UK Government unveils plans for next generation of new towns in England

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards of new towns across England, as Starmer paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

  • Over 100 sites across England have come forward to be considered for next generation of new towns
  • Government on track to create beautiful communities, provide affordable homes, and deliver much needed infrastructure, including schools and nurseries, GP surgeries, and bus routes 
  • By taking on the blockers, 20,000 homes, along with new schools and health facilities, will move forward following government action, and we will now turn to unblock the remaining 700,000 homes across 350 sites 
  • Comes as government rolls out major planning reforms to sweep away the blockers and push through its housebuilding agenda as part of the Plan for Change

Hundreds of thousands of working people and families will reap the rewards new towns across Britain (? – Ed.), as the Prime Minister paves the way for the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

Visiting a housing development today, the Prime Minister will unveil the government’s plans for the next generation of new towns – well-designed, beautiful communities with affordable housing, GP surgeries, schools and public transport where people will want to live. 

Over 100 proposals from across every region in England were submitted, showing local areas and housebuilders’ ambition to get on board to build the next generation of new towns – playing their part in getting Britain building and tackling the worst housing crisis in living memory. Every new town will have the potential to deliver 10,000 homes or more. 

Delivering security is central to this government’s Plan for Change, because the least working people deserve when they graft hard is a secure home. That’s why the government is providing much-needed housing in the right places with the right infrastructure, and the New Towns Taskforce has today set clear principles on what the next generation of new towns will deliver: affordable housing, vital infrastructure and access to open green spaces and nature, to transform the lives of working people. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For so many families, homeownership is a distant dream. After a decade of decline in housebuilding, the impact is a disconnect between working hard and getting on.

“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about the security and stability that owning your own home brings. I know what this means for working people – the roof above our head was everything for our family growing up. 

“We’ve already made progress in just seven months, unblocking 20,000 stuck homes. But there’s more to do.

“We’re urgently using all levers available to build the homes we need so more families can get on the housing ladder. We’re sweeping aside the blockers to get houses built, no longer accepting no as the default answer, and paving the way for the next generation of new towns.

“As part of the largest housebuilding programme since the post-war era, our ambitious Plan for Change will transform the lives of working people, once again connecting the basic principle that if you work hard, you should get on.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said: “Time and again we are seeing too many new homes stuck or stalled that not only act as a barrier to growth but also has real-world consequences for working people and families who see homeownership as nothing more than a distant dream.  

“I will not run away from the tough choices to fix the housing crisis we inherited that has left thousands of families on housing waiting lists, allowed homelessness to spiral out of control, and stopped an entire generation from picking up the keys to their first home.  

“While our vision for the next generation of new towns is setting the stage for a housebuilding revolution in the years to come, urgent action is needed now to build the homes and infrastructure that our local communities are crying out for.

“That’s why our New Homes Accelerator is working at pace to find solutions and remove blockages in the system, executing long-lasting solutions to get spades in the ground.  

“Today we are embarking on the next chapter in our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million new homes, deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation, and raise living standards for working people and families across the country.”

For far too long, working people have been let down by a decline in housebuilding. That’s why the government is ‘rolling up its sleeves’ and is ‘taking on the blockers’ with major reforms to planning regulation to get Britain building. 

That work is already underway, with a staggering 20,000 new homes now successfully unblocked by the government’s novel ‘New Homes Accelerator’ programme, which deploys planning expertise to speed up the delivery of housing sites held by unnecessary delays.  

Areas that have already benefitted from direct government action include:

  • Over 1,000 homes unlocked at Cowley Hill in Liverpool, where an agreement has been reached with the Environment Agency who withdrew its previous objections on both flood risk and biodiversity grounds, subject to planning.
  • And at Wolborough in Devon, the Accelerator has worked with Natural England to help accelerate this development, whilst ensuring environmental improvements are secured. On top of the 1,100 homes the site is injecting £1.75 million towards off-site pedestrian and cycle improvements, playing pitches, bus services and a local travel plan.  

Housebuilders and local councils have put forward over 350 housing development sites stuck in the system under the previous government – that together could unlock around 700,000 new homes.

Around a quarter of sites submitted are already receiving government attention since the call for evidence closed in October – demonstrating success of the programme, and local ambition to support the government’s 1.5 million homes target.

