Edinburgh’s Victorian Pool Crawl recognised at Scottish Fundraising Awards as 2027 entries open

Community challenge shortlisted after raising over £45,000 to help older adults and people living with dementia stay active and connected.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian Pool Crawl has been recognised as a finalist in the Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative category at the Scottish Fundraising Awards 2026, celebrating a community challenge that turned one memorable day of swimming and walking into lasting support for people across the capital.

The recognition comes as entries open for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl, inviting a new group of participants to take on the city-wide challenge and raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

In April 2026, 61 swimmers completed the challenge, walking 16 kilometres through the city and swimming a total of five kilometres across Dalry, Warrender, Glenogle, Leith Victoria and Portobello Victorian pools.

Together with sponsors and supporters, they raised over £40,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

The funds are helping people across Edinburgh stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Of the total raised, £22,000 was allocated to Ageing Well, helping older adults maintain their independence and wellbeing, and £22,000 to Movement for Memories, which works with people living with dementia or early-stage memory loss, as well as their carers. The remainder is supporting other Active Communities projects where it is needed most.

For 98-year-old June, Ageing Well helped her return to swimming after many years away from the pool. With the reassurance of an Ageing Well buddy volunteer, she now attends twice a week and has regained her confidence in the water.

June said: “I’ve really missed swimming, so I was excited to get back in the water. The water frees you up – you can move in ways you can’t on land.”

Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We are proud to see the Victorian Pool Crawl recognised alongside such strong fundraising initiatives from across Scotland. This recognition belongs to everyone who made the event possible – from the swimmers and volunteers to the sponsors, donors, partners and colleagues who brought so much energy to the day.

“What matters most is what their efforts have made possible. The money raised is helping people like June return to activities they love, grow in confidence and connect with others. We hope this recognition inspires more people to join us in 2027 and help create more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.”

The Victorian Pool Crawl began in 2025 as an idea from a regular swimmer at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. It has since grown into an Edinburgh-wide community fundraiser celebrating the city’s Victorian swimming heritage while raising money to help people overcome barriers to being active.

Sign Up for 2027

Entries for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl are now open.

Participants will walk 16km and swim up to 1km in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s historic Victorian pools, all in a single day, while fundraising for Active Communities.

Find out more and sign up at:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/victorian-pool-crawl/.

Seven areas at Significant Water Scarcity as conditions continue to shift

Seven areas in eastern Scotland are now at Significant Scarcity, as the latest weekly Water Scarcity Report from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) shows a contrasting picture across the country. 

Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water and Berwickshire Coastal have moved to Significant Scarcity this week. They join North Fife, Fife (East Neuk), Stonehaven and North Esk at the highest level on SEPA’s five-tier water scarcity scale.

Low to very low river flows continue across much of eastern Scotland, while most western catchments are experiencing normal to high flows.

Across Scotland, 32 areas are currently at Normal Conditions, five are at Early Warning, five at Alert, five at Moderate Scarcity and seven at Significant Scarcity.

The changing picture highlights the importance of continued monitoring of individual catchments. Conditions have improved in some areas without necessarily returning to normal, while elsewhere very low river flows have persisted for around six weeks. Full recovery of water resources can take a long time following such conditions.

In North Fife and Fife (East Neuk), river flows have remained below the Significant Scarcity threshold for 46 consecutive days. Stonehaven and North Esk have experienced 45 consecutive days of very low flows.

Weekly report, daily monitoring

SEPA publish a national Water Scarcity Report each week during the season, but river conditions are monitored daily through the Drought Risk Assessment Tool.

The tool tracks the number of consecutive days river flows have been very low. When very low flows persist for 30 days, an area can reach Significant Water Scarcity and restrictions on licensed water abstraction may be introduced to protect rivers and the wildlife they support.

Changes to abstraction licences do not wait for the next weekly report. River conditions are assessed daily, allowing restrictions to be introduced where necessary and lifted when flows recover sufficiently.

