The Archbishop of Edinburgh and St Andrew’s Diocese Leo Cushley, together with Scotland’s other Bishops, has given his blessing to SCIAF’s WEE BOX annual fundraising appeal and the issue of access to safe water.
SCIAF – the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund – is the official relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland. Compelled by Christ’s love, it works with those in the world’s poorest places to end poverty, protect our common home, and help people recover from disaster. SCIAF inspires loving action in the Scottish Catholic community to sustain its work.
Staff from SCIAF visited the Bishops as they gathered for regular conference at the Schoenstatt Retreat Centre.
Chief executive Lorraine Currie said: “We are so grateful to the Bishops of Scotland and Catholics across the country for their support already this Lent. Our supporters in Scotland are so generous and their support for people living in poverty around the world is really overwhelming.
“This year’s WEE BOX campaign aims to highlight the issue of access to clean water and the transformational work that SCIAF supporters are funding. It is genuinely changing lives. Bringing clean water close to people’s homes helps kids get to school and improves the health of the whole family. It was amazing to see the difference basic things like taps and wells can make for people’s lives.”
Bishop Brian McGee is SCIAF’s Bishop President. He said: “What can be more unjust that not being able to access clean, safe water? We are so lucky here in Scotland and we just take it for granted that the water from our taps will always be there.
“Thanks to the generosity of people across Scotland, SCIAF has been funding local organisations in Ethiopia to bring clean water to communities and help people help themselves out of poverty. And we need their help again to continue to do this. Please give what you can.”
Please use your WEE BOX to make a BIG CHANGE. Your support can show young people around the world that a better world is possible – one where they can survive, thrive and flourish.
For more details on how to donate, please visit www.sciaf.org.uk/weebox.
To donate £10, please text SCIAF to 70580. Texts will cost £10 plus your standard network charge.
Spring has arrived at the NEA Community Garden, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! We’ve received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our Garden and Shed projects over the next two years.
This funding will help us grow more than just plants. It will create opportunities for our local community to get involved in activities that respond to the climate emergency, focusing on outdoor learning, sustainability, and the circular economy.
It also means we can continue to strengthen North Edinburgh Arts’ commitment to sustainability, improving how we manage our carbon impact.
Watch this space for more updates!
In the meantime, come and visit our NEA Community Garden within our opening hours (Monday-Wednesday: 9am-5pm, Thursday & Friday: 9am-8pm & Saturday: 10am-2pm)
If you live locally in the areas of Muirhouse, Pilton, Drylaw and Telford, come and join our free drop-in sessions at the Garden (Tuesday & Thursday, 1.30pm – 4pm) or the Shed (Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 2pm).
Two further men have been arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder in West Edinburgh.
The incident happened in the Calder Gardens area around 4.10pm on Thursday, 2 April, 2026, when a 38-year-old man was attacked. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Two men, aged 32 and 28, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 13 April.
Two other men, aged 25 and 21, were previously arrested and charged.
They appeared at the same court on Saturday, 4 April.
Cellular Exhibition – Tuesday 14th to Friday 24th April
Exciting FREE exhibition showcasing the work of Drill Hall residents
Featuring over 20 artists and makers from paintings and illustration to jewellery
Meet the artists: Wednesday 15th April (6.30pm – 8.30pm)
Out of the Blue Drill Hall is excited to host a new exhibition showcasing the work of over 20 of its resident artists and makers, from painters and illustrators tojewellery makersand printmakers.
This 6th showcase exhibition will run from Tuesday 14th to Friday 24th April (10am to 5pm) with an opportunity to meet the artists and makers on Wednesday 15th April from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the official exhibition launch.
Every great work of art starts with a single cell – a solitary thought, a lone brushstroke, a single spark. The artists and makers of the Drill Hall emerge from their individual workspaces to weave these threads together.
Cellular invites you to explore a diverse ecosystem of work, bridging the gap between the maker’s private process and the public’s gaze.
