist resources and partners have worked tirelessly over the past nine days to respond to this challenging and complex wildfire incident.
“The combination of prolonged dry conditions, strengthening winds and challenging terrain has created an extremely complex operational environment. Large areas of the fire ground are inaccessible by vehicle or on foot, making helicopter water-bombing operations and specialist wildfire tactics essential to our response.
“Throughout this incident, partnership working has been fundamental. I would like to thank Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, landowners, estate gamekeepers and our emergency service partners, whose expertise, local knowledge and continued support have been invaluable in helping us protect communities and the natural environment.
“More than 500 firefighters have been mobilised since the incident began, supported by specialist wildfire appliances, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and partner agencies. We will continue to maintain a significant operational response for as long as it is required.
“We recognise this is an extremely worrying time for those affected, particularly residents who have been asked to leave their homes. Public safety remains our absolute priority, and we ask everyone to continue following the advice of Police Scotland and to stay away from the affected areas while firefighting operations remain ongoing.”
Members of the public should continue to avoid the affected areas within the Cairngorms National Park. The area remains unsafe due to active firefighting operations, rapidly changing fire conditions and helicopter activity.
The following areas remain closed or subject to access restrictions:
• Paths around Glenmore, Loch Morlich and Badaguish.
• Low-level routes including the Old Logging Way and routes providing access to Cairngorm Mountain, the Northern Corries, Meall A’ Bhuachaille, the Green Loch (Lochan Uaine), Strath Nethy and Bynack More.
• Paths within Abernethy Forest to the south of Forest Lodge towards Ryvoan Bothy.
Residents are urged to follow all advice issued by Police Scotland and emergency services.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) met last night to discuss the evacuation of Nethy Bridge after Police Scotland declared the Cairngorms National Park wildfire a major incident.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth, Justice Secretary Neil Gray and other Ministers and partners.
The First Minister said: “This is clearly a very serious situation and is a hugely concerning and anxious time for residents and businesses in Nethy Bridge, and my thoughts are with them.
“As a result of changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, Police Scotland declared a major incident requiring the evacuation of the village of Nethy Bridge as a precaution.
“SFRS resources are focussed on creating a fire break and additional police resources are being deployed to assist with the evacuation, including identifying vulnerable residents who may need extra support. Residents are being directed to a respite centre in Aviemore, where Highland Council can provide support and advice.
“I am extremely grateful to all the first responders who have been working hard to control this fire since it was first reported last Wednesday. I remain in continued contact with SFRS and partners and SGORR will convene again.
“This is a serious situation and I strongly urge people to continue to follow all advice from emergency services and transport authorities and continue to avoid the affected areas in the Cairngorms National Park.”
SATURDAY 25 JULY UPDATE
Resilience Room reconvenes to discuss ongoing incident
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGORR) reconvened this morning at 7am to review the position on the Cairngorms National Park wildfire.
The meeting was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland, other partners, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
A precautionary evacuation of Nethy Bridge began on Friday 24 July 2026 after Police Scotland declared a major incident following changes in wind conditions that intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire.
A fire break around the village was established overnight, new fire breaks are being constructed and SFRS is deploying additional resources.
The First Minister said: “This continues to be a very serious situation. Residents, businesses and people staying in the affected areas will understandably be very worried. My thoughts are with them and I thank them for their understanding.
“With the fire changing to be in the direction of Nethy Bridge yesterday afternoon, a precautionary evacuation was put in place and a fire break was successfully established overnight to protect the village. Police officers visited all properties in Nethy Bridge and officers are in the village today to support residents.
“The wind has changed direction overnight, which means the track of the fire has altered once again and the threat to Nethy Bridge has reduced, for the moment at least. Ground and helicopter resources are being focused on the current path of the fire and new fire breaks constructed.