Abstractors in Lunan Water have also been advised of the potential for restrictions if very low river flows continue. Current monitoring indicates the area could reach Significant Scarcity in around 10 days, although changes in river flows could alter that position.

Eilidh Johnston, SEPA Senior Leader in Compliance, said: “The picture across Scotland remains very mixed. Most western catchments are experiencing normal to high river flows, while parts of eastern Scotland continue to face significant pressure after a prolonged dry spring and summer.

“Some eastern catchments have now experienced very low river flows for around six weeks. In others, conditions have improved enough to reset the count, while elsewhere pressures are beginning to build again.

“That is why close monitoring matters. Our weekly report gives a national picture, but conditions in individual rivers are monitored daily. That means we can see where pressure is increasing or easing and make evidence-led decisions about when action is needed to protect the water environment.

“It also means the position can change between weekly reports. Where restrictions on licensed abstraction are needed, those decisions are based on the conditions we are seeing in rivers, rather than waiting for the next weekly update.”

Pressure remains concentrated in the east

Ground conditions remain dry across parts of eastern Scotland, with only limited improvement seen in recent weeks.

Groundwater levels remain low to very low across much of eastern Scotland, while levels elsewhere are generally normal or above. Loch levels are generally normal to above normal.

The differences between catchments mean recent weather alone cannot provide a complete picture of water scarcity. River flows can respond quickly, while groundwater, soil moisture and the effects of prolonged dry conditions can take longer to recover.

SEPA continue to work directly with abstractors and other water users in affected catchments to help them understand local conditions, prepare for potential restrictions and build resilience to future periods of water scarcity.

The latest Water Scarcity Report, current scarcity levels and the Drought Risk Assessment Tool are available on SEPA’s website.

Current water scarcity levels

Significant Scarcity: Stonehaven, North Esk, Fife (East Neuk), North Fife, Tay Estuary (North), Whiteadder Water, Berwickshire coastal

Moderate Scarcity: Esk (Angus), Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed

Alert: Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Almond, Dee (Aberdeen)

Early warning: Spey, Tay, Cree, Findhorn, Earn

All areas not mentioned above are at Normal conditions.

Police appeal following fatal crash on Salamander Street

Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash in Edinburgh.

At 6.36pm last night (Wednesday, 23 September 2026), while on routine patrol, two officers signalled for a Yamaha YZF R6 motorcycle to stop in the Seafield Road area.

The motorcycle failed to stop and, at 6.37pm, was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle on Salamander Street, at the junction with Bath Road.

The 40-year-old male rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured. He was arrested in connection with a road traffic offence and enquiries are ongoing.

Salamander Street was closed for around nine hours while investigations were carried out and fully reopened at around 4am.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died, and we will continue to keep them updated on our investigation.

“Specialist crash investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and I’m appealing to anyone who saw the collision or was in the area and may have information which could be relevant, to come forward. I’d also ask drivers with dash cams to review their footage for anything which may be significant and bring it to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 2932 of 23 September.

Scots invited to step out for national charity’s Big Walking Break

Join people across Scotland stepping out for a 30 minute walk or wheel on Wednesday 30 September at 10.30am.

For 30 years, Walking Scotland has been championing the benefits of walking and wheeling. As the charity marks turning 30, they’re inviting people across Scotland to feel the benefits for themselves with a 30 minute walk or wheel.

Alana Genge, Walking Scotland, said, “Walking and wheeling help us improve our physical, mental and social health.

“They create more connected communities and reduce congestion and air pollution. For many of us, they also offer freedom, independence and affordable ways to get around.

“The Big Walking Break is the chance for everyone to step away from their desks, screens and busy lives and see how a 30 minute walk or wheel can transform their world.”

Workplaces, schools, communities, and individuals are all planning to get involved.

Einir Jones, Principal Teacher Support for Learning at Greenfaulds High in Cumbernauld, says that the school is taking part so that both pupils and staff can experience the boost of a 30 minute walk or wheel: “We’re all excited to be joining the Big Walking Break.

