Come along and have a chat with your Forth Community Police Officers!
We’ll be at Morrisons, Pilton Drive North this Saturday (31st January) between 10:30 and 12:00.
Pop by to say hello, raise any concerns or just have a friendly chat.
The proportion of full-time degree entrants coming from Scotland’s most deprived areas has increased to the highest level on record.
Newly published Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) figures for 2024-25 show 17.4% of entrants came from the 20% most deprived areas – up from 16.7% the previous year. This is the highest proportion recorded, and shows progress towards the Commission on Widening Access’s target that one in five students entering university will come from the 20% most deprived areas by 2030.
The report also shows a 3.1% decrease in total university enrolments on the previous year, including a 2.7% reduction in Scottish domiciled students and a 22% reduction in students from the European Union.
Minister for Higher and Further Education Ben Macpherson said: “These figures show remarkable progress in widening access to university, and towards ensuring that, if they want to, everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and study for a degree at a Scottish university, regardless of their background.
“The Scottish Government has a mission to eradicate poverty, and enabling people to take advantage of education and training opportunities – regardless of their personal circumstances – is a key part of that work, whether that’s enabling people to go to university, or college, or undertake an apprenticeship.
“More widely, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s universities, the Scottish Government is working pro-actively, including creating a new Framework for Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities – an important collaborative partnership with the sector and key stakeholders to explore solutions.
“Of course, we are also conscious of the issues around declining international student numbers, brought about through nonsensical UK Government immigration policies. To try to mitigate this, we have proposed a Scottish Graduate Visa as an idea that the UK Government could implement, to encourage more international students to study in Scotland by enabling them to stay in Scotland after graduation.”
A group of sheltered housing tenants living in Leith have set off on a 3,070-mile walking challenge from Easter Road Stadium.
The ‘Leith Legends’, comprising two teams, are walking the distance from Edinburgh to Boston in 140 days to virtually arrive at the Gillette Stadium ahead of Scotland’s first game against Haiti.
The ‘March to the Match’ will be the longest journey attempted by tenants who have previously walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End (1,280 miles) and from Alloway to Dumfries in the footsteps of Robert Burns (60 miles).
The challenge officially kicked-off with a walk around Easter Road Stadium, with the two walking squads adorned with Scotland flags and team t-shirts. They will finish their challenge on Sunday 14 June to coincide with Scotland arriving at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “This is an exciting year to be a Scotland supporter. With this challenge, both football fans and non-football fans alike can get involved in all the thrills and the atmosphere that a World Cup brings.
“It is known that increased movement and group exercise are among the best things we can do to look after our health as we age, and those taking part are motivated by the benefits walking brings to them. This year’s teams are up for the challenge, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!”
Kathleen Devine who is participating in the challenge said: “I joined Leith Legends and March to the Match to improve my walking and get my steps up.
“I really enjoyed our first team walk at Easter Road Stadium. It was lovely to participate, and being part of a team walking together felt really good. It was great to meet tenants from the other developments.
“I’m really looking forward to lots more walking and counting our steps together until we reach Boston!”
The two teams taking part are ‘We’re Still-Game’ and the ‘Pro-Aimers’. They will be aiming to walk a collective 22 miles per day for 140 days.
Harbour Homes is the largest social landlord in Leith, currently providing over 3,000 high quality homes at affordable prices in places people want to live.
Harbour consists of Harbour Homes and three subsidiary companies: Harbour Lettings, Harbour Connections and Harbour Multi-Trades.
To find out more please visit: www.harbour.scot/homes
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published its new 10-year strategy, Together We Can, setting out a clear and ambitious direction for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland.
Scotland continues to face significant and urgent public health challenges. Too many people experience preventable ill health, and the gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived communities remains far too wide. These pressures not only affect individuals and communities but also place increasing strain on health and public services across the country.
Together We Can responds directly to these challenges. Our strategy provides a focused, evidence-based framework to bring national and local partners together around a shared purpose: improving life expectancy and narrowing health inequalities across the next decade.
