Scots in poorest areas 28 PER CENT more likely to develop cancer

New report highlights health impact of deprivation  

SCOTS living in the country’s most deprived areas are 28 per cent more likely to develop cancer than their counterparts in the least deprived postcodes, according to new analysis published today by Cancer Research UK. 

Today’s figures reveal there are around 4,100 cancer cases associated with deprivation in Scotland each year – that’s around 1 in 8 of all cases. 

Socioeconomic deprivation exists across Scotland, with substantial variation even within towns and cities. If all areas of Scotland experienced the same cancer rates as the most affluent areas, researchers estimated that around 80 cancer cases per week could be avoided. The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to urgently close the cancer inequality gap.*  

The complex mix of factors driving the deprivation gap includes:   

  • Greater exposure to cancer risk factors, including smoking and obesity, meaning people in more deprived areas are more likely to develop cancer  
  • Lower uptake of HPV vaccination and lower participation in bowel and cervical screening programmes, reducing the opportunity to prevent cancer
  • Clear evidence that people from deprived areas face barriers to accessing timely care, which contributes to inequalities across the cancer pathway.   

The charity is urging the Scottish Government to do more to close the cancer deprivation gap through bold action on prevention, including policies to tackle smoking and obesity.  

To deliver long-term improvements in cancer diagnosis and care in every postcode, targeted campaigns would help break down barriers to seeking help, and providing support for people to participate in cancer screening programmes would be crucial in reducing the inequalities revealed in today’s analysis.  

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:  “These figures are not only unacceptable but avoidable. Everyone in Scotland deserves to live in an environment that gives them the best chance of a long and healthy life, free from cancer, yet stark health inequalities persist.  

“To help end the cancer postcode lottery, the Scottish Government must step up prevention efforts and ensure everyone can access high-quality cancer care wherever they live.”  

Beyond the physical and mental toll of a cancer diagnosis, people also face financial pressures, including loss of income and increased travel costs for treatment. With higher cancer rates occurring in the most deprived areas, these costs are more likely to impact people already struggling financially.  

Today’s report also revealed that the largest inequalities are in rates of smoking-related cancers, with lung cancer contributing around 2,500 cases linked to deprivation in the Scotland each year.  

Despite progress in tackling the harms of tobacco, the latest Health Survey for Scotland shows smoking prevalence is much higher among adults living in the most deprived areas in Scotland (23 per cent) than among those living in the least deprived areas (seven per cent).

The charity is calling for the Tobacco and Vapes Act to be implemented swiftly in Scotland alongside increased funding to ensure everyone can access local, free stop smoking support as well as accelerating progress to implement a national targeted lung cancer screening programme.

Picture by Lesley Martin
Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK public affairs manager in Scotland.

Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager for Scotland, Dr Sorcha Hume, said: “It is unacceptable that cancer rates remain significantly higher in Scotland’s most deprived areas. 

“While the causes are complex, early diagnosis is key to closing the survival gap. We must improve symptom awareness, remove barriers to seeking help, and support informed screening uptake in these communities. Long-term, funded national awareness campaigns targeted at those most affected are also essential. 

“One of the report’s most stark findings is that lung cancer contributes more than 6 in 10 deprivation-associated cancer cases in Scotland. Smoking remains the leading cause, and lung cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. 

“To address this, we must see the timely implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, properly funded stop smoking services, and the introduction of a national lung cancer screening programme in Scotland.” 

cruk_incidence_by_deprivation_2019_22Download

Author Event at Leith Library

We are delighted to invite everyone to a very special author event!

Writing Well and Failing: in conversation with Ely Percy and Lucy Ribchester on Wednesday 30th September, from 6 – 7.30pm, at Leith Library.

Ely Percy talks about setbacks, perseverance and the perception of literary success – hosted by Lucy Ribchester.

Book your free tickets here: https://writing-well.eventbrite.co.uk

Heriot-Watt University awarded Athena Swan Silver status

Heriot-Watt University has achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of its significant progress in advancing gender equality for staff and students across its global community.