“We’ve been working closely with Walking Scotland for the past 2 years and have seen the impact that regular walking has on our young people’s health, concentration in the classroom, and social skills.

“Pupils have been training as Walk Leaders, so this 30 minute break is the perfect opportunity for them to put their new skills into practise and encourage others to get involved.”

Tracy Scott, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Staff Wellbeing Lead, said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran staff have enjoyed participating in many different step challenges over the years.

“To celebrate 30 years of Walking Scotland, we want to encourage all staff to step outside and enjoy a walk on 30 September, taking time to be active, support their wellbeing, and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.”

Emily Tweed, NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Consultant, added, “Being active and spending time outdoors are simple yet powerful ways to support both our physical and mental wellbeing.

“That’s why the NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Healthy Places team want to encourage staff to take part in the Big Walking Break. Whether it’s walking to and from work, holding a walking meeting, or enjoying a stroll around the grounds with colleagues at lunchtime, every step counts.

“Taking time to get outside, move more, and connect with others can help us feel refreshed, re-energised, and ready for the rest of the day.”

The charity has created free resource packs to help individuals, workplaces and schools get involved.

Sign up for the Big Walking Break and find free resources at walkingscotland.org.uk

Poetry takes to the trams as Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and Edinburgh Trams launch Tramlines

New project follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and the City of Edinburgh Council

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and Edinburgh Trams have launched Tramlines, a new partnership bringing poetry and literature into everyday public spaces across the city.

The initiative will see poems displayed throughout Edinburgh’s tram network, celebrating the city’s literary heritage while introducing thousands of passengers to poetry as part of their daily journeys.

The project features a selection of work by established, emerging and historic poets connected to Edinburgh. The project was partially inspired by London’s Poems on the Underground project, which is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The project includes the winning poem from the inaugural Tramlines Poetry Competition, which invited emerging poets to create work for public space and everyday readers. The winning entry, Timelines by Stephen Deazley, was selected by a panel for inclusion.

Other poets featured in this iteration include: Norman MacCaig, Robin Robertson, Stephanie Green, Zain Rishi, Hannah Lavery, Jess Brough, Bridget Khursheed, Valerie Gillies, Wilfred Owen, Carolina Oliphant, Robert Burns, Dorothy Lawrenso, Jeda Pearl, Medha Singh, Vicki Feaver, Màrtainn Mac an t-Saoir/Martin MacIntyre and Theresa Muñoz.

Tramlines is also a celebration of a new Memorandum of Understanding between Edinburgh City of Literature and City of Edinburgh Council. Signed as Edinburgh celebrates more than two decades as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, the Memorandum of Understanding recognises this vital partnership.

It reaffirms a shared commitment to maintaining Edinburgh’s UNESCO designation, nurturing the city’s literary life, raising the profile of literature across communities, and strengthening Edinburgh’s reputation as a leading international city of culture and ideas.

The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a City of Literature has been built over generations by writers, readers, publishers, libraries, festivals and communities across the city.

“This partnership is about building on that remarkable legacy and creating the conditions for our literary life to continue to flourish. Projects like Tramlines show how literature can be part of everyday life, reaching people in unexpected places and reminding us that stories belong to all of us.”

Dr Harriet MacMillan, Director of UNESCO Edinburgh City of Literature, commented: “We are delighted to formalise our longstanding relationship with the City of Edinburgh Council through this Memorandum of Understanding.

“It reflects our shared ambition to embed literature and storytelling across the life of the city and to ensure that Edinburgh continues to lead internationally as a UNESCO City of Literature.

The launch of Tramlines is a wonderful example of that ambition in action, bringing poetry directly to residents and visitors as they travel through the city. We’re thrilled to see the insightful, inspiring and moving words of some of Edinburgh’s outstanding poets appearing across the tram network, and we hope they encourage moments of reflection, connection and discovery for everyone who reads them.

“We hope that this will be the first of many iterations of Tramlines – we have so many wonderful Edinburgh poets to celebrate!”

