His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh arrives in India today [2nd February] on a three-day visit, with a focus on championing young people and promoting the benefits of non-formal education across the world.
His Royal Highness will travel to Mumbai and Delhi to promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, delivered as The International Award for Young People (IAYP) in India: a non-formal education and learning framework supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world. Since its inception in India in 1962, the Award has helped more than 150,000 students from 325 schools and educational institutions across the country.
In addition to meeting with members of the government, Prince Edward is scheduled to undertake varied engagements spanning the breadth of the living bridge that connects the UK and India. This includes discussions with Indian education and business leaders and philanthropists, and joining events that celebrate our shared love for sport and the arts.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “I am delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to India. The visit is an important reminder of the vibrant and enduring links between our countries, including through a 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK.
“The UK-India partnership is helping drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. By investing in our youth today and ensuring they have all the opportunities to succeed, we can continue to build on the shared vision of a better tomorrow.”
Kapil Bhalla, National Director, The International Award for Young People, India said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to India as part of his continued commitment to inspiring young people worldwide.
“His visit reaffirms the transformative impact of The International Award for Young People in empowering the youth of India to realise their full potential. His Royal Highness’ presence is a testament to the enduring legacy of this programme and its ability to connect communities across the globe.”
At the conclusion of the visit to India, The Duke will travel on to join The Duchess of Edinburgh in visiting Nepal.
Ronaq, one of Edinburgh’s most popular Indian restaurants, is spicing things up with the launch of a lunchtime tapas menu.
Available from this weekend (Saturday, 1 February), the new menu at the Comely Bank BYOB will feature four sections – starter, mains, accompaniments and afters.
The usual traditional classics such as pakora, chicken biryani, lamb jalfrazi and vegetable korma will all be featured alongside an array of other mouth-watering meals, while fans of fish curry won’t be disappointed by the Machli Balti, haddock cooked with green peppers, coriander, cumin, cardamoms, pimento and cinnamon.
Diners can choose one dish from each section for £9.95.
There is also a children’s menu offering chicken tikka, chicken curry, chicken korma and fish fingers from £6.95.
The tapas will be served from 12-2pm Monday-Friday, and from 2pm-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
“We’re excited to introduce this new lunchtime offering for our customers,” said owner Mohammed Shoaib.
“Tapas are a fun way to enjoy a number of different dishes and there is something for everybody on the menu. It’s an ideal way to taste a variety of the flavours which we are renowned for.
“They can also be served quite quickly, ideal for people who may be on their lunch break from work and a little short of time.”
Gordon Macdonald SNP MSP has raised serious concerns regarding the upcoming closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Wester Hailes, warning of the impact of this decision on members of the community who rely on these services.
Lloyds Banking Group have announced that they are closing their Wester Hailes branch on 27 May 2025. This branch provides a crucial service to local residents and its closure risks harming those in the local community who rely on face-to-face banking services.
Gordon Macdonald MSP is therefore seeking a meeting with Lloyds Banking Group to discuss the potential impacts of their decision and to obtain further details regarding support for those most affected.
Commenting, Gordon Macdonald said: “This news will be very worrying for those who rely on the Bank of Scotland branch services at the Westside Plaza Shopping Centre in Wester Hailes.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of this closure on members of the community who rely on these services particularly with the Post Office Branch in Wester Hailes also under review which would leave local customers with no means of face to face banking services.
“I am urgently seeking a meeting with the Bank of Scotland to understand the impact of this decision on my constituents, and my office is on hand to support constituents if needed.”
The locations affected:
· Alexandria (Banking Hub and Enhanced Deposit service to be introduced)
· Annan (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Barrhead
· Bishopbriggs (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Edinburgh Corstorphine West (Enhanced Deposit service to be introduced)
· Edinburgh Wester Hailes
· Helensburgh (Banking Hub to be introduced)
· Kirkintilloch (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Moffat (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Peebles (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Pitlochry (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Sanquhar (Community Banker service to be introduced)
· Thornhill (Enhanced Deposit service and Community Banker service to be introduced)
A law passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2017, has focused minds on work to reduce child poverty, but more collaboration is needed for the Scottish Government to continue to make progress, according to a report from Holyrood’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee.
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act was passed by the Parliament in 2017 and aimed to tackle, report on and measure child poverty. It also established targets relating to the eradication of child poverty by 2030. The Scottish Government will publish statistics that will outline whether it has met its interim targets in March.
The Committee wanted to understand the impact of the Act, and in particular the difference that has been made by having a framework for reducing child poverty set in law.
In its report on post-legislative scrutiny of the Act, the Committee has found that, while the Act has instilled an appetite and motivation to tackle child poverty, something most clearly demonstrated in the establishment of the Scottish Child Payment, it has not led to sustained progress towards reaching the Scottish Government’s 2030 targets.
