Payit by NatWest provides Utilita with a simple and safe way for their customers to top up their smart meter or wallet
Payit™ is now available to customers through the My Utilita app to allow them to instantly add funds to their smart meter or wallet.
Payit™’s open banking technology means no card details are required and no customer’s sensitive information will be stored by a third party.
Digital alternative to card payments that negates the need for One Time Passcode.
The UK’s leader in smart Pay As You Go energy and the original pro-pocket, pro-planet supplier, Utilita, has rolled out NatWest’s multi award-winning1 open banking payments solution Payit™, to enable their customers to instantly add funds to their smart meter or wallet through the My Utilita app.
Utilita currently has more than 800k households using their services and as part of their mission to offer consumers better service and a fairer deal has added the Payit service.
Adding Pay by Bank from Payit as a payment option in the My Utilita app allows customers to instantly add funds to their smart meter or wallet.
Powered by open banking technology through payments initiation, Payit™ by NatWest provides customers with an additional digital payment method to be able to manage their energy payments in a safe and simple way.
This means that Utilita customers can link their bank account and experience one-click payments with reduced friction caused by the need for a card and One Time Passcodes.
The use of Strong Customer Authentication to prove the account is live and accessible and means sharing account information digitally, in real time also removes the risk of manual error.
The option is available to all Utilita customers using the My Utilita app with a bank account with access to online banking or a mobile banking app.
James Hodgson, CEO of Payit™ by NatWest, comments: “We are delighted to be helping Utilita leverage the benefits of open banking through Payit to streamline and simplify making and collecting payments.
“Payit™’s safe and secure platform provides a flexible and seamless way for people to make payments directly from their bank accounts and for businesses to improve their operational costs.”
Utilita Founder and CEO, Bill Bullen, comments: “At Utilita, we’re constantly innovating and developing solutions to ensure our customers have a smooth journey on our award-winning My Utilita app. We are immensely grateful to Procode for providing us with the required technical expertise to enable easy access of Payit on the My Utilita app for our customers.
“With Payit, our customers can make secure and fast payments directly from their bank account, via mobile banking. The added security afforded by open banking technology also massively reduces the risk of sensitive information such as card details falling into the wrong hands. Payit offers an efficient and secure service – one that will make life easier for many of our customers.”
Payit™ by NatWest offers key benefits to businesses and their customers, including:
Speed: Payit™ directly opens the customer’s banking app of choice and allows them to select the appropriate bank account to pay with. Transactions are completed quickly and securely and businesses receive funds immediately.
Simple and secure: As there is no need for card details to be stored by a third party, the risk of online fraud is minimised, allowing both the business and customer peace of mind.
Cash flow management: Instant availability of funds is essential for businesses managing cash flow.
Reduced transaction costs for the business.
1 2023 Banking Tech Project Awards Best Use of Tech in Payments, Best Open Banking Initiative at Payment Awards 2024
Expansion of pricing structure to offer greater flexibility for families
SCOTLAND’S only all-boys’ independent boarding and day school has introduced a new day pupil option, offering families greater choice and a pricing structure that prioritises clarity, transparency and value.
The existing wraparound care option available at Merchiston Castle School for day boys, now known as “Day Plus” remains unchanged, offering a full day of lessons, co-curricular activities, wraparound care until 9pm, and two hot meals – an offering which has proven popular with busy, working families.
Now, a new “Day” option is being introduced that covers the core academic school day (8am to 4.30pm) and lunch, priced at £24,000 per annum.
Unlike many other independent schools, the quoted price is all-inclusive, with no additional charges for lunch or other standard services, providing full transparency and removing the burden of hidden extras often found elsewhere in the sector.
The new “Day” structure has been created in direct response to the changing financial pressures facing families in 2025, including the introduction of VAT on school fees and wider inflationary challenges. In addition, a new flexible boarding package has been introduced giving families a two-night boarding option.
Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Board of Governors, welcomes the move as an important step in ensuring the school remains accessible to a broad range of families.
He said: “Merchiston has a long-standing reputation for excellence in both education and character development. By expanding our day offering, we are responding to the wider challenges following the introduction of VAT and rising inflation this year, while demonstrating that as a business we are agile and responsive to the needs of our families, both existing and prospective.
“The introduction of a flexible day offering is a natural evolution for the school. It ensures we continue to provide the highest quality education while recognising the diverse and changing needs of families.
“We want to ensure that more families can benefit from the exceptional education and sporting facilities available across our 100 acre campus, and with class sizes averaging around 16 students, we believe our new day proposition will be very attractive to local families.”
Founded nearly 200 years ago, the introduction of this new structure reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of modern families, while maintaining the highest standard of academic excellence, pastoral care and co-curricular activities.
The school’s boarding provision, for which it is renowned, will remain unchanged, with Merchiston continuing to offer a vibrant and nurturing environment for students who choose to board.
