Nominations for your leading councillors close on Wednesday

Your local councillors could be in line for a national award at the 2025 Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Cllr Awards – the only national ceremony that celebrates the outstanding contributions of councillors across England, Wales, and Scotland.

For the 16th year, the Cllr Awards will once again shine a light on the achievements of local elected representatives who have made a tangible impact in their communities.

Nominations can be made by anyone – whether you’re a member of the public, a fellow councillor, or a council officer – who wishes to acknowledge a councillor’s exceptional commitment to improving their community and achieving remarkable results over the past year. But the deadline for all nominations closes at midnight on Wednesday 11 June next week.

Submitting a nomination is free and takes just eight minutes. Applicants must provide details about the nominated councillor, outlining why they deserve recognition and how their initiatives have positively impacted the community. 

The 2025 Cllr Awards has five categories: Community Champion, Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Lifetime Legend. The shortlisted candidates will be announced in the autumn. 

Winners will be revealed at the Cllr Awards ceremonies taking place at Glasgow City Chambers hosted by Glasgow City Council, on the evening of Wednesday 5th November at 7pm and at the Guildhall, London hosted by the City of London Corporation, on Tuesday 18th November 2025 at 7pm. All shortlisted councillors will be invited to attend.

For more information and to submit your nomination, please visit the official website.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU, said: “LGIU is delighted to once again present the annual Cllr Awards, a celebration of the outstanding commitment and creativity shown by our locally elected officials.

“Councillors play a crucial role in the wellbeing of our communities — from improving public spaces to championing local initiatives — and their efforts touch our everyday lives in countless ways.

“Though much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes and without fanfare, their contributions are vital. That’s why the Cllr Awards are so important — they shine a spotlight on the dedication and impact of those who often go unrecognised and we’re excited and humbled to see the inspiring nominations that are already coming in.

“These awards would not be possible without the continued support of our founding partners, CCLA.”

How To Train Your Dragon in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

  • EXCLUSIVE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON GIFT FOR 2 IN 4DX
  • FATHER’S DAY GIFT INCLUDES 2 4DX TICKETS AND 2 PONCHOS
  • BUTLER SAYS “I’M SCOTTISH. FEAR’S NOT IN MY VOCABULARY.”

This Father’s Day, Cineworld is giving Dads the full hero treatment – with the launch of its first-ever 4DX gift experience, made for fathers who thought they were brave… until their seat started moving.

Available to buy now in 4DX cinemas and online, Cineworld’s Father’s Day gift box includes two 4DX tickets and a pair of ponchos. How to Train Your Dragon, now reimagined in a breathtaking live-action format, soars into 4DX with fire-breathing effects, like air bursts in front and behind, sudden drops, windstorms and water sprays. Because nothing says bonding like braving a splash zone together in matching ponchos.

You’ll want to hold onto your popcorn too, because the motion will test you, especially when you’re dodging mid-air dragon battles. Just don’t let Dad ask the Cineworld team if they can “turn down the effects” (spoiler: they can’t).

This Father’s Day, take Dad on the adventure of a lifetime with How to Train Your Dragon in 4DX – only at Cineworld. 4DX launches you into the skies with swooping seat movements that track every aerial battle, and environmental effects that whip from fire to fog. Just make sure Dad doesn’t toss any of his popcorn in the air, as dragons might mistake it for a snack.

To prepare the nation, Cineworld has dropped a video guide featuring Gerard Butler and his young co-star, Mason Thames, who offer survival tips on how to train your dad in 4DX.

Gerard Butler declared “I’m Scottish, fear’s not in my vocabulary.” before being rocked, shaken and sprayed in his seat, with a death grip on the armrest.

Give Dad a Father’s Day he won’t forget with the 4DX Gift experience for 2 – and remind him there’s no need to give his seat a pep talk before it starts moving. As for the bubbles? They’ll arrive when the dragons see fit.