Sarah Boyd, Chief Executive of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “We are proud to support this initiative in partnership with Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature.

“We hope these poems, including Stephen Deazley’s winning entry, inspire moments of reflection, creativity and enjoyment for our tram customers as they travel across the city.

“Edinburgh’s rich literary heritage deserves to be preserved, celebrated and shared with future generations.”

The Nook from SAMH to bring free, accessible mental health support to Edinburgh

A transformational mental health hub will open in Edinburgh next year, bringing free, accessible mental health support to anyone in the capital and its surrounding areas. 

The Nook, a groundbreaking initiative from SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will launch on Lothian Road in early spring 2027. 

The Nook in Edinburgh will be a flagship service for SAMH, which operates more than 70 services across the country, and is the charity’s response to the national mental health crisis, which sees tens of thousands of people wait too long for the help they need.    

Designed to be a welcoming, friendly and accessible space, The Nook operates on a walk-in basis, removing the need to book appointments or receive a referral from a GP.  

It will offer non-clinical, stigma-free mental health support for adults, young people and their families, so that anyone can ask once and get help fast with their mental health. 

Scotland’s national mental health charity has a unique relationship with the capital, which was home to SAMH’s first ever service, a horticultural project that opened in 1983.  

This legacy is continued by longstanding SAMH services including Redhall Walled Garden, based on Lanark Road, and the Hive Activity Centre at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. 

The choice of location for The Nook, at 142 Lothian Road, will make mental health and wellbeing support available in the heart of the city, and easily accessible to people across Edinburgh and beyond. 

David Arbuthnott, 60 from South Queensferry, who attended SAMH’s The Changing Room at Tynecastle Park after experiencing the loss of his sister, said: “Deciding you need help and asking for it can be the most difficult things for people suffering from mental health challenges. 

“Barriers can make people feel like they aren’t worthy of help and that they don’t deserve it, pushing them further away. Accessing help easily in Edinburgh, without having to jump through hoops and overcome barriers, will help so many people.” 

Shona Littlejohn, Chair of SAMH, said: “The Nook will bring innovative, accessible mental health support to anyone in and around Edinburgh.

“As I know from experience, mental health challenges can happen to us all and have a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and workplaces.   

“Scotland’s mental health system is in crisis, with too many people failed by long waiting lists and the need for referrals. Change has been too slow, and lives are being lost and blighted. The Nook brings hope, compassion and practical support designed and delivered by Scotland’s leading mental health charity.”   

The Nook is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history and is funded by SAMH’s first major appeal, which seeks to raise £10 million to revolutionise mental health support across the country.

The Scottish Government has also committed to supporting some of The Nook’s operating costs and SAMH is working closely with government officials to clarify the level of support.  

June Pennykid, Managing Director at insurance broker Keegan & Pennykid, and a longstanding supporter of SAMH, said: “The Nook is by far the most ambitious undertaking by SAMH in its 103-year history. It is also arguably the most essential one.   

“Poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, including among children and young people. That in itself is reason enough for delivering The Nook throughout Scotland, to ensure that everyone can access the mental health support they need, when they need it.    

“As The Nook comes to Edinburgh, I’d urge my fellow business owners to get on board and support the appeal. After all, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.” 

This will be the third Nook in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, with the first Nook opening in Glasgow last year and the second in Aberdeen in June.

Last week, it was announced that 10,000 people have already visited the two existing Nooks, demonstrating clear demand and trust in the walk-in model.  

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “The Nook is the largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Edinburgh.

“With more than 10,000 people having already visited Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, we already know that The Nook is needed, and that it’s giving people the help they need, fast.  

“We hope The Nook will quickly become the go-to place for immediate mental health support in Edinburgh, while working closely with local partners in the mental health system and beyond.”  

More information is available on The Nook website. 

Police action in Silverknowes

In response to local complaints about drivers failing to adhere to the no entry signs/one way system on Silverknowes Avenue, police officers carried out patrols in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This resulted in two charges for failing to adhere to the no entry signs, a motorcyclist being issued with a police warning and a driver being arrested and reported for drink driving.

