Maternal and child health expert Professor Christine McCourt is to lead a review into improving maternity services across Scotland.
Health Secretary Angela Constance announced the appointment in an update to Parliament.
Professor McCourt will examine how maternity services can better meet women’s needs across the country, including how care is provided in rural and island areas. This will include specific review of services in Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire.
The review will also address the higher maternal mortality rates of Black and Asian women, informed directly by the voices of Black and Asian women.
Professor McCourt will review how NHS boards engage meaningfully with their communities on decisions they make about maternity services.
The full scope and terms of reference will be published by the Chair and is expected to focus on the views and experiences of women, their families and staff.
Ms Constance said: “Every woman in Scotland deserves safe, compassionate and high-quality maternity care, regardless of where she lives.
“I am pleased Professor McCourt will lead our review. She will consult with clinical experts and engage with families and patient groups, including those in rural and island areas such as Caithness, Elgin and Wigtownshire.
“This independent review fulfils a commitment we made for our first 100 days in government. It will build on improvements already being made in the NHS, including the maternity standards launched earlier this year. It will be carried out at pace and completed within nine months.
“I am clear this review will deliver real and tangible change for women and their families.”
Professor McCourt said: “Positive maternity experiences and outcomes are vital for our health and wellbeing.
“I look forward to listening and learning from families and communities across Scotland, as well as from those who provide dedicated care in our NHS.
“This will help draw out lessons for maternity and neonatal services and contribute to ensuring the best possible care for all.”
A group of sheltered housing tenants known as the ‘Leith Legends’ (aged 60-95) have reached the end of their 3,070-mile walking challenge. They walked their final mile starting at the top of the Royal Mile and ending at the Scottish Parliament Building yesterday (Thursday 11 June).
The group has been attempting to walk the distance from Edinburgh to Boston ahead of Scotland’s first match at the men’s FIFA World Cup this weekend. Their journey began in January with a walk around the pitch at Easter Road Stadium, adorned with Scotland flags and team T-shirts.
The ‘March to the Match’ will be the longest journey attempted by tenants who have previously walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End (1,280 miles), from Alloway to Dumfries in the footsteps of Robert Burns (60 miles), and the North Coast 500 (500 miles).
Maureen Combe who leads the Sheltered Housing Team at Harbour Homes said:“The Leith Legends have come a long way since their first walk at Easter Road Stadium.
2They have been steadfast in their commitment to reaching their goal, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved. To have walked their final mile on the first day of the World Cup, when thousands of Scotland fans set off on their adventures, just adds to the excitement of it all.”
Leith Legend Anne McBrierty said: “The challenge has meant that I’ve been walking a lot more than I usually do and I’m hoping to keep it up after it’s over.
“I’ve enjoyed it all and my favourite group walk was around the grounds of Lauriston Castle.”
Leith Legend Betty Lewis said:“I’ve enjoyed all the different walks we’ve been on too, the Botanics, Portobello and Easter Road Stadium.
“For me Lauriston Castle was a favourite. I too hope to keep up with the walking now that the challenge is finished.”
The Leith Legends have been counting their steps walked, both as a group at locations around Edinburgh, and as individuals looking to keep fit.
They have successfully walked a combined distance of just over 3,070 miles in 140 days, at a pace of around 22 miles per day.
More than 150 pupils from schools across Edinburgh came together yesterday (Thursday 11 June) for a violence prevention event, where they shared their views on safety, weapon carrying and what safer communities should look like.
Hosted by Fearless, the youth service of the charity Crimestoppers, in partnership with Police Scotland, the event took place at the Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.
It gave young people the chance to speak openly about the pressures they face, hear from expert partners, and help design messages and strategies they believe will resonate with their peers.
The event built on a previous Fearless and Police Scotland schools event on firework safety held in September 2025.
Feedback from the young people who took part helped shape the focus of this year’s programme, with pupils leading discussions on how to prevent violence and reduce weapon carrying.