Grainne Clarke, Head of Corporate Sales & Partnerships at Cineworld, said: “With two 4DX tickets and matching ponchos, our Father’s Day 4DX Gift Experience is part bonding exercise, part survival test – just enough splash to test Dad’s bravery and see who flinches first.

“Expect airborne popcorn, dragon breath, and a cinema seat with a mind of its own. This is extreme cinema – not for the faint-of-heart. Or faint-of-poncho.”

4DX Gift experience for 2 is available now while stocks last – in Cineworld 4DX foyers or online at Cineworld.com

Not sure your Dad can handle the thrill of 4DX?

We’ve got more heroic gift ideas – from a Cineworld Gift Card (with a FREE How To Train Your Dragon Gift Wallet, when bought in-cinema) to a 3-Month Unlimited Gift for all the upcoming summer blockbusters! Available in-cinema and online. 

Age Scotland: Feeling Lonely?

NEW GUIDE LAUNCHED AHEAD OF LONELINESS AWARENESS WEEK

Ahead of #LonelinessAwarenessWeek, we’re launching a brand new loneliness guide resource, explaining some of the common causes of loneliness and providing practical advice about building more, and more fulfilling, social connection.

Get your copy today:

GEN10_Feeling_Lonely_Jun_2025_originalDownload

Christmas at the Botanics returns, promising new lights, enchanting sounds and a touch of romance

Festive fans can get a head start on the season as tickets go on sale for one of Scotland’s most popular winter attractions – Christmas at the Botanics!

Now in its ninth year, the beloved light trail will once again bring winter magic to the season, transforming the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh into an immersive world of light, colour, and festive cheer.

Last year, the trail welcomed over 92,000 visitors – confirming its status as a must-see festive experience in Scotland’s capital.

Running from 20 November to 30 December, this year’s trail will run for 36 nights, featuring three dedicated quiet nights. These offer a more relaxed and accessible environment for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, allowing everyone to experience the wonder.

This year’s after-dark spectacle invites visitors to explore both new bespoke installations and returning fan favourites. Among them are the cherished Santa sightings and iconic Christmas Cathedral, which will feature an enchanting new twinkle effect.

New installations confirmed for 2025 include:

  • Night Birds – featuring a flock of five oversized birds that spread their brilliant neon-lit feathers wide to illuminate the night sky. Created by Michael Young.
  • Heart Arch Walk – a tunnel of love made from large LED hearts that set the Christmas mood with a jolly red glow, creating another perfect picture spot on the trail. Created by ArtAV.
  • Laser Lights – displaying thousands of slowly rotating coloured laser beams that burst through an atmospheric fog, this installation brings a truly immersive experience to the trail. Created by Culture Creative.

Each piece has been curated not only for its visual impact but also for its low-energy design and environmental sensitivity to the Botanics’ historic surroundings.

Credit Geraint Lewis

Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne said: “Each year, our trail organisers work tirelessly to transform our Garden into an exciting nocturnal showcase, and this year is no exception.

“Visitors can experience the Garden from a fresh perspective, discovering new artistic installations and cherished favourites amongst our incredible collection of plants.

“Every ticket sold for Christmas at the Botanics supports our vital work in conservation, research and education, helping us to protect the world’s plants for future generations. If you’re looking for outdoor fun with friends and family this winter, join us on the trail and immerse yourself in the festivities while making a difference.”

Tickets for this year’s show are on sale now. With limited slots and popular dates expected to sell out, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. For further ticket information, pricing, and timings, please visit:

 https://www.mychristmastrails.co.uk/events/christmas-at-the-botanics.

Christmas at the Botanics is one of 12 illuminated trails staged across the UK by leading events promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited, a division of Sony Music. Christmas at the Botanics is presented in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and creative producer Culture Creative.

For more details visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas and follow @mychristmastrails on Facebook and Instagram.