This goes hand-in-hand with government action to overhaul the planning system, supporting the builders and not the blockers, taking the brakes off economic growth, raising living standards, and making the tough decisions to deliver for working people and families. 

This includes:

  • Publishing a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which introduced new mandatory for councils to deliver the right homes in the right places, with a combined total of 370,000 homes a year.
  • Introducing the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next month. The Bill will overhaul environmental regulations to no longer accept the failed status quo where bats are more important than trains or newts more important than homes, and remove blockers to fast-track delivery of the homes and infrastructure that local communities need.    

To get Britain building now – the government today announces plans to fast stream planning through brokering disagreements between the agencies and expert bodies, which by law must be consulted within the planning process. Bodies including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency will need to bring planners and housebuilders to the table and iron out concerns that have been holding back development.

Responding to sector concerns on pinch points, work stepping up with the Building Safety Regulator to ensure greater timeliness and efficiency when new tall buildings are signed off – to provide more homes for more people.

This work will be bolstered by extra government funding announced today, including:  

  • £1 million for government agencies, including National Highways, Natural England and the Environment Agency, to speed up the planning approval of new homes and improve feedback to local authorities and industry where required.
  • £2 million to support the Building Safety Regulator to continue improving the processing for new-build applications.
  • Over £3 million of grants for local councils to bolster planning capacity, alongside direct advice and navigate through some of the more complex issues holding up new development.   

Alongside the Accelerator, the government is also supporting local partners through a clearing service to help accelerate the sale of uncontracted and unsold affordable homes, with nearly 300 housebuilders, local councils and registered providers signing up in the first 50 days of its launch.   

In December, the government set a clear hierarchy of brownfield first, grey belt second and green belt third. Today, further funding is being injected to drive regeneration and brownfield deliver in the following areas:  

  • £20 million to help transform neglected small-scale council-owned sites into new homes, for areas most in need.
  • Nearly £30 million from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund in Bradford to transform derelict brownfield sites into a vibrant residential area with 1,000 new homes, three community parks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and offices.
  • £1.5 million to support a regeneration programme at Manchester Victoria North, delivering a new district of 15,000 homes with transport links and green spaces.   

Getting homes built for working people is a priority and is backed by investment in housing which is increasing to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.   

This is in addition to an extra £100 million of cash to bolster local resources with increased planning fees to cover costs and funding to recruit 300 planning officers, making sure councils have the capacity they need to rubberstamp new homes and infrastructure.

Scottish Budget: Edinburgh urged to bid for free school meals extension 

 Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.  

The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.

This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations. 

Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes. 

By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit. 

Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible. 

Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland. 

“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches. 

“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.  

“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.” 

Nearly half of police forces record speeds of over 90mph on 30mph roads

  • RAC warns actions of a few are putting other road users at serious risk
  • NPCC roads policing lead: “We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe”

Almost half of UK police forces (48%) have caught motorists driving over 90mph on 30mph roads – more than three times the speed limit, new data analysed by the RAC has revealed.*

A Freedom of Information request to the UK’s 45 police forces also found that, of the 40 with data, almost all (90%) had clocked people driving at 60mph – more than twice the limit – on these roads. 

With the highest recorded speed on any road being 167mph on a 70mph stretch of the M1 by Leicestershire Police, the new RAC study paints an alarming picture of the speeds some motorists have been caught driving at.

Looking at the largest difference between the speed recorded and the posted limit, the highest logged speed was 161mph on a 50mph eastbound stretch of the A303 in Somerset.

More than half of police forces (23, or 58%) recorded drivers travelling in excess of 140mph. While most of these contraventions were on 70mph motorway stretches, this wasn’t always the case. South Yorkshire Police clocked a driver at 146mph on a 50mph southbound stretch of the M1, while Police Scotland detected someone driving at 148mph on a 60mph section of the A68 in the Scottish Borders.

But perhaps most disturbing of all are the speeds some people are prepared to drive at on 20mph and 30mph roads – those that are far more likely to have high numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users using them.

South Yorkshire Police recorded a speed of 122mph on a 30mph road, while North Wales Police logged a vehicle being driven at 88mph on a 20mph road. Both speeds are more than four times faster than the speed limits.

In total, six-in-10 police forces (24) have caught motorists driving over twice the speed limit on 20mph roads, with seven recording speeds of more than 60mph.

