Following the announcement of the death of former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, First Minister John Swinney said: “Jeane devoted her life to serving the public, and I am shocked and saddened at her death.
“In her long and varied career, Jeane always had people at her heart and had an unrelenting aim to improve people’s lives. Working alongside her as a Minister, I was always struck by her strong belief in the power of compassion and a desire for people to be treated always with dignity fairness, and respect – values she put at the heart of Scotland’s first social security system.
“As Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic, she faced up to the biggest public health crisis Scotland has ever seen and steered a course through an immensely difficult time for our country and our health service, working tirelessly and acting throughout with honesty and selflessness.
“I will miss her greatly, and my thoughts and deep condolences are with her partner Susan and wider family, and her many friends.”
Jeane Freeman OBE was born in September 1953.
In 1987 Jeane established Apex Scotland, a social enterprise which worked with employers and ex-offenders, and she was awarded an OBE for this work. Jeane also held a variety of board roles.
In 1999 with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive Jeane was appointed as a Senior Civil Servant and in 2001 she became a Special Adviser to the Labour First Minister Jack MacConnell.
Jeane was elected as SNP MSP for Carrick Cumnock and Doon Valley from 2016 to 2021. She served as the Scottish Government Minister for Social Security from 2016 to 2018, when she became Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport where she led on Scotland’s health response to the Covid pandemic until her retirement in 2021.
In the last few years, Jeane took up part time positions at both Queen Margaret University and the University of Glasgow.
Once again it will brighten up the last weekend of February by transforming the streets of Corstorphine into a magical outdoor illuminated gallery for all to enjoy.
This is a FREE event and everyone is invited to take part – residents, schools, community groups and businesses. We hope you will alll get involved with decorating windows or wandering, or both!
Windows will be lit up between 6pm and 9pm on the evenings of Saturday 28 February, Sunday 1 & Monday 2 March 2026.
Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation unveils new orchard, growing its Biblical Garden to celebrate Tu B’Shevat
On Sunday 1st February 2026, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation (EHC) unveiled its new orchard with an outdoor ceremony taking place in the synagogue’s garden and coinciding with the Jewish New Year for Trees, Tu B’Shevat.
Over 50 people from the Jewish and wider Edinburgh community gathered to hear from EHC member and leader of the EHC Green Team, Lesley Danzig, who spoke about the importance of trees from an ecological perspective and their significance in the Jewish tradition.
Lesley said:“In our garden we already have an olive and fig tree but today we are celebrating the planting of a new fruit tree orchard beginning with the planting of dessert apple trees, a cooking apple tree and a pear tree.
“We hope to make good use of the fruit in the EHC kitchen, also distributing to members and the wider community.”
Lesley announced plaques beneath three of the trees, which were sponsored by members and friends of the congregation and dedicated in memory of loved ones.
A pear tree was sponsored by Raymond Taylor to remember his wife Jackie, who served as Honorary Secretary of EHC for over 20 years.
A discovery apple tree was dedicated by Professor Jonathan Seckl to his parents, Zehava and Josef Seckl.
Finally, a Bramley apple tree was sponsored by Molly Seckl in recognition of Dorothe Kaufmann, a friend of EHC and avid volunteer in the synagogue’s Biblical Garden. EHC’s Biblical Garden has been cultivated to include species that are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and attracts visitors of all different faiths.
Lesley spoke in tribute to Dorothe: “In December last year our dear friend, Dorothe Kaufmann, passed away. She was a member of Friends of Israel attending most of the weekly hostage vigils.
“Dorothe was also a staunch supporter of EHC for many years, attending various events, selling her own propagated plants at the coffee mornings and working in the garden. In fact many of the plants in the EHC garden were brought in as seeds and cuttings from her own patch at home and planted here by Dorothe.”
Dorothe’s plaque read: “Donated in support of Friends of Israel in memory of Dorothe Kaufmann. 1st February 2026”.
Lesley thanked her team of volunteer gardeners – Yonatan Eisenberg, Rachel Salzano, Ethel Mendius, Jonathan Danzig, John Danzig, and Howie Carson – who prepared the ground and planted the trees over the past month.
Following the ceremony, the attendees retired inside for tea, coffee, and a wide array of fruits.
Tours are available for the EHC Biblical Garden and can be booked via the EHC website.
STEPPING Stones North Edinburgh are pleased to share that we are partnering with PAIRS (Perinatal and Infant Relationship Service) NHS to deliver our third run of the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) programme, starting in February after building on positive feedback and outcomes from previous groups.