The report outlines a series of recommendations that could help the Government make further progress, including encouraging a culture of collaborative working across portfolios and engaging with local authorities to understand whether they can reach the targets and what further resources they might need.
The Committee also calls on the Government to share details on how its own research into child poverty in rural areas and in the islands has impacted on the Scottish Government’s approach.
Collette Stevenson MSP, Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said:“Our scrutiny has shown that the Child Poverty Act has helped ensure the Scottish Government keeps its aim of eradicating child poverty focused in people’s minds.
“However, it looks as though more progress can be made towards achieving the targets that were set out in the act, so we are calling for change on a bigger scale to happen.
“We’re keen to hear more from the Scottish Government about how it intends to do this so that it can meet its targets and make a real difference to the daily life of children and families in Scotland.”
Leith Theatre Perseveres on 20 Year Journey to Save Building
Leith Theatre Trust is proud to announce a significant milestone, the securing of a 50-year lease for the much-loved Leith Theatre. This achievement, the culmination of a 20-year campaign, cements the future of the iconic venue, allowing a stable foundation for future ambitions.
For the first time since 2004, and with the security of a long-term lease, the Trust is able to confidently plan for long-term development, and crucially, seek the investment required to transform the venue into a sustainable and vibrant cultural space.
The significant long term lease agreement marks a turning point for Leith Theatre, delivered 17 months after the Trust received committee approval at City of Edinburgh Council’s Finance and Resource Committee in September 2023. This has been achieved after working closely with council officers and legal teams, in parallel with investigative works to conduct due diligence in relation to building health.
This achievement is a testament to the commitment of Leith Theatre staff, board and key personnel from the City of Edinburgh Council who have persevered and worked hard to protect and preserve this vital community asset.
Originally saved from the risk of private redevelopment by a group of local campaigners, Leith Theatre has often been overlooked in its lifetime but has nevertheless stood the test of time.
This positive step forward for the whole complex is vital to its protection on its journey to becoming a beacon of regeneration and heritage preservation, allowing it to fulfil its ambitions and take its place at the heart of Leith life as an innovative cultural and community venue.
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre, said:“I feel so proud to play a part in safeguarding such a unique and incredible heritage asset, so many of which are now commonly under threat.
“Saving this particular building has been a strong local response to that threat. The lease now gives us the stability to develop and steer this project towards refurbishment and sustainability as a key piece of cultural infrastructure in the city.
“I believe this space can be transformational for Leith and I am excited to plan for its long-term future.”
Bob Last, Chair of Leith Theatre, said:“When I took on the role of Chair at Leith Theatre, my primary goal was to ensure that we negotiated a new long-term lease for this asset gifted to the people of Leith in the 1930s. After many months of work alongside a tenacious team, I am pleased to deliver the vital security this lease brings.
“In celebrating this moment not only are we standing on the shoulders of the original architects whose vision I have ever greater respect for, but also all the skilled labour that went in to every detail of its construction, everyone who has enjoyed events at the theatre for more than 90 years giving the building meaning and, crucially, previous members of the Trust and all those who have spoken out about the building over the years.
“Leith Theatre will now be an important part of Leith and Edinburgh’s future cultural and community landscape.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Leith Theatre as we seek to unlock further capital investment and bring more and more vibrant life back to this iconic space.”
Val Walker, culture convener at the city council, said: “A 50-year lease is a remarkable milestone, and I’m very excited to see the venue thrive as a lasting music, cultural and community asset.
“This is the beginning of the next chapter. With the continued interest and enthusiastic support for the venue I very much look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
David Orr, Commercial Real Estate Partner at Aberdein Considine, who negotiated the lease on behalf of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “It is immensely rewarding to have played a part in this extremely exciting new chapter for the iconic Leith Theatre, which will both preserve this significant piece of the historic built environment and revive this unique venue for the cultural and creative industries.
“We are proud to have worked alongside the Trust and partners to bring this lease deal to fruition and we look forward to supporting the continued success of Leith Theatre Trust in the years and decades to come.”
5153 PENALTY NOTICES ISSUED FOR PARKING ON PAVEMENT
The benefits of the pavement parking ban have been praised by Guide Dogs Scotland and Living Streets Edinburgh.
The Council previously worked with these organisations to lobby for the introduction of controls in Scotland.
Earlier this week (January 29) marked a full year since enforcement began against parking on pavements, at dropped kerb crossing points and double parking.
The council introduced these rules to make our streets safer for pedestrians and road users. Pavement parking particularly impacts people who use wheelchairs and mobility, those who are blind or partially sighted and people pushing prams or buggies. This practise also damages pavements, which are expensive to repair and become a trip hazard for everyone.