The award acknowledges the University’s sustained commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, building on more than a decade of work under the Athena Swan Charter. Heriot-Watt has held an institutional Bronze Award since 2013 and has engaged with the Charter since its launch in 2005.

Athena Swan is a globally recognised framework that supports universities and research institutions to advance gender equality and tackle structural barriers. The Silver Award recognises institutions that can demonstrate measurable progress and lasting impact.

Over the past six years, Heriot-Watt has delivered a range of initiatives through its Athena Swan action plan, including increasing the representation of women in senior academic roles, reducing the gender pay gap, strengthening support for staff and students with caring responsibilities, and enhancing governance and accountability for gender equality.

Professor Richard A Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Achieving Athena Swan Silver status is an important milestone for Heriot-Watt.

“It recognises the sustained progress we have made in advancing gender equality and creating an environment where people can succeed and thrive.

“While there is more work to do, this achievement provides a strong platform for the future. Through our Strategy 2035 ambitions, we will continue to champion equality, inclusion and opportunity for all members of our global community.”

Associate Principal (International and Partnerships) and Athena Swan Programme sponsor, Professor Mark Biggs, said: “This Silver Award is a tremendous achievement for Heriot-Watt and reflects the commitment and hard work of colleagues and students across our University community.

“It recognises the significant progress we have made over recent years and our shared ambition to advance equality, diversity and inclusion.”

The University has identified a number of priorities for the next phase of its Athena Swan work, including embedding gender equality across its strategic goals and governance structures, supporting equitable recruitment and career progression, strengthening global engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion, and fostering inclusive learning and working environments.

The institutional Silver Award builds on success across Heriot-Watt’s academic schools. The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences currently hold Athena Swan Silver Awards, while the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society and the School of Business, Design and Social Sciences hold Bronze Awards.

The recognition highlights Heriot-Watt’s long-term commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive university for staff and students across all its campuses.

Our Land: Film Club Night at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER from 6pm

Orban Wallace’s superb documentary Our Land, which examines the idea of the public’s right to roam offers a sharp look at the debate on access and ownership over the English countryside in this engrossing documentary.

” Perspectives of activists, landowners, and walkers reclaiming access to the countryside reveal how globally relevant questions of land ownership are bound to histories of colonialism, class, and power.

With energy and clarity, the film captures a pivotal struggle over who nature belongs to and what it means to truly share land.” – Ruth Somalo

Come and join us in this screening of the film released earlier this year.

Tackling questions about land ownership, public access and right to roam, illegal in England, but legal since 2005 in Scotland this film presents first hand experience from both landowners and activists alike.

Reserve your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996633735250?aff=oddtdtcreator for suggested donations between £5-10.

Tickets also available on the door on the night.

1000 new youth workers to help reduce the risk of unemployment

Young people in England will be able to access specialised support in their community, as the government makes largest investment into youth services in a generation

  • Young people will be able to access specialised support in their community, as the government makes largest investment into youth services in a generation.
  • In addition, a £450 million programme will also help build and improve youth facilities and fund enriching activities in England’s most underserved areas.

Young people across England are set to benefit from specialised support outside of home and school, as the government launches a major drive to support the training and employment of 1000 new youth workers.

It comes as the government makes the largest investment into youth services in a generation following a drop of local authority spending of 73% between 2010 and 2023, which led to the loss of vital youth worker roles and youth services across England.

The 1000 new youth workers announced today is the first step in rebuilding the youth workforce. The first workers are set to be in position by spring 2027, as part of the government’s plan to support young people ahead of the social media ban for under 16s coming into force.

The youth workers will work with young people aged 11 plus, within community spaces and through outreach to ensure the most vulnerable young people have access to support, including those at highest risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).

The specialist youth workers will collaborate with multi-agency teams across education and training, health and crime prevention to support young people to engage in a range of activities including sport, arts, mentoring and wider youth services.  