“This demonstrates how these situations can change very quickly and dramatically, reflecting the challenges being faced by SFRS and the other responders tackling this wildfire. It does not mean however that anyone should return to that area until they have been given the go-ahead to do so. Further decisions will be taken later today by the Local Resilience Partnership and the Scottish Government Resilience Room will also reconvene.
“I remain extremely grateful to the emergency services and all those involved who are working tirelessly to control this fire and support local residents. I reiterate the message that people in the area must follow the advice of emergency services and the Cairngorms National Park – it is essential people avoid the affected areas.”
More than 864,000 sole traders and landlords signed up to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have just two weeks left before the deadline to submit their first quarterly update.
The update covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year. The deadline for submitting it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is 7 August 2026.
The quarterly update is not a tax return. It is a short summary sent directly to HMRC through recognised software and takes minutes to complete.
Customers who have not yet signed up can still do so now by visiting GOV.UK, where they can also find software and access free guidance and webinars. If customers use an agent, they can sign them up instead.
Some software includes digital support tool HMRC Assist, which gives tailored feedback to help customers spot potential errors before submission. Customers remain responsible for ensuring their return is accurate.
After each update, users can see an estimate of their tax bill, helping them to plan ahead.
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, said: “This is a landmark moment for the tax system. Hundreds of thousands of sole traders and landlords are now keeping digital records and will be sending their first quarterly update in the coming weeks.
“For those already using software, this should be straightforward and take minutes. If you haven’t signed up yet, there is still time – visit GOV.UK and search ‘Making Tax Digital for Income Tax’ to get started.”
Making Tax Digital is now a legal requirement and customers in scope should check now that they are signed up, that their software is compatible and submit their update before the deadline.
It will extend to those earning more than £30,000 from April 2027, and to those earning more than £20,000 from April 2028.
The tax return deadline remains 31 January. Quarterly updates do not replace the tax return – customers will still need to submit their return and pay any taxed owed by the 31 January 2027.
CASE STUDY
“My first Making Tax Digital update was so easy – if they can all go this seamlessly, we’ll be set up for smooth sailing”
Natasha Patterson, 33, is a full-time potter based in Whitehead, County Antrim, and is already ahead of the game – she has submitted her first Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update weeks before the 7 August deadline.
She has been working as a potter since 2020 and opened her studio shop – Natasha Swan Ceramics – in 2023, where she specialises in functional wheel-thrown tableware including mugs, salt pigs and reed diffusers.
Like many small business owners, Natasha was not looking forward to a new tax obligation. She decided to submit early – just in case there were any issues along the way.
Natasha said: “I was expecting there to be some hurdles and I wanted to give myself time to work through any issues but was pleasantly surprised to find the process very smooth and straightforward.”
In the end, the submission itself took about ten minutes. Natasha had been adding receipts and updating her records throughout the quarter, so everything was ready to go when it came to submitting.
“I went back to check I did it right about three times, but it really was very straightforward.
“Everything made sense and was logical – it wasn’t overwhelming, even though it was all new to me.
“If they can all go this seamlessly, we will be set up for smooth sailing at the end of this tax year.”
One of the things she has valued most is being able to see a forecast of her tax bill straight away.
“It’s great to have a forecast of what I owe already, without mounds of paperwork. I feel more prepared knowing what’s expected of me in the coming months and also more confident going into the second quarter now knowing how straightforward the first submission was.”
Her message to other sole traders approaching their first update is straightforward. She said: “If you can complete your Self Assessment tax return, this is much easier. As far as tax submissions go, it was probably as pleasant as they come.”
Granton Hub Big Nature Drawathon
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026
Dig out your pencils and come out and play for a weekend celebrating nature and art in our community.
Whether you are a keen artist, or last drew at primary school, all are welcome to come and get stuck in with our art materials and activities. Get arty on Saturday and see the full exhibition of works on Sunday.
Activities include:
• Learning plant identification through sketching (workshop at 11am and 1pm)
• Design your own mythical beast of Granton
• Clay creature sculpting
• Ant’s eye view – get up close to tiny worlds
• Get imaginative with our art materials – stay and make for as long as you like
• Add your nature art to our exhibition
• Teas, coffees and snacks by donation
Click here for free Eventbrite booking.
