£35 million government funding boost to stop drones smuggling contraband into prisons

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.

How Are We Tackling the Drone Threat in UK Prisons?

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Free family-friendly Live Site offers sporting opportunities

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www.craigwatson.co.uk

Children, young people and families can enjoy free activities, sport and live screenings of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games events at the Game On Live Site this summer.

Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park will be transformed for 11 days to allow families and fans to gather to watch the Games on giant screens, while getting the chance to try a diverse range of physical activities – inspired by the Summer of Sport.

The Game On Live Site, which is backed by £1 million from Scottish Government’s Summer of Sport programme and supported by funding from Commonwealth Sport, will be open from 23 July to 2 August, with over 12 hours of daily coverage of the Games shown on three large screens.

While the world-class sporting action of Glasgow 2026 unfolds across the city, children, young people and visiting fans will have the chance to take part in a range of sporting and cultural activities split across seven areas of Kelvingrove Park, including:

  • sport and physical activities
  • mass-participation events
  • creative activities, play and games
  • live performances.

The Glasgow 2026 Game On Live Site, funded by the Scottish Government, Government, sportscotland, and Commonwealth Sport, is part of the Scottish Government’s wider £20 million Summer of Sport campaign.

It will fund opportunities designed to make sport more accessible across all 32 local authority areas drawing inspiration from the Games and the Scotland men’s team’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Minister Maree Todd said: “It’s ‘Game On’ for Glasgow and Scotland. This Live Site will help showcase the very best the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has to offer, while bringing families of all backgrounds together to get active and stay active.

“We want the legacy of the Summer of Sport – the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Glasgow 2026 and the women’s hockey and cricket team world cup campaigns –  to stretch far beyond the next few months.

“As part of our wider £40 million additional funding for the 2026-27 sport budget, our £20 million Summer of Sport funding can be truly transformational and will offer sporting opportunities across the length and breadth of Scotland. This is about ensuring that every child who attends a session still has the option to stay active in a year’s time and throughout their life.

“If we get it right, the impact it will be felt long after this summer and will help to improve health and wellbeing, tackle inequality, strengthen communities and make sport accessible to all.”

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Glasgow 2026 Chair, George Black CBE said: “As we welcome athletes and visitors from across the Commonwealth to Glasgow, the Live Site is the perfect way for everyone to soak up the atmosphere of the Games. It’s free, it’s family-friendly and it’s right at the heart of the city in Kelvingrove Park.

“Whether you come to try a new sport or simply cheer on the action on the big screens, this is your chance to get involved and be part of an unforgettable summer of sport.”

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Forbes Dunlop, sportscotland CEO said: “At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by £20 million of Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.

“While sportscotland is not investing in the core costs of delivery of the Games, we are committed to ensuring that Scotland’s sporting system feels the benefits of this major international event and the live site will be an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate.

“We are working with the team at Glasgow 2026 and are proud to play our part together in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.” 

Leader of Glasgow City Council Councillor Susan Aitken said: “The launch of Game On in Kelvingrove is a fantastic opportunity for Glaswegians and visitors to come together and share in the excitement of the Commonwealth Games 2026.  

Kelvingrove Park is one of the city’s most-loved outdoor spaces and is the perfect venue to catch the sporting action, take part in fun activities and soak up in the atmosphere, for free, in the city.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport Martin Reynolds said: “Commonwealth Sport is proud to help fund the Game On Live Site at Kelvingrove Park.

“As a celebration of our 74 nations and territories, the Commonwealth Games have a unique ability to bring people together and this Live Site will help Glaswegians and visitors alike come together to enjoy the sport, soak up the atmosphere and share in the Games experience.”

Appeal for information following serious crash in North Edinburgh

TEENAGER ARRESTED FOLLOWING INCIDENT

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious crash in North Edinburgh in th early hours of this morning (Thursday, 11 June, 2026).

Around, 2.35am, a black Fiat 500 struck a building on Crewe Road North at West Granton Road.

Emergency services attended and the 18-year-old male driver and a 17-year-old male passenger were taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

A road closure was is in place following the crash, but Crewe Road North has now reopened.

The 17-year-old male youth has been arrested in connection with a theft.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant William Low said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and who may have seen the black Fiat 500 prior to the crash, or who has any dash cam footage which could assist to get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference number 0301 of 11 June, 2026.”