This initiative will provide a significant step towards meeting the Government’s ambition for 500,000 more young people to have access to a trusted adult by 2035.  

The number of youth facilities is also set to increase thanks to a £450 million programme. The new ‘Youth Matters’ Fund will open for applications soon and will help build, improve and expand spaces for young people to connect, while funding more youth work and enriching in-person activities, such as sports, music and volunteering, ahead of the upcoming social media ban.

Yesterday’s announcement is the latest part of the government’s National Youth Strategy, Youth Matters, launched by Lisa Nandy in December 2025 and co-produced with 14,000 young people through a landmark ‘State of the Nation’ survey.

The survey highlighted that many young people have been left without access to safe, supportive environments or a community to belong to, while reliance on online interaction has grown in the absence of face-to-face opportunities. 

In response the National Youth Strategy set out how young people will benefit from over £500 million of government investment, with an ambitious delivery plan to rebuild youth services over the next decade.

The move is designed to hand power back to local communities, and allow young people to design services around the skills and opportunities they need to shape their futures.  

Granton & District CC: Tomorrow’s meeting CANCELLED

📣UPDATE: MEETING CANCELLED 📣

Our monthly meeting on Monday 28 September has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday 26 October, 6.30pm.

Then, our November meeting will include an update from the Granton Waterfront team.

Any questions, please email engagement@grantoncc.scot

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine to stand down at next general election

EDINBURGH WEST Lib Dem MP Christine Jardine has announced that she will not stand in the next general election.

Ms Jardine told followers on Twitter: “I’ve taken the decision not to stand as Lib Dem candidate in Edinburgh West at the next GE.

“It has been a fantastic decade. I want to thank @EdwardJDavey for all his support over the years. I’m confident our next chapter will be even more successful and I’m sad I won’t be there.”

New research aims to build evidence base for braille food labelling

Blind and partially sighted people across the UK are being invited to share their experiences of accessing food packaging as part of a new survey designed to strengthen the case for mandatory braille food labelling.

The survey, launched by Sight Scotland, Disability Equality Scotland and partners, will gather evidence on the challenges people face when identifying, storing and using food products. The findings will help inform Food Standards Scotland’s Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment while also supporting discussions with UK Government departments, including DEFRA, on future policy change.

The campaign comes amid growing calls for greater accessibility in food labelling. Research conducted by Disability Equality Scotland in 2023 found that three-quarters of blind and partially sighted people find food labels inaccessible. While technology plays an important role in helping people access information, campaigners stress that braille is not a replacement for technology, nor does it compete with it.

Veronica Whymant, 43, from St Andrews, has lived with visual impairment all her life after being born prematurely, says everyone should be able to make informed decisions about the food they buy and eat without being held back by inaccessible information.

She explains: “My vision gradually deteriorated through my teens, and I was registered blind in my early twenties. Since then, maintaining my independence has relied on determination, organisation and finding ways to adapt to a world that is largely designed for people who can see.

“Braille labelling on food packaging would be revolutionary. It would give me more independence, less anxiety when shopping and greater confidence when preparing meals. Most importantly, it would allow me to make decisions for myself. That is something many people take for granted, but for people with visual impairment it can be life changing.

“This isn’t about convenience, it’s about dignity, equality and choice. No one should be denied the ability to confidently and independently make decisions about the food they buy and eat simply because information isn’t accessible. Every day, people like me are forced to rely on others to identify basic food items, check ingredients or confirm expiry dates.

“At home I’m an extremely organised person and I carefully catalogue everything in my cupboards and freezer, so I know where everything is. That helps me avoid mistakes, but it also shows how much extra effort visually impaired people have to put into everyday tasks. Having clear braille labels would provide reassurance and confidence and remove so much uncertainty from daily life.”

Veronica adds: “People often assume technology has solved every problem for someone who is blind or partially sighted, but it can be expensive and depends on devices, software and internet access. Braille allows you to access information directly, privately and independently, whether it’s on medicine, food packaging, public signs or museum displays.”