Find us at Granton Hub, Maldevic House, Granton Park Avenue, EH5 1HS (We are wheelchair accessible).
Get arty – Saturday 25th July, 10.30am to 3.30pm
Exhibition of work – Sunday 26th July, 2 to 4pm
Andy Burnham yesterday became the first Prime Minister to work from No10 North as he declared the days of power being hoarded in SW1 are over.
Operating from Heron House in Manchester’s city centre, No10 North will be the government’s new situation room for growth. It brings the levers of local economic growth and devolution together under one roof for the first time.
The Prime Minister is expected to work from No10 North each week so that decisions about the country’s economic future will no longer exclusively be made in Westminster. Other ministers will also work from No10 North on a regular basis, underlining this Government’s determination to do things differently.
The Prime Minister will chair the first meeting of the revived National Economic Council at No10 North today (Friday), bringing together senior ministers and regional mayors to put devolution at the centre of the Government’s mission to make Britian better.
The National Economic Council was first established in 2008 to provide a national response to an economic emergency. Its revival reflects the Prime Minister’s belief that delivering economic growth now requires the same level of urgency, focus and collective action, bringing together other government departments and local leaders.
Regional mayors will be invited to sit around the table, cementing devolution at the centre of economic decision-making and backing the Prime Minister’s pledge to rewire Britain so that decisions are taken with local leaders, not just for them.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For 40 years, power and resources have been sucked into the centre, and too many communities have felt forgotten, without the attention and investment they deserve.
“No 10 North will change that by putting more power into every postcode across the entire country.
“It will be the situation room for making Britain better – the place we use to get power out of Westminster, into the hands of people at a local level, so that they can turn things around.
“The days of Whitehall resisting devolution are over, for good.”
Ahead of the first meeting of the National Economic Council, the Prime Minister will speak to leading Business Representative Organisations including the Federation of Small Business, CBI and the BCC to discuss how Government and business can work together to unlock growth, investment and create jobs across the country.
The NEC’s attendees will flex according to the issues under consideration, bringing together business leaders, trade unions and other partners where their expertise can help drive delivery.
Local economic growth, devolution strategy and local growth policy are being brought together so that government departments, mayors, combined authorities and business can work from a single plan rather than competing ones.
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh said: “Today marks a fundamental re-balancing of where power sits in our country. No10 North has been set up to drive economic growth in every postcode and put power in the hands of every community.
“Through this department, this Government will ensure that the places overlooked by Westminster for decades are given a real voice. No.10 North is open for business.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP added: “This is a new era for devolution. Never before has a government been so serious about passing on its own power from Westminster in favour of local areas.
“No10 North sits at the heart of that plan. This is the way we signal real change – and the way we get it done.”
The meeting comes off the back of a series of interventions made to ease the cost of living and back local high streets, setting the tone for the PM’s cost-of-living government.
This week the government has announced:
WEEKLY WATER SCARCITY REPORT
More parts of Scotland have moved into water scarcity following another week of exceptionally dry weather, with several areas now close to Significant Scarcity.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s (SEPA) latest weekly water scarcity report shows conditions have deteriorated across much of the country.
The Deveron and Almond catchments have moved into Moderate Scarcity, joining the Tyne (Lothian), Firth of Forth, Firth of Tay, Don (Aberdeenshire), Esk and Tweed.
Water scarcity is now most severe across eastern and southern Scotland, where many catchments are at Alert or Moderate Scarcity. Early Warning conditions form a broad band through the interior of the country and extend into the north and the Outer Hebrides. Much of the north-west and west coast remains at Normal Conditions, although Early Warning is beginning to extend into some western catchments.
Across eastern Scotland, most locations have recorded less than 10mm of rainfall during July, while Angus has received less than 3mm over the past three weeks. Parts of Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms have also experienced exceptionally dry conditions.