Government data shows speed is the biggest factor reported in fatal road collisions – it is a factor in 58% of fatalities, and in 43% of road collisions of all severities. In 2023 speed contributed to 888 fatalities, and 39,882 collisions of all severities.**

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Although this data is a snapshot, it shines a light on the incredibly dangerous actions of a few, that are putting law-abiding road users at serious risk. Thankfully, the police were on hand to catch these drivers.

“There is no place for the vastly excessive speeds that some people are prepared to drive. While some speeds were recorded in the middle of the night when traffic will have been lighter, this isn’t always the case – some of the fastest drivers were clocked at other times of day when they’d have been sharing the roads with many others.

“Speed is the leading cause of deaths on UK roads. We look forward to the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy understanding what can be done to reduce such avoidable casualties on the UK’s roads.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “We know that some incidents of going over the speed limit can be genuine mistakes or errors but the speeds cited here are clearly drivers taking deliberate decisions to travel at excessive speeds, putting everyone at risk.

“Speed limits are set based on many factors including the road layout, what’s in the surrounding area and taking into account where there might be more vulnerable road users. Choosing to drive above those limits is reckless, selfish and completely unacceptable.

“We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe and do whatever we can to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads each day.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “One life lost on our roads is one too many and that’s why I’m committed to Vision Zero. No more deaths on our roads.

“Too many people are being killed or seriously injured and we need to act now. I’ve launched a Road Safety Action Plan and appointed the UK’s first dedicated road safety commissioner, Mat MacDonald, to make sure communities’ voices are heard and real action is taken to prevent more tragedies on our roads.”

The RAC’s study on speeding – one of the so-called ‘Fatal Four’ behaviours that cause most fatal collisions on the roads*** – follows its earlier work in January that identified a culture of speeding among some drivers in the UK.

Council unveils new £25m HGV and welfare bus fleet

Safety is at the heart of the city council’s fleet, with the entire fleet of new Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) along with their welfare buses all equipped with enhanced safety features.

The council is investing over £25m into their new HGVs and welfare buses as part of our wider £56.8m Fleet Asset Management Plan 2023-2029.  

Edinburgh has taken inspiration from the Progressive Safe System (PSS) which was implemented by Transport for London (TfL) in October 2024 to enhance vehicle awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions.

There are seven key requirements under PSS:

  • Camera monitoring system fitted to the vehicle’s nearside
  • Class V and VI mirrors
  • Blind spot sensors fitted to the vehicles nearside
  • Moving off sensors fitted to the front of the vehicle
  • Side under-run protection on both sides of the vehicle
  • Audible warning alerts when vehicles turn left
  • Prominent visual warning signage

In addition to adhering to PSS requirements, all new vehicles are fitted with an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS). AEBS uses sensors to monitor a vehicle’s surroundings and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is likely.

Whilst there are no such safety requirement anywhere else in the UK outside of London, the council took the decision to ensure all HGVs purchased as part of the replacement programme were equipped with the technology to meet this standard.

The city council’s 152 strong HGV fleet is comprised of refuse collection vehicles, road sweepers, road gritters, mobile library uses, construction vehicles in roads services, and utility trucks for maintaining streets and greenspace.

Whilst our 27 welfare buses, which transport children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), are not classed as HGV Edinburgh took the decision to order these buses with the new safety features. These vehicles operate in and around schools and built-up areas during peak travel times so it’s important they are as safe as possible for everyone.

The council has now taken delivery of over 70 of our new HGVs, with all new refuse collection vehicles due to arrive by the end of March 2025 and all other HGVs due to be in service this year.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I was delighted to go down to Bankhead this morning to see some of these new vehicles firsthand and talk to our colleagues who operate them.

“We have a responsibility to our colleagues and our residents to make sure our fleet is as safe as possible. This is why we’re investing tens of millions of pounds into our fleet.

“With these changes I’m confident that we have the most advanced local authority fleet in Scotland when it comes to safety features. I hope that other parts of Scotland and the UK will look to London and Edinburgh’s example and follow suit.

“Safety is an absolute priority for us when delivering our services and I have no doubt that these new features will have a positive impact.”

Forever Edinburgh invites residents to fall in love with their city this Valentine’s Day with Resident Rewards

This Valentine’s Day, Forever Edinburgh is making it easier than ever for residents to fall in love with their city all over again with exclusive Resident Rewards.