Lucy Mulvagh, Chief Executive Officer at Disability Equality Scotland, comments: “We are launching this survey because evidence matters, and right now there is a real gap in what we know. The survey is open to all blind and partially sighted people, whether or not they use braille.

“We know that many blind and partially sighted people find food labels inaccessible, but we still need to understand the impact this has on everyday life. What happens when someone cannot identify food in their own kitchen? How do people currently cope? What are the costs in terms of safety, time and independence?

“To make the case for change, we need to show that this is not just a Scottish issue, but one that affects people across Britain and the wider UK. By collecting experiences from across the UK, this survey will provide the evidence needed to support policy change and make food safer and more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.”

To survey is available at: https://bit.ly/3T1ZQwHTo. The survey is open until 31 October:

For more information, please visit sightscotland.org.uk.

Charities tackling hardship continue supporting Edinburgh

Female University Or College Student Having Individual Meeting With Tutor Or Counsellor

Charities continue to play an important role in supporting communities and creating opportunities for people in Edinburgh, according to new analysis of data from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) by specialist insurer Ansvar Insurance.

The analysis found that Edinburgh is home to 200 registered charities focused on the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of citizenship or community development and the advancement of education.

Nine new charities working across these areas were registered in Edinburgh over the past 12 months.

The findings highlight the continued commitment of local people to supporting their community.

Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, commented: “The fact that nine new charities have been established to tackle poverty and create opportunities demonstrates the commitment of local people to supporting those facing challenges.

“Charities are often founded because individuals recognise there is a gap in support and want to make a positive difference. Whether through employment support, skills development, community initiatives or direct assistance for those experiencing financial hardship, these organisations help people build better futures.”

As a specialist insurer working with charities and not-for-profit organisations, Ansvar regularly analyses sector trends to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing organisations that support communities across the UK.

While charities continue to face pressures including securing sustainable funding, attracting and retaining volunteers and managing increasing operational responsibilities, the findings also reveal an encouraging picture of people continuing to invest their time, energy and expertise in helping others.

Adam Tier added: “It’s encouraging to see people stepping forward to establish charities that help their local communities thrive. These figures highlight the positive impact local people can have when they support each other.

“While establishing a charity is only the first step, putting strong governance, volunteer management and risk management practices in place from the outset can help organisations build resilience and maximise their long-term impact.

“Community organisations play an essential role in helping people and places prosper, and it’s important they have the support they need to continue making a difference.”

Five Edinburgh businesses crowned winners at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026

Five food and drink businesses from Edinburgh have been crowned winners at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026, securing six of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, including the coveted Product of the Year category.

The winners proudly representing the capital are:

  • Edgefield Craft Butchers, Dry Aged Prime Rib from Native Scotch Cattle (Scotch Brand Product of the Year, and Product of the Year)
  • Woven Whisky Makers, Woven WXC Coffee Infused Whisky (Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits)
  • east PIZZAS, Topped Spicy Pizza (Grocery Product of the Year)
  • Bon Accord Soft Drinks, Rhubarb Soda (Healthy or Free From Product of the Year)
  • Howies Restaurants (Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year))

Product of the Year is awarded to the category winner who scored the highest marks among the esteemed panel of judges made up of experts from retail, foodservice and hospitality.

This year’s winner, Edgefield Craft Butchers’ Prime Rib, was praised by judges for its depth of flavour, juicy, melt in the mouth texture, and exceptional quality.

Edgefield Craft Butchers was founded in 2024 by fourth-generation butcher, Simon Gilmour, and supplies Scotland’s leading chefs and restaurants with premium meat.  

The awards recognise excellence across Scotland’s food and drink sector, with the Northeast winners demonstrating innovation, business excellence, growth and product quality on a national stage.

The Edinburgh winners were announced alongside businesses from across Scotland at the award ceremony in Glasgow, highlighting the breadth and diversity of the country’s food and drink sector. Other winners included Benbecula-based Salar Smokehouse whose Flaky Smoked Salmon won in both the Artisan and Fish & Seafood Product of the Year categories.

