The NEN – North Edinburgh News – Page 184 – The community media resource for north Edinburgh

Financial inclusion ‘must not be box-ticking exercise’: inquiry launched

Westminster’s Treasury Committee has launched a new inquiry into the UK Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy.

MPs will examine whether the Government understands the true scale of the challenge of addressing financial exclusion, as well as what steps must be taken to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

It will also consider the effectiveness of current measures, such as banking hubs, and explore whether further interventions may be needed to improve financial inclusion in the future.

This follows the Committee’s report on whether organisations should be forced to accept cash, which was published earlier this year.

In its report, the Committee concluded that a lack of action from the Government to tackle declining cash acceptance could lead to a two-tier society with the most vulnerable bearing the cost.

Chair of the Treasury Committee, Dame Meg Hillier, said: “The Government has set out its stall on improving financial inclusion in this country, so now the Committee will have a closer look at whether it’s likely to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

“Improving financial inclusion must not be a box-ticking exercise. Words must lead to action.

“The Treasury must have a strategic vision, supported by concrete, integrated plans with clear methods for measuring their impact, and they must work closely with the private sector on this. My Committee will work to ensure that happens.”

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign

For 12 days in the lead up to Christmas the specialist financial services group is giving £1,000 to ten charities each day – with 120 charities in total benefitting from a festive financial boost.

Nominations are now open, and residents in Edinburgh are being encouraged to nominate a cause they care about to give them a chance of receiving a share of the award money.

Draws will take place every weekday between 1^st – 16^th December and nominating is easy using the online form at www.movementforgood.com. Winners are drawn at random with every charity nominated in with a chance of winning a vital donation this Christmas.

Last year two Edinburgh-based charities received £1,000 in the draw. Central Leith After School Provision and Scottish Wildlife Trust were selected following nominations from kind-hearted members of the public.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: “We’re delighted to be giving away another £120,000 in valuable donations to causes around the country. We know that charities across the country are struggling, and for many the festive season is a critical time. We’re asking residents to take a few minutes of their time to nominate a cause they especially care about.

“Owned by a charity, Benefact Group gives all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £250million to charitable causes since 2014 and last year was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK¹ over the last decade.

Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

Campaigners welcome end to the two-child limit

CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the news that the controversial two-child benefit cap limit is to be scrapped at last.

Poverty Alliance Chief Executive Peter Kelly said: “The Chancellor’s decision to fully scrap the unjust two-child limit is the right thing to do.

For eight years, this cruel policy has severed the link between what families across the country need and the support they are entitled to, pushing children into poverty and limiting their potential. Our children deserve better.

“Campaigners across Scotland have been unified in their demand to scrap the two-child limit and we are pleased that the UK Government has listened, sending a strong message that every child in this country matters.

“The end of this policy must be the starting point of reform which ensures that our social security system truly provides security.

“This decision also frees up money earmarked for the mitigation of the policy in the Scottish budget. Coupled with the additional £820 million allocated to the Scottish Government in this Budget, this will allow further investment in the action we know is needed to meet our child poverty targets, including increases to the Scottish Child Payment.

“Boosting the minimum wage will help low-paid workers who are struggling to cover basic costs. Many are already worried about heating bills.

“While steps to reduce energy costs are welcome, they fall short of a true social tariff that guarantees everyone has access to life’s essentials.

“Much needed investment in home energy efficiency must also be protected to improve homes and secure long-term saving for low-income households.

“The UK Government must raise revenue to invest in our shared national priorities, like tackling child poverty and increasing living standards. It’s right that the Chancellor has turned to those with the biggest assets to contribute more.

“This is a positive step towards building a fairer system of taxation, but we need to go much further, with a bold, renewed approach to tax that puts justice and compassion at its heart.”

Growing Scotland’s languages

Provisions to grow languages come into force

The Gaelic and Scots languages have gained official status as people across Scotland celebrate St Andrew’s Day.

The designation forms part of a range of measures coming into effect today through the Scottish Languages Act 2025.

These include powers for ministers to commission research into the use of Gaelic and Scots and establish teaching standards for the languages.

Other measures of the Act include:

empowering parents to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area
supporting the creation of areas of linguistic significance in Gaelic communities so that ministers can better target policies to support the language’s growth
enabling parents in every part of Scotland to apply for Gaelic nursery and early years places for their children
ensuring that more qualifications are available in Gaelic
introducing targets on the number of people speaking and learning Gaelic

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “St Andrew’s Day is a fitting time to celebrate Scotland’s identity by recognising Gaelic and Scots as official languages. This is a historic milestone which acknowledges the vital place these languages hold in Scotland’s culture and heritage.

“This has been made possible through the Scottish Languages Bill which received unanimous support from MSPs.

“To support the continued growth of both languages the Scottish Government has already allocated £35.7 million for Gaelic and Scots initiatives this year, ensuring that this milestone translates into meaningful change for communities across the country.”

