I am experiencing problems when trying to upload new pictures and graphics due to a database running at 100% capacity.
I will have to do some serious deleting to free up space so there won’t be any more new posts today. I’m sure I’ll come across lots of images that will spark happy memories, though!
Be back soon – Happy Easter!
HMRC looks to the future as it marks 20 years
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) marked its 20th anniversary yesterday on Friday 18 April 2025.
The department was established in April 2005 through the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise, combining tax administrations to reduce overlap and enhance service delivery.
The creation of HMRC by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, marked a significant reform in public administration, bringing together both direct and indirect tax collection under one organisation.
Two decades later, HMRC is at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change, dedicated to providing the best possible tax and customs service that drives economic growth, and makes working people better off.
HMRC enforces the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage to make work pay, putting more money in people’s pockets. And in simplifying life for businesses through cutting red tape and improving digital services, it is helping them to grow the economy.
The new Child Benefit online claim service is also helping put money in new parents’ pockets, more quickly and easily, as well as boosting family finances through HMRC’s delivery of Tax-Free Childcare.
As the government works to deliver economic security and growth for working people, a more effective and digitally focused HMRC will be crucial to delivering a more productive and efficient state.
Key Milestones and Improvements
Over the past two decades, the decision to bring tax and customs together has enabled HMRC to undergo a transformative journey, marked by key milestones that have enhanced its operational efficiency.
Today, nearly every Self Assessment tax return is filed online. The top-rated HMRC app has been downloaded more than 7 million times, and our digital services continue to grow – making it easier for everyone to get their tax right and more difficult for evaders to cheat the system.
The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT in 2019 has evolved customer interactions with the wider tax system, leading to a substantial increase in online VAT returns. And today, MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment is on the verge of being launched, in a move that will both make life easier for small businesses (sole traders) and tackle non-compliance to help close the tax gap.
HMRC has also reduced the number of its offices from more than 500 two decades ago to just 28 today, as it further reduces its office space in central London. The government is building on this journey of efficiency, as well as reinforcing HMRC’s status as a truly national organisation.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Second Permanent Secretary and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “For 20 years and for centuries before, HMRC and its predecessor organisations have been an integral part of the UK’s fabric.
“With the support of our dedicated tax professionals right across the UK, our impact is far reaching. From tackling complex challenges and catching wrongdoers to implementing a nation-defining program like furlough, our work is pivotal.
“Day in and day out, whether seen or unseen, in the UK and with international co-operation, we collect the money that funds vital public services and provides financial support to those who need it most.”
As HMRC embarks on the next 20 years, the commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency remains a priority. By adopting new technologies, HMRC is focusing on improving customer service and delivery through further system improvements and faster, more user-friendly digital platforms.
HMRC’s journey continues to evolve, benefiting taxpayers, families and the overall efficiency of revenue collection. As HMRC looks to the future, it remains dedicated to providing the best possible tax and customs service, to fully support the UK economy in helping rebuild Britain in a decade of national renewal.
Great British Bake Off winner and Edinburgh local, Peter Sawkins, is hosting an exclusive talk at Cruden Homes’ luxury retirement living development, The Avenue, in Barnton.
The event will take place on Friday April 25, from 1pm – 3pm, providing a unique opportunity to meet the star baker and explore the luxurious retirement lifestyle available at The Avenue.
Guests will have the chance to hear Peter’s experiences as one of the youngest winners of the popular baking show, following his success on the 11th series in 2020. He is also the only Scottish winner of the programme. The event will include a biscuit or cake decorating demonstration, adding to the interactive experience.
Participants will also receive an exclusive first look at The Avenue’s newly completed show apartment, which overlooks the Royal Burgess Golf Club.
Together with Cruden’s friendly experts, attendees can speak with partner organisations, including The Senior Moves Partnership, who will provide tips on how to downsize belongings for later life moves and Glenmore Mobility, who will provide advice on adapting homes to support independence later in life, alongside propety managers, Taylor & Martin, PX Partners and property agents, Savills.
Situated in the scenic suburb of Barnton, Edinburgh, The Avenue offers an unparalleled living experience for retirees, blending elegant design with practical living and fostering a strong sense of community.
The development is located beside the prestigious Royal Burgess Golf Course and is surrounded by beautiful green spaces, providing tranquility and exclusivity in one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after locations. With 48 highly sustainable and energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, The Avenue is designed to the highest specifications, showcasing Cruden Homes’ renowned quality and craftsmanship.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Peter to The Avenue for an exclusive talk, a fun biscuit decorating session, and a first look at our incredible new Avenue Show Apartment.