The prolonged lack of rainfall has left soils across much of eastern Scotland very dry, with many rivers experiencing prolonged low flows. Several river monitoring stations are now recording flows amongst the lowest on record.
If exceptionally low river flows continue over the next few days, Berwickshire Coastal, Whiteadder Water, Lower Tweed, Lunan Water, Lower Don, Fife (East Neuk) and North Fife are expected to move into Significant Scarcity.
Significant Scarcity is declared when river flows remain below Q95, a recognised low flow threshold, for 30 days. When a station reaches Significant, SEPA will introduce targeted and temporary restrictions on licensed water abstractions to protect rivers and the wildlife that depends on them.
Any restrictions would be proportionate, based on local conditions, kept under regular review and lifted as soon as conditions improve.
Since the beginning of May, SEPA has published weekly water scarcity reports and worked closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association to help water users prepare for the season. SEPA have also engaged directly with licensed abstractors in affected areas, providing advance notice of changing conditions and practical advice to help them plan ahead.
With conditions continuing to deteriorate, SEPA are urging farmers, businesses and other licensed abstractors who have not already done so to put those plans into action. This includes reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions with neighbouring users where appropriate and implementing contingency plans. These actions can help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions later in the season.
Anyone can monitor conditions using SEPA’s online Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT), which shows colour-coded monitoring stations across Scotland and how close local areas are to reaching Significant Scarcity.
SEPA will continue to publish weekly water scarcity reports every Thursday throughout the summer so water users can stay informed as conditions change.
Shona McConnell, SEPA’s Head of Compliance, said: “Weeks of exceptionally dry weather are continuing to put pressure on rivers across much of Scotland, particularly in the east where some river flows are now amongst the lowest on record.
“Since the beginning of May we’ve been providing weekly updates and practical advice, while working closely with organisations including NFUS, Farming and Water Scotland and the Scotch Whisky Association, as well as engaging directly with licence holders in affected areas. Our aim has always been to give abstractors as much notice as possible so they can prepare.
“For many abstractors, now is the time to put those plans into action. Reducing abstraction where possible, improving water efficiency, staggering abstractions and making use of contingency plans can all help reduce pressure on rivers and minimise the need for restrictions if exceptionally low river flows continue.
“Our weekly water scarcity reports and Drought Risk Assessment Tool help people understand what’s happening in their local area and plan ahead. If restrictions become necessary, they will be targeted, temporary and only remain in place for as long as they are needed to protect Scotland’s water environment.”
People can also help by reporting signs of water scarcity, including exceptionally low river levels, dry riverbeds and impacts on habitats, through SEPA’s website. These observations complement SEPA’s monitoring network and help build a clearer picture of conditions across Scotland.
The latest Water Scarcity Report, catchment maps, advice for businesses and other water users, and information on reporting signs of water scarcity are available on SEPA’s water scarcity pages.
Printed in Kilmarnock by John Wilson during the summer of 1786 and published on 21 July 1786, the Kilmarnock Burns is regarded by many as one of Scotland’s most important books. The collection introduced readers to many of Robert Burns’ best-loved poems and songs, including the enduring classic To a Mouse.
The volume is in a fine red leather binding created in the 1880s by distinguished London bookbinder Francis Bedford. Over the following decades it passed through the hands of several notable owners, principally in the United States, before eventually returning to Scotland and joining Dr Zachs’ collection at the Blackie House Library and Museum.
Originally printed in a run of just over 600 copies, only around 90 copies are known to survive today and each copy is different.
The copy on display at the Writers’ Museum, generously loaned by renowned Burns expert and scholar Dr William Zachs, contains a particularly interesting inscription on its title page: “Helen Montgomerie From her Friend J.S.”