The Scottish Languages Bill was introduced on St Andrew’s Day in 2023. The Bill was passed in June and received Royal Assent on 1 August 2025.

All Together: Home Nations bid to host FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035

Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park, and Easter Road Stadium – home of Hibernian Football Club – have been included as proposed venues in the UK’s formal bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.

The application, under the banner of ‘All Together’, reflects the partnership of the four countries involved in the proposal.

The bid includes 22 proposed stadiums – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland – across 16 host cities. With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever.

A joint statement from the four respective CEOs – including the Scottish FA’s Ian Maxwell – said: “Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.

“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that.

“Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo-charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run-up to 2035, and the years afterwards.

“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”

The 22 proposed stadiums offer a blend of heritage, cutting-edge innovation and elite operational excellence that will be ready to deliver exceptional FIFA-compliant facilities. The 16 host cities provide a network of extensive infrastructure, ample accommodation, efficient transportation and culture.

The tournament would involve 104 matches contested by 48 teams over 39 days, with 48 team base camp training sites, 82 venue-specific training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival Sites proposed.

Passionate fans, strong media reach and innovative digital engagement not only ensure that this would be a successful tournament, but also provide a transformational commercial opportunity for global growth and reinvestment in the women’s game for the benefit of the wider FIFA family.

The four nations are committed to leaving a lasting legacy that will be delivered via three key pillars:

Participation: Increase access locally and worldwide, focusing on under-represented communities.
Leadership: Empower women in leadership; double female officials by 2035; and deliver global mentoring and education programmes.
Commercial growth: Transform the game’s commercial potential; attract new fans and partners; and reinvest revenues into grassroots and elite pathways.

Warning as children’s eScooter and eBike incidents spike

The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow and Police Scotland have joined forces to warn parents about the dangers of eScooters and eBikes for children, as injuries rise sharply.

Over the past 12 months, the number of children attending Accident & Emergency in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde due to eScooter or eBike incidents has increased by more than 600%.

Between May and October 2025 alone, over 30 children required emergency care at the RHC – some admitted to intensive care. Injuries included major head trauma, broken femurs, chest injuries, and severe lacerations.

Children affected ranged in age from seven to 15 years old. This compares to just four cases during the same period in 2024.

Police Scotland officers visited the RHC to stand alongside the hospital’s Major Trauma Coordinators in urging parents to think twice before buying these vehicles as Christmas gifts for their children.

Mark Lilley, Major Trauma Coordinator at the RHC, said: “The rise in injuries this year is alarming. We know eScooters are popular and may feature on many Christmas wish lists, but the risks are significant.

“A fall at speed can cause life-changing head or brain injuries. We’ve seen the trauma these accidents bring to families, and we strongly urge parents to reconsider before buying one for their child.”

Privately owned eScooters cannot be used legally on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or other public spaces in Scotland. They are classed as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs) and would require DVLA registration, insurance, a driving licence, and compliance with strict regulations – requirements most eScooters do not meet.

Sergeant Paul Mellis from Road Policing said: “We’re grateful to the Royal Hospital for Children for helping us share this vital message as we head into the festive period.

“We have seen a rise in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters being used illegally on roads across Scotland, including in Glasgow, and with that has come serious injuries to children from either falling off or being involved in a crash with another vehicle.

“These vehicles are not permitted on public roads, pavements or other spaces and anyone found riding a non-compliant e-bike or e-scooter on a public road will likely have it seized by officers.

“I’d urge parents and carers to consider the dangers e-scooters and e-bikes present before purchasing one for a child this Christmas.”

The Royal Hospital for Children and Police Scotland’s messages to parents this Christmas are:

Think twice before buying eScooters or eBikes for children.
eScooters are illegal to use in public spaces in Scotland. It is illegal for under 14s to ride on eBikes in Scotland.
The risk of serious injury is real and rising.

For more information on the eScooter or eBike guidance please visit Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

Research reveals only one in four Edinburgh residents celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day

A national survey has revealed that just 25% of people in Edinburgh celebrate St Andrew’s Day, and at a national level almost four in ten (39%) Scots are unable to identify the date of St Andrew’s Day, highlighting a surprising gap in awareness surrounding the country’s patron saint.

The research by ScotPulse which was commissioned by Aldi Scotland, found that while most Scots recognise St Andrew’s Day as the country’s national day, many are unsure of the date, and even fewer mark the occasion.

Just one in four (26%) Scots say they celebrate St Andrew’s Day, held annually on 30 November, with confusion rife across the nation about what date it actually falls on. Some mistakenly believe it happens on 25 November (11%), 29 November (8%), with an additional 8% also believing it falls on 31 November – a date that doesn’t exist. Others mix it up with Burns Night in January.