“The Avenue offers homebuyers over 55 a unique opportunity to become part of a like-minded, vibrant community. The development is designed with a focus on relaxed yet luxurious living, offering beautifully landscaped gardens, exceptional communal areas, and the added benefit of a 24-hour concierge service.
“This event is a fantastic way for prospective buyers to experience first-hand the lifestyle on offer at The Avenue – combining quality, comfort, and connection in one of Edinburgh’s most desirable locations.”
RSVP today to secure your spot, as places for this exclusive event are limited and must be booked in advance. Email: theavenue@crudenhomes.co.uk
For more information, please visit: https://theavenuebarnton.co.uk/
Scots with disabilities and health conditions are being urged to check if they’re eligible for financial support worth up to £5,740 a year. The advice comes from the UK’s largest community of unpaid carers ahead of the benefit being made available across Scotland next week.
Pension Age Disability Payment – a benefit aimed at helping disabled people above retirement age cover care costs – is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland, with applications opening nationwide from 22nd April. Pension Age Disability Payment rates also increased this month. Yet Scots are at risk of missing out.
Whilst those already claiming Attendance Allowance will automatically be transferred to the new support, an estimated 1 million people are missing out on the outgoing benefit. This puts Scots amongst this group at risk of losing out on Pension Age Disability Payment, too.
The care experts at Mobilise aim to raise awareness of the disability benefit and the difference it could make for Scots missing out, if they check they are eligible and apply.
What is the Pension Age Disability Payment?
Almost half (45%) of people above retirement age in the UK have some form of disability. Pension Age Disability Payment aims to help these individuals cover the cost of care.
The monthly payment is split into two rates, depending on the level of care which is required. Both rates increased on 7th April:
Who is eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment?
To be eligible for Pension Age Disability Payments, you must meet certain criteria, including:
If you live in a care home and your care is funded by the local authority, you are unlikely to be eligible. However, if your care is privately funded, you may still apply.
How to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment
From 22nd April, anyone who believes they are eligible for Pension Age Disability Payment can apply – either online using myaccount or via the post. Postal applications can be started by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is a separate fast-track application process for those who are terminally ill.
If you already receive Attendance Allowance you do not need to apply as you will automatically be moved to Pension Age Disability Payments.
There are two parts to the application form. You will need certain information to hand to complete each part and must submit these within 2 weeks and 8 weeks respectively, or contact Social Security Scotland if you need more time. Details about the information required is available here. A loved one or carer can also help you complete the application form.
What support is available for carers?
It’s not just people that need care who are eligible for support. If you look after a loved one, you could also be entitled to help from the Government.
Carer Support Payment is the main benefit available to carers living in Scotland, and comes in the form of monthly payments. As with Pension Age Disability Payments, the rate increased this month. From April, Carer Support Payments are rising from £81.90 to £83.30 a week – £4331.60 a year, in total.
To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, you must meet a number of requirements. You can check if you’re eligible using Mobilise’s free claim checker tool. If you’re entitled to Carer Support Payment, you can apply online, by phone, by post, or in-person. See the Scottish Government’s website for full details.
For more guidance on the financial support available to people with care needs and unpaid carers, care experts are on hand to help via the Mobilise website.
The Charter will be part of a new Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, which will set out further plans to improve the standard of service family homes across the country.
Under the Charter, basic consumer rights, from essential property information and predictable property standards, to access to a robust complaints system, will be rapidly introduced. These will be underpinned by new, published satisfaction figures, putting forces families front and centre.
The wider Defence Housing Strategy – overseen by the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns – will also turbocharge the development of surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership. It will further support the delivery of affordable homes for families across Britain as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
It follows the Government’s landmark deal, completed in January, to bring back 36,000 military homes into public ownership, reversing a 1996 sale described by the Public Accounts Committee as “disastrous”, and saving the taxpayer £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to a private company.
The announcement follows the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to deliver “homes for heroes” and means that under this government, support will be there for veterans at risk of homelessness. This included removing local connection tests for veterans seeking social housing, meaning as of November, veterans will have access to the housing support they need.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: Our Armed Forces serve with extraordinary dedication and courage to keep us safe. It is only right that they and their families live in the homes they deserve.
“For too long, military families have endured substandard housing without the basic consumer rights that any of us should expect in our homes. That must end and our new Consumer Charter will begin to stop the rot and put families at the heart of that transformation.
“We cannot turn around years of failure on forces housing overnight, but by bringing 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, we’ve already taken greater control and are working at pace to drive up standards.