The inscription dates from around the time of publication. The initials ‘J.S’ may refer to Burns’ friend James Smith of Mauchline, who purchased 40 copies of the book on 8 August 1786 and was the inspiration for Burns’ poem To J.S., which appears in the volume. Alternatively, the inscription may refer to Jean Smith, James’ sister and one of Burns’ celebrated ‘Belles of Mauchline’.
The identity of Helen Montgomerie, however, remains a mystery.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “As we mark 240 years since the publication of this remarkable book, I’m delighted that visitors to the Writers’ Museum will be able to experience first-hand one of Scotland’s greatest literary treasures.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr William Zachs for generously lending this extraordinary copy to the museum and helping us share this important piece of Scotland’s cultural heritage with residents and visitors alike.
“Perhaps one of our visitors may even be able to help solve the mystery of who Helen Montgomerie was.”
Dr Bill Zachs said: “240 years on, the poems in Burns’ first publication remain not only a landmark in the history of Scottish literature but an enduring expression of creative genius.
“Seeing the original printing of such timeless pieces as ’The Cotter’s Saturday Night’ and ’To a Mouse’ brings us closer to the world and wonder of Scotland’s National Bard.”
To celebrate the loan, the Writer’s Museum will host a special event on Friday 28 August from 2-4pm, featuring live music and readings of Burns’ poetry.
The museum is free to visit and is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Find out more on the Culture Edinburgh website.
BUT YER NO’ GETTING ANOTHER REFERENDUM
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office.
This afternoon [Thursday 23 July], the Prime Minister will hold meetings in Glasgow with the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, before watching the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games later on.
During his talks the Prime Minister will set out how he plans to work collaboratively with the heads of the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments – based on a genuine partnership.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters.
“I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope.
“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”
In his first week, the Prime Minister has taken action to give families more breathing space by cutting taxes on energy bills for tens of millions of families this winter.
But this is just the start. As the Prime Minister has said, we need to rewire the Westminster-centric system that has left too many people feeling disconnected from decision making. That’s why he has set up No10 North to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and put power closer to people’s lives.
The government says they are building a new economy, re-industrialising the United Kingdom and using public procurement to back our industry and create jobs.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the United Kingdom in August, where he will visit places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Through this tour, the Prime Minister will hear from people about what is needed in their communities as we restore hope that’s not been there in recent decades.
As more families choose to cook and eat at home, Aldi is celebrating the generation that has always understood the power of sharing a meal together.
Research from Barclays’ UK Consumer Spending Report for May 2026 found that 42% of consumers are changing their spending habits due to rising costs, and are cutting back on takeaways and meals out.
Over the same four-week period, separate transaction data also recorded a 2.7% fall in spending at restaurants, cafés and bakeries.*
With more meals being enjoyed at home, Aldi believes there’s a renewed opportunity for families to reconnect around the dinner table, and nobody knows the value of that better than Scotland’s grandparents.
Today (22 July), Aldi launches a nationwide campaign celebrating the grandparents and grandparent figures whose home cooking has brought generations of families together.
Long before recipe apps, air fryers and social media food trends, grandparents were passing down family recipes, cooking from scratch and creating the meals that became the backdrop to family life.
From bowls of homemade broth and freshly baked scones to Sunday roasts that still draw everyone home, they’ve spent decades proving that the best memories are often made around the table.
Now Aldi wants to recognise those everyday family heroes.
Families across Scotland are invited to nominate a grandparent or grandparent figure whose cooking, generosity and love of bringing people together have made a lasting impact on their family. Whether it’s the gran whose soup is famous across three generations or the grandad still teaching grandchildren how to bake, Aldi wants to hear the stories behind Scotland’s favourite family cooks.
As a thank you, Aldi will fund a month’s grocery shop for up to three Scottish grandparent figures.
To nominate, families should email scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk with a short explanation (200 words) of why their grandparent deserves to be recognised.
Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Some of life’s best moments happen around the dinner table.
“As more people choose to cook and eat at home, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family, share stories and reconnect with the people around us.