Our Family Wellbeing Practitioner, Anna, will be teaming up with clinicians from PAIRS NHS to co-facilitate the group. This partnership brings together Stepping Stones’ relationship-based, community-focused approach with PAIRS’ specialist expertise in perinatal and infant mental health.
Circle of Security Parenting is an evidence-based programme that helps parents and carers understand their child’s emotional needs and behaviours. It focuses on learning about attachment in a way that is supportive and respectful, without blame or judgment.
The group offers a safe and welcoming space where parents can reflect on their experiences, learn alongside others, and develop confidence in building strong, secure relationships with their children.
We are now accepting referrals for parents and carers who may benefit from this kind of support.
Referrals are welcome from professionals, and parents can also get in touch directly to find out more.
First Minister announces funding on anniversary of ‘The Promise’
Projects that support the education and wellbeing of care experienced children and young people will receive a share of £9.5 million this year, First Minister John Swinney has announced on the sixth anniversary of The Promise.
The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund, which is part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge Programme, was introduced in 2018-19, in recognition that care experienced children and young people require additional support for their attainment.
Mentoring and extra-curricular activities are among the range of ways that local authorities are investing the funding to support children and young people across Scotland.
The First Minister visited the City of Edinburgh Council’s Corporate Parenting Hub to meet young people supported by charity MCR Pathways and other services and assistance offered at the Hub – including through the We Matter Team and the Edinburgh Champions Boards.
Mr Swinney said: “Ensuring that all children grow up feeling loved, safe and respected is a top priority for my government and we want to continue to reduce the number of children and young people who are living away from their families.
“The Scottish Government is committed to Keeping The Promise by 2030, and we are seeing good progress across Scotland from education to justice – including a 18% reduction since 2020 in the number of children identified as ‘looked after’.
“The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund is improving outcomes for young people across Scotland in a range of different ways – driving not only education improvements, but building broader confidence, resilience and well-being.
“The funding we are announcing today, on the sixth anniversary of The Promise, takes the Scottish Government’s total investment in the programme to just over £80 million since 2018 – showcasing how we are delivering for Scotland’s care experienced young people and helping them get the best start in life.”
Chief Executive Officer and Mentor at MCR Pathways Sharon McIntyre said: ““MCR Pathways commends today’s announcement about the continued investment in The Care Experienced Children and Young People Fund.
“It is critically important that care experienced children and young people feel the direct benefits from this significant commitment. Everyday, together, with partners, we see the real benefits of the power of personalised relationship based mentoring across Scotland.
“We work side by side with dynamic communities, Schools and Local Authorities like Edinburgh City Council, to bridge the opportunity gap for care experienced young people through consistent, encouraging trusted adult relationships.
“No two trusted adult relationships are the same, they are bespoke to each and every young persons’ needs. These relationships empower young people to believe in themselves, value their own unique talents, build ambitions for their future careers – shaping their future fulfilling lives. That way, confidence is built, self belief instilled, skills are developed and engagement in learning achieved.
“On this poignant 6th anniversary of The Promise, collectively we are deeply committed to working towards Scotland becoming the first to commit to a life changing Trusted Adult Guarantee for every care experienced young person in Scotland.”
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said: “I warmly welcome additional funding for projects that support care experienced children and young people.
“We are committed to doing all we can to support children and young people who are care experienced in Edinburgh, acknowledging their experiences and providing the appropriate support to ensure they grow up loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential.
“We were pleased to welcome the First Minister John Swinney to our Corporate Parenting Hub in the heart of Edinburgh, showing how care experienced children and young people in the city have helped to create a welcoming space where they can meet, make friends and have fun.”
Since the beginning of February 2026, Police have received eight reported incidents of sextortion from across East Lothian and Midlothian.
The victims are both men and women and range in age between 14 to 58-years-old. Five of the victims are teenagers.
In all the cases, the suspects have financially blackmailed the victims online. One of the victims has paid the demanded money.
Officers are investigating these crimes and are urging the public to be cautious of what is shared online.
Detective Inspector James Welsh said: “Sextortion is blackmail and those targeted should not pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.
“Criminals use the internet, social media and dating apps, to befriend people online and then threaten to share images to their family and friends for financial gain.
“People shouldn’t panic. There is support available from policing and from third party organisations. We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally.
“There is information available on the Police Scotland website on ways you can stay safe online – such as not sharing intimate images.”
Performances at Greyfriars Kirk (17 Feb 2026) and New Church (18 Feb 2026)
The world’s first and only Piano Orchestra — an extraordinary ensemble made entirely of pianos performing full orchestral scores — is set to bring its groundbreaking sound to Edinburgh this February.