Conifox Scream Park: Edinburgh’s most intense horror experience returns after sold-out debut

Terror at Conifox Scream Park in Edinburgh expands to six nights with four immersive scare mazes, live entertainment, fireworks and a brand-new attraction this October.


Following a completely sold-out season in 2025, Terror at Conifox Scream Park is returning this October with its biggest and most intense experience yet.

Located just 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre, the immersive horror experience has quickly established itself as one of Edinburgh’s most intense Halloween horror events, attracting thrill-seekers from across Scotland looking for something far darker than the traditional haunted house.

After selling out every available ticket last year, Terror is expanding for 2026 with two additional event nights, an all-new scare maze, live entertainment, Fast Track tickets and even more immersive experiences throughout the site.

For the first time ever, Terror will run across six nights, giving even more horror fans the opportunity to experience the fear.

Guests will come face-to-face with four immersive scare mazes, including an all-new attraction created exclusively for 2026. Returning favourites include the twisted Sadistic Circus, where distorted laughter echoes through a maze of disfigured clowns and warped funhouse corridors; Blackout, a pitch-black descent into the Butcher’s slaughterhouse where fear takes over your senses; and Redneck Rampage, a backwoods nightmare where Tucker and his blood-soaked family are always hunting for their next victim. Organisers are keeping details of the fourth maze tightly under wraps, with a terrifying new nightmare set to be unleashed this October.

While details remain tightly under wraps, organisers promise a brand-new nightmare waiting behind the doors this October.

“We were blown away by the response to Terror in 2025,” said James Gammell, Managing Director of Terror at Conifox Scream Park.

“To see the event sell out completely in its first year was incredible. The feedback we received from guests was fantastic and it was clear people wanted more.

“For 2026 we’ve gone bigger in every sense. We’ve added two extra nights, created an all-new maze, introduced Fast Track tickets and expanded the overall experience to make it more immersive than ever before.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome guests back this October and if last year’s demand was anything to go by, we’d encourage people to book early.”

Guests attending Terror 2026 will enjoy:

  • Entry into four immersive scare mazes 
  • Brand-new scare maze for 2026 
  • Live Fire Performer 
  • Spectacular Firework Display 
  • Live Music 
  • Immersive Photo Opportunities 
  • Free On-Site Parking

Available at an additional cost:

• Taylor’s of Edinburgh Funfair rides
• Food vendors
• Event bar

New for 2026, guests can choose a Fast Track ticket, providing one priority entry per maze across all four immersive scare mazes, with unlimited regular maze access then available throughout the evening.

For the first time, Terror will also welcome guests aged 16 and over, opening the experience to an even wider audience of horror fans.

First to Fear tickets go on sale on Thursday 19th June and will be available for a limited time with 15% off standard ticket prices.

With the 2025 event selling out completely, organisers are encouraging guests to secure tickets early to avoid disappointment.

No map. No mercy. Just pure Terror.

Will you survive?

🎟️ Tickets and full event information:
www.terrorscreampark.co.uk

16+ only. You’ve been warned.

Travelling the land to inspire tomorrow’s guardians of the planet

Creating inspirational outreach to engage children and young people with the natural world has brought international recognition for Edinburgh’s Eve Armstrong.

School visits around the country, virtual lessons, and a series of videos have won her the Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI) 2026 Marsh Award for education in botanic gardens.

Since 2023 Eve, an Education Outreach Officer at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has built up an extensive Scotland-wide outreach programme. She has engaged with over 7,000 pupils, by visiting schools from the Borders to Aberdeen and the Outer Hebrides.

In addition, she has reached a further 13,000 pupils in live streaming and enabling virtual visits to the research institute’s Glasshouses, Herbarium, Plant Nursery and Herbology room, as well as the Garden itself.

These interactive experiences have beamed into classrooms in 23 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Along the way, Eve has enthused primary and secondary age pupils on topics ranging from Rainforests to Scottish Native Plants and Botanic Careers.

Amy McDonald, Project Engagement Manager, nominated Eve for the award. She explained: “Eve always goes the extra mile to share the joy and importance of plants. The enthusiastic feedback we receive shows that pupils and teachers love her approach and session content. 

“She always finds innovative and creative ways to connect with pupils in-person and virtually. Her videos have seen her don waders to film in a pond and borrow an infrared camera to map the heat emitted from a magnificent Amorphophallus titanum.

“Many of her lessons encourage young people to think about what actions they could take to conserve biodiversity – from looking after the natural spaces around their home, school, or local area, to lobbying adults to take action.”