Spending Review: Transformative £86 billion boost to science and technology

Funding package worth more than £22.5 billion a year in 2029 will boost UK’s world-leading status in research and innovation

  • £86 billion to fund everything from new drug treatments and longer lasting batteries to new AI breakthroughs to generate billions for the UK economy and drive our Plan for Change
  • includes up to £500 million for regions across the UK, with local leaders part of decision making
  • announcement comes ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review, where the Chancellor will make clear that investing in Britain’s renewal will deliver change for working people and their communities

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce a transformative £86 billion in the Spending Review to turbo-charge our fastest growing sectors, from tech and life sciences, to advanced manufacturing and defence, as part of the government’s plan to invest in Britain’s renewal through our Modern Industrial Strategy.

Britain will boost its world-leading status in research and innovation with a bumper funding package worth more than £22.5 billion a year in 2029/2030. From exploring new drug treatments and longer lasting batteries, to new AI breakthroughs, the package will drive new jobs and economic growth as well as ensuring the UK leads the way in pioneering the technologies of the future.

It comes ahead of the Spending Review, where the Chancellor will set out how the government will invest in Britain’s renewal by investing in the people’s priorities: health, security and the economy. The Chancellor will outline this government’s laser focus on investing in Britain’s renewal through projects that will bring jobs and prosperity, putting more money in working people’s pockets.

The new R&D package will mean local leaders have government backing to develop ‘innovation clusters’ across the country, to unlock the talent and opportunity in every region and nation.

It is those with skin in the game who know what is best for their region. That’s why, through the new Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, local leaders will be given the powers to decide how to target their research investment in the region and make the most of skill sets of the community, boosting high skilled jobs and igniting growth across the country, the core mission of the government’s Plan for Change.

The package will see every corner of the country benefit. In Liverpool, that means leveraging its expertise in life sciences to accelerate drug discovery, in Northern Ireland that means harnessing its reputation for cutting edge defence equipment to shore up our national security.

And in South Wales, it means boosting expertise in designing cutting edge semiconductors that power the devices like mobile phones and electric cars we rely on every day to support growth and new jobs in those regions.  

The new funding will build on work already underway to transform local communities through the Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme – a new funding approach and partnership between local authorities and government.

It has supported new technology developed by the Greater Manchester advanced diagnostic accelerator, delivering quicker and cheaper detection for liver, heart and lung diseases, whilst Moonbility from the West Midlands is using AI software helping train companies to simulate, in real time, potential disruption to the network so they can alert passengers on delay length, giving advice on replanning journeys. 

This government is making investments in Britain’s future that will deliver dividends for decades to come. Every £1 invested in R&D generates up to £7 in benefits to the UK economy and leverages double in private investment in the long run, with businesses that receive their first R&D grant funding seeing jobs and turnover go up by over 20% in the following years – providing a major boost to the UK economy. R&D is also at the heart of around 3 million jobs in the UK, with the power to create many more as discoveries advance.  

The announcement comes ahead of London Tech Week, the UK’s flagship technology festival, with more expected in the coming days, as this government doubles down on plans to ensure the UK is once again open for business and setting the conditions for a decade of national renewal and the economic growth that is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Britain is the home of science and technology. Through the Plan for Change, we are investing in Britain’s renewal to create jobs, protect our security against foreign threats and make working families better off.“

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “R&D is the very foundation of the breakthroughs that make our lives easier and healthier – from new medicines enabling us to live longer, more fulfilled lives to developments in AI giving us time back, from easing our train journeys through to creating the technology we need to protect our planet from climate change. 

“Incredible and ambitious research goes on in every corner of our country, from Liverpool to Inverness, Swansea to Belfast, which is why empowering regions to harness local expertise and skills for all of our benefit is at the heart of this new funding – helping to deliver the economic growth at the centre of our Plan for Change.”

Alongside this, nearly £5 million is being invested to kickstart a new partnership between the high-growth regions of Manchester and Cambridge, strengthening the link between these hubs of innovation to attract more business investment, and pilot new approaches to collaboration, setting examples for cities, universities and governments worldwide.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is exactly how we turn our potential into progress. This investment backs regions to lead the way in the industries that will define the future.