Led by directors Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Senior Piano Orchestra (ages 11–17) will perform two special concerts as part of their 2026 tour:
• Greyfriars Kirk — Tuesday 17 February 2026 • Edinburgh New Town Church, Edinburgh — Wednesday 18 February 2026
Formed in 2023, the Piano Orchestra has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to ensemble playing, showcasing the versatility and power of the piano in a way audiences have never experienced before.
Each performance features multiple pianos working together to recreate the full colour, texture, and dynamism of a traditional orchestra — from sweeping string passages to bold brass fanfares — all produced through the artistry of young pianists.
The ensemble has already enjoyed significant success, including a 2024 tour to Paris with a major performance at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, as well as appearances at venues across South Wales. Their Edinburgh tour marks the next exciting step in their musical journey.
Audiences can expect a rich and varied programme spanning classical favourites, cinematic scores, and contemporary pieces — all brought to life through the unique sound world of the Piano Orchestra.
Tickets and further information will be available through venue box offices and the Piano Orchestra’s official channels.
PIANO ORCHSTRA SOUTH WALES
Piano Orchestra Biography
Formed in 2023 under the direction of Nichola McCloy and Hannah Merrett, the Piano Orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in the world: an orchestra made entirely of pianos, performing full orchestral scores with breathtaking richness and power.
The orchestra is home to two ensembles — a Senior Orchestra (ages 11–17) and a Junior Orchestra (ages 8–11) — who rehearse weekly and perform a wide range of repertoire including classical masterpieces, film scores, and popular music.
In 2024, the Piano Orchestra toured Paris, performing at the iconic Église de la Madeleine, and has since appeared at numerous venues across South Wales. They are now delighted to bring their unique sound and energy to Edinburgh as part of their latest performance tour.
Last night, Scottish newspaper The National announced:
LATE on Friday evening, this notice was circulated from representatives of Peter Mandelson, via press regulator IPSO and the Press Association news wire, to all media across the UK.
In it, Mandelson uses clauses of the Editor’s Code most typically associated with grieving families or those suffering harassment from the press to urge journalists to stop scrutinising his links to the most world’s most notorious paedophile.
We believe it is strongly in the public interest to publish this memo. This is it in full:
CONFIDENTIAL – STRICTLY NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Ipso has asked us to circulate the following advisory:
Ipso has today been contacted by a representative acting on behalf of Peter Mandelson.
Mr Mandelson’s representatives state that he does not wish to speak to the media at this time. He requests that the press do not take photos or film, approach, or contact him via phone, email, or in-person. His representatives ask that any requests for his comment are directed to [REDACTED]
We are happy to make editors aware of his request. We note the terms of Clause 2 (Privacy) and 3 (Harassment) of the Editors’ Code, and in particular that Clause 3 states that journalists must not persist in questioning, telephoning, pursuing or photographing individuals once asked to desist, unless justified in the public interest.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss any Code issues on [REDACTED] or out of hours on [REDACTED].
FETLOR Youth Club hosted the first FetLor Futures awards ceremony this week celebrating the outstanding achievements of its young members.
At the special event at the charity’s North Edinburgh club house, 23 young people received awards for demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment across a range of programmes.
The awards were presented by Major General Robin Lindsay CBE, General Officer Scotland, who joined the celebrations to recognise the hard work and achievements of FetLor’s young people.
The young people received completion awards for the club’s Climbing Programme and Outward Bound, while others were recognised with Youth Achievement Awards for their commitment in supporting others. In a significant milestone for the club, two members achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The awards ceremony marked an important moment in FetLor Youth Club’s 102-year history as it continues in its mission to support young people in Scotland’s capital.
Based in north Edinburgh, FetLor Youth Club is Scotland’s oldest youth club and welcomes around 330 young people each week.
The club provides opportunities and support to help members develop skills that will have a lasting impact as they continue their life’s journey. Since launching the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, the club has enrolled 14 young people in Bronze and Silver Awards, with three candidates working towards their Gold Awards.
Dr Richie Adams, FetLor’s Chief Executive, said: “We are incredibly proud of our members’ achievements over the last year.
“This awards ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their dedication and the positive impact these programmes have had on our members personal development.
“We can only deliver our services thanks to all those who generously fund our charity. Their support helps our young people achieve their potential.”
Major General Robin Lindsay, a supporter of FetLor for a number of years, added; ”These awards are the outcome. The real benefit is taking part, building resilience and developing confidence.
“All the young people and their families should feel very proud.”