As well as professional recognition, Eve receives £1,000 in prize money.

She said: “I am very fortunate to be in the position of working with children and young people right around the country. They are the future guardians of our planet and the starting point for them should be about having fun, learning about the vast number of positive experiences they can have by engaging with plants.

“We need their enthusiasm. At a time when 40 per cent of all known species are in danger of extinction, the determination of the next generation can make massive changes for the better in combating the impact of the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency. To inspire a sense of wonder in the natural world turns out to be fun and inspiring for me as well as them.”

Scotland’s councils face HALF BILLION budget gap

Funding for councils is failing to keep pace with rising costs and demand despite a small real terms increase in funding.

Councils’ revenue funding from the Scottish Government has gone up by two per cent. However, much of it is used to cover existing commitments such as teachers’ pay increases. Overall, Scotland’s councils face managing a budget gap of around £529 million for their 2026/27 daily operating costs – around three per cent of their revenue funding. Capital funding is down by 15 per cent.

That means councils will have to borrow more to build houses and other infrastructure, which heightens long-term financial risk.

Every local authority increased council tax by an average of 7.7 per cent for 2026/27, which should raise an extra £248 million. Councils expect to bring in around £1.2 billion from fees and other charges, such as for leisure centres and some refuse services. They are also planning to make savings of £180 million – around 1 per cent of councils’ total revenue budget. But these savings will have to increasingly affect services people rely on.

Social care makes up a high proportion of council spending and increasing demand for these services is putting major pressure on local budgets.

Anticipated reductions in Scottish Government funding over the medium term are expected to intensify these pressures and increase the risk of councils becoming financially unsustainable.

Derek Yule, a member of the Accounts Commission, said: “As things stand, councils will continue to face increasing financial pressures unless they stop, reduce, or significantly redesign services.

“Savings options are limited and will have to increasingly focus on changes to services people rely on. That makes it essential that councils talk to their communities about the difficult decisions they are facing.”

COSLA has responded to the Accounts Commission report on Local Government budgets 2026/27.

Read the full comment from Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Resources Spokesperson here:

https://ow.ly/yjh550ZaknP

Sir Tom Farmer Foundation support for St Columba’s Hospice

We’re incredibly grateful to announce a gift of £1 million over five years from the Sir Tom Farmer Foundation, made in loving memory of Sir Tom and Lady Anne Farmer.

The donation will support St Columba’s Hospice Care wherever the need is greatest, helping us continue providing compassionate care to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

This remarkable gift honours a legacy of generosity and support that has touched our Hospice for many years.

Read the full story on our website:

https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/news/farmer-family-pledge-£1-million-to-st-columba’s-hospice-care-in-loving-memory-of-sir-tom-and-lady-anne-farmer

Delivering GP walk-in services

Five more centres to open in first 100 days of new government

A new GP walk-in service will open in the centre of Aberdeen later this month, Health Secretary Angela Constance has announced.

Based within Aberdeen Health Village on Frederick Street, the new clinic will open on 23 June for any member of the public to attend, with no appointment necessary.

The service will be open on a phased basis initially, run by GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and nurses, offering same day care and treatment for minor illnesses.

The Aberdeen city centre site will be the seventh GP walk-in service across Scotland to open since the start of the year, and the first of the five centres the Scottish Government has committed to open in its first 100 days.

Walk-in centres have opened in Edinburgh, Dundee, Western Isles, Stranraer, Lerwick and Hawick in just over four months and speaking on a visit to the site of the Aberdeen GP walk-in service, Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “The new walk-in centre in the heart of Aberdeen city centre will be an asset to local health services in the area and plans are progressing at pace to welcome patients from the 23rd June. 

“We know that accessing GP services on the day, when you need urgent care, can be a source of frustration. That’s why we have opened GP-led walk-in services across the country to support with on the day care to address the ‘8am rush’ and relieve pressure on GP surgeries – freeing up capacity to focus on complex and long-term care.

“We value the key role and expertise that GPs have to play in people’s care. We are underpinning that by increasing investment in general practice by £531 million over three years to significantly boost recruitment from this year, helping to deliver the capacity needed to improve services for patients.”

Emma King, Primary Care Lead for Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to the Aberdeen GP walk-in centre as we make the final preparations for opening to the public later this month.

2We are looking forward to getting to work and testing this new approach to improving access to same-day care.”

16 GP walk-in services were planned initially, backed by £36 million of investment. Five of these, including the one in Aberdeen, are due to open within the first 100 days of this government.

A process to identify 14 more sites, to a total of 30, is currently underway.

Initial 16 planned GP walk-in sites

Phase One

  • Wester Hailes, Edinburgh – NHS Lothian
  • Lochee GP Practice, Dundee – NHS Tayside
  • Benbecula – NHS Western Isles
  • Stranraer – NHS Dumfries and Galloway
  • Lerwick – NHS Shetland
  • Hawick – NHS Borders
  • Invergordon – NHS Highland
  • Dunoon – NHS Highland
  • Aberdeen – NHS Grampian
  • Cardonald, Glasgow – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
  • Moray – NHS Grampian
  • Aberdeenshire – NHS Grampian
  • Sauchie, Alloa – NHS Forth Valley

Phase Two

  • East Ayrshire, NHS Ayrshire and Arran
  • Clydesdale, NHS Lanarkshire
  • Central Fife, NHS Fife

Locations for an additional 14 additional GP walk-in sites, taking the total number of planned services to 30, will be announced within the first 100 days of the new Scottish Government.

St John Scotland unveils 300th Public Access Defibrillator in Edinburgh

St John Scotland has unveiled its 300th Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) in Edinburgh city centre, marking a major milestone in the charity’s work to improve access to lifesaving equipment across the city. 

The defibrillator was officially unveiled by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh during Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2026), a fitting moment to recognise the dedication and commitment of St John Scotland’s Edinburgh volunteers, whose efforts help make communities in the city safer every day. St John Scotland is now working with the local area to identify the best location for it.

PADs play a crucial role in improving survival rates from out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator nearby, and people confident enough to use it, can make the difference between life and death while emergency services are on their way. For every PAD St John Scotland help place, volunteers provide CPR and defibrillator training to the hosts.

The installation of the 300th defibrillator in Edinburgh reflects years of sustained effort by St John Scotland volunteers in the city, working alongside local partners, communities and supporters to identify gaps in provision and help make lifesaving equipment more accessible.

The unveiling also recognised the long‑standing support of Mike Pinkerton, whose work with St John Scotland has raised over £20,000 to support the expansion of community lifesaving initiatives across Edinburgh.

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: “This impressive milestone is a testament to the power of community action and the incredible long-standing support for St John Scotland.

“Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators across Edinburgh is a fantastic achievement that the city can be truly proud of. It reflects the dedication and generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters who give their time to help protect lives in their communities. Across the city St John Scotland public access defibrillators have been used to save lives.”

“I hope this success inspires even more organisations and community groups to get involved and explore hosting a Public Access Defibrillator at their building. “

John Craig, Edinburgh Chair of St John Scotland, said: “Reaching 300 Public Access Defibrillators in Edinburgh is a huge milestone for us, but it’s one that simply wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers.

“From installing and maintaining defibrillators to delivering training and raising awareness in their communities and much more, their commitment saves lives every day. It’s especially fitting to celebrate this during Volunteers’ Week.”

Mike Pinkerton said: “I know how lucky I am to still be here and to be able to do my bit for such a worthwhile cause. I’m also lucky to have had such great support from St John Scotland and their incredible team of volunteers.

“Of course, we hope these defibrillators are never needed but the truth is they will be and, when they are, we know we’re giving someone suffering a cardiac arrest the best possible chance of survival.”

St John Scotland’s volunteers give thousands of hours each year to support communities across Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland, delivering essential CPR education, transporting vulnerable patients to and from vital treatment and helping to build confidence in lifesaving skills.

With the support of existing host organisations across the city, St John Scotland has been able to expand access to lifesaving equipment in local communities. The charity is aiming to inspire more businesses, community groups and local organisations to host future defibrillators.

The charity continues to work towards its goal of safer, more resilient communities, ensuring that defibrillators are not only available, but visible, accessible and supported by training.

All registered PADs can be found at https://www.defibfinder.uk/

St John Scotland is encouraging people across Edinburgh to consider placing a PAD in their local area. Find out more at: 

https://www.stjohnscotland.org.uk/public-access-defibrillators

Spartans: Football for grownups!

Feeling inspired by the World Cup? Or just fed up that the kids get all the fun?

⭐⭐ Brand new for summer 2026 ⭐⭐

Our coaches are running informal tournaments for the grown ups in July and August. Everyone welcome (as long as you’re over 18) no matter your ability.

More details in the flyer 😀

#Hereforgood