Founded in Edinburgh in 1833, Merchiston Castle School is Scotland’s only all-boys independent day and boarding school. It focuses on providing a transformative educational experience that nurtures young men to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals.
Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep is inspired by the legendary gameshow and arrived at the Chesser store on 16 April 2025. Lucky shopper Amy Utzinger. who was chosen as the winner of a competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for CHAS.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Amy’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Amy Utzinger, said:“What a fantastic experience! I’ve never had five minutes fly by so quickly.
“I had a strategy all planned out, but it flew right out of my head as soon as I started, and I just started grabbing things.
“The people at Aldi were so kind and helpful, and I was so pleased to help CHAS get more donations, they deserve every penny. Thanks so much to Aldi for a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
“Our work to keep the joy alive for children and families is made possible by the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, supporters and fundraisers, and partnerships with organisations like Aldi Scotland, without whom we could not deliver our vital services for children and families to ensure that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our annual Supermarket Sweep holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, and we’re so pleased to bring it back for another year. Congratulations to Amy who managed to raise a fantastic £726.77 for CHAS, while snapping up a whole load of Aldi favourites for herself.
“CHAS is an incredible organisation which does invaluable work for families in Scotland. We are committed to raising as much money as possible so the charity can continue to provide vital hospice care to children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”
For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:
This time, we will be working with some experienced gardeners from our local Salvation Army North, who are going to share some plants and plant cutting from their garden .
We already have some plant pots and are looking for donations of both indoor and outdoor plants, plant cuttings and seeds.
And remember, you do not need to bring a plant to swap on the day, we hope to have some variety on offer for everyone needing some for their houses or gardens.
POLICE are appealing for information following a crash involving a pedestrian and a car on Ashley Terrace.
The incident happened around 12.30pm yesterday (Monday, 28 April, 2025) and involved a black BMW 118i Sport.
Emergency services attended and the 80-year-old female pedestrian was taken the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious injuries.
The female driver did not require medical treatment.
The road was closed and re-opened around 5pm.
Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and I would appeal to anyone with any information to please contact police.
“I’m also keen to speak to any drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dash-cam footage which has captured something of significance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 1421 of 28 April, 2025.”
Lothians list MSP, Foysol Choudhury, has called for an immediate pause on proposed cuts to vital community mental health services in the city, urging the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board (EIJB) to undertake a thorough strategic assessment of the city’s mental health provision.
The Labour MSP argues that the current decision-making process lacks the necessary time and consideration to evaluate the long-term impact on those who rely on these essential services.
The call comes in response to proposed cuts, including the potential cancellation of a £188,000 contract with Change Mental Health for the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative leaving 650 people with mental health challenges and mental health illness without support, Foysol Choudhury MSP, emphasised the need for proper planning, engagement with stakeholders, and an evidence-based approach to reforming mental health services in Edinburgh.
Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, a charity which runs services under the Thriving Spaces and Places initiative, has strongly criticised the approach taken by the EIJB, highlighting the flaws in both the economic and clinical rationale behind the cuts.
He stated: “On economic, clinical, and process grounds, the Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board has approached this all wrong. It’s outrageous and short-sighted that vulnerable people will not be getting the support they need.
“Thrive and the wider Edinburgh third sector recognise the tight budgetary environment and the case for reform. However, this is not about scrapping services entirely. It’s about working together to redesign services that meet the needs of our communities.
“Removing the services will not remove the need and will just shift it to more expensive NHS services. We estimate that the Stafford Centre alone saves the NHS £4 million a year at a cost of only £188,000.
“The decision to remove funding risks undermining the stability and quality of services that so many depend on. It would be devastating to the population of Edinburgh.
“This approach, if carried forward, would leave Edinburgh as an outlier in Western Europe, where other cities continue to support community-based mental health services as an essential part of their healthcare systems.
“We call upon the EIJB and in particular the councillors on it, to reject this self-defeating proposal and instead work collaboratively with the third sector to redesign services to save money and deliver support for our city’s most vulnerable.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP pointed out that the proposal threatens to destabilise key services such as drop-in support, carer services, and veteran support, which have been fundamental in improving the mental health and wellbeing of hundreds of Edinburgh residents.
The lack of consultation and the rushed timeline undermine the collaborative approach that was promised after earlier breakdowns in communication with third-sector partners.
Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said:“This is not just an issue for those directly impacted by these cuts. It is a question of public health, social cohesion, and responsible governance.
“Do Councillors, MSPs, and MPs across Edinburgh fully understand the magnitude of the decisions being made in their names? The risks associated with these cuts are profound, and it is crucial that we pause to reassess the long-term impact on mental health provision and the health system as a whole.”
Foysol Choudhury MSP concluded by calling for urgent engagement with the third sector, health professionals, and local communities to ensure a sustainable and effective redesign of services that meets the needs of the city’s population.
