Kenneth Gibson MSP has been elected as the Scottish Parliament’s seventh Presiding Officer.
Upon election, the new Presiding Officer said: “It is a huge privilege to be elected as the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, and I want to thank MSPs for placing their trust in me.
“As Presiding Officer I will be bold, innovative and imaginative and will work in the interests of all Members.
“It’s clear that Parliament needs to reform and to renew its relationship with the people. Scotland needs a Parliament that is vibrant, relevant and trusted.
“I will play my part in delivering that.”
In his acceptance speech, Kenneth Gibson MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament added: “I’m looking forward to working with every single Member in this Chamber to take this Parliament forward.
“I think there is so much more we can be as a Parliament than we have been in the past and I will certainly do my utmost in taking us forward.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Cunninghame North since 2007, having previously represented the Glasgow electoral region from 1999 to 2003, as a Scottish National Party MSP.
He was Convenor of the Finance and Public Administration Committee in the fourth and sixth sessions of Parliament and was the first MSP to lodge plans for a ban of smoking in public places.
The outgoing Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, presided over the Presiding Officer election.
Come to our European Communities Day, taking place on Saturday 16th May (11am–4pm) at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith.
This is a free, family-friendly event we are supporting as part of the Festival of Europe. It will bring together organisations working with European communities alongside a range of creative activities and workshops for children and families, including art sessions and family ceilidh dancing.
The day celebrates the richness and diversity of Europe – recognising that it is not a homogeneous space, and that identities are shaped by different ethnicities, cultures, languages and migration journeys.
It is open to everyone and aims to create a welcoming space to share experiences, build connections, and celebrate this diversity together.
We recognise that people connect to Europe in different ways, including those who live, work and build their lives here in Scotland.
For more information, and to book a place in the ceilidh and workshops, please visit this link.”
All of us at the Foundation of Hearts congratulate our magnificent team and manager, Derek McInnes, on their outstanding achievements in this momentous season, and urge all Heart of Midlothian supporters to get right behind them for Saturday’s final game of the campaign.
We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others. That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing.
We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.
At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.
We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.
This year, we’re continuing our testing of an initiative to to expand access and the sense of belonging at the festival.
If you don’t mind being a “casual interpreter” and helping our friends who may not speak much English navigate the festival (or even chatting with those who just want to speak their heart language! ), reach out to elizabeth.hampson@mcfb.org.uk and let me know what language(s) you speak!
We’ll make you a lovely lanyard and hopefully we can build up some community through shared languages.
School libraries across Scotland are being invited to bid for a share of £150,000 in Scottish Government funding to deliver innovative projects that inspire reading for pleasure, widen access to books and help children and young people build vital digital skills.
The 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF), administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support creative initiatives that widen engagement with reading, foster whole-school reading cultures and help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.
SLIF supports projects aligned with the ambitions of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools — the national strategy for school libraries in Scotland. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools in Scotland, this year’s fund will prioritise applications focused on:
promoting reading for pleasure and developing whole-school reading cultures
improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
strengthening digital and information literacy, and
supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading
Projects funded through previous rounds of SLIF have demonstrated the powerful role school libraries play in supporting attainment, confidence, inclusion and wellbeing. From transforming unused spaces into vibrant reading hubs to creating intergenerational storytelling projects, digital media initiatives and community reading programmes, SLIC is encouraging schools and library services to submit bold, creative ideas that reflect the needs and aspirations of their local communities.
Last year 17 trailblazing projects were awarded a share of the SLIF. Successful initiatives included inclusive reading projects using assistive technology in Aberdeen, podcasting and digital storytelling programmes in Renfrewshire, a football-inspired emotional literacy project in East Renfrewshire delivered in partnership with Police Scotland, and large-scale family and community reading initiatives spanning schools in Inverclyde, the Highlands and East Lothian.
Other funded initiatives explored themes including myths and legends and empathy through reading, while a range of projects also focused on digital literacy and accessibility to ensure every child can experience the joy of reading.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The School Library Improvement Fund continues to highlight the innovation and ambition within school libraries across the country.
“Every year, we see inspiring projects that make a tangible difference, helping children and young people discover a love of reading, build confidence, strengthen digital skills and feel more connected to their school communities.
“This year’s priorities place reading and equitable access at the heart of the programme, while also recognising the ever-growing importance of wellbeing, creativity and digital literacy. We are encouraging schools and library staff to think boldly about what their library can achieve and to develop ideas that deliver real impact for learners and their families.”
Schools can submit either individual or collaborative applications, with SLIC accepting up to two individual applications per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications, helping ensure opportunities are shared fairly across Scotland.
