The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 15 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Heatwaves linked to 51 deaths as child sunburn cases surge

51 people died from excessive natural heat in the UK between 2014 and 2023
252 children required hospital treatment for sunburn injuries in 2025, a 46.5% rise since 2024
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children’s Burns Trust (CBT) issue important advice about staying safe in the sun

With a red weather warning issued for many parts of England, and a red heat health alert in some regions warning of a threat to life for even healthy people, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Children’s Burns Trust (CBT) are warning of the growing dangers of heatwaves.

Research showed 51 people died from excessive natural heat in the UK between 2014 and 2023, alongside more than 1,800 hospital admissions in England over the past decade. This includes 16 fatalities during 2022, the last year a red warning was in place.

The organisations said the risks are rising as the UK experiences more frequent and intense periods of hot weather, with children particularly vulnerable.

Data shared by Children’s Burns Trust shows severe child sunburn injuries increased sharply in 2025, when 252 sunburn cases in children were recorded (admission to a Specialist Burns Unit), a 46.5% rise from 172 cases in 2024.

Heatwaves place strain on the body and can quickly lead to serious harm, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and burns from prolonged sun exposure. Children are especially at risk because their skin burns more easily and they may not recognise early warning signs.

Meteorologists warn that extreme heat is becoming more common in the UK, increasing the likelihood of preventable injuries and deaths if basic safety advice is not followed. Both organisations say many incidents could be avoided through simple precautions, particularly during peak sunlight hours.

The two leading charities are urging families to act early during hot weather by protecting children from the sun, keeping them cool and well hydrated, and recognising the signs of heat‑related illness.

Steve Cole, Director of Policy and Impact at RoSPA, said: “Heatwaves are no longer rare events, and the consequences are becoming clearer year on year.

“These deaths and hospital admissions are not inevitable. By following straightforward advice on sun safety, hydration and cooling down, people can dramatically reduce the risk to themselves and their families.”

Ken Dunn BSc FRCS(Lond) FRCS(plast) FRCS(ed), Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon (retired) and Vice Chair at Children’s Burns Trust, said: “We are seeing a worrying rise in children experiencing sunburn, which is painful, distressing and entirely preventable.

“Simple steps like keeping children out of direct sun, covering up exposed skin and reapplying sunscreen regularly can make a real difference.”

The organisations are advising the public to take extra care during hot weather, particularly between late morning and mid‑afternoon when the sun is strongest.

FIRST AID

Children’s Burns Trust helps to promote the vital message of the importance of good first aid if a burn or scald does occur:

COOL for 20 minutes under cool running water,

CALL 999 OR 111 or your GP for advice,

COVER the burn loosely with cling film.

All statistics released by Children’s Burns Trust have been provided by the International Burn Injury Database (iBID), incorporating data collected from all NHS Burn Services in England and Wales, they do not include the minor burns and scalds that are treated by Accident and Emergency Departments.

For more information: info@cbtrust.org.uk, https://cbtrust.org.uk/

Alex Cole-Hamilton: UK should rejoin single market and boost defence ties with EU

To mark the 10-year anniversary of Brexit, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Edinburgh North Western, Alex Cole-Hamilton has today highlighted their party’s plans to rejoin the single market and boost defence ties with the EU.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP warned that Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson’s Brexit experiment has failed.

Estimates suggest that Brexit costs the country £90 billion in lost tax revenue every year.

Liberal Democrats have unveiled plans for a new Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. This would mean:

The UK immediately beginning talks to rejoin the single market and customs union, boosting trade with Britain’s biggest market and tearing down barriers for businesses.
Forging a new defence pact with our European allies underpinned by a new European Security Council to improve coordination of Europe’s rearmament.
Rebuilding trust and economic ties with our partners in Europe, putting the UK on a path towards EU membership in the long-term.

Alex Cole-Hamilton also said that Reform UK should use their voice in parliament to explain how they would fill the £90 billion blackhole without backing Liberal Democrat proposals.

Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson are the authors of the failed Brexit experiment. They have cost our country £90 billion every year.

“This is money which is being taken away from nurses, doctors, teachers, patients and pupils all across Edinburgh.