Mr. Choudhury also suggested a full review of the process before any further cuts are made.
Incorrectly discarded batteries and electrical devices cause more than 1,200 waste fires every year in the UK – with the number of fires growing by more than 70% year on year.
Total annual cost of battery-related waste fires now in excess of £1bn – threatening vital infrastructure and placing additional burden on taxpayers
Every UK household on average incorrectly discards nearly 6kg of electrical items each year and more than 3,000 batteries are chucked out every minute
New independent research recommends that rolling out council kerbside collections for small electrical devices and batteries across the UK could solve the problem and save more than £6billion associated with battery fires over the coming decade
A coalition representing the waste management sector and local authorities have written to Defra minister, Mary Creagh, calling for urgent policy reform to implement universal kerbside collection of batteries and waste electricals, and to ensure producers of these products pay their fair share for this vital new service
Implementing universal kerbside collections for waste batteries and electricals across the UK could save £6bn over the next decade by increasing recycling and avoiding the costs associated with waste fires.
This was the key finding of independent research conducted by expert consultancy Eunomia for the Environmental Services Association (ESA), published today (30th April 2025), which investigated the costs and benefits of various options for collecting small waste electrical devices and batteries at the kerbside.
Only a quarter (100 of 391) of local authorities currently offer kerbside collection for small mixed waste electric and electronic equipment, which includes devices like old mobile phones, electric toothbrushes, vapes, power tools and toys – but these voluntary services only cover around 23% of households in the UK, and collection methods vary significantly between participating councils.
Because of this lack of convenient and consistent recycling options, waste electrical items, which often contain powerful batteries, are commonly (but incorrectly) discarded in the general rubbish or mixed with other recycling – where they can explode or ignite and pose a significant fire risk.
It is estimated that every household, on average, incorrectly discards nearly 6kg of waste electricals each year – or 155,000 tonnes in total.
Furthermore, Material Focus reports that 1.6 billion batteries were thrown away in 2023/24 in the UK, or 3,000 every minute – with just over a billion of these hidden in electrical devices.
This has contributed to what recycling and waste operators are calling an ‘epidemic’ of battery fires. In 2023, more than 1,200 serious battery-related fires in waste facilities or vehicles were reported and the problem is rapidly growing year on year – with a 70% increase in fires between 2022 and 2023 alone.
The total annual cost of the impacts of battery-related waste fires in the UK is now estimated at more than £1billion. These costs have sky-rocketed from previous estimates, owing to increased frequency of incidents and higher associated costs of the impacts (such as repairs, insurance premiums and public service impacts etc).
The risks posed by battery fires include not just the obvious risks to peoples’ safety but also damage and downtime to essential infrastructure; the loss of valuable recyclable materials, and pollution to water-courses and the wider environment.
In its report, Eunomia recommends that the best way to address this growing epidemic of battery fires is to implement universal kerbside collections of batteries and small waste electrical devices as part of normal council recycling collections – making correct recycling more convenient for all householders, not just those living in councils where collections already happen.
The report suggests that the best cost/benefit balance would be achieved by retrofitting existing refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) with external cages, where possible, to safely store batteries and small waste electricals – collecting them on existing recycling rounds. This would be supported by both national and local communications campaigns, which would be enabled and made more cost-effective by a consistent approach across the country.
If such a scheme were rolled out today, Eunomia estimates that the number of waste fires would drop correspondingly (with anticipated increased compliance levels) from over 700 a year to just over 100, and that the capital expenditure needed to implement the new service would equate to around just 70 pence per household.
Responsibility for this service would continue to fall to local authorities, but the relatively modest additional operational expense could be supported by producers of batteries and electrical devices under a reformed Extended Producer Responsibility regime – which UK Government consulted on in early 2024.
Chairman of the Environmental Services Association, and Chief Executive Officer of Biffa, Michael Topham, said: “The UK is facing a growing epidemic of battery-related waste fires which threatens lives, vital infrastructure and the environment.
“Whether discarded on their own or hidden inside electronic devices, batteries wreak havoc when they are thrown in the wrong bin, but this sadly happens all too often because of a lack of convenient recycling options for householders.
“Eunomia’s report provides clear evidence of the huge benefits of implementing a nation-wide kerbside WEEE and battery recycling scheme – not just for preventing fires and protecting infrastructure but also realising a £6billion economic benefit while supporting a more circular economy for batteries and waste electricals.
“We urge government to commit to rolling out mandatory universal kerbside recycling services for waste electricals and batteries, and to ensure all parties pay their fair share towards delivering them.”
Leyla Lugal, Principal Consultant at Eunomia, adds: “Lithium battery fires are hurting people, the economy, and the environment.
“With the number of electrical products on the market set to rise, this problem will get worse without intervention. The only way to implement change effectively and cost-efficiently is through collective action, ensuring strong communications campaigns and widespread national engagement.