With so many artists and makers taking part, there really is something for everyone. Painters include award-winning artist Daniel Murray. Working in acrylics on board, he paints realistic portrayals of the human form and the natural world, often mixing these subjects with abstracted landscapes inspired by the highland environment he grew up in.
Leith Jewellery Studios founder Amanda McGrattan will be showing her jewellery at the exhibition. Amanda’s work has been inspired by the grit and vibrancy of graffiti and urban street art. She translates the world around her into wearable narratives using a signature blend of textured and oxidized silver, liquid and powder enamels, and vivid acrylics.
Textile work includes pieces by Needle Bow, a garment and accessories brand, designing and producing bespoke garments and accessories, using upcycled materials wherever possible.
The exhibition is being co-curated by painter Aoife O’Callaghan and textile artist Monika Fejes of Remode Collective. They’ll both be exhibiting and showcasing their work.
Aoife comments: “I am excited to be building on our previous exhibition. The sense of community amongst the Drill Hall tenants is growing, and I’m looking forward showcasing some of our work in our home-studio environment.”
Out of the Blue Chief Executive Rob Hoon adds “The Out of the Blue Drill Hall houses a huge range of creative activity, and it’s a great pleasure to see the variety and quality of artists’ work displayed in the Cellular Exhibition, for all to enjoy.”
Details of the Cellular Exhibition, as well as a list of participating artists and makers can be found on the Drill Hall website.
Participating Artists and Makers
Stamped Cat (Linocut prints)
Violetta Palak Jones (Paintings)
Daniel Murray (Paintings)
Graeme Walker (Abstract paintings)
Cam Life Designs (Jewellery, precious metal weaving, painting / sculpture)
Solen Collet (Photography)
Martin Fishman (Jewellery)
Jacob Danson Faraday (Jewellery, metal work)
Aoife in Leith (Paintings)
Shamil Sokolov (Jewellery)
Lawfieldcrafts (Silver and glass)
AMcGrattanJewellery (Handmade jewellery)
Gillie Welstead (Silver and gold jewellery)
Mairi MacSween Designs (Illustration)
Needle Bow (Textiles)
Ylfa (Accessories & jewellery – head pieces, hair pins and earrings)
Road policing officers are appealing for information following a crash in Edinburgh in the early hours of this morning.
Around 12.21am (Saturday, 11, April, 2026) police received a report of a crash involving a blue MG HS and a 49-year-old male pedestrian on Chesser Avenue.
Emergency services attended and the pedestrian was taken to hospital having sustained life-threatening injuries.
The 35-year-old female driver was not injured.
Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
“I would ask anyone who was in the area around the time of the collision to contact us, especially those who may have dash cam footage that could assist with our enquiries.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0074 of 11 April, 2026.”
New data from Macmillan Cancer Support shows almost one in four people with cancer in Scotland are lacking specialist nursing support during their care – a figure basically unchanged since June 2022
Additionally, one in two people living with cancer in Scotland have been affected by local variation in their treatment and care, despite Scottish Government pledges.
Carrol Pollock, 61, a retired schoolteacher from Larbert, said: “No-one should have to fight for basic standards of cancer care,” after she was left to process the trauma of her cancer diagnosis and treatment alone.
In the buildup to the Holyrood election on Thursday 7 May, Macmillan Cancer Support has launched its Manifesto, calling for bolder and faster action to address a patchwork system that is failing the people.
Three years into the Scottish Cancer Strategy, the charity is concerned that progress to ensure people get the support they need is flatlining, and too many people are still not having their needs met.
New data from Macmillan shows almost one in four people with cancer in Scotland (24%) either do not have the support of a specialist cancer nurse during their NHS care but would like it, or the support they receive from a specialist cancer nurse isn’t enough to meet their needsi. This figure, from the charity’s January 2026 survey, has shown no signs of significant improvement since at least June 2022ii.