“Liberal Democrats have announced bold new plans for a Growth and Defence Partnership with the EU. It’s how we can cut bills for local people, give our children a better future and help keep everyone in Edinburgh safe.

“Our plans would stop the chaos and end the crisis. If Reform don’t like them, they should use the voice they now have in parliament to explain what they would do instead.”

£1 million for ‘Climate Forests’

Trees to transform landscapes in Central Scotland

Plans to plant more trees and increase woodlands across an area home to around half of Scotland’s population has received almost £1 million in new funding.

The Clyde, Fife, Lothians and Forth ‘Climate Forests’ target investment in communities with the fewest trees and greatest climate vulnerability across central Scotland – expanding tree canopy cover by protecting existing woods and planting more.

Established in 2021, Climate Forests are working with local councils, community groups and landowners on projects to plant 35 million trees by 2035.

Backed so far with almost £13 million in Scottish Government funding, around 5 million trees have been planted in this area to capture carbon, protect the environment, increase biodiversity, improve access to nature, and support local communities to become more climate resilient.

Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate this week on Climate Change, Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “This latest investment builds on and expands the benefits of Climate Forests to help increase canopy cover in urban and rural areas.

“We want to create greener, healthier, more resilient places where people can live well and connect with nature – offering spaces for people to rest, exercise, and improve their physical and mental health.

“Trees and woodlands do so much for us – from absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and providing habitats for wildlife to helping protect communities from flooding and extreme heat. Increasing tree canopy cover across Scotland’s towns, cities and rural communities will deliver all of these benefits for generations to come.

“This programme will help contribute towards our national woodland creation targets and, indeed, is central to Scotland meeting its climate targets.

2It is also about fairness and we are targeting investment in the communities with the fewest trees and the greatest vulnerability to a changing climate, because everyone deserves to live in a place that is greener, healthier, and more resilient.”

Douglas Worrall, Director Forth Climate Forest said: “The Climate Forests are delighted to receive this Scottish Government funding. As well as creating healthy, liveable communities, both urban and rural, trees are essential in helping to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change.

“Over the coming year we will use the Scottish Government funding to deliver projects across Central Scotland with local people. We will be planting trees in areas where the need is greatest, connecting habitats, and providing multiple benefits for people and wildlife.”

Martin Willcocks, Calais Woods Community Group, Dunfermline said: “Duloch Park was just a blank lifeless canvas of grass sitting there for 20 years whilst development was hurriedly increasing all around. Our community group formed to bring life into the park and support the well-loved ancient woodland next to it.

“The tree planting we have done has been extensive and rewarding, bringing important habitat for nature and biodiversity and creating an attractive and natural setting which will now develop into a prime space where nature and human recreation will coexist in harmony.”

Peter Murrell jail sentence: Police Scotland comment

On Tuesday, 23 June, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Peter Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.

This follows the 61-year-old’s conviction, on 25 May, 2026, of embezzling funds in excess of £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of Police Scotland’s investigation into the embezzlement, Operation Branchform.

ACC Houston said: “Today’s sentencing of Peter Murrell – and a sentence of such duration – is proof that those who flout the law, who break the trust of those around them, and who embezzle vast sums of money will not escape justice, regardless of how high a profile or role they may hold.

“Operation Branchform has been an extremely detailed, complex and intricate enquiry, carried out over a protracted period of time in order to ensure a thorough investigation which fully exposed the extent of this wrongdoing, committed over a sustained period of time.

“Murrell occupied a significant position of privilege and power in public life in Scotland, entrusted to oversee the day-to-day operations of the country’s governing political party. His undeniably deliberate and calculated actions to mislead and steal for his own personal gain has proved his disregard for those who placed their trust in him.

“People came forward and told us of their sense and experiences of things not being right, and they are to be publicly commended – their statements, combined with our investigations, have led to the outcome we see today.

“Through ongoing close work with key criminal justice partners, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, this enquiry resulted in the compilation of such a robust case that an early admission of guilt was secured, enabling proceedings to conclude sooner rather than later.

“My sincere thanks go to the officers and staff of Police Scotland, who have committed their specialist knowledge, professionalism, commitment and expertise to this matter from start to finish, and without whom we would not have been able to achieve justice.