“Some local authorities are already undertaking safer battery collections. This research highlights the wide-ranging benefits of such measures, but to drive real progress, we need policy reform as a catalyst for broader industry and consumer change.”
Jon Hastings, Chair of the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO), said:“Fires in waste collection vehicles and treatment facilities pose a risk to staff working in this critical industry, and are causing operational disruption and higher costs for local authorities.
“It is essential that producers are made responsible for the costs of providing more convenient collection services for batteries and small electrical items to help tackle this growing and dangerous issue, and as such NAWDO joins with the ESA in urging the Government to bring forward the proposed reforms to WEEE regulations as a matter of urgency.”
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Lead Member for Transport and Waste at Somerset Council, said: “Collection of batteries from the kerbside is positive for both our residents and the environment.
“Batteries are becoming more prominent in the things we use everyday. Introducing the collection of batteries and small electricals was a simple way to make sure the right thing was done with them.
“We know Somerset residents are keen to recycle, our recycling rates are in the top 10% in England and more than 100 tonnes of small batteries and electricals were collected from the kerbside last year.”
James Kelly, CEO of the British Metals Recycling Association, said: “The increase in the number of fires across the waste industry is deeply concerning. Be they caused by waste electricals and electronic equipment or orphan lithium-ion batteries, urgent action clearly needs to be taken.
“The best way to tackle this is by introducing a kerbside collection scheme, which would make it easier and simpler for the householder to recycle these items.
“However, this would need to be supported by a national communications campaign to educate householders about the dangers of the incorrect disposal of WEEE and orphan batteries.”
Toni McNamara, Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) Executive Director, said:“While there is no consensus on local authority-operated collections from LARAC membership, we strongly support producer-funded battery and small WEEE collection schemes, and any initiatives focused on reducing the risk of battery fires.”
Leading film education charity, Into Film, has today announced this year’s Into Film Awards nominees including three nominations for filmmakers and filmmaking teams based in Scotland.
Nominated for the Time forAction Award (Sponsored by Swatch) are 8 young people aged 16-19 from CITADEL YOUTH CENTRE, Leithfor the film Can we talk about Mental Health.
The filmmakers are Holly Watson (18), Nyah Sallan (16), Sophie Hunter Little (16), Brian Hainey (17), Levi Bennet (18), Ellie Pullar (18), Joshua Moohan (19), Jack Fyffe (18).
This call to action film utilises many different kinds of animation to highlight not only the mental health struggles that many young people face, but to also address the systemic difficulties that exist in trying to access support. In the young people’s own voices this is a direct plea asking all of us, from teachers to government ministers, to do better.
Nominated for the Best Film – 16-19 (Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery) are 9 filmmakers aged 17-19 from West Pilton’s SCREEN EDUCATION EDINBURGH for the film Come Inside.
The filmmakers are Aaron McCrossan (19), Allair Ayeni (18), Ben Emmel (18) CJ Reeder (17), Emma White (18), Jasmine Mooney (17), Kirk Kerrane (18), Lili Quigley (19) and Albie Kerlaff (17).
In this deeply affecting drama, a young woman named Mia tries her best to take her of ailing father, who is suffering from early-onset dementia, his memory and mental faculties diminishing by the day.
Nominated for Best Story (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios) is 14 year old Edward Ryan from Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway for the film More Than One Way to Go Home.
Inspired by the filmmaker’s own personal experiences, this film follows a young autistic girl, who has to find her own way home when her brother leaves her to fend for herself. A well shot film that conveys some of the difficulties that autistic people might experience. Nominees in this category were selected from among all of the films submitted to this year’s Into Film Awards, across all categories
The Awards, sponsored by the UK film industry, celebrate young people’s creativity in film, showcasing and highlighting the wealth of tomorrow’s creative talent.
Young people from across the UK whose short films have been nominated across the Awards categories will be recognised at a glitzy afternoon ceremony, which has previously been attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry including Daniel Craig, Lashana Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Lily James, Luke Evans, Gemma Arterton, Charles Dance, Ruth Wilson, Bill Nighy, Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman and Naomie Harris.
This year’s nominated films cover a wide range of compelling and timely subjects for young people including mental health, the war in Ukraine, gender identity, neurodivergence, multiculturism, the potential harms of AI, feeling disconnected and isolated in modern society, nature conservation, immigration and identity, looking after an unwell parent, the need to stop scrolling on social media, and much more.
The nominees have been recognised across 11 awards categories in different age groups and the winners will be announced and presented with their awards by stars of the film and entertainment industry at the afternoon ceremony at Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square, on June 24 in London.
The award ceremony will be hosted by BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, BAFTA TV winner, actor, presenter and author Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.