The survey also found:

Women are more likely than men to know the correct date (64% vs 57%).
Younger Scots are the least likely to know what date it falls on, with just 43% of 16–34-year-olds answering correctly.

Aldi is a prominent champion of Scottish food and drink, and Scotland’s leading supermarket for locally sourced products. In October, it was named in the NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch 2025 Mid-Year Report as the most prominent retailer to support Scottish produce, with 41% of its shelf stock now sourced locally.

In honour of its position as the nation’s most trusted supermarket of Scottish goods, the retailer is helping Scots to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year with a feast including locally produced food and drink, which has all been approved by modern day Andrews.

After surveying hundreds of Andrews, Andys and Drews across Scotland on their favourite festive flavours, Aldi Scotland has revealed the results of its nationwide search for the “Andrew Approved Feast.”

Following a social media vote, it was revealed that the most popular meal selection for St Andrew’s Day is:

Starter: Haggis Bon Bons with 52% of the votes
Main Course: Steak Pie with 66% of the votes
Side: Crispy roast tatties with 44% of the votes
Dessert: Scottish apple crumble with 42% of the votes
Drink: IRN BRU with 53% of the votes

Shoppers can pick up Aldi’s Andrew Approved Feast for less than a tenner, with the total cost coming to just £9.75:

Haggis Bon Bons: Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons, 240g £2.29
Steak Pie: Frasers Small Top Crust Steak Pie, 400g £2.99
Crispy Roast Tatties: Scottish Baking Potatoes 4 pack, £0.79
Dessert: The Dessert Menu Bramley Apple Pie, 550g £2.99
Drink: Vive Iron Brew 2L £0.69

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “St Andrews Day is a key moment in Scotland’s cultural calendar and gives Scots the chance to reflect on our history and traditions. We were surprised to see that so many Scots don’t know when St Andrew’s Day is, and that so few actually take the time to celebrate it.

“At Aldi Scotland, we truly believe we have some of the best food and drink in the world, and we are proud to be a champion of local producers.

“St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy fantastic local food, raise a glass, and celebrate everything that makes Scotland such a special place.”

Queen Bee: Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

Elodie was one of 115 pupils from the local primary school to take part in the contest, with Fort Kinnaird choosing her hand-drawn design to be printed on the labels.

As part of Fort Kinnaird’s longstanding partnership with Scottish homelessness charity, Cyrenians, the jars of honey featuring Elodie’s design will be donated to food redistribution service, FareShare, helping to give back to the local community. FareShare aims to reduce food waste while also tackling food inequality across the country.

Elodie and the five runners up, Elena, Kamsi, Layah, Lola, and Ella celebrated with a visit from the Cyrenians team and Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, who awarded them with vouchers to enjoy a well-deserved shopping spree at the centre in recognition of their winning designs.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s been great to see the children of Niddrie Mill Primary School get involved in our competition. We were really impressed by the creativity of all the designs, but Elodie’s really stood out to us.

“We’re proud that our beehives are having such a positive impact on our local community, not just in terms of sustainability by promoting biodiversity but also by providing an opportunity for us to support the vital work of Cyrenians through donating to their FareShare service and ensuring the honey is put to good use.”

Judith Hughes, Director of Income Generation, Marketing and Communication at Cyrenians, said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this community initiative with Fort Kinnaird and Niddrie Mill Primary School.

“Our FareShare initiative provides vital support to people across Scotland, and we think that the honey complete with Elodie’s lovely design will bring a smile to those using our service.”

Cheryl Miller, Sustainability Lead at Niddrie Mill Primary School, said: “Our students really enjoyed being involved in Fort Kinnaird’s competition and it’s great to know that their work will have a positive impact on our community, which is so important to us as a school.”

The competition follows pupils from Niddrie Mill visiting the beehives at Fort Kinnaird back in June, during which they learned all about the world of bees – including how they are essential to the local environment, how hives function, and what it takes to care for bees first-hand.

Fort Kinnaird runs the beehives in partnership with Colin Mackie, a local beekeeper who has tended to the beehives since they were established in May 2024.

For more details and to plan your day at Fort Kinnaird, please visit:

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/

Winter Windows are Back!

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

With the 2025 brief to design a window that captures their vision of winter or the festive season, using any medium and style they wish, Edinburgh children’s 24 winning designs will be on display in West Princes Street Gardens along the top path from Thursday 27^th November, each turned into a magical lightbox.

Edinburgh’s Christmas Winter Windows competition is in partnership with Arts & Creative Learning, Lifelong Learning, City of Edinburgh Council.

The judging panel consisted of Unique Assembly directors and City of Edinburgh Council representatives. Each of the 24 winners receives free tickets for a fun day out with their friends and family at Edinburgh’s Christmas – along with having their artwork on display throughout the festive season in one of the capital’s busiest locations!

Winter Festivals

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