“Work remains to be undertaken in regards to the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to this case by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Police Scotland, and in particular the Cyber and Fraud Unit, will assist in this process and in any further investigations which may be required.”

Edinburgh’s literary life is worth £50.9m a year – but its real value is broader than economics alone

Literature contributes £50.9m annually to Edinburgh’s economy
Publishing generates £19.3m, reflecting the UK’s strongest literary cluster outside London
140 million+ books by contemporary Edinburgh-based authors sold globally (650m+ including Harry Potter)
1.6 million annual visits to Edinburgh’s public libraries
61% of visitors cite culture and history as a key motivation for visiting the city
59% of residents say arts and culture make a positive difference to their lives

Two decades after Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, a new report has set out to measure the impact of literature in the city today.

The independent study, commissioned by Edinburgh City of Literature Trust and carried out by BOP Consulting, finds that literature contributes £50.9m a year to Edinburgh’s economy. Publishing alone accounts for £19.3m, supporting a concentration of literary businesses that mark the city out as an engine of publishing in the UK.

The report also highlights the wider role literature plays across the city, both in its international profile and in everyday life.

Edinburgh is home to a dense network of writers, publishers, booksellers and festivals. More than 140 million books by contemporary Edinburgh-based authors have been sold worldwide, rising to over 650 million when the global phenomenon of Harry Potter is included.

Alongside this international reach, literary activity remains closely rooted in the city itself. Each year, Edinburgh’s public libraries welcome more than 1.6 million visits, while the city’s literary landscape is sustained by a dense network of organisations, events and activity taking place throughout the year.

More than 50 book launches and “meet the author” events take place each month, alongside a programme of festivals that together welcome over 250,000 audiences annually.

The report identifies this activity as part of a wider literary ecosystem that supports participation, learning and shared cultural life.

It highlights the role of libraries, festivals, publishers, bookshops and grassroots organisations in creating opportunities for engagement at all levels, from large-scale international events to local, community-based activity.

It also finds that 59% of Edinburgh residents believe arts and culture make a positive difference to their lives – significantly higher than the Scottish average of 47%.

And similarly, 63% of Edinburgh respondents agree that culture and the arts make a positive difference to their local community (versus 51% Scottish average).

Literature also plays a role in the city’s appeal to visitors. The report notes that 61% of visitors cite culture and history as a key motivation for coming to Edinburgh, with literary tourism contributing to the broader visitor economy through festivals, heritage sites and wider cultural activity.

The study describes Edinburgh’s literary sector as a dense and interconnected network spanning major institutions, independent publishers, festivals, libraries and grassroots organisations.

It highlights the concentration of activity across the city, with the majority of Scotland’s publishers based in or operating from Edinburgh, alongside a mix of large-scale organisations such as Scottish Book Trust and the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and a wide network of smaller businesses and freelance practitioners.

This infrastructure supports activity across the full lifecycle of literature, from education and research through to publishing, live events and retail.

The report notes that Edinburgh hosts more than 50 university courses in literature and creative writing, alongside an active programme of events and opportunities for writers and audiences at all stages.

Alongside these strengths, the study identifies a number of external pressures affecting the sector.

These include rising operating costs, a contracting funding environment, and challenges around ensuring participation extends beyond established audiences.

It also points to opportunities to improve coordination and visibility across the city’s literary offer, including the potential for a more centralised approach to information-sharing and sector collaboration.

In response, Edinburgh City of Literature Trust is developing a programme of activity focused on strengthening connections across the sector, broadening participation and improving access to literary opportunities.

This includes

improving its digital platforms to better serve its literary stakeholders and wider public including a space for city-wide calendar of events and a digital map linked to an in-depth guide
working with libraries and partners to reach across every area of the city with new projects that ensure everyone in Edinburgh feels connected to our story
fostering increased collaboration across the sector and co-chairing a new strategic steering group with the city’s Lord Provost, the Edinburgh Literature Forum to build a long-term strategic plan for the City of Literature
and securing a literary hub for writers, creatives and communities to use all year round.

Dr Harriet MacMillan, Director of Edinburgh City of Literature Trust, said:
“Literature is fundamental to Edinburgh. It is not a ‘nice to have’ – it is central to how we understand, imagine and shape our city.