This year’s Into Film Awards received an unprecedented number of film entries from children and young people across the UK. Into Film believes that every child should be given the chance to learn hands-on filmmaking skills and be able to tell their own stories in film, which is the central aim of its Young Creatives programme, supported by the BFI awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding.
14 year old Edward Ryan has said: “I’m over the moon to have been nominated, I feel very happy that my film has been chosen for the Best Story category.
“It makes it feel like all the hard work has been worth it. Filmmaking is important to me because I enjoy it and it allows me to express myself in ways I was unable to before.”
17 year old Albie Kerlaff, part of theScreen Education Edinburgh filmmaking team, said: “I’m extremely excited that Come Inside has been selected — there aren’t enough opportunities like the Into Film Awards, so being part of this feels very special.
“I felt like Scorsese for a minute… then spilled my drink on my T-shirt, which brought me back down a bit! Films, to me, are a little like sandboxes where I can explore and play with emotions. Both watching and making films have been a constant way for me to process my feelings since I was small, and I hope they always will be.”
Lesley Williamson of Citadel Youth Centrehas said: “We are thrilled to be nominated for this award. This is a great achievement for the young people involved.
“This film speaks from the young people’s hearts and is very open, honest and raw. All the young people involved have never had the opportunity to create a film before, and the fact they chose this outlet to discuss their mental health and the (lack of) support offered to them regarding their mental health says a lot about the film making process and how it can bring people together.
“This film discusses the mental health crisis, support available for young people and how they are made to feel regarding government funding allocation. At a time where third sector organisations are facing substantial cuts to their funding (we personally have faced a 72% funding cut from Edinburgh Council), this film was organically created by the young people expressing their views and how this impacts them.
“This topic is important to the young filmmakers as it speaks about issues that are close to them and is an honest representation of how they have been made to feel.
“All the young film makers involved are from homes that face low income, poverty, areas of deprivation and struggles with their mental health so this is a true representation of how young people are impacted by socio-economic differences.”
Actor, Presenter, author and host of this year’s awards Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE has said: “I am really honoured to be the 2025 Into Film Awards host and I am so impressed with the creativity and brilliance of all the young people involved.
“The standard of the nominated films is extraordinarily high and just shows how important it is to give young people a voice through filmmaking.”
Rose is a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and a BAFTA TV winner, and she recently won an RTS and a Broadcast award for her work as the first deaf presenter of live sport hosted at the 2024 Paralympics; her stage debut in As You Like it was has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award and won the Stage Debut Award and she is the recipient of the Visionary Honours for Inspirational Person of the Year.
This year alone has already seen her front her second documentary for the BBC, release her first children’s book Marvellous Messages and appear in critically acclaimed BBC drama Reunion. Next, she will next guest star in an episode of Dr Who and lead ITV drama Code of Silence on 18th May.
THE NOMINEES ARE:
Best Animation – 5-11 (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK)
Cae yr Arth (Cae the Bear)
Made by a class of 30 young people aged 9-10 from Caedraw Primary School – Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Feeling disillusioned by life in a bustling city, a kindly bear stumbles upon a rare piece of nature, and decides to try and help it flourish. But despite his best efforts, the big city may not be the right environment…
Offline Virus
Made by Dulcie-Bella, aged 11 – Banbury, England
Animated in a striking Japanese-influenced manga style, this vibrant music video shows a social media-obsessed girl losing all of her colour and vitality as she spends too much time online.
The Wellington Cobbler and Wrekin Giant
Made by 23 young people aged 8-11 from the film club at Meadows Primary School and Nursery – Ketley, England
Visible from their own film club window, this stop motion animation depicts the myth of how The Wrekin, a famous hill in Shropshire, was supposedly formed, by way of a clever shoe repairman and a fiendish giant…
Best Animation – 12-19 (Sponsored by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK)
And Then What?
Made by Evie, aged 18 – Croydon, England
Created with animation software Blender, this short 3D animation is a cautionary tale about pervasive social media and the risk of jumping to conclusions, as two friends discuss a classic case of crossed wires.
Animated Voices
Made by 10 young people aged 13-14 working with Gritty Realism Productions – Cardiff, Wales
Made by young people living in Cardiff that hail from ethnic minority backgrounds, this animation sees them exploring their personal experiences of life in the UK, in their own words, and using their own animation.
Mouse House
Made by Katie, aged 16, from Pate’s Grammar School – Cheltenham, England
In this charming stop motion animation for all ages, a family of mice set out for a local allotment in search of food, only to return home and find that one of their number has been left behind to fend for himself. Will he ever make it back home to the Mouse House?
Best Documentary (Sponsored by IMDb)
The Freedom of the Sea
Made by Rosie, age 17, from Varndean College – Brighton, England
Having emigrated in the wake of the Iranian revolution in the 1970s, one family – now long-settled in Brighton – discuss the difficult decision to leave their home, and the way being able to swim in the sea together is a perfect encapsulation of the freedom they found in the UK.