To add a little extra sweetness to the day, Forever Edinburgh has partnered with Mimi’s Bakehouse to give away a limited number of free cupcakes (250) across their city centre locations. This giveaway is just one of the many ways residents can feel the love with Resident Rewards Edinburgh this Valentine’s weekend.

Forever Edinburgh has also created a dedicated guide to enjoying your perfect Valentine’s weekend with Resident Rewards Edinburgh.  Showcasing a selection of fantastic discounts available to plan your perfect date night, or simply fall back in love with your city again without breaking the bank.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Leader of Edinburgh City Council, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we want those who live here to take full advantage of everything it has to offer.

“Through Resident Rewards and special discounts, we’re making it easier than ever to explore, enjoy, and fall in love with Edinburgh this Valentine’s Day.”

Michelle Phillips, Founder of Mimi’s Bakehouse, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Forever Edinburgh to spread a little joy this Valentine’s Day.

“Mimi’s Bakehouse has always been about creating memorable moments, and what better way to celebrate love for our city than with a delicious treat made right here in Edinburgh?”

The I Love Edinburgh guide includes fantastic discounts on eating out and drinks experiences, such as 20% off food from the main menu at Brewhemia and the Alchemist, discounts on distillery tours and drinks venues including the new Edinburgh Gin experience, Port of Leith and Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and other fantastic offers across the city.

For those spending Valentine’s with close friends and family, Resident Rewards are sharing the love with you as well, including 30% off admission at the Edinburgh Dungeon, a discount on Mercat Tours and 10% discount on Edinburgh Bus Tours.

From romantic dining experiences and cultural attractions to relaxing getaways, the Resident Rewards programme provides Edinburgh residents with unique opportunities to enjoy their city at a discounted rate.

Residents who miss out on a cupcake from Mimi’s Bakehouse can claim an exclusive discount with Mimi’s Resident Rate, which offers 20% off cakes, cupcakes and traybakes purchased online at www.mimisbakehouse.com. 

Find out more here https://edinburgh.org/residentrewards/resident-rates/mimis-bakehouse-resident-rate/

Residents can claim their free cupcake by visiting any Mimi’s Bakehouse city centre location (Leith, Corstorphine, Comely Bank, City Art Centre and Lauriston Castle) on Friday 14 February while supplies last, one cupcake max per person. 

To plan your perfect Valentine’s Day with Resident Rewards Edinburgh, visit:

edinburgh.org/i-love-edinburgh.

Edinburgh runner Archie nears 20th marathon to support sight loss charity

For the past two decades, Archie MacGregor (64) has laced up his running shoes with a purpose that goes far beyond the finish line. He is soon to complete his 20th marathon in 20 years, to raise vital funds for sight loss charity, RNIB.  

With the London Marathon approaching in April, Archie is close to reaching his lifetime fundraising target of £26,200- a sum mirroring the traditional 26.2 mile marathon distance.  

Archie’s son, now 33, was supported by RNIB Scotland’s Youth Group as a child, taking part in various activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, and water sports, all made accessible for the group.  

“The youth group was brilliant for my son and helping him build confidence and independence,” says Archie. “The team were so supportive of all the kids there and the impact they’ve made has really stayed with us over the years.” 

After sustaining an injury during his first marathon in Edinburgh in 2005, Archie took a break from running before returning to complete the New York Marathon in 2007. That race sparked a new challenge- taking on the World Marathon Majors. Over the years, he has completed marathons in London, Berlin, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Tokyo after it was added to the series. 

“Since then, I’ve added many more cities to my list including Stockholm, Zagreb, Paris, Bucharest, and Milwaukee- it’s a great way to see the world,” says Archie. “In 2012, I ran Boston and London within six days of each other- and learned the hard way to stick to my training programme!

“The experience is different every time though- in Tokyo, we were all at the starting line shivering at 0°C, whereas Boston was 29°C and people were being treated for heat exhaustion! It can be a real test of your will and endurance.”  

As he prepares to take on London once again, Archie is looking forward to celebrating the milestone of 20 marathons in 20 years. “The RNIB cheer squad always give us a boost- you can’t miss them! We always have a celebration together at the end.

“This is my way of giving back for their support they gave my son, and thanks to unbelievable generosity from family, friends and colleagues I’m now really close to my goal.” 