It sets out the practical steps PHS will take, and describes how collective action across Scotland’s public, third, and private sectors will be essential to achieving the scale of change required.
Developed with extensive input from PHS staff, Board members, partners and stakeholders, the strategy reflects the insight, ambition and experience of people working across Scotland’s health and care system and beyond. Their contributions have shaped a direction that is both bold and deliverable.
At the heart of the strategy are five drivers for change that will guide Scotland’s approach to improving public health over the coming decade:
These drivers structure the actions PHS will take and set a clear foundation for how the organisation will work with partners to improve outcomes for people and communities.
Ally Boyle, Chair of Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland faces urgent public health challenges, from preventable ill health to deep rooted inequalities. Our strategy, Together We Can, sets out a clear ambition to tackle these challenges and improve health for everyone over the next decade.
“Across every pillar of public health, we’ve been challenged to deliver real, measurable improvement over the next decade – and that is exactly what we intend to do.
“We’ll achieve this by connecting people, ideas and experience, and by shaping a culture that values collaboration, creating the conditions where our shared ambition becomes real and lasting, and positive change is delivered for the people of Scotland.”
Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, said: “Together We Can sets out a bold and hopeful vision for the next decade, which shows how we will work to improve and protect the health of people in Scotland. It provides a focused, evidence-driven direction not just for Public Health Scotland, but for the nationwide effort needed to create meaningful, lasting change.
“We know that no single organisation can shift Scotland’s health outcomes on its own. Real progress depends on working side by side with our partners across national and local government, the NHS, the third sector and communities everywhere. Therefore, this strategy is a shared commitment – one we will deliver collaboratively, drawing on the strengths and experiences of people and organisations across the country.
“Together, we can improve life expectancy, narrow inequalities and create a fairer, healthier Scotland for everyone.”
Public Health Scotland will continue to engage with partners, communities and staff to ensure the strategy leads to real improvements across Scotland.
Local government umbrella body Cosla commented:
Find out more and view our new 10-year strategy Together We Can on the PHS website.
‘THE FINDINGS ARE OF SERIOUS CONCERN’
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has published the report of its Targeted Peer Review of the University of Glasgow in response to a Concern raised to the Scottish Quality Concerns Scheme by the Scottish Funding Council.
The Concern was submitted on the basis of maintenance of academic standards and the potential for systemic failure in following the university’s assessment regulations.
Although the Concern was submitted after an internal investigation by the University following the death of a student, the review did not cover the individual circumstances of the tragic incident, but focused on the broader potential for systemic issues at the university.
The Concerns process identified that a Targeted Peer Review was the most appropriate course of action to address the issues identified.
The review process took place from 4 September to 13 November 2025. A two-day on-site visit took place from 28 to 29 October 2025 and included eight meetings with staff (senior, academic, and professional services) and students as well as a presentation delivered by the university. The University of Glasgow cooperated fully with the process.
The Targeted Peer Review was undertaken by a team of four reviewers, including a student reviewer, from across the UK tertiary education sector, and set out to answer 20 lines of enquiry across the topics of assessment regulations and award of credit, extension request processes, communication with students, mitigation of risk and institutional oversight, and student engagement in institutional change.
After thorough investigation, the Targeted Peer Review team has identified areas for development and weaknesses in the areas reviewed, which indicate systemic risks to academic standards and the quality of the student experience at the University of Glasgow. The report makes 21 recommendations for the University of Glasgow to address under the areas reviewed. A full list of recommendations can be found on pages 25-27 of the report.
The report makes two overarching recommendations. Firstly, the report recommends that the university is subject to additional institutional liaison meetings in academic years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to monitor and report regularly on progress against all the recommendations within the report.
Secondly, the report recommends that the university’s next regular external peer review takes place in academic year 2027-28, one year sooner than planned, and considers progress against all the recommendations contained within this report.
The University of Glasgow will be required to submit an action plan within four weeks that covers all recommendations and proposed implementation timelines, which will be agreed by QAA.