Kicking through Transition
Made by Indy, aged 15 – Woking, England
A teenager named Indy reminisces about his decision to come out as trans, and how that decision went on to affect his passion for playing football and his love of the beautiful game.
Mariupol
Made by Daria Savchenko, aged 18, from Gower College – Swansea, Wales
This affecting documentary sees one woman recounting her harrowing experiences in Mariupol, Ukraine, as the Russian invasion unexpectedly turned her life upside down. And though she’s now settled in Swansea, Wales, her testimony demonstrates the extreme and enduring trauma that many survivors continue to face.
Time for Action (Sponsored by Swatch)
Can we talk about Mental Health
Made by 8 young people aged 16-19 from Citadel Youth Centre – Edinburgh, Scotland
This call to action utilises many different kinds of animation to highlight not only the mental health struggles that many young people face, but to also address the systemic difficulties that exist in trying to access support. In the young people’s own voices this is a direct plea asking all of us, from teachers to government ministers, to do better.
Severn Wild
Made by 18 young people aged 16-19 working with MediaActive Projects and BFI Film Academy – Wem, England
This lyrical film is an impassioned plea to protect our country’s rivers, using beautiful animation, historical materials, and a poetic script to detail the far-reaching and catastrophic effects that humanity and civilisation have had on the River Severn, but also highlighting hopeful plans to restore the river and return it to a more natural state.
Tipping Point
Made by Araminta, aged 16 – Conwy, Wales
A short film that nevertheless packs a mighty punch, this is a stark wake-up call for anyone who’s ever found themselves spending hours mindlessly scrolling on their phone; a film with a vital message, urging and reminding us all to live our lives to the fullest.
Best Film – 5-11 (Sponsored by Working Title Films)
Ballet d’Or
Made by Fletcher, aged 11, and Jude, aged 9 – Newcastle, England
Eight year old Frankie finds himself caught between two passions when he contemplates quitting ballet to focus on football, until he makes a surprising discovery about his football coach that changes everything.
S.I. – Superficial Intelligence
Made by 20 young people aged 10-11 from Burnham Market Primary School – Burnham Market, England
Worried by the amount of homework they’ve been given, two children build their own deep thinking artificial intelligence robot named S.I. to complete all their homework for them. However, the more S.I. learns, the more out of control it seems to become…
Ynyr yr Ysbryd (Ynyr the Ghost)
Made by Briall (aged 10), Celt (10), Elai (9) and Fflur (10), from Clwb Ffilm Dyffryn Nantlle – Penygroes, Wales
When a young boy named Ynyr wakes up as a ghost, he finds that the experience isn’t as fun as he might have imagined. And when he’s interviewed for the local news channel about his lonely new existence, he draws the attention of the Council of Ghosts… can they help him find his place?
Best Film – 12-15 (Sponsored by Paramount Pictures)
Daydreaming
Made by 24 young people aged 11-14 from Sawston Village College – Cambridge, England
Seemingly caught daydreaming in their classes, we see the inner thoughts of three pupils. Between a meeting with artist Frida Kahlo, an encounter with Isaac Newton, and even a trip back in time to the Battle of Hastings, it’s clear that vacant looks and blank faces in the classroom may not always be telling the whole story!
Superhero School
Made by 11 young people aged 12-13 from Park School – Belfast, Northern Ireland
In a school for superheroes, the rivalry between Speedy and Quicklight usually ends with Speedy in front. However, that all changes when Quicklight steals Speedy’s superpowered trainers. Can the class of colourful heroes band together to help Speedy regain his powers?
Vacation
Made by Indi, aged 15 – Waterlooville, England
Bored out of his mind, a teenage boy finds himself captivated by a mysterious new video game. As he becomes increasingly hooked, he finds that eating, hygiene, and all other aspects of life simply fade away, until a concerned neighbour finally comes to check on him. But not all is as it seems…
Best Film – 16-19 (Sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery)
Beware the Zoomies: An Unsolved Mystery
Made by Araminta, Cole, Micah, and Ethan – Conwy, Wales
In this pitch-perfect and very funny documentary pastiche, one poor girl’s unfortunate case of ‘the zoomies’ is explored by a doctor, her two long-suffering friends, and the uncontrollably energetic victim herself.
Come Inside
Made by 9 filmmakers aged 17-19 from Screen Education Edinburgh – Edinburgh, Scotland
In this deeply affecting drama, a young woman named Mia tries her best to take her of ailing father, who is suffering from early-onset dementia, his memory and mental faculties diminishing by the day.
No Dice
Made by Grace Holt, aged 19, from Wales High School – Sheffield, England
Four people of a certain age embark on an epic fantasy adventure by virtue of a role playing board game in this hilarious comedy that makes great use of special effects, and shows that there’s no age limit on having fun.