“From life sciences and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and AI, regions across the UK have the skills and the ideas – they just need the investment and the power to match.

“This will drive innovation that not only grows the economy but creates jobs, builds opportunity, improves health and changes lives.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Our region is already an advanced manufacturing powerhouse and this announcement boosts my mission to create new growth, new jobs and new opportunities in 2 exciting ways. 

“We will now be able to support more research and development projects in established sectors, like the car industry and green energy, which are cornerstones of the North East economy, and we can also invest in new technologies from kitchen table innovations to our fast-emerging trailblazers in the space industry and AI.”

Chancellor urged to prioritise growth

Call for UK Spending Review to abandon welfare cuts

The UK and Scottish Governments must work together to support shared economic growth, with more flexibility to encourage investment and an end to spending that bypasses devolution, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

Ahead of the UK Spending Review on 11 June, the Finance Secretary is calling on the Chancellor to:

  • relax fiscal rules to enable investment in public services and stimulate economic growth
  • fully fund the employer National Insurance increase for Scotland’s public services
  • end the use of spending powers that bypass devolved governments
  • abandon UK welfare cuts or, if UK Ministers do persist with these cuts, shield the Scottish Government’s budget from the impact for at least two years
  • award funding for the Acorn carbon capture project
  • ensure Scotland receives a share of GB Energy funding that matches its leading contribution to UK clean energy goals

Ms Robison said: “The UK Spending Review is an opportunity for the UK Government to abandon some of its damaging policies such as cuts to welfare support for disabled people, to scrap the two child benefit cap and to reinstate a universal winter fuel payment.

“We are also aware of the huge impact of the increase in employer’s National Insurance, not least on public services.

“I hope UK Ministers will use the spending review to fully fund the costs of this tax hike on jobs to vital public services like the NHS.

“The UK Government should also use the spending review to empower the devolved administrations with more flexible fiscal rules that can enable investment in public services. And we need an end to spending that bypasses devolution so we can direct funds to best meet local needs.

“We called on UK Ministers to involve us at an early stage of this process, but since they’ve refused to provide us with any clarity on their spending priorities it’s clear that its business as usual for Westminster.

“We continue to call on the Treasury to use the Spending Review to change course, providing the funding we need to deliver for the people of Scotland.”

Have you seen Barbara?

POLICE UPDATE:

Thank you very much for sharing our appeal for 86-year-old Barbara Lamond who was reported missing from Edinburgh.

Barbara has now been traced.

Thank you again.

POLICE are appealing for the help of the public to trace an 86-year-old Barbara Lamond, reported missing from Edinburgh.

Barbara was last seen on Craiglockhart View around 4pm on Saturday, 7 June, 2025.

She is described as white, around 5ft 4ins, of slim build, with short, grey hair. She was wearing dark trousers, a dark padded coat and may be wearing a light pink woolly hat and glasses.

Inspector Alison Lawrie said: “We want to make sure Barbara is safe and well. She is known to use buses and walk around the Oxgangs area.

“Anyone who has seen Barbara or who knows where she might be is asked to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference number 3150 of Saturday, 7 June, 2025.

One week today at Hidden Door

A week today …

🎶 Get ready for what will be day four of incredible live music, immersive art, and unforgettable experiences at The Paper Factory on 📅 Saturday 14 June.

🎤 Music from:

Katy J Pearson • No Windows • The Orielles • Brenda • Theo Bleak • Day Sleeper • MNDMTH • Samedia Shebeen + many more!

🖼️ PLUS:

✨ Visual Art

🕺 Dance

📝 Poetry

🎭 Pop-up Performances

🎨 Murals & Projections

🎧 DJs

🍔 Street Food & Bars

🌟 Unique collabs & special events.

📍 All happening in the legendary Paper Factory – an industrial space transformed into a playground of creativity.

Don’t miss this celebration of music, art, and community.