In addition, other recent data from Macmillan shows 49% of people living with cancer in Scotland have been affected by local variation in their treatment and care, including 46% who have had to travel for an hour or more for a test, scan or treatmentiii.
Everyone with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live, should be able to get the best possible cancer treatment and care that Scotland has to offer.
Carrol Pollock, 61, from Larbert, a retired primary school teacher and long-standing Macmillan volunteer, was abruptly told she had cancer. This happened following a routine mammogram that led to further tests that were consistently downplayed. She felt distressed and unprepared as result.
Initially she received compassionate support from a Macmillan-trained nurse who helped her cope with the shock of diagnosis. However, once transferred to her local hospital care became fragmented and her treatment was delayed well beyond the 35 days stated by Scottish cancer guidelines. Carrol waited for weeks without a clear plan despite being told in mid-January 2025 that the cancer may be incurable.
Carrol eventually received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy but felt support dropped away at the end of treatment.
Carrol says: “The delays and the impact of the uncertain incurable update was huge and left me feeling overwhelmed, powerless and unable to advocate for myself.
“No one should have to fight for better standards of cancer care. Better communication, less fragmented treatment and care and keeping to cancer waiting time targets are vital for improving outcomes for people with cancer in Scotland.”
Peter Hastie, Macmillan’s External Affairs Manager for Scotland, said: “Without decisive action that goes further and faster than ever before, the gaps in outcomes for people with cancer in Scotland will remain unacceptably wide. The system is at crisis point and the pressures are growing. The people of Scotland deserve better from their cancer strategy.
“Macmillan is committed to being a partner in the challenges ahead. We will do whatever it takes to work alongside government, the health system, professionals, sector partners and most importantly, people living with cancer in Scotland – wherever they live, whichever community they’re from – to make it happen.”
Macmillan’s Manifesto launch on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
People living with cancer, Macmillan professionals, local politicians and others gathered on Tuesday 17 March at The Scottish Storytelling Centre to launch Macmillan’s Manifesto calls, in the build to what is being termed the most consequential election at Holyrood since devolution.
Macmillan is calling for:
Bold action to tackle inequities in cancer care. We need to move faster to reduce inequity in cancer outcomes for people in the most deprived areas.
Clear steps to address unwarranted variation in treatment and care. 49% of people living with cancer in Scotland have been affected by local variation in their treatment and careiv – this situation is wholly unacceptable and must change.
A revolution in cancer data and digital infrastructure. The publication of vital statistics since the Strategy was released has been infrequent and incomplete. Macmillan is calling for the annual publication of detailed cancer statistics, broken down by deprivation and ethnicity, so we can build an equitable system
Renewed commitment to delivering person-centred care. Macmillan is the proud delivery partner of our innovative Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) which will cover the whole of Scotland by Spring 2026. We’re calling for the renewed commitment to embedding this community-based across the country
For information, support or just someone to talk to, call Macmillan’s free, confidential Support line 7-days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or visit:
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, is welcoming new applications to its GreenSkies Community Fund after distributing more than £100,000 to local projects over the last five years.
The bespoke environmental initiative, established in 2021, is designed to help charities, community groups, and small businesses to achieve their sustainability goals.
Applications for the fund are now open and will close on 7th May. Over the last five years, Loganair has awarded 24 projects over £100,000 in funding.
Last year’s successful projects included:
Murtle Garden in Aberdeen, which received £5,000 to install a new polytunnel in its walled garden, providing 50 young people living with learning disabilities access to a year-round growing and learning environment.
Shed the Light in Derry/Londonderry was awarded £5,000 to install a solar generator at Creggan Country Park to support its renewable energy workshops.
Winchester Hospice in Hampshire was granted £5,000 to purchase an e-bike and install bike parking to support low-emission palliative home care.
Gifford Community Woodland in East Lothian received £3,180 to plant 420 trees in an effort to restore woodland damaged by ash disease.
Uigshader Living Forest Project in Portree received £4,185 to purchase battery-powered tools for low-impact peatland restoration.