Parking attendants have the powers to issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) to vehicles parked on pavements, some verges, at crossing points or double parked. A parking ticket will be issued at the national level of £100 but reduced to £50 if paid within the first 14 days. This follows a similar process to existing parking tickets issued in Edinburgh.
Up to 26 January 2025 there had been 5,153 PCNs issued for footway parking, 1,612 for dropped kerb parking and 1,629 for double parking.
Since enforcement began there has been an overall decreasing trend in PCN fines being issued for pavement parking – with the exception of the busier summer months.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “Since we first introduced these changes one year ago, we’ve seen many residents and visitors modify their parking habits accordingly, with the problem of pavement parking disappearing in many streets across our city. The overall gradual decrease in PCN fines for pavement parking also shows we’re headed in the right direction, ultimately we want to see zero fines.
“Every driver is responsible for parking their vehicle considerately, and where this would not cause an obstruction to the pavement or road. We brought the pavement parking ban in to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone, especially those with sight impairments, mobility issues or pushing buggies.
“We’ve also heard from many people who really appreciate clearer, wider pavements and who no longer need to walk on the road as a result of the ban.
“I’m proud that we took this decision to make our streets as safe and accessible as possible – and that local authorities across Scotland are now looking to Edinburgh’s lead and implementing schemes of their own.”
Transport and Local Access Forum Convener, Councillor Kayleigh O’Neill said: “The pavement parking ban has been so well received in Edinburgh, and I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making that happen.
“Strong awareness, resident co-operation and Council enforcement has meant that disabled people, elderly people, those with buggies and prams, all have an easier time getting around.
“So many streets that have been blighted in the past are now free and accessible for people who move around the city like me who uses a power wheelchair.
“Pavements are for people and the enforcement of this ban reinforces that. It is great to also see that Glasgow has followed us and are beginning enforcement on their city streets from January 29.”
Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, Mike Moore said: “One year on from the enforcement of pavement parking restrictions in Edinburgh, people with sight loss say it has made a real difference.
“By keeping pavements clear, the new rules have helped to ensure that people in the capital can get out and about safely, without the fear of being forced on to the road by inconsiderate parking.
“We welcome the start of enforcement in Glasgow this week, which marks an important step towards a consistent approach across Scotland. With both of Scotland’s largest cities now taking action, we hope to see continued progress by local authorities to make our streets safer and more accessible for all pedestrians.”
Living Streets Edinburgh Group Convener, David Hunter said:“The City of Edinburgh Council deserves credit not only for being the first in Scotland to apply the national ban on pavement parking, but also for adopting a “no streets exempt” policy.
“This been the most significant change to make Edinburgh a safer and more attractive city for pedestrians since the introduction of widespread 20mph speed limits.”
Cats Protection welcomes the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC)’s recently published report on responsible ownership and care of domestic cats in Scotland, supporting its microchipping recommendations to improve cat welfare across Scotland.
Advocacy Officer for Cats Protection, Alice Palombo, said: “We are delighted that SAWC has recommended the introduction of legislation for compulsory microchipping and the registration of owned cats in Scotland.
“This would be a vital step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pet cats, one that Cats Protection has long campaigned for.
“Animal welfare charities take in thousands of unchipped cats every year, and Scotland has the second lowest microchipping rates in the UK at 72%. This legislation will help reunite lost cats with their owners, reduce the number of unowned and stray cats, while also reducing the burden on our teams.
“Trying to find the owners of unchipped cats often takes up valuable space in our pens – space that could otherwise be used for cats in urgent need.”
The charity further supports the development of a centralised database to simplify the registration process, giving an efficient way for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare organisations to search for cats when needed.
In addition to legislative measures, SAWC has recommended that Scottish Ministers implement a public education programme to encourage voluntary microchipping and registration ahead of legal requirements.
Alice continues: “The combination of compulsory microchipping and a centralised registration system will be a game-changer for cat welfare in Scotland.
“A public education initiative will be crucial in raising awareness among cat owners and the wider public about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“We hope Scottish Ministers do take action by implementing these proposals as soon as possible, which we believe are essential for improving cat welfare.”
The long-running Gaelic short film competition, FilmG, has released the shortlists ahead of the FilmG Awards in March, marking the biggest shake-up in categories in the competition’s 17-year history.
For the first time, there will be no Best Film category in either the -18 or 18+ competitions. Instead, the major prizes will now be awarded for Best Drama, Best Documentary, and Best Comedy—highlighting the breadth of Gaelic storytelling talent.
This year also saw another historic change: filmmakers were not given a set theme for the first time, allowing for complete creative freedom. The 127 entries across both competitions reflected the focus behind the scenes on development and progress.
Independent judges selected nominees across 15 categories, while the public will decide the final two awards through an online vote.
18+ Shortlists
All four films nominated for Best Drama are previous FilmG winners, including last year’s Best Film winner, Kayleigh Bell.
Three films stand out with three nominations each: Mhàiri Gillies from Skye and the duo of Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver for their respective documentaries, along with last year’s winner Luca Kerr for his drama ‘Geama’.
-18 Shortlists
Last year’s Best Film winner, Parker Dawes, picks up another two nominations, including Best Drama.
Only four other films collect multiple nominations – Gairloch High School, Sgoil an Taobh Siar, and Portree Secondary School each received two nominations, while the Comunn na Gàidhlig group from Harris received three nominations for their comedic take on the hit TV show The Voice.
Dingwall schools also had a strong showing, with two films nominated from Dingwall Primary and one from Dingwall Academy.
Murdo MacSween, FilmG’s Project Director, said, “It’s the strongest FilmG we’ve ever seen in terms of quality, and we have very competitive shortlists.
“The public vote has also been strong, so it’ll be exciting to see which two films come out as Scotland’s favourites!”
Alongside the competition, FilmG’s workshops, clubs, and activities continue to nurture the next generation of Gaelic storytellers, providing a pathway for aspiring filmmakers to enter the world of Gaelic media.
Maggie Taylor, Head of Publishing at MG ALBA, added: “FilmG is invaluable for Gaelic media, as it showcases all the new talent coming through.
“The judges have had a tough job this year, but we’re proud of all the filmmakers who have been busy across Scotland sharing their stories in Gaelic.”
The winners will be revealed at the FilmG Awards Ceremony at the SEC in Glasgow on Friday, 7 March 2025. You can watch all the films at www.filmg.co.uk.
Complete list of nominations:
-18
Best Drama
Cus – Gairloch High School Air Choire – Parker Dawes Spògan Buidhe – Portree High School FilmG Club
Seachad – Ullapool High School
Best Documentary
An Treasamh Sùil – Tomas Dimbleby Weber Òran na Cloiche – ‘Dà Bhogsa agus Bogha’ & Finlay Morrison Na Fònaichean Tha Sin..! Tràilleachd na Fònaichean – Sgoil Lìonacleit FORSAN – Rosa O’Halloran
Best Comedy
An Seachnadh – Dingwall Academy Na Mèirlich – Dingwall Primary School
Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh
Best Youth Group
Na Fuadaichean – Dingwall Primary School Pantar Phàislig – West Primary School, Paisley Muncaidh Bhreascleit – Sgoil Bhreascleit An Guth – CnaG Na Hearadh
Power of Gaelic Award
Nuair a bha mi Òg – Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath Seanchas na Fairge – Staffin School and CnaG Am Plana Gaoideach – Castlebay Community School Dè Nì Sinn? – Sgoil an Taobh Siar
The Creativity Award
Drogh Paitchyn / Clann Dona – Bun-scoil Ghaelgagh, Isle of Man A-mach ‘s A-steach – Oban High School
An Cluba Saidheans aig a Bh.Uas. Nic an Ceàrdaich – Calderglen High School, East Kilbride Faigh A-mach à Seo Mi! – Dunoon Grammar School
Technical Excellence Award
Parker Dawes – Air Choire Alasdair MacDonald – Baile Mhoire Uilleam MacDonald – Am Fiùran Alex Padarowski – Duine-èisg
Best Performance
Emily King – An Guth Eloise McNay – Geama Lexy Campbell – Cus Jonathan MacDonald – Spògan Buidhe
18+
Best Drama Air a’ Bheing – Kayleigh Bell & Adam Stewart Geama – Luca Kerr Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils Sinne, Nas Sine – Cara Turner & Kirsty McBain
Best Documentary Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver Orient – David O’Brien Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies A’ Bheàrn – Jessica Deigan
Best Comedy Falach-Fead – AllanWith1Eils A’ Cluich – Rambling Celt Productions Ar Eilean Breagha – Eilidh Johnston Cunnart bho na Meanbh-chuileagan – An Clas Camelon
Best Cultural Film A’ Tilleadh Dhachaigh – Galson Trust Estate Coinneach MacThòmais – Eilidh Chandler & Rae MacIver Orient – David O’Brien Anne Againne – Mhairi Gillies
Best Music Video Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh – Evie Waddell Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin – Cashlin MacKenzie Mhic Iain ‘ic Sheumais – Dlù Chan Eil – Evie Waddell
Technical Excellence Award Rob MacNeacail – A’ Cluich Mhari Gillies – Anne Againne Cashlin MacKenzie – Tha Smeòrach sa Mhadainn Chiùin Rae MacIver – Coinneach MacThòmais
Best Performance Ró Ó hEadhra – Uisge-Bàis Evie Waddell – Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh Kirsty MacArthur – Air a’ Bheing Rachel Kate MacLeod – Geama