Pupils will now take what they learned back into their schools and communities, helping to continue conversations about safety, choice and the impact of weapon carrying. Videos captured by young people during the day will also feature on Fearless Scotland’s social media channels, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people over the summer holidays.
Sessions on the day included:
* A session on the realities and impact of violence, followed by a creative workshop led by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit and Police Scotland
* A social media workshop with Fearless, where young people created violence prevention messages and interviewed guests and peers
* Practical street first aid training with the Scottish Ambulance Service
* A session on the impact of antisocial behaviour with Lothian Buses
* Violence prevention input from Medics Against Violence, delivered in partnership with young people they work with
* Interactive sessions from Big Hearts Community Trust and Stellar Elevate exploring positive masculinity, online influence and knife crime
* A music workshop with Turn The Tables, giving young people the chance to create anti-violence music
Community Sport Hub and 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café were also there to signpost young people to support, activities and positive opportunities they can get involved in over the summer.
Lisa Petrie, mum of John McNab, was also attended the event to speak to young people about John, the huge hole his death has left and the work she is doing in his memory.
Emily, a pupil from Craigroyston Community High School, attending the event said:“Today has been great, going around the different stations, learning more and also being listened to by all the organisations here.
“For me, hearing from John’s mum was really important. It wasn’t just someone talking to us who doesn’t understand – she’s actually been through the worst and has that real insight.
“It makes you realise that it doesn’t just affect the victim – it affects everyone around them too, people just like our own families.
“As young people, we all have a responsibility to work together and make good choices for our communities.
“You’ve got a choice – use your voice.”
Hannah, a fellow pupil added:“Often adults tell us about the consequences of crimes like this, but don’t always tell us what support is there. I think that’s been the best part of this event – seeing that there are organisations and adults who are actually here to help.
“For example, Fearless is a really important support for young people, giving them a way to report information about crime anonymously.
“You can see that the staff at Fearless don’t expect us to be perfect – they’re there to help, not judge, and to make sure we don’t end up in a bad situation. That really matters.”
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, said:“Violence prevention has to involve young people in a meaningful way. They understand what is happening in their schools, streets, group chats and communities better than anyone, and they often have the clearest ideas about what needs to change.
“Young people’s voices matter at every stage. If we want to prevent violence and respond to harm, we have to ask them what they think and genuinely listen to what they tell us. That is what today was all about.
“What matters now is that these conversations do not end when young people leave the room. The pupils who took part will go back to their schools and communities and help spread messages about safety and the impact of weapon carrying.
“We also want every young person to know that if they are worried about someone carrying a weapon or involved in violence, they can speak up to our charity 100% anonymously. No one will know who they are, but the information they share could help keep someone safe.
“We are incredibly grateful to Police Scotland and all of the partners who came together to make this event possible. Days like this show what can happen when young people are placed at the heart of prevention.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Police Scotland Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said:“Violence has a serious impact on individuals, families and communities, particularly our young people.
“Last year, Police Scotland launched Operation Stardrop to coordinate diversionary activity with partners, including Fearless, to address the root causes of violence and help safeguard children and young people from becoming involved in violent crime, either as victims or perpetrators.
“A key part of that work is creating opportunities like today’s event, where young people can share their views and help shape the way we respond.
“It is important to remember that most children and young people are not involved in violence, but we also know that carrying weapons can have devastating consequences. That is why meaningful partnership working and early engagement with young people are so important to keeping communities safe.”
City of Edinburgh, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“There is no place for anti-social behaviour in Edinburgh, and that is why initiatives like the youth summit are so important.
“Following the success of last year’s event, I’m glad to see partners once again coming together with young people to have open and constructive conversations about community safety, the risks associated with weapon carrying, and what more can be done to create better neighbourhoods.
“The willingness of young people to engage with these important conversations is evident, and their voices are central to shaping solutions and helping us build a safer Edinburgh for everyone.”
Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at SCVO’s annual awards ceremony
An Edinburgh youth partnership has won a top award for its work supporting the local community.
The Time to Talk Partnership, run by The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth, and 6VT, won Partnership of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2026.