“We are fortunate to have extraordinary cultural assets, and we should celebrate our thriving, vibrant literary ecosystem – but we cannot take it for granted. There are real challenges ahead; meeting those challenges will require greater investment and stronger collaboration across the sector.

“Since becoming the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, we have led internationally – but leadership demands that we keep evolving. Our focus now must be on expanding opportunity and ensuring that literature is not only protected, but experienced and enjoyed by everyone who lives, works in, and visits Edinburgh.”

Harnessing Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen’s Be more, Edinburgh, his poem marking 20 years as UNESCO City of Literature, the organisation wants to hear from anyone keen to get involved in helping Edinburgh’s stories to continue to inspire, connect and flourish.

You can find othe report here: https://cityofliterature.com/new-report-evaluating-the-impact-of-literature-in-edinburgh-published-today/

Specsavers equip Scotland fans with World Cup eye drops and sick note ahead of Brazil match

SCOTLAND fans are being helped through another late night of football as Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, equip supporters with free eye drops and a pre-written sick note.

Steve Clarke’s Scotland side continue their World Cup campaign with an 11pm kick-off against Brazil on Wednesday night.

Following on from 2am and 11pm starts against Haiti and Morocco, it’ll be another late night for bleary eyed Scotland fans hoping the team can make it through the group stage for the first time.

However, this time, much to Susanna Reid and Ed Balls’ delight, there is no bank holiday scheduled for the day after to help Scotland fans support their team to the fullest.

Thankfully, Specsavers have stepped up to the plate to help, specially producing eye drops that fans can pick up for free from any of their 86 Scottish stores – helping to keep their eyes in tip-top condition for an evening of staring at the TV and, hopefully, partying.

And if Scotland were to do enough to make it through and the celebrations go on a little longer than expected, Specsavers have also produced a sick note for people looking to avoid work on Thursday morning.

Fans can access the sick note on Specsavers’ social media channels so they can inform their boss of their ‘very important eye test’ which means they won’t be back in work until after lunch.

Specsavers Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, says: ‘Nobody in Scotland will want to miss the Brazil match as we look to make history with our first successful major tournament group stage.

‘With the finals taking place across the pond, managing the time difference has been a challenge for fans watching at home, but luckily Specsavers are here to help.

‘We hope Scotland fans are watching on with joy and fresh eyes, with the option of a Thursday morning lie in up their sleeves as well!’

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

St Mark’s Park cyclist: Can you help?

Around 6.50am on Tuesday, 23 June, 2026 police received a report of a man having taken unwell whilst on a bicycle within St Marks Park, Warriston Road.

Emergency services attended and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination will take place in due course to establish the exact cause of death which police are not treating as suspicious.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who was within the park at this time, especially the two passers-by who assisted until paramedics arrived, to contact them on telephone number 101 quoting incident number 0556 of 23 June, 2026.

First Homes Fund opens

First time buyers encouraged to apply

Up to 2,000 households could be supported to make their step on to the property ladder in the first 100 days of this Government through the First Homes Fund.

The first phase of the shared-equity scheme, which offers first-time buyers a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit, is now open. Over the course of this Parliament it is expected around 50,000 households will benefit from the £500 million scheme.

The deposit contribution can made used to buy any property with a value of up to £300,000.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder and the opening of this fund is a direct response to stories I have heard from so many people who are keen to buy their first home.

“The First Homes Fund is part of a broader programme of action, supported by a record £4.9 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years.

“We promised to act to make life easier for many and fairer for all and, through the First Homes Fund, we are delivering on that promise.”

Homes for Scotland (HFS) Chief Executive Jane Wood said: “Reintroducing the First Home Fund was a key HFS ask ahead of the election, so we welcome this important step from the Scottish Government.

“Supporting First Time Buyers is essential, not only in helping to address Scotland’s existing housing need, with 693,000 households affected, but also in stimulating wider socio-economic growth across the country by unlocking investment confidence across the sector, particularly in areas where development viability can be more marginal and help increasing delivery of housing of all tenures where it is needed most.

“HFS is ready to help support the efficient delivery of the Fund so that all stakeholders, particularly those young people buying their first home, are ready and prepared for the launch of the scheme.”