The variety of projects illustrates the breadth of the impact that the GreenSkies Community Fund has within communities, supporting organisations across a wide range of sectors to reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability.
Rebecca Borresen, director of safety and sustainability at Loganair, said: “Through our GreenSkies Community Fund, we’re proud to support the organisations and individuals taking practical steps to make their communities more sustainable. From restoring natural habitats to investing in renewable energy and low-emission transport, the projects we’ve funded so far show how local action can make a real difference.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas that come forward this year and continuing to support initiatives that help reduce environmental impact while delivering lasting benefits for communities across the UK.”
The GreenSkies Community Fund forms part of Loganair’s broader environmental programme, which includes commitments to carbon offsetting, investment in sustainable aviation technologies and achieving the ambitious target of becoming net zero by 2040.
Since its launch, the fund has supported numerous community projects and businesses across the UK in adopting greener practices and reducing their environmental impact.
The GreenSkies Community Fund is funded through a small mandatory carbon offsetting charge applied to every Loganair flight, with proceeds invested in accredited offsetting projects and community initiatives.
Interested organisations can learn more about the fund and submit their applications by visiting:
BBC ONE quiz show The Celebrity Inner Circle is back for a second series and we’re looking for contestants to take part. The best part, you don’t have to do it alone as each player will be paired up with a celebrity teammate.
Hosted by TV & radio star Amanda Holden, we are looking for people with bags of personality to apply for this ultimate game of general knowledge, strategy and gut instinct that comes with a chance of winning a cash prize!
Please feel free to circulate the attached flyer internally within your organisation and amongst colleagues, friends and family who may wish to take part.
Anyone who wishes to apply should fill out the online application form here:
Primary pupils from across Haddington enjoyed a visit from children’s author Joseph Coelho at Knox Academy as part of their Reading Schools celebrations.
Pupils from five local primary schools gathered at Knox Academy for the special event which was organised by Scottish Book Trust, with help from school librarian Emma Robertson.
The event was part of an initiative to encourage schools in East Lothian to sign up to the Reading Schools programme. Its aim was to show children how much fun reading and creative writing can be, through the experience of an author visit.
The successful Reading Schools programme is developed by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives with reading and writing. It helps schools build a reading culture, where every pupil is encouraged to feed their imagination through books. Schools can work their way through three levels of accreditation – Core, Silver and Gold – and each step is a transformational process for pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Joseph Coelho OBE is an award-winning children’s author who was Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024. He won the 2024 Carnegie Medal for Writing. The London-born writer is a champion of school libraries, and he has also been praised for making poetry accessible.
He says: ‘It was a blast sharing the world of Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter with pupils at Knox Academy, with the brilliant Scottish BookTrust. Pupils asked wonderful questions and shared their wishes to make the world a better place.’
Emma Robertson, School Librarian at Knox Academy, said: ‘Having authors like Joe visit schools really makes a difference to our young people as they can meet the person behind the books and get the chance to interact with them in a fun and inclusive way.
“ Now more than ever, we need beautiful stories to inspire and delight us and Joe’s talent certainly shone through to inspire the next generation of writers and artists.
‘It takes a special person to be able to have the adults laughing along with the children and Joe kept all of us mesmerised. We really appreciated all the work that went into the event itself, and it is certainly one our pupils and staff will not forget for a long time.’
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: ‘We were delighted to support Joseph Coelho’s visit to Knox Academy. An author visit allows pupils to fully experience the magic of books, and encourages them to find pleasure in reading.
‘It also supports the work of our Reading Schools programme. So far, 629 schools have been accredited as Reading Schools, and there are a further 705 schools currently working towards their very first Reading Schools accreditation. This means that over 50% of Scotland’s schools are now engaged in the programme.
‘An accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for pupils and teachers alike, and achieving this status is a way of demonstrating a school’s commitment to developing vibrant reading cultures and the many benefits this brings.’