Best Story (Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios)
Nominees in this category were selected from among all of the films submitted to this year’s Into Film Awards, across all categories
Deadlines
Made by Ben Melocha, aged 19 – Leicester, England
As the work piles up, a put-upon office worker lashes out and discovers something sinister and unsettling about her office computer. This smart, David Cronenberg-inspired horror taps into modern insecurities around AI and the replaceability of humans in the face of ever-advancing machines, as well as commenting on the faceless, sterile nature of some corporate jobs, and the mental health struggles that can arise when the pressures of work become overwhelming.
More Than One Way to Go Home
Made by Edward, aged 14 – Sanquhar, Scotland
Inspired by the filmmaker’s own personal experiences, this film follows a young autistic girl, who has to find her own way home when her brother leaves her to fend for herself. A well shot film that conveys some of the difficulties that autistic people can face, and demonstrates how the right support can be key to overcoming those challenges.
Tragicake
Made by a group of 10 young people aged 18-19 from the BFI Film Academy – Holywood, Northern Ireland
On her 18th birthday, a girl sets out to bake the perfect birthday cake. However, a past baking misadventure hangs heavy on her shoulders and comes back to haunt her in unexpected ways. Can she overcome her baking demons? It is a funny, smartly made film with a lovely story about perseverance and putting past mistakes behind us.
Ones To Watch (Sponsored by EON Productions)
The following are our chosen 2025 Ones to Watch
Dinah Naitamu, aged 18 – London, England
Dinah is a director, writer and actor who is currently attending the London Screen Academy. Her biggest goal is to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups, both in front of and behind the camera, and tell stories that are often excluded from the mainstream.
In 20 years, she wants to be halfway to EGOT status (winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award), and working with the likes of Zendaya, Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri.
Indi, aged 15 – Waterlooville, England
Indi is one of only two people to receive multiple nominations at this year’s Into Film Awards. He was also nominated at last year’s Into Film Awards for his film film Saving Yourself (and the World), which went on to be nominated for several other film festival awards, including the Horsham Film Festival.
Indi is a prolific filmmaker who has already created two horror films and a short production for his Film Studies GCSE this year, as well helping a local drama group create and edit a series of short films.
This year he plans to enter more film festivals, including Brighton Rocks, and aspires to one day have a film shortlisted by the Sundance Film Festival.
Michael Smith, aged 18 – Newton Aycliffe, England
Michael started making films at just 8-years-old, and by 16 his first feature film, documentary Streets of Steel: The History Of Witton Park, was screened at Witton Park Village Hall in January 2024.
The positive response he received from the local community underlined how important and successful his commitment to unearthing hidden histories has proved. Continuing in this vein, Michael has recently been commissioned by Teescraft Engineering and councillors from Durham County Council to create a documentary on the Stockton and Darlington Railway to celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025.
This dedication to working with and in his local community is also apparent in Michael’s work with Kynren (an outdoor theatre event) and the Hardwick Live music festival. Michael has also volunteered as a videographer for Bishop Auckland FC for the past 5 years, filming matches and conducting post-match interviews.
Filmmaking Champions (Sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd.)
The following are all Into Film Awards 2025 Filmmaking Champions
Dale Forder from St Luke’s CE Primary School – Northampton, England Dale has been supporting young people’s filmmaking since 2021. He started working on film projects during the COVID lockdown, when working with youth theatre groups and needing to find alternate ways for them to be creative without directly working in large groups, as well as a way to demonstrate their progress to parents.
Dale now runs an extra-curricular film club at St Luke’s CE Primary School in Northampton. The club is available to children across years 1-6, with the older children often helping the younger ones, helping them learn responsibilities and the importance of helping others.
Dale strives to give the young people as much creative freedom as possible and encourages them to only create films that help tackle topical issues of importance to young people. Previous films include You Are Enough, a film about exam stress and secondary school anxiety; Dyslexia & Me, a documentary/drama hybrid exploring children’s understanding of dyslexia (which won Best Film – 11 and Under at the 2024 Into Film Awards); and their most recent project, Navigating The Net, which is about internet and computer safety.
Steve Swindon from TAPE Community Music and Film – Llandudno, Wales Steve runs TAPE Community Music and Film, a community arts charity in North Wales that he started 17 years ago, where filmmaking is a cornerstone of their work.
A lot of TAPE’s recent work has been with young people at Ysgol Y Gogarth, an additional learning needs school in Llandudno. Working with 16-19 year olds with a wide range of additional needs, Steve strives to be a creative advocate for the ideas and ambitions of the young people he works with.
He is committed to creative inclusion and encouraging new ways of working, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to have their ambitions and ideas heard and explored through film.
St. Colmcille’s Primary School – Crossgar, Northern Ireland Based in a small, rural community, where young people face a number of challenges, and limited access to opportunities and the arts, St. Colmcille’s has gone above and beyond in using film to broaden the horizons of its pupils and open up a world of possibilities.