Officers will continue to patrol in the area to deter similar behaviour in future.

#CommunityPolicing

Then & Now: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh recreates century-old archive photographs one week ahead of Palm Houses reopening

With one week to go until the reopening of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s historic Palm Houses on 2nd October, some of the organisation’s students and partners have brought back to life archive photographs of staff working in the Garden and Palm Houses in the early 1900s.  

Digging into the Garden’s historic archive, they retraced the images by stepping into the same spaces where their predecessors once tended and studied the Garden’s rare and exotic collection over a century ago. As the new generation of horticulturists and scientists, they are ready to care for and research nearly 600 plant specimens returning to the Palm Houses. 

The photo series is a fitting tribute as the Palm Houses near completion of the most ambitious restoration and development programme in the Garden’s 356-year history.

The original Georgian and Victorian structures have undergone five years of meticulous restoration as part of the £58 million Edinburgh Biomes project, including funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund amongst others.

Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Dr Heather Reid, joined the collective of students to celebrate the history of the Palm Houses, recreating an image featuring a sunshine recorder positioned on the outer balcony. 

Restoring the Palm Houses to their former glory has involved replacing all 5,750 panes of glass, fully restoring or replacing 600 m² of ironwork, and carrying out 500 m² of sandstone repairs.  

Photograph 1 –

Then: James Douglas McKenzie worked in RBGE’s Glass Department as a probationer gardener between 1903 and 1907. 

Now: Liam McMenemie (HN in Horticulture (Plantsmanship) tends to the newly rehomed plants within the renovated Palm Houses. 

Photograph 2 –

Then: David Sydney Fish on the roof of the Temperate Palm House checking the Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder, captured around 1904 – 1906. The recorder works to record sunshine, with any direct sunlight being magnified by the sphere and scorching a recordable trail on the card behind it. 

Now: Still in use today, Dr Heather Reid, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, checks on the sunshine recorder on the roof of the newly renovated Palm Houses, which have now been unified as one temperate zone. 

Photograph 3 –

Then: An unnamed gardener tending to RBGE’s Order Beds in front of the Glasshouse Range. Taken around 1905. 

Now: Chase Mathey (MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants) tending to the paths outside the research glasshouses and renovated Palm Houses, preparing the walkway for guests to once again experience this area of the Gardens. 

Photograph 4 –

Then: An unnamed member of the Herbaceous Department attending to an errand in the potting shed around 1905. 

Now: Jessica Thomson (HN in Horticulture (Plantsmanship)) working in the modern-day potting shed. Jessica is one of many female students and staff members employed in the Gardens nowadays, whereas the first female horticulture students only began their studies in 1897. 

Photograph 5 –

Then: Andrew R. Cosh was a probationer gardener at RBGE between 1907 and 1910, before emigrating to work at an estate in Massachusetts. 

Now: Charlie Smith (MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants) watering the various palms and ferns that have been planted within the renovated Palm Houses. 

The renovated Palm Houses open next week.

 

Increased funding for Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

Providers of apprenticeship places will see their funding rise 10% in 2027-28, giving greater stability to those that offer training.

Modern Apprenticeship contribution rates support the training and assessment of the next generation of skilled workers, applying to new apprentice starts and apprentices in training from 2027/28.

The £8.8 million uplift applies to all types of apprenticeship frameworks, following phase one of the Scottish Government’s contribution rates review.

Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, Alyn Smith, said: “Apprenticeship training providers play a profoundly important role in equipping people with the skills they need to have successful careers. In doing so they make a significant contribution to a healthy economy.

“This funding increase demonstrates our commitment to Scotland’s apprenticeship system and to developing our future workforce. It will also provide greater stability for training providers within the context of a challenging financial environment.

“We want to see more high-quality apprenticeships to meet our skills needs and to support our vital public services. We look forward to expanding our modern and graduate apprenticeship offer in the future.”

Modern apprenticeship contribution rates review: terms of reference – gov.scot