QAA has provided a copy of the Targeted Peer Review report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for its consideration within the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit’s enquiries.
The Scottish Funding Council has said that it will be working closely with QAA Scotland and the University of Glasgow to ensure that the recommendations outlined in this report are implemented as a matter of urgency. The SFC has also announced that, given the serious nature of these findings, it is commissioning QAA to conduct a national review of the assessment and associated policies and procedures across the sector.
Vicki Stott, QAA’s Chief Executive, said: “I am grateful to the Targeted Peer Review team for conducting such a thorough and robust review of the University of Glasgow.
“The findings are of serious concern. We are committed to working closely with the university and the Scottish Funding Council to ensure that the University of Glasgow implements the recommendations in this report in a timely manner so that academic standards are protected, and the quality of student experience at the university is safeguarded.
“We look forward to completing the wider work that the Scottish Funding Council has announced today related to these topics, with the Scottish sector.”
Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector – the first overhaul in sixty years.
The reforms help households understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets.
They come after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. The CMA found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation – which is why this government is taking action.
The proposals will make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners – while supporting veterinary professionals alike.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: “Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.
“We’re focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals.”
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “Updating these rules will help build a modern veterinary service that is easier for the public to understand and navigate, while strengthening animal health outcomes and supporting a skilled, resilient workforce.
“Reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more resilient profession. This consultation gives pet owners and professionals the chance to help shape a system that works better for everyone.”
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Veterinary teams play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.
If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work; it’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape a veterinary sector that’s fit for the 21st century.”
Martin Coleman, Chair of the CMA Inquiry Group said: “We welcome the government’s consultation to update this vital regulation and protect pet owners.
“Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming to keep pace with commercial practice and further build pet owner trust in veterinary businesses.”
60% of vet practices are owned by non-vets, with many operating under unclear ownership structures. The reforms propose a new licencing system requiring businesses to meet clear standards – with enforcement action, including potential loss of licence, where they fail to do so.
A modern disciplinary process will accompany the reforms, with a wider range of sanctions to ensure customer concerns are properly addressed and support veterinary professionals to safely carry out their roles. This will work to improve care whilst reducing punitive outcomes and will benefit both owners and professionals alike.
Veterinary professionals are essential to the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards. These reforms strengthen professional recognition, modernise outdated regulation and help safeguard the profession’s ability to continue to protect the UK from the threats to disease and food security.
This announcement follows the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy, and is part of this Government’s ambitious reforms to animal welfare – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK.
The consultation will run for 8 weeks.
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “For years, Which? has been exposing unclear pricing and poor practice in the vet industry so it’s good to see the government taking steps to modernise the sector and ensure it treats pet owners fairly.
“The current regulation is decades out of date and oversight of veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, is urgently needed. The government needs to ensure that its new licensing system has the right sanctions in place for businesses which break the rules.
“The government must ensure these changes are introduced as soon as possible to restore consumer confidence in the sector. As part of these reforms, it should also legislate to establish a mandatory Ombudsman scheme with the power to make binding judgements about customer complaints and take action against any vets or vet practices falling short.”
Following years of campaigning by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the UK Government has today (27 January 2026) taken a major step towards reforming the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), launching a public consultation seeking views on its proposals for reformed legislation.
The consultation will run for eight weeks and seeks input from across the veterinary team and from the public on a range of proposals that could see significant changes to how veterinary professionals are regulated, including the introduction of regulation for allied veterinary professionals (e.g. equine dental technicians and cattle hoof trimmers); vet businesses could be regulated for the first time; and there could be significant changes to the governance arrangements including the roles undertaken by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its proposals following months of intensive engagement with a group of key organisations including BVA, RCVS, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Vet Schools Council (VSC), to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the sector and develop recommendations on what the options for proposed reform could look like.
Reform of the VSA will have a significant impact on vets’ daily work, the service they provide their clients and the care given to animals. BVA will formally respond to the consultation on behalf of its members. BVA is also strongly encouraging all vets to support reform by engaging with the proposals and sharing their views with Defra via the consultation.