To donate to Archie’s 20/20 challenge, visit his JustGiving page:  

https://www.justgiving.com/page/archie-macgregor-1728228093908

Love your side hustle? Make it tax official this Valentine’s

  • HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) ‘Help for Hustles’ campaign launched to support people earning extra income to understand any tax obligations
  • A new easy-to-use guide is available on GOV.UK

As Valentine’s Day approaches, anyone who has turned the love for their hobby into a side hustle is being encouraged to ‘put a ring on it’ and make it official.

Whether it’s making extra income from activities such as online content creation, dog walking, or making handcrafted items to sell, HMRC has launched a new Help for Hustles campaign to assist people in understanding if they need to declare their earnings.

Anyone generating more than £1,000 from their side hustle should check their tax obligations using HMRC’s new easy-to-use guide at taxhelpforhustles.campaign.gov.uk.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: “We know many people are turning their hobbies and interests into successful businesses and we’re here to help them understand their tax obligations.

“Nobody wants an unexpected tax bill, so anyone with a side hustle should check HMRC’s straightforward guide and make sure they’re getting their tax right.”

The new guide covers five key areas to help people understand any tax obligations:

  1. I’m buying or making things to sell
  2. I’ve got a side gig
  3. I work for myself doing multiple jobs
  4. I’m a content creator or influencer
  5. I rent out my property

If someone has earned more than £1,000 from their side hustle in a tax year, they may need to complete a Self Assessment tax return. Customers can check if they need to tell HMRC about additional income on GOV.UK.

This only applies to people who are trading or selling services. If someone is simply clearing out their unwanted items and putting them up for sale, they will not need to pay tax.

Undeclared income of more than £1,000 from side hustles form part of the hidden economy. HMRC is committed to reducing the tax gap, of which the hidden economy accounted for about £2.2 billion in 2022/23.

Lothian choose Age Scotland as next charity partner

Lothian Buses is delighted to announce that Age Scotland has been chosen as its new Charity of Choice partner for the next two years following a staff vote of the company’s 2600+ strong workforce.

Age Scotland work to improve the lives of older people in Scotland. They provide a free helpline and information service, support older people’s groups, promote age and dementia-friendly communities, deliver wellbeing programmes, and campaign on behalf of older people.

The partnership, which will run until the start of 2027, will help support Age Scotland’s vision to ensure Scotland is the best place in the world to grow older and will provide the charity with an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness of its work and services across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

There will be unique marketing opportunities including the wrapping of a bus in Age Scotland messaging, and all funds raised from this partnership will contribute to Age Scotland’s community development work across Lothian’s network, including assisting the work of over sixty Age Scotland Member Groups.

Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Age Scotland as Lothian’s Charity of Choice 2025-26.

“Lothian is proud to be part of the communities we serve, and we look forward to working with the team at Age Scotland over the course of the next two years to raise awareness of the support they can offer – helping to tackle loneliness, support inclusion, and deliver better lives for older people across our operating area.”

Katherine Crawford, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “Tens of thousands of older people across the Lothians experience loneliness and this wonderful partnership means we can reach many more people with the services we offer to help, and support dozens of local groups and clubs which keep older people connected.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the staff at Lothian who voted for us to be their Charity of Choice over the next two years, and I just know that our work together will have a really positive impact on the communities that Lothian serve so well.”

SGN partners with Generation Science to inspire next generation on renewable energy

SGN has teamed up with Generation Science, an innovative educational programme led by Edinburgh Science, to empower primary school children with insights into future energy solutions and how we can tackle climate change.

The leading energy company is delivering LTS Futures – a first of its kind project – which aims to validate the compatibility of utilising the existing gas network to carry hydrogen.

The success of the project, which is repurposing a 30km decommissioned natural gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton, would pave the way for hydrogen transportation on a national scale.

Thanks to a second year of funding provided by SGN, around 380 pupils aged 7 to 11 (primary 4 to 7), who attend schools based along the LTS live trial pipeline, are benefiting from the 90-minute climate and engineering themed sessions.

The Green Machine is an interactive workshop dedicated to unravelling the complexities of energy transfer and renewable electricity generation.

Guided by the Edinburgh Science team of experts, students delve into lessons to refine their understanding and create innovative machine designs. 

Recently SGN’s LTS Futures Project Director Nancy Thomson joined the Generation Science team at Granton Primary School, to participate in a session which explored future energy solutions for the Earth’s changing climate.