“Grandparents have understood that for generations. They’ve always known that a home-cooked meal is about much more than what’s on the plate – it’s about bringing people together.
“This is our way of celebrating the people who’ve quietly kept those traditions alive for years, and thanking them for everything they do for their families.”
Train stations across Scotland have been highlighted in a major new survey by leading women’s charity Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), which examined safety standards at stations across the UK.
The survey highlighted concerns at a number of Scottish stations, including Canal Street in Aberdeen, where surveyors raised issues around passenger safety and accessibility, and Markinch, where concerns were noted about access and passenger support. The report also highlighted wider concerns around staffing, access to assistance and passenger reassurance at quieter and more rural stations such as Paisley St James.
While stations such as Inverkeithing and Kirkcaldy demonstrated many of the safety features campaigners are calling for, including visible safety support and stronger passenger facilities, surveyors warned that limited staffing and inconsistent access to assistance can leave women feeling vulnerable, particularly during evening journeys.
SIGBI says these local findings mirror a national pattern of declining staff presence and inconsistent safety measures across the rail network. Across the UK, only 10% of stations are staffed at all times, 30% are permanently unstaffed and fewer than half (44%) display clear information about who is responsible for passenger safety.
Gillie O’Rourke, President of SIGBI, said: “These key measures, which can help women feel more secure, remain inconsistent, patchy and mixed at best. This leaves women increasingly vulnerable when travelling by train.”
SIGBI has been campaigning for safer railways for women and girls for over 30 years. First launched in 1996, ‘The Future of the Railways’ was an investigation into personal safety on the railways, which the charity’s members – known as Soroptimists – used to lobby the Government into taking action to do more to protect women on public transport.
It was launched in response to a Soroptimist being attacked on a train in the London area.
Soroptimists carried out grassroots research into the experiences of female passengers, visiting more than 500 overground stations across Britain. Their work also included consultation with station managers and rail staff to build a comprehensive picture of safety and accessibility on the rail network.
SIGBI published a report making recommendations to the UK Government on how to improve safety in stations, claiming the Government’s approach to passenger safety in railway stations was ineffective.
In 2024, the project was relaunched during the charity’s conference in Edinburgh, to ask the same questions of the UK’s railway stations, to see how much has changed. The results of the new survey are the outcome of 388 surveys undertaken by Soroptimists covering 373 stations and 985 platforms.
The survey’s aims were to assess the visibility of railway staff, emergency help points, and station signage, and to evaluate the clarity and quality of safety information.
The new findings expose a persistent gender safety gap across the rail network, raising urgent questions about accountability, visibility, and the protection of female passengers after dark.
“It is shocking that in almost 30 years so little has changed, the same issues persist, the same voices are going unheard, and progress feels more like a circle than a line,” Gillie added.
In response to the investigation’s findings, SIGBI is calling for the introduction of minimum safety standards for all stations, particularly during the evening. The charity believes urgent action is needed to address the gaps in basic safety provision across the rail network.
This includes reliable emergency help points, monitored CCTV, adequate lighting and clear emergency contact information.
SIGBI is also pressing for greater accountability, with clear signage showing who is responsible for safety, alongside improved accessibility measures and facilities to ensure all passengers – especially women and girls – can travel with confidence.
Lindsay Green, Programme Director at SIGBI, said: “Our goal is to stand up for women and girls, advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and representation The relaunch of our railway safety project has been key in advancing this important issue and bringing it to the forefront of policy makers’ agendas.
“The timing of the survey’s relaunch happened to coincide with the British Transport Police’s last report which stated that violence against women and girls on British railways had risen by more than 50% since 2021. Clearly, more needs to be done, and urgently.
“We’re proud to be playing our part in helping to shape a safer environment for women when travelling.”
In addition to its work with this report, SIGBI is carrying out ‘Bystander Awareness’ training in communities up and down the UK, in a bid to help further identify and prevent violence against women and girls.
Read SIGBI’s Railway Station Safety Survey Report here:
