Still time to sign up for our Community Councils webinar at 6pm on Wed 29 January, when we will get an update on the Democracy Matters consultation from the Scottish Government.
The Democracy Matters engagement process asked communities to consider what the future of community decision making should look like where they live.
On 19 September 2024, COSLA and the Scottish Government published the Democracy Matters National Conversation report alongside a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to this work.
In this session Scottish Government officials will be presenting the process findings and outlining next steps for this important work.
SCOTTISH BUILDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION and Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Dr Bell’s) are encouraging parents to take the plunge in Scotland’s wild waters and improve their mental wellbeing.
The Foundation has provided £4,500 to Dr Bell’s to support its ‘mindful dips’ initiative which provides wild swimming sessions for parents who are looking for a break from the challenges of parenthood.
Founded in 2006 in Leith, Edinburgh, the charity provides a welcoming space for families with young children where they can receive encouragement, support, and advice in a relaxed atmosphere.
For parents, the demands of caregiving can often come at a cost of their own wellbeing as they prioritise the needs of their children.
Recognising the need for a respite, Dr Bell’s introduced a groundbreaking wild swimming programme, giving parents the chance to take a mindful break from the pressures of parenthood.
Designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing for parents facing stress, anxiety, and isolation, the sessions cater for all levels of swimmers, whether they are seasoned veterans or new to the water.
Held at nearby natural swimming spots, the mindfulness dips provide parents with guided experiences in cold water immersion from trained professionals, helping them to reduce stress, improve their mood, and build resilience against the pressures of life.
“Parents often put themselves last time and time again, and that often takes a toll,” explainsMegan Henry, Early Years Manager at Dr Bell’s Family Centre.
She said: “This programme is about giving them a moment to focus on themselves, surrounded by nature and a supportive community. It’s not just swimming, it’s a chance to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
“Many of those who attend the sessions have never done wild swimming before, and while they may be nervous, stepping into the cold water has an immediate impact. They feel calmer, more in control, and even excited to face the challenges of parenting.”
The programme’s success lies in its holistic approach. Alongside the swims, parents benefit from mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and ongoing support from the Dr Bell’s team.
By combining physical activity with mental health strategies, the programme offers parents the support to help their wellbeing.
The Scottish Building Society Foundation’s funding has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, and will help the programme expand in the future, offering more parents the opportunity to experience wild swimming.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive of Scottish Building Society, said: “By supporting the wild swimming programme, we’re not only helping parents, we’re also creating ripple effects that benefit their families and communities.
“We’d encourage any parent who is struggling, or just needs a little bit of support to contact Dr Bell’s. While you may not want to take the plunge into Scotland’s wild waters, they will be on hand to offer help and advice where needed.
“As a mutual organisation, we are committed to strengthening communities across Scotland. The charities supported through this round of funding reflect the incredible work happening on the ground to tackle issues such as isolation, mental health, and youth development.
“All of the charities The Foundation supports are fantastic causes, and for many people, community groups and charities serve as a vital lifeline. We understand their impact, and with the support of our members, we are committed to continuing our part in helping them thrive and make a lasting difference.
“We look forward to supporting them further in 2025, empowering them to continue making a positive difference, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”
Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.
The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.
“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.
“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”
The course features:
Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
A traffic-free learning environment
Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
All necessary equipment provided
Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants
Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.
Important Notes:
This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
No current cycling experience required
All abilities welcome
The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.
For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences after cannabis cultivations, with an estimated street value of £3.6million, were recovered in West Lothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh.
Two warrants were executed in Falkirk on Monday, 20 January, 2025 which resulted in the men aged 29 and 28 being arrested in connection with serious and organised crime. They were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Tuesday, 21 January, 2025
Large scale cannabis cultivations were discovered in Livingston, West Calder, Edinburgh and Falkirk between September, 2022 and January, 2025.
The cannabis cultivations have an estimated street value of £3.6million.
As part of enforcement action £80,000 worth of cannabis was recovered and £12,000 in cash.
Detective Sergeant John Irvine: “We remain committed to targeting those involved in serious and organised crime in Scotland as we recognise the impact this has on our local communities. “Disrupting large-scale cannabis cultivations prevents illegal drugs being circulated on our streets. “This action reiterates our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy. “Information from the public is absolutely crucial to our work and we ask anyone with knowledge about drugs activity in their area to call Police Scotland on 101.” Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February at the Edinburgh store, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
These workshops are open to people of all ages and with all levels of skill – whether an expert, a beginner, or someone starting out a new hobby.
Dobbies’ popular Grow How workshops will take place on Saturday 1 February, and Wednesday 5 February at 10:30am and 3:30pm at the Edinburgh store and will focus on growing your own tomatoes.
It will cover the history of the popular fruit, as well as offer tips and advice on how to grow and care for tomato plants. Customers taking part will also get the chance to taste and learn about different varieties and the most popular kinds that are grown in the UK.
These include Gardeners Delight, a cherry variety of tomato that was the most popular tomato plant sold at Dobbies in 2024. Other popular varieties include old favourites, Money Maker and Alicante, as well as Tumbler varieties that are ideal for baskets and containers.
During the workshop at the Edinburgh store, Dobbies’ colleagues will take passionate young gardeners through the wonderful world of tomatoes, unveiling the origins of one of the world’s most popular fruits, busting fruit vs vegetable myths, while taking part in fun and interactive games.
Children will learn how to grow their own tomatoes and how to help them thrive on windowsills. They’ll also learn care tips, fun facts and the different varieties and flavours.
Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Holiday Club will also return in February throughout half term. The fun-filled workshop will focus on flowers, with children learning all about where they come from and the different types, why they make great gifts and more about the most popular gifting flower, the rose.
Nigel Lawton, Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, is eager to showcase the programme of free events on offer to gardeners of all ages and experience at the Edinburgh store during February.
He said: “There is something particularly rewarding about enjoying fruit and vegetables that have been grown at home and these workshops are designed to make the activity accessible to all.
“Our Little Seedlings Holiday Club is a great opportunity for children to come together and learn something new by taking part in a variety of fun-filled and educations activities.”
Before the festive celebrations, the Tesco stores across Edinburgh called on shoppers to support a collection of toys so that families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift wouldn’t miss out on the big day.
People across the community responded enthusiastically to the campaign, with 1,610 of brand-new toys being gifted to Cash For Kids and Ferry Elves – bringing a smile to many children’s faces on Christmas Day.
Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We really can’t thank our customers enough for their kind contributions to this great cause.
“Throughout the year our stores give support to children and their community, and without fail local people support us in our efforts.
“So once again we are grateful to the people of Edinburgh for showing that the magic of Christmas is very much alive and well.
“They have made a great many children so happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families, so thank you so much again for your support.”
The Toy Donation campaign ran in stores across the UK in December, with more than 125,000 items being given.
In addition to the toy collection, Tesco donated £25,000 to the Salvation Army to support its ongoing efforts in providing essential services and support to vulnerable families during the festive season.
Following a report of concern for a person, around 4pm on Monday, 20 January, 2025, officers found the bodies of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl within a property in Harburn Drive, West Calder.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand this incident may be very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
UPDATE at 12:05pm 22/1/25:
Extensive enquiries are ongoing into the deaths of a 36-year-old man and a six-year-old girl in West Calder.
On Monday, 20 January, 2025, officers attended at a property in Harburn Drive where the bodies of a man and a girl were found within.
The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will take place in due course.
A team of officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, plus the local division, are involved in the investigation.
Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and at this time, there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our enquiries are continuing.
“I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with officers.”
There will continue to be a significant police presence in the area while the investigation is ongoing.
This includes uniformed and plain-clothed officers from the local division and the Major Investigation Team.
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr, local area commander, said: “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far.
“This incident is very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us.
“A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”
Ring has revealed the Scot whose voice will feature on its Video Doorbells in time for Burns Night
It follows the company’s ‘Voice of the Nation’ casting search in Scotland, in collaboration with Scottish radio presenter, Edith Bowman
Azkah Sardar from Glasgow has recorded Quick Replies for Ring Video Doorbells in the UK – the first time the Scottish accent will be heard on its devices
New Scots language message also available: “We’re no in the noo, but haud on! Afore ye go it’d be pure dead brilliant if you’d leave a wee message. Haste ye back”
A woman from Glasgow has become the first ever Scottish voice to be heard on Ring Video Doorbells, following a nationwide casting search by the smart home security company.
Azkah Sardar has been unveiled as Ring’s ‘Voice of the Nation’, lending her Scottish accent to Ring’s Video Doorbell ‘Quick Replies’ feature, in an announcement that arrives just in time for Burns Night on 25th January. It marks the first time Ring has worked with a member of the public to voice its Video Doorbell Quick Replies, and the first time a Scottish accent will be heard on Ring Video Doorbells.
Medical student Azkah decided to audition after hearing about the search on the radio, and while she grew up shy, decided to step outside her comfort zone to give it a go.
The 23-year-old, who auditioned at Glasgow Silverburn, stood out among 300 candidates for Ring’s Scotland-wide casting search that was judged by legendary Scottish radio DJ and television presenter, Edith Bowman.
Ring’s Quick Replies act as an answering machine for the door. Once activated, and someone rings the doorbell, the visitor will hear a pre-selected greeting with the option to leave a message.
To celebrate the launch of the ‘Voice of the Nation’, Azkah also voiced a bespoke Scots language Quick Reply: “We’re no in the noo, but haud on! Afore ye go it’d be pure dead brilliant if you’d leave a wee message. Haste ye back!”
Azkah Sardar, Ring’s Voice of the Nation, said: “It means a lot to be chosen as Ring’s Voice of the Nation. I thought it was a really cool idea as it hadn’t been done before, so I thought I’d go along to the auditions and just give it a shot.
“Scotland isn’t a huge place, but we have so much to offer. We’re not as represented as we should be and it’s amazing that Ring is making steps towards making it happen. Not many big brands go the extra mile to use regional accents in their technology, so I think this campaign has been fantastic.”
Edith Bowman helped judge the auditions in collaboration with Ring, and said Azkah stood out for their enthusiasm and good energy.
Speaking of the chosen voice, Edith Bowman said: “Azkah is a brilliant choice for Scotland’s Voice of the Nation. We were looking for someone with lots of energy, enthusiasm and personality and that’s exactly what we got.
“We received so many amazing entries – from the pop-up auditions to social media – so it was a really tough decision. The Glasgow accent is one of many beautiful varieties north of the border and we hope to hear it on doorbells across the UK.
“I’ve loved being a part of something so innovative and celebratory it’s been great seeing this campaign come to life. Our Scottish voice is now on Ring’s Quick Replies, so make sure you activate your chosen greeting in the app for Burns Night!”
The ‘Voice of the Nation’ was launched after Ring’s research found the Scottish accent to be one of the most endearing in the UK, with 44% of people agreeing it’s one of the friendliest. A huge 78% of Scots said they are proud of how welcoming their accent sounds, and many feel the accent has a charming, humorous quality.
Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring, said: “We’re delighted to feature a Scottish voice on our Ring Video Doorbell Quick replies. Azkah’s voice captures the warmth and friendliness that Scottish accents are well known for, making her the perfect candidate to greet visitors at doorsteps across the country.
“Our Voice of the Nation search was a huge success, and we’re grateful to all who auditioned. We set out to celebrate regional dialects and we are thrilled to start in Scotland.”
To find its Scottish voice, Ring held public auditions across Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Candidates also took to Instagram and TikTok to apply, and those with a Ring device and Ring Home subscription could enter through the app.
Simply head to the Ring app now to set up your Scottish accent Quick Reply, just in time for Burns Night. To find out more about the Voice of the Nation, read Ring’s blog here.
Welfare fraudsters who cheated the taxpayer out of £7 billion last year could be banned from driving if they fail to reimburse the public and repay their debt
Benefit cheats to be stripped of driving licences under new plans in government’s biggest fraud crackdown in a generation
New Public Authorities (Fraud, Error & Recovery) Bill introduces measures to be tough on criminals and fairer to taxpayers.
The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £8.6 billion over 5 years in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history, as part of Plan for Change
As part of new legislation set to be introduced in Parliament today to deliver the biggest fraud crackdown in a generation, benefit cheats could be disqualified from driving for periods of up to two years if they refuse all opportunities to repay the money they owe.
The Department or Work and Pensions (DWP) will be able to apply to the court with the justification to suspend fraudsters from driving, provided the debts is £1,000 or over and frequent requests to repay the debt have been ignored.
DWP’s serious organised crime authorised investigators are also expected to be handed powers to apply to a court for search warrants. It means that for the first time, they will be able to support Police and search premises and seize items such as computers and smartphones as evidence against fraudsters.
The Bill alone is expected to save the Department £1.5 billion over the next five years, and forms part of wider government plans to save a total of £4.3 billion in 2029/30 in the biggest welfare fraud and error budget package in recent history.
The new legislation is being brought forward after the government inherited a broken welfare system, with fraud and error in the social security system currently costing the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and, since the pandemic, a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been incorrectly paid to those not entitled to the money.
This Bill comes as the government seeks to bring forward measures to overhaul the health and disability welfare system as part of its Plan for Change, so it better supports people to enter and remain in work and to tackle the spiralling welfare bill – with new proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system expected in the Spring.
This legislation also delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system.
The measures in the Bill will be underpinned by a principle of fairness and proportionality – the priority is always to negotiate affordable and sustainable repayment plans, with these powers to be used as a last resort.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, said: “We are turning off the tap to criminals who cheat the system and steal law-abiding taxpayers’ money.
“This means greater consequences for fraudsters who cheat and evade the system, including as a last resort in the most serious cases removing their driving licence. Backed up by new and important safeguards including reporting mechanisms and independent oversight to ensure the powers are used proportionately and safely.
“People need to have confidence the Government is opening all available doors to tackle fraud and eliminate waste, as we continue the most ambitious programme for government in a generation – with a laser-like focus on outcomes which will make the biggest difference to their lives as part of our Plan for Change.”
DWP will also have the power to recover money directly from bank accounts of those not on benefits or in PAYE employment who owe the Department and refuse to pay up, despite having the means to do so. The Bill will allow DWP to request bank statements to prove these debtors have sufficient funds to fairly repay what they owe. However, DWP will not have direct access to people’s bank accounts.
Modernising the approach to catching fraudsters, preventing overpayments and introducing new safeguards to further protect vulnerable customers means the DWP can keep pace with the sophisticated nature of fraud, while also ensuring law-abiding customers get the right benefits – preventing them from falling further into debt.
The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers.
The government will also bring forward Codes of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers, and we have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers including the right to appeal the decision.
The Cabinet Office’s Public Sector Fraud Authority will also be given more powers under the legislation being introduced in Parliament today.
A brand-new measure will see the time limit for civil claims against Covid fraud doubled from six to twelve years. This step change in the ability to fight fraud committed during the pandemic will give the Covid Corruption Commissioner and the Public Sector Fraud Authority more time to investigate complex cases and apply their new powers retrospectively – including the ability to raid properties and retrieve money from Covid fraudsters’ bank accounts.
Georgia Gould, Minister in the Cabinet Office, said: “During the pandemic, when people and businesses needed government support the most, some people stole public money for their own personal gain.
“This legislation gives the government tough new powers that can be used to investigate and recover money stolen from the public during covid and doubles the time we have to bring fraudsters to justice.”
Taken together, these measures show the government’s commitment to taking a responsible approach to public finances which is required for long-term economic growth, in order to deliver for working people up and down the country.
Additional Information
The new law will deliver on this government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money – ensuring every pound is spent wisely and effectively:
New powers of search and seizure – so DWP can control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer
Allowing DWP to recover debts from individuals no longer on benefits and not in PAYE employment who can pay money back but have avoided doing so.
New requirements for banks and building societies to flag where there is an indication that there may be a breach of eligibility rules for benefits – preventing debts accruing
All the powers will include strong safeguards to ensure they are only used appropriately and proportionately – including new inspection and reporting mechanisms.
We have a clearly defined scope and clear limitations for the use of all the powers we are introducing, and our staff will be trained to the highest possible standards.
The measures in this Bill will enable the PSFA to:
reduce fraud against the public sector by using its expertise to take action on behalf of other departments, against those who attack the public sector.
better detect and prevent incorrect payments across the public sector through new information gathering and sharing powers.
Use strong non-criminal sanctions and civil penalties to provide an alternative to criminal prosecution and to deter fraud
improve the government’s ability to recover public money, through new debt recovery and enforcement powers.
Use new powers of entry, search and seizure to reduce the burdens on the police in the most serious criminal investigations.
improve fraud management in future emergencies by creating specialist time limited powers to be used in crisis management situations – building on lessons learned during COVID-19.
The PSFA will implement a ‘test and learn’ approach when utilising these powers, piloting different approaches and expertise to find the best way to tackle public sector fraud.
The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election takes place this Thursday (23 January) and residents in the ward are being urged to remember their polling cards and cast their votes.
Residents in Colinton, Fairmilehead, Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston who are aged 16 or over and have registered to vote can participate in Thursday’s by-election.
Together they will select two new councillors for the ward, which has a current electorate of 19,669. For this election there are 14,290 electors (72.7%) who have opted to vote in person and 5,379 postal voters (27.3%).
Whilst it is not mandatory to bring a polling card this will speed up the process when you arrive to cast your ballot.
Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence said: “With the by-election fast approaching, I encourage residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward to visit their local polling place on Thursday.
“Please remember your polling cards and take this opportunity to have your say. Your two new local councillors will represent your community on issues affecting the ward and Edinburgh as a whole.
“Our elections pages provide useful information on how the Single Transferable Vote system works – you can rank candidates in order of preference, choosing as many or few as you’d like.
“If you’ve requested and received a postal ballot, please return it as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted.”
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 23 January at:
Charwood
Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
Pentland Community Centre
The electronic election count will take place on Friday 24 January starting at 10:00am.