In February 2022 the school began a cross-circular project focused on the use of film. Departments across the school worked together to provide pupils with a range of transferable film-based skills, weaving filmmaking into normal lessons, and ultimately seeing each class create their own films.
Now, each year they host a glitzy premiere evening, complete with red carpet, a limousine, photo booth, ‘paparazzi’ and popcorn, giving the young filmmakers and the wider community – a unique and unforgettable experience.
Edinburgh International Mural Festival (EIMF) will make its debut at The Paper Factory this June, in collaboration with Hidden Door.
EIMF is set to revolutionise the city’s public spaces, harnessing the power of street art to inspire, connect, and transform communities. The organisations bold mission is to turn Edinburgh into a global hub for street art, driving urban renewal, sparking vital conversations, and boosting the city’s international reputation.
EIMF brings together local and international artists to create vibrant, community-driven murals that reflect the unique identity of each neighbourhood. These large-scale artworks don’t just beautify the city—they foster pride, stimulate economic growth, and revitalise local businesses.
Committed to inclusivity, EIMF ensures all projects are accessible to people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. By breaking down barriers and challenging preconceptions, the festival empowers everyone to be an artist and a storyteller.
EIMF is more than art on walls – it’s a platform for social commentary, environmental responsibility and sustainable urban development.
EIMF founder and director Ross Blair tells us: “We are super excited to be able to launch EIMF alongside our friends at Hidden Door.
“Hidden Door have been at the grass roots of the arts in Edinburgh for over a decade, establishing meaningful creative networks across the sector. We Hope EIMF can establish itself with the Edinburgh festival landscape over coming years.
“Edinburgh International Mural Festival is not just a festival, it’s a year-round programme on a mission to elevate muralism and street art culture. Offering a platform for artists to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation of muralists.
“Join us in celebrating a bold new chapter for mural art in Scotland.”
For more information, partnership opportunities, or to get involved, visit the website at www.eimf.co.uk or contact the EIMF team on info@eimf.co.uk.
More about EIMF
Edinburgh International Mural Festival will launch in June 2025.
The organisation, established by local Edinburgh artist Ross Blair, has been set up as a transformative cultural initiative dedicated to revitalising local urban spaces through high-quality public street art.
The project hopes to engage with local communities and international artists to create meaningful works, on-going engagement and long-term positive impact.
The Paper Factory is located at 1 Turnhouse Road, Edinburgh EH12 8NP
Hidden Door 2025 will take place from Wednesday 11th – Sunday 15th June 2025.
The Presiding Officer visited Mayfield and Easthouses in Lothian yesterday to meet local people to talk about their Scottish Parliament.
The Lothian visit is the last in a series of eight events across Scotland to mark the Scottish Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
The aim of event is to hear people’s reflections on the Parliament and to understand more about what they want from their Parliament in the future. It was also an opportunity to reflect on 25 years of devolution and the impact of the Parliament on local communities.
Yesterday’s event began with a visit to the Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust. The Presiding Officer, joined by constituency and regional MSPs from the Lothian Region, met with service users, volunteers and staff in their pavilion and café in Mayfield Public Park before visiting their Hub and Pantry.
Following this there was an event at Mayfield and Easthouses Church Hall where the politicians met representatives from local groups and projects.
The visit ended in Mayfield Community Club where Nourish Scotland hosted a public diner lunch.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: “I’m looking forward to meeting local residents and listening to their thoughts on the Parliament and their hopes for its future.
“We have met people across the entire country to commemorate the Parliament’s 25th anniversary, and visited inspirational community projects, from Shetland to Hawick.
“I’m pleased we’ve partnered with local groups on this visit to Mayfield and Easthouses, and I’m sure we’ll have great discussions about how the Parliament can best represent people in Lothian. I’m also excited to hear more about the various community projects that are taking place here.
“Scotland’s Parliament belongs to its people and it’s vital their voices are heard, to help shape the Parliament’s future.”
Sharon Hill from Mayfield and Easthouses Development Trust said: “We are delighted to be facilitating the visit today.
“Being chosen for the final visit has been lovely for us. We are proud of the community and people we serve in Mayfield and Easthouses and are keen to engage with the Parliament to show them what is being done here and how we are fostering a sense of community pride through that work.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our community and all the groups and organisations that are active within it to show what they do and how they can be best supported to be even better.”
Abigail McCall, Policy Officer at Nourish Scotland said: “We’re excited to host and join a lunch in Lothian. Food is always a good way to get people talking about the things that matter most to our everyday lives.
“For the past year, we’ve been travelling around Scotland talking with different communities about creating infrastructure for food – public diners – that mean our right to food can be protected and that people can have a hand in shaping their food environment.
“This public diner lunch is a great way to facilitate discussion around issues, but also potential solutions in the local area.”