Alongside the tasted product categories, Aberdeen-based Vanilla Labs won Business Innovation of the Year for redefining how vanilla is grown, cured and delivered. Glasgow’s Dear Green coffee roasters was named Sustainable Business of the Year, and Growth Business of the Year was won by Aberdeenshire-based Duncan Farms.

The Excellence Awards recognise the highest quality of produce, as well as leading suppliers, individuals and companies.

Individuals were celebrated too. Jaynie Kean from Jackton Distillery won the Young Talent of the Year award, with the judges describing the RAER Scotch Whisky Managing Director as an aspirational role model for young people entering the industry.

The winners were revealed by Matt Tebbutt, Saturday Kitchen presenter and MasterChef: The Professionals judge.

Simon Gilmour, Founder and CEO of Edgefield Craft Butchers, winner of the Scotch Brand category and overall Product of the Year, said: “It’s an honour to win both Scotch Brand Product of the Year and the overall Product of the Year.

“We are quite a new company, so to be in the position to win an award like this is just such a ‘pinch me’ moment. The team have worked very hard to get us here, so this award really belongs to them.

“Some of the best food and drink companies in the world are here in Scotland, and we’re very lucky to have the larder we do. For us here at Edgefield to be on that radar now is pretty special.

“Our Dry Aged Prime Rib has been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland, so it’s Scotch through and through.”

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Seeing winners from every corner of the country reflects the strength of our sector. From the northern isles to the borders, from Aberdeen to the Hebrides, the quality and variety of what our producers make is remarkable.

“The Excellence Awards are the gold-standard that every food and drink brand in Scotland aspires to, and our winners thoroughly deserve to be celebrated for their achievements.

“Congratulations to all our winners, and to those who were shortlisted. We look forward to seeing them all continue to innovate, prioritise quality, and shine a light on our incredible food and drink sector.” 

For over two decades, The Excellence Awards have brought together Scotland’s finest producers with key decision makers and influencers from across the industry. Underpinned by people, passion and perseverance, the awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the industry’s achievements of the past year while looking ahead and supporting the next wave of innovation and creativity.

S

See the full list of winners here:

https://foodanddrink.scot/events-and-membership/the-excellence-awards/2026-winners

The full list of winners

CategoryCompanyProduct / Person
Distilling Product of the Year (Dark Spirits)Woven Whisky MakersWoven WXC Coffee Infused Whisky
Distilling Product of the Year (White Spirits)Orkney Gin CompanyAatta Gin
Beer & Cider Product of the YearSix Degrees NorthRaspberry Beer
Dairy Product of the YearGiacopazzi’s Wholesale Ice CreamRicotta, Pistachio & Sour Cherry Gelato
Meat Product of the YearBrownings the BakersKilmarnock Pie
Grocery Product of the Yeareast PIZZASTopped Spicy Pizza
Artisan Product of the YearSalar SmokehouseFlaky Smoked Salmon
Healthy or Free From Product of the YearBon Accord Soft DrinksRhubarb Soda
Bakery Product of the Year  S. Collins & SonSausage Roll
Fish & Seafood Product of the YearSalar SmokehouseFlaky Smoked Salmon
Scotch Brand Product of the YearEdgefield Craft ButchersDry Aged Prime Rib from Native Scotch Cattle
Best for Scottish (Independent Business of the Year)Howies Restaurants 
Food & Drink Campaign of the YearMackie’s of ScotlandFull Cream Ahead Campaign
Young Talent of the YearJackton DistilleryJaynie Kean
Business Innovation of the YearVanilla Labs 
Sustainable Business of the YearDear Green 
Employer of the YearBidfood Scotland  
Food Tourism Business of the YearRae’s  
Growth Business of the YearDuncan Farms  
Best for Scottish (Multiple Business of the Year)Brakes Scotland, a Sysco company  
Product of the YearEdgefield Craft ButchersDry Aged Prime Rib from Native Scotch Cattle