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MCVRS said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.
“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work. It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.”
For more information on what Defra’s proposals mean, BVA members can access a series of recorded webinars explaining the detail.
There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section on the BVA website:
https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/veterinary-surgeons-act/
BVA members can share their views with BVA via email at policy@bva.co.uk.
The consultation closes at 23:59pm on 25 March 2026.
Edinburgh College is all set to welcome prospective new students considering starting a course in August 2026 to its annual Open Days event.
The event starts on the 3rd of February and runs until the 7th across all four of our campuses, offering an opportunity to meet our curriculum teams, learn more about the subjects that are available, tour our impressive facilities, as well as find out details about the application process and how funding works.
Open Days begins at the Midlothian Campus on Tuesday the 3rd of February, running from 4pm until 7pm, followed by Milton Road on the 4th of February from 4pm to 7pm, Sighthill on the 5th from 4pm to 7pm, and finally Granton on the 7th of February, between 10am and 1pm.
Members of staff will be on hand to answer any questions, and to help to guide you around our campuses.
There will be subject-specific sessions on offer for a limited number of subject areas, which can be booked online.
The event gives prospective students a unique opportunity to experience our campuses first-hand, and get an idea of what life at Edinburgh College can look like. There are a wide variety of subjects to consider, with our various Schools teaching everything from Construction to Cookery, and Acting & Performance to Accounting.
There are courses available that cater to students at any point in their education, including beginner-level courses, pathways to university, and continuous development courses. Learners at any stage of their career or journey in education will be able to learn what their future could hold at Edinburgh College by coming along to our Open Days.
Edinburgh College’s Principal, Audrey Cumberford, says it’s an exciting time for the College, and any prospective new students: “It’s always amazing being able to open our campuses every February to welcome so many people who are considering taking their next step at Edinburgh College.
“Our Open Days represent a perfect opportunity for anyone considering furthering their education to find out what’s on offer here at the College, to explore all of our facilities, and learn what support will be available to them.
“I can’t recommend enough coming along to our events if you’re curious about what Edinburgh College can do for you and your future.”
Attendees can drop in or book a place on subject-specific sessions.
For more information and to book a place at one of the open days, visit the Edinburgh College website.
Muscular Dystrophy UK is inviting people living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition, their families and carers to join a free in-person event open to everyone. Attendees will hear from and meet a range of people, including Paralympian Stephen McGuire, who lives with muscular dystrophy.
The Information Day takes place on Saturday 28 March 2026 and is organised by the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
The event will feature a full programme of talks and discussions on managing fatigue, mental health and wellbeing, inclusive education, and disability sport, along with networking opportunities. You’ll hear from leading voices in research and healthcare as well as people with lived experience, with plenty of time to ask questions and explore the support available through Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Jacqueline Munro, Head of Regional Support and Outreach at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “We’re delighted to host the Information Day and look forward to welcoming people from across the whole of the Scotland.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community to access expert information and support, learn more about our services, and, importantly, connect with others living with muscle wasting or weakening conditions.
“It’s a chance to share tips, advice, and build lasting relationships with peers, ensuring that no one faces their journey alone.”
The event will run 10am – 5pm, at Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk FK2 9AD.
Spaces are limited, so sign up today: musculardystrophyuk.org/Scotland
Lunch and refreshments will be provided and there is a Changing Places facility onsite available. A special thanks to Euan’s Guide, the Teapot Trust, In Control Scotland and Scottish Disability Sport for supporting the day.
The Information Day is part of a series of events happening across the UK including York (28 Feb 2026) and Birmingham (14 March 2026). With dates for Northern Ireland and Wales to be announced.
Contact Muscular Dystrophy UK with any Information Days enquiries on
infoday@musculardystrophyuk.org.
Discover other events happening in your area at musculardystrophyuk.org/events
For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit: musculardystrophyuk.org
or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).