It looked at different sources of renewable and sustainable energy such as solar, wind and green hydrogen, and how we can utilise them to live in an environmentally responsible way.

Natalie McLaren, Principal Teacher at Granton Primary School, shared her thoughts on the workshop: “I’m thrilled that SGN and Generation Science chose to visit our school – the kids were so enthusiastic and engaged.

“Our pupils responded really positively to the hands-on workshop, and are all using key vocabulary and terms for the energy industry. It got them really thinking about how to conserve energy at home and making a difference.”

Director and CEO at Edinburgh Science, Hassun El-Zafar said: “After an incredibly successful partnership last year, we’re delighted to have once again receive support from SGN for this year’s Generation Science tour.

“Generation Science is our touring programme that brings high quality interactive science experiences into primary schools across Scotland – no matter where the school is based, pupils can enjoy the exact same experience.

“SGN is the perfect supporter for this project, as they share our drive to inspire the next generation of engineers and champion the importance of sustainable sources of energy for our homes.

“Thanks to their generous support, we are able to bring The Green Machine workshop to schools in Granton and Grangemouth.”

SGN – LTS Futures – Education Programme – Granton Primary School – Edinburgh. Picture Shows; Children from Granton Primary School during the Energy educational workshop run by Edinburgh Science and SGN, Thursday 06 February 2025. © Stuart Nicol Photography 2025

Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentine’s Day

Love is all around the Quarter!

Valentine’s Day is the day to show how much you care – whether that’s for a partner, friend or even yourself – but it can be tricky to find the perfect way to say, “I love you”. 

So, St James Quarter is playing cupid with a curated line-up of brands offering delicious deals and sumptuous meals during this special holiday. Because food is after all the universal language of love!

But, if you prefer a different route to the heart, St James Quarter is also home to some of the UK’s favourite brands. Whether your significant other is a fashion-lover, jewellery connoisseur, or has a tenderness for technology, St James Quarter has the perfect gift for everyone.

Dine, drink and dazzle your loved ones this Valentine’s:

SushiSamba: Take Valentine’s Day to new heights at SushiSamba Edinburgh. Spice up your night with the Taste of Valentine’s Menu, priced at £125 per person. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or Champagne, and take in the iconic panoramic views of the sparkling Edinburgh skyline.

Duck & Waffle: Make this Valentine’s Day memorable with a feast for the senses. Enjoy sharing bites for the table, with your choice of starter, main and dessert plus a glass of Prosecco at Duck & Waffle for £70 per person. Select from their range of famous dishes, with a set menu available for one night only on Friday 14th February.

The Alchemist: Enjoy a date with a difference at The Alchemist, with an exclusive mini masterclass for two. Choose a cocktail to create and enjoy, delivering your own dash of theatre for £18 per person. Bookings are available on Wednesday 12th – Friday 14th and Sunday 16th February from 4pm – 9pm.

The Botanist: Indulge in The Botanist Valentine’s sharing menu, including a selection of starters, their famous sharing Hanging Kebab, and a limited-edition Valentine’s Cookie Dough for two. The menu is set to launch on Thursday 13th February and will be available until Sunday 16th February. The Botanist is also hosting a Galentine’s Power Ballad Bingo on Thursday 13th February.

The Botanist is also partnering with luxury skincare brand, Khiel’s, to offer complimentary samples and money off vouchers for guests dining from the Valentine’s menu.

The Real Greek: Embark on a Greek Love Affair! The mouthwatering offer includes Moussaka for two, Greek Flatbread, a cold Meze for dipping, Greek Salad and two desserts.

Add a sweet treat at Krispy Kreme: This Valentine’s Day, Krispy Kreme is filling the world with love with three new heart-shaped doughnuts: Daisy For You, You Are My Sunshine and Best Buds flavours. Launched on Monday 27th January, the doughnuts are available until Friday 14th February.

Molton Brown will celebrate with a sensory journey hosting a Paccari Chocolate Tasting on Friday 14th and a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea for Two on Sunday 16th February. NEOM is also on-hand to add a personal touch to the special day with their pop-up calligraphy station on Friday 14th February.

For more information about what’s going on at St James Quarter this Valentine’s Day visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day/.

St Valentine might be the patron saint of love, but St James has got your celebrations covered!