“This is about providing homes fit for the heroes who serve our nation, and I’m determined to deliver the decent, affordable housing that our forces families have every right to expect.”
The new Consumer Charter will include the following commitments:
These improvements will be in place by the one-year anniversary of the announcement to buy back military homes last December, with final detail to be set out in the Defence Housing Strategy following consultation with military personnel and their families.
Many of the commitments in the Charter will be achieved by driving better performance – and better value for the taxpayer – from existing suppliers of maintenance and support for service family housing.
The new standards will be underpinned by new published customer satisfaction measures and enhanced accountability so families can have confidence in the improvements being made. This will sit alongside an independently conducted stock survey, as recommended by the Kerslake review of military housing which was published last year.
The Defence Housing Strategy will be driven by an independent review team whose members have been announced today, and which will be chaired by former Member of Parliament and housing expert Natalie Elphicke Ross OBE, drawing on expertise from industry and forces families.
In the meantime, the Defence Secretary and the Minister for Veterans and People have instructed the MOD to immediately plan improvements for the new Consumer Charter, as part of a short-term action plan to enhance the family homes after years of neglect.
Natalie Elphicke Ross, Chair of the Defence Housing Strategy Review said: Our pride in our armed forces must include pride in our military homes.
“Delivering better housing, boosting home ownership opportunities for service personnel and improving the experiences of service families will be at the heart of our work.”
David Brewer, Chief Operating Officer of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: We are dedicated to making changes that will bring real improvements to the lives of families living in military homes and the plans set out in the new charter are an important step towards doing this.
“The advisory team, announced today, brings together an exceptional group of individuals, who through their expertise and experience will help ensure our housing strategy maximises benefits, not just to families living in military homes, but to communities and industry more widely.”
Antony Cotton MBE said: Our Armed Forces community are the backbone of our society, so improving the standard of service family housing is essential if we are to continue to retain and recruit the soldiers, sailors and aviators that protect us selflessly, every day.
“I welcome this consumer charter as a starting point to give our military families an improved service, and homes they deserve.”
Four NHS Lothian nurses and a nursing team have been named as finalists in the prestigious RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards 2025, which celebrate excellence and dedication in nursing across Scotland.
Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director – Acute Services, has been shortlisted for the Clinical Leadership Award for her person-centred approach and leadership of key initiatives such as the 5-year Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and inclusive career programmes.
Stacey Boyle, Midwife, and Marianne Hay, Senior Charge Midwife, are finalists for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award for their innovative Cozy Cuddle Scrubs—designed to support skin-to-skin contact between birth partners and newborns.
Kath Williamson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Bariatric Care, is also a finalist for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award and has been recognised for her pioneering research to improve care for people with severe obesity, including those who are housebound.
The South East Forensic Healthcare Team have been shortlisted for the Nursing Team of the Year Award for delivering trauma-informed care to vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including public health, addiction, and mental health support.
Scott Taylor, Co-Chair of the Scottish Learning Disability Lead Nurse Group, has also been recognised for his outstanding leadership in advancing learning disability nursing in Scotland.
Alongside Kerry Anderson, he has championed improved clinical practice, influenced national policy, and raised awareness of the health inequalities faced by people with learning disabilities—leaving a lasting impact on both the workforce and patient care.
Alison Macdonald, Executive Nurse Director at NHS Lothian, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all our staff who have been shortlisted for an award.
“Being named as a finalist is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the outstanding care, compassion, and dedication our nurses bring to their patients every single day.
“I’m incredibly proud of them all and wish each of them the very best of luck.”
Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 12 June 2025.
Find out more at: rcn.org.uk/ScotAwards
Police Scotland have released images of two males they believe may hold information which might assist in relation a serious assault in Edinburgh which occurred around 8.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024 on Princes Street.
One of the males is described as white, aged approximately 18 years old, slim build, short light, brown hair. He was wearing a grey coloured Nike hooded jumper, a dark coloured cross body bag and dark coloured trousers.
The other male is described as white, aged approximately 20 years old, medium build, short dark hair and dark stubble. He was wearing a black Canada Goose gilet top with a dark top underneath and dark trousers.
Anyone who has any information about the incident or who recognises the males pictured is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3251 of 07 December 2024. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.
One Edinburgh eatery is hoping for a second helping of success at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category, with the award set to go to the food joint that griddles their patties to perfection.
Independent burger chain, Luxford Burgers, has gained a firm foodie following since opening in 2020. Taking inspiration from the silver screen, artwork from