PEP Summer Party

23rd JULY 12 – 3pm

PEP Summer Party – 23 July!

Join us from 12pm–3pm at The PEP Centre for an afternoon packed with entertainment, a BBQ, refreshments, and plenty of fun and chat!

3 West Pilton Park, EH4 4EL

0131 315 4466

hello@pepscot.org

Bring a friend and celebrate summer with us!

#CommunityConnections

States football dream comes true for young Scot thanks to national children’s charity

A young footballer from Penicuik who once faced poverty and uncertainty is playing collegiate sport in the United States, thanks to Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

As Scotland’s football team enjoys the global spotlight during the World Cup, 18-year-old Peter Bradford from Penicuik is home for a summer break from his dream football scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in upstate New York.

Just a few years ago, the idea of a football scholarship would have been beyond Peter’s wildest dreams.

When Peter was 12-years old, single-mum Michelle, was struggling to cope after she was forced to give up her job as a psychiatric nurse due to a shoulder injury.

With no financial safety net, cupboards were empty and Michelle faced impossible choices about how to support her family.

“It took a lot for me to ask for help,” said Michelle. “I honestly didn’t know how I could support my family and keep Peter’s football going.”

Michelle turned to Children First’s support line for financial support, and not long after that she was put in touch with the local Children First team in Midlothian where her family received support from Charles.

Children First provides emotional, practical and financial support to children and families through its national support line and local services across the country.

With additional support to manage finances, the family began to regain stability at a critical moment.

Peter, who had trained four times a week from a young age, received support to continue playing the sport he loved. This included funding for training and new football boots.

Charles also took him on trips to matches and offered Peter consistent encouragement to build his confidence – support that made a lasting difference. Charles still keeps in touch with the family now.

Michelle said: “Peter wouldn’t be where he is today without Children First. At the point when I reached out to them, I just didn’t have the financial capacity to keep his football going.”

Peter went on to play for Penicuik, Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans, where his talent continued to develop. He was offered one-to-one coaching with former professional footballer Gary O’Connor via Five-Star International Events.

Then in 2024 what Peter and Michelle thought was another training session, turned into a life-changing moment when Peter was offered a football scholarship in America.

“It was amazing. It didn’t feel real,” Peter said.

Determined to make the opportunity count, Peter spent a year preparing with a strict training and nutrition programme before moving to the United States at just 17.

For Michelle, saying goodbye was the hardest part. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was leaving him at the airport, but he makes me proud every day.”

Since arriving in the US, Peter has flourished both on and off the pitch. Despite living with dyslexia and struggling in school, he has adapted with support from his college and is now studying general education.

He is working hard to support himself through a job at his college gym, has built strong relationships with family in Pennsylvania and is playing a key role in his team, the Raiders. The team recently achieved a historic win over the Herkimer Generals, their first victory against them in nearly 50 years.

Peter now has his sights set on securing a full scholarship to continue his football career beyond his time at his current college.

Now home with his mum for a few weeks over the summer, Peter is holding down a job while juggling his rigorous fitness regime and continuing his studies.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Leaving young has made me mature more. Nothing’s impossible if you’ve got a dream.”

Back in Scotland, Michelle watches every match via livestream, still amazed at how far her son has come. For his 18th birthday, she cashed in a savings bond she had taken out when he was a baby to support him as he continues his journey.

Looking back, both Peter and Michelle believe that it was the early support from Children First that changed everything.

“None of this would have been possible without Children First,” Michelle said. “They changed the direction of my son’s life when we needed it most.”

Charles Graham, Senior Peer Support Worker at the Midlothian Children First team said: “Peter’s story shows the life-changing impact that early support can make for children and families.

2If families are able to access help at the right time, it can prevent crisis, unlock potential and give children the chance to thrive. Every child should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of Peter’s journey and we wish him every success for the future. We are all so proud of him here at Children First.”

You can help more children like Peter achieve their potential by donating today to Children First: Scottish Children’s Charity Donation | Children First

Children First’s support line is here for anyone worried about a child. Their expert team understand that bringing up children can be tough at times and can provide emotional, practical and financial help on 08000 28 22 33.

Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to find out more.