The School Library Improvement Fund 2026-27 is now open. Applications will close at 12pm on 8 June 2026.To find out more and apply, visit:
Mental health in the UK is moving in the wrong direction. More people are experiencing distress, services are overwhelmed and demand continues to rise.
The need for action is clear. But what should that look like?
At the Mental Health Foundation, we believe that lasting change depends on acting earlier – we call it prevention.
Treatment and crisis services are vital and always will be, but they can’t carry the full weight of the mental health crisis.
If we want fewer people to reach crisis point, we have to address the conditions that harm mental health in the first place and strengthen those that protect it.
This year marks 150 years since Lorne Primary School first opened its doors.To mark the milestone pupils, families and the local community are invited to join a programme of special events to celebrate learning, community and resilience:
Heritage Exhibitions featuring historic photographs and memories from alumni and community archives
Community performances and pupil showcases highlighting arts, music, and storytelling
Involvement in Leith Festival Pageant showcasing the brilliant work of pupils and teachers
Collaborative projects with local partners exploring the school’s role in Leith’s history and future
In-School Events such as a ‘Back in the Day’ Disco, a time travelling film that explores Lorne pupil experiences over the last 150 years and a celebratory tea party for staff, alumni, dignitaries and pupil representatives
Officially opened in February 1876, the first headmaster, the Reverend James Forsyth, welcomed pupils into the newly completed school building in late 1876, laying the foundations for a legacy of learning that continues today.
The much-loved Victorian school has played a vital role in shaping the lives of generations of Leith’s learners and their families.
Built on land secured from the Governors of George Heriot’s Hospital, the school was originally designed to accommodate up to 500 children. The school grew alongside its community and in 1898 a third storey was added to meet the needs of the increasing pupil numbers, and by 1901 the roll had risen to 900 pupils.
During the Second World War, the school building was temporarily repurposed as a civic restaurant, offering meals to local people affected by wartime disruption, while many pupils continued their studies in temporary settings around the city.
In 1962, a fire in the roof of the building led to the closure of the school for a decade. The school reopened in 1973 with 282 pupils. Today the school is a vibrant, multicultural learning community with over 150 pupils representing over 25 home languages.
Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish said:“It is incredible to see Lorne Primary School celebrating its 150th anniversary.
“This important milestone provides a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the impact that the school has had on the lives of many learners over the years as well as on the wider Leith community.
“While a lot has changed over the past 150 years, the school remains deeply rooted in the heart of the community, and today Lorne Primary School is a vibrant, modern, nurturing and inclusive school.”
Commenting on the milestone, Lorne Primary School Head Teacher, Lindsay Kennedy said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years of learning at Lorne Primary.
“This anniversary is a tribute to every pupil, family, and staff member who has been part of our journey. We look forward to continuing our legacy of nurturing curiosity, compassion, and achievement for many generations to come.”
Assembly Festival has announced the return of the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival (EFFF) for a second year, with first tickets on sale this Friday 15th May.
Taking place in the city centre’s George Square Gardens from 24 Jul – 2 August, theEdinburgh Folk & Food Fest kicks off Assembly’s festival offerings with a mix of free and ticketed events for all the family.
Taking place in the Piccolo and Palais Du Variété in George Square Gardens, the festival will welcome local street food vendors, folk musicians from across the UK, workshops, masterclasses and more.
This year’s music lineup includes performances from critically acclaimed Scottish contemporary folk band Breabach, Mercury Prize nominated Seth Lakeman, trad fusion stars An Dannsa Dub and Indie trad fusion group Dlù.
The musical evolution of the beloved Edinburgh Food Festival, back for its second year at George Square Gardens, creates an accessible space for folk fans and food lovers alike, bringing Scotland’s rich folk heritage to the capital for ten days of the very best food to a soundtrack of folk and fusion.
With additional shows catered towards children, including Fringe favourites The Greatest Magic Show, Comedy Club 4 Kids and Explosive Science Show, EFFF is the ideal summer day out for all the family.
Assembly Festival Managing Director Dani Rae said:“We’re thrilled to be bringing back the Folk to the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival for a second year after the huge successes of 2025.
“We’ve got an incredible lineup of the best folk music in Scotland and beyond, as well as some fantastic local food vendors to announce and we can’t wait for audiences to join us for a dance and a bite to eat.”
The first tickets for the Edinburgh Folk & Food Fest are on sale from 12pm Friday 15 May at edfoodfest.com.
), reach out to elizabeth.hampson@mcfb.org.uk and let me know what language(s) you speak! 
Monday 20th – Friday 24th July
10am – 4pm
£200 | Subsidised places available