Tickets here: https://www.hiddendoorarts.org/tickets

#HiddenDoor2025

#ThePaperFactory

#LiveMusic

#ArtFestival

#WhatsonJune

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines returns to Rosyth for summer sailings

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today (7th June) returned to the Port of Rosyth, marking the start of a summer season of sailings aboard its 1,325-guest ship, Balmoral.

A total of eight cruises will depart from Rosyth between June and August 2025, offering guests the chance to enjoy scenic and cultural discoveries closer to home and further afield.

Highlights include scenic cruising past Fingal’s Cave and the remote Scottish isles, exploring Arctic Norway under the glow of the Midnight Sun, uncovering the heritage of the Baltic with visits to Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen, and whale watching in Icelandic waters. Guests can also enjoy the chance to sail the beautiful River Seine through the heart of Normandy.

Later today, Balmoral will depart Rosyth on a 10-night Scotland, Scilly Isles & the West Country cruise. The itinerary features a host of scenic cruising moments including sailing past the Duncansby Sea Stacks, the Needle, Old Man of Hoy, the Small Isles, Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave. Calls into Lerwick, St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, Falmouth, Dartmouth and Portsmouth offer opportunities to step ashore and explore.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our summer 2025 sailings from Rosyth offer a hand-crafted mix of scenic cruising and enriching destinations.

“Guests can marvel at Norway’s majestic fjords, witness Iceland’s striking volcanic landscapes, and uncover the rich histories of the Baltic capitals.

“Balmoral’s smaller size also allows us to sail the serene River Seine – a rare opportunity to experience river cruising aboard an ocean-going ship. Each itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the beauty of the world around us, while offering the warm, personal service we’re known for.”

Rosyth is one of Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s 2025 departure ports, alongside Liverpool, Portsmouth, Southampton, Newcastle, Dover and Southampton.

Upcoming highlights on Balmoral sailing from Rosyth include:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.

  • Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
  • Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
  • Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’

Balmoral‘s 13-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth, Edinburgh on 27th June 2025.Prices start from £1,799 per person.

  • Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
  • Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song & Dance Festival
  • Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region

Itinerary:Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde (for tours to Schwerin Castle), Germany – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia – Saaremaa, Estonia – Rosyth (Edinburgh), UK

For more information: VisitL2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’

Balmoral’s 10-night L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’, departing from Rosyth on 10thJuly 2025. Prices start from £1,699 per person.

  • Discover Iceland’s extraordinary glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
  • Immerse yourself in Iceland’s wellness culture of hot spring bathing
  • Experience whale watching on a tour from Balmoral

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Sea Stacks, Scotland – Cruising Pentland Firth, Scotland – Cruising by the Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2515 ‘Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice’

Balmoral’s 13-night ‘French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux’ cruise, departing Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £2,099pp.

  • Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
  • Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
  • Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo 

Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Bordeaux, France (overnight) – Cruising Girdonde and Garonne Rivers – Getxo, Spain (for Bilbao) – St Malo, France (anchor port) – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight port) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’


For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Rosyth, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruises-from-scotland
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.

Raising funds to fix cladding issues

Building Safety Levy Bill published

Additional funding could be unlocked to fix building safety issues through new legislation published in the Scottish Parliament. 

If passed, the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill will see a tax charged on the construction of certain new residential properties, in line with equivalent legislation in England. 

The Bill seeks to raise around £30 million per year to help fund work to fix residential buildings with unsafe cladding which have no linked developer.

Latest estimates indicate that the Scottish Government’s Cladding Remediation Programme could cost £1.7 billion over a 15-year period. 

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “The Scottish Government is committed to doing what is right and necessary to address the challenge of fixing buildings affected by unsafe cladding.

“That includes putting the appropriate funding arrangements in place to ensure that the associated costs of cladding remediation do not fall directly onto affected homeowners.

“I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and this levy will ensure they make a fair contribution to these costs, just as they will be doing in England.

“I also welcome the continued cooperation of developers who have accepted responsibility for the assessments and any required mitigation and remediation of their buildings.”