The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced in a celebratory awards ceremony last night (Thursday 11 June) at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow.
Hosted by Sally Magnusson and run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist included 35 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.
The Time to Talk partnership has made a significant difference for young people in Edinburgh by bridging clinical and community services and making mental health support more accessible.
This innovative, collaboration brings together The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth and 6VT to deliver joined-up support – providing one-to-one provision in community settings and youth workers in NHS emergency departments at weekends.
Young people accessing services report improved wellbeing, greater confidence, and stronger family relationships. Crucially, the partnership has strengthened relationships across the voluntary and statutory sectors, creating a more integrated and coordinated support system across Edinburgh.
Cara Spence, Director at The Junction, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition. This award shows what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. It’s a privilege to work alongside our ‘Time to Talk’ partners—sharing challenges, finding solutions, and building lasting connections.
“At a time when many young people face poor mental health, the third sector plays a vital role in prevention and support. ‘Time to Talk’ is making a real difference to young people and their families, and we’re committed to growing this impact.
“We also thank our funders, the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian, for their ongoing commitment to whole-family wellbeing and transformational change.”
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fantastic event to recognise the accomplishments of organisations and individuals throughout Scotland’s voluntary sector.
“Our finalists and winners are outstanding examples of the incredible impact made possible through the dedication of those who work and volunteer within charities, community organisations and social enterprises.
“They continue to champion important causes, deliver essential support and help create stronger, more vibrant communities.
“Every community and every area of society benefits from the valuable work that SCVO has the privilege of witnessing every day. Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Scottish Charity Awards, including our sponsors, the Radisson Blu for hosting the event, and of course Sally Magnusson, who was as wonderful as ever.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners – I’m already excited to see what 2027 has in store!”
The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel following a rigorous shortlisting process.
The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards 2023 are:
Campaign of the Year award: Victim Support Scotland
Volunteer of the Year award: Jim Cassidy – Men Matter Scotland
Climate Impact award: Crail Community Partnership
Employee of the Year award: Scott Montgomery – The Killie Community
Partnership of the Year award: The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth, and 6VT – Time to Talk Partnership
Trustee of the Year award: Susan Griffin – Glenurquhart Rural Community Association
Charity of the Year award (<£100k): Beyond Srebrenica
Charity of the Year award (£100K – £500K): Megan’s Space
Charity of the Year award (>£500k): Amma Birth Companions
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s Scottish Charity Awards winners and finalists.
“The work being celebrated tonight demonstrates the extraordinary difference that charities make to communities right across Scotland every single day. Whether tackling violence against women, supporting mental health, or driving climate action, these organisations are addressing some of our toughest social challenges at their source.
“The Scottish Government is proud to stand alongside Scotland’s third sector. That is why we are committed to developing a Third Sector Partnership – a formal agreement co-designed with the sector to strengthen its voice and improve lives.
“Additionally, we want to continue to improve funding arrangements so that organisations like tonight’s winners can plan and deliver with confidence for the long term.”
I am writing in the hope that your newspaper can help raise awareness of the difficulties facing Fair Price Supermarket at Drylaw Shopping Centre, a business that has been at the heart of our community for decades.
For more than 50 years, Fair Price was run by Mohammad Shahid, a well-loved and highly respected member of the local community. Mohammad Shahid was far more than a shopkeeper. He was a friend to many, always ready with a warm welcome, a kind word, and a smile. Generations of local families knew him and valued the service, care, and sense of community he brought to Drylaw.
Sadly, My father passed away just over a year ago after a short illness while visiting family members in Pakistan. His death came as a great shock to those who knew him, and the loss is still being felt deeply throughout the area.
In fact, some customers are only now discovering the sad news. Many have spoken of how heartbreaking it is to walk into the shop and not see my father’s familiar smiling face behind the counter, greeting them as he had done for so many years. Some have even found it too emotional to return, such was the affection and respect they had for him.
Despite their grief, me and my family have worked tirelessly to keep the business running and preserve the legacy he built over half a century. They continue to serve the community with the same dedication and commitment that he showed every day of his working life.
Now, however, the business faces another challenge. The ongoing construction of zebra crossings within the shopping centre’s parking area has caused disruption and reduced accessibility for customers.
Many local people feel these works are unnecessary and fear they could have a damaging impact on the businesses that rely on convenient access and passing trade.
At a time when Fair Price is still adjusting to the loss of its founder, this additional disruption could not have come at a worse time.
I would like to appeal directly to the local community. If Mohammad Shahid ever served you, helped you, or brightened your day with his smile and kindness, please consider supporting the business he devoted his life to building.
Every visit and every purchase helps. It would be a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to this community if local residents rallied around Fair Price and helped ensure that his legacy continues for future generations.
Fair Price has supported Drylaw for over 50 years. Now it is our turn to support Fair Price.
I hope your newspaper will help tell Mohammad’s story and encourage readers to stand behind this treasured local business during a difficult period.
The Defence Committee has issued a statement responding to the resignation of John Healey as Defence Secretary.
Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said: “John Healey has been a serious, committed and respected Defence Secretary, who has understood the scale of the threats facing the UK and the urgent need to strengthen our Armed Forces. Members across the Defence Committee will recognise his dedication to our service personnel and his determination to make the case for defence. We thank him for his service.
“That a Defence Secretary of his integrity and commitment has felt compelled to resign in response to the inadequacy of the proposed defence settlement is a grave moment. The Government must take that warning with the utmost seriousness.
“The Defence Committee has been clear that investment in defence must be accelerated to reach 3% of GDP by the end of this Parliament, and that the Defence Investment Plan cannot be delayed further or used to disguise hard choices. It must be affordable, deliverable and fully funded, with credible timelines and proper parliamentary scrutiny.
“Our Armed Forces, defence industry, allies and adversaries alike need to see that the UK is matching its words on national security with the resources required to deliver.”
Dan Jarvis MBE MP has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Defence.
Little Seedlings Club and Gabby’s Dollhouse Summer Holiday Club
UNP Dobbies Dunfermline – 46719
Chloe (7) and her dad Ruary.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store has a fantastic line up of free workshops to inspire kids to get outdoors and discover the magic of nature during the school holidays.
This July, the popular Little Seedlings Club returns with a workshop exploring the wonders of water. Dobbies is also teaming up with DreamWorks to bring an extra special Gabby’s Dollhouse Summer Holiday Club workshop, for children to learn about gardening with Gabby and Kitty Fairy.
Little Seedlings Club is the free-to-attend kids gardening workshop that takes place every month in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store and covers a wide variety of seasonal topics.
July’s workshop will focus on the wonders of water in an interactive workshop where children will learn about where water comes from, its journey through the water cycle, and how ponds provide essential habitats for wildlife with demonstrations and activities to help bring their learning to life.
Children will get the chance to take part in a hands-on creative craft activity to make their own pond habitat.
Alongside the monthly Little Seedlings Club, Dobbies has teamed up with DreamWorks to host a Gabby’s Dollhouse Summer Holiday Club workshop. During the workshop, children will step into Kitty Fairy’s garden to learn about the secret life of gardens, discover magical fairy garden stories, explore dandelion wishes and learn how to become nature guardians. The session will finish with children creating their own secret fairy garden door to take home.
Dobbies’ Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, said: “Gardening is a fantastic way for children to connect with nature, spark their curiosity and have fun outdoors.
“Through our Little Seedlings Club and the Gabby’s Dollhouse Summer Holiday Club workshops, we’re creating fun, hands-on experiences that introduce children to plants, wildlife and the environment, and help them learn a new skill.
“Whether they’re learning how water helps gardens grow or creating their own magical fairy garden, these workshops are designed to inspire the next generation of young gardeners while showing that spending time outdoors can be lots of fun.”
Dobbies’ Edinburgh store monthly Little Seedlings Club, taking place on Sunday 5 July at 9:30am, is free-to-attend and must be booked in advance at www.dobbies.com/events.
The free-to-attend Gabby’s Dollhouse Summer Holiday Club runs on selected dates in the Edinburgh store and must be booked in advance at www.dobbies.com/events
The attempted murder of an Irish citizen by a Sudanese national is a horrific crime that has rightly shocked our community to its core. There is absolutely no place in our society for such brutal violence, and the public is right to expect that the perpetrator will face the full, unyielding force of the law.
Speaking to people across our communities, I completely understand the deep anger, fear, and tension currently felt by the public. People are anxious about their safety. However, turning to overnight unrest and violence on our own streets is simply not the answer. If people wish to make their voices heard and demand better from our authorities, peaceful protest is the only acceptable way forward in a democratic society.
Crucially, in the midst of this tension, we must hold on to our sense of perspective. We cannot let the vile actions of one individual be weaponised to fuel blanket hostility. We must remember that Scotland is home to many migrants who make a deeply valuable, everyday contribution to our country.
They work tirelessly in our schools, our healthcare system, our hospitality sector, and keep our essential services running. We depend on them, and they are part of our communities.
We cannot allow this tragedy to be used by those who wish to divide us and tear our social fabric apart. Let us stand together, firm on law and order, but united for justice, safety, and peace.
Up to 13,000 prison cell windows across England and Wales will be fitted with heavy-duty steel grilles to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and mobile phones into jails
New counter-drone measures at 17 prisons at high risk from drones
Up to 13,000 cell windows to be reinforced with grilles to thwart criminals smuggling illicit items
Part of Government action to ensure prisons cut crime and protect the public
Up to 13,000 prison cell windows across England and Wales will be fitted with heavy-duty steel grilles to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and mobile phones into jails.
The roll out, backed by £35m of government funding, will see physical security strengthened at 17 high-risk prisons vulnerable to drone activity. The funding will help to crackdown on criminal gangs exploiting jails with increasingly sophisticated drone operations.
The investment includes installing thousands of grilles to cell windows by spring next year – providing a tough physical barrier to block the delivery of contraband which can wreak havoc behind bars.
Many of the grilles will be manufactured by prisoners themselves - helping to cut costs and giving offenders skills for the job market so they can leave crime behind.
It comes as crooks are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach with drone sightings around prisons increasing by 770% between 2019 and 2023, not only undermining rehabilitation efforts but threatening the safety of both staff and prisoners.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, said: Drone smuggling fuels violence debt and disorder in our prisons. It wrecks rehabilitation and puts lives at risk.
“This new investment will further bolster prison defences against drones, building on our work with police to catch and prosecute the criminal gangs responsible.
“To the criminal gangs using drones to target our prisons, my message is clear: we are shutting down your routes, disrupting your operations and bringing offenders to justice.”
Today’s announcement builds on £40 million already invested by the Government to strengthen prison security, including £10 million specifically on counter-drone measures such as external netting and wires.
A large-scale joint operation between the police and HMPPS has already resulted in over 200 arrests linked to drones smuggling contraband into our prisons.
In March, a gang that used drones to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into prisons were sentenced to a combined 22 years’ imprisonment, thanks to an investigation by the Metropolitan Police in partnership with the Prison Service.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Countering the Threat from Drones in Prisons, Steff Sharp said: We welcome this investment as it aligns with our continued pursuit of those using drones to smuggle weapons, drugs, phones and other contraband into prisons.
“These items fuel organised crime, impact local communities and increase the risk of violence towards staff and inmates within prison walls.
“Counter drone activity is complex which is why we are committed to working closely with HMPPS and other partners to make sure this criminality is prevented, intercepted and offenders brought to justice.”
Today’s investment supports wider Government efforts to develop counter-drone capabilities, including by learning from Ukrainian expertise developed on the battlefield and from innovators through a competition launched this year to tackle the illegal use of drones in prisons.
More broadly the Government plans to build 14,000 extra places nationwide by 2031 – with 3,100 already added since July 2024 – to keep streets safer and ensure the country never runs out of prison space again.