Photo credit @ Muscular Dystrophy UK / Jonathan Ryder
At its 14th meeting, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) emphasized that measles and rubella elimination and verification remain priorities for the WHO European Region and globally.
Based on reports submitted for 2024 and previous years, the RVC concluded that:
The RVC noted with concern the loss of measles elimination status in some Member States, including some with high-performing immunization programmes. The situation in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for increased political and financial commitment from countries and international organizations.
Considering the vast majority of reported cases were among unimmunized individuals, the RVC reiterated that to achieve measles and rubella elimination, as recommended by WHO, sustained coverage of at least 95% with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines is needed.
The RVC encouraged all Member States to increase activities to achieve sufficient immunization coverage and close all remaining immunity gaps, focusing especially on vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The RVC also encouraged all Member States to enhance surveillance systems to improve case detection and capture more epidemiological and laboratory data to allow adequate analysis and the identification of transmission chains and outbreak sources.
The RVC is also concerned with the absence of the timely detection of and adequate immunization response to measles outbreaks, which are critical to stop measles virus transmission once the virus has been imported into a population with susceptible individuals.
The further building of response capacities, and understanding of the consequences if adequate response measures, including immunization, are not taken on time, must be priorities for health systems and decision-makers in all Member States.
The 14th RVC meeting report, including the full text of conclusions and recommendations, is pending publication.
Table: RVC conclusions on measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2024
| Member State | Measles | Rubella |
| Albania | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Andorra | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Armenia | Re-established | Eliminated |
| Austria | Re-established | Eliminated |
| Azerbaijan | Re-established | Eliminated |
| Belarus | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Belgium | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Endemic | Subject to provision of additional data |
| Bulgaria | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Croatia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Cyprus | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Czechia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Denmark | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Estonia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Finland | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| France | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Georgia | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Germany | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Greece | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Hungary | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Iceland | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Ireland | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Israel | No report | No report |
| Italy | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Kazakhstan | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Kyrgyzstan | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Latvia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Lithuania | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Luxembourg | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Malta | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Monaco | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Montenegro | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Netherlands (Kingdom of the) | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| North Macedonia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Norway | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Poland | Endemic | Subject to provision of additional data |
| Portugal | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Republic of Moldova | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Romania | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Russian Federation | Endemic | Eliminated |
| San Marino | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Serbia | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Slovakia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Slovenia | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Spain | Re-established | Eliminated |
| Sweden | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Switzerland | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Tajikistan | Interrupted 12 months | Eliminated |
| Türkiye | Endemic | Eliminated |
| Turkmenistan | Eliminated | Eliminated |
| Ukraine | Endemic | Subject to provision of additional data |
| United Kingdom | Re-established | Eliminated |
| Uzbekistan | Re-established | Eliminated |
UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status:
RETURN OF MAMIA NEW PARENT FUND
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
Now in its second year, the Mamia New Parent Fund will continue supporting new parents with the cost of everyday essentials after welcoming a new baby, with nearly a fifth (17%) of new parents saying recurring nappy purchases are among the biggest, unexpected costs.
The supermarket is giving away £100 Aldi vouchers every week in Edinburgh throughout 2026, totalling £5,200 to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to baby food and toiletries.
The news comes as Aldi unveils new data showing the significant savings available to parents who choose Mamia nappies. Parents using Mamia nappies could save up to £380 over the first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.
The return of the fund reinforces the UK’s fourth largest supermarket’s ongoing commitment to helping families make their money go further through the Mamia range, which offers award-winning quality at unbeatable prices.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We know that welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it can also bring unexpected financial challenges at a time when every penny counts.
“The response to last year’s Fund showed us just how much parents value this support, with thousands applying. That’s why we’re bringing the Mamia New Parent Fund back for 2026 to continue giving families a helping hand with those everyday essentials.”
Aldi’s Mamia range includes nappies, wipes, baby food and toiletries, all rigorously tested to meet the same high standards as branded equivalents but at a fraction of the cost.
Aldi was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop.
New parents who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.ukwith a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.
For full terms and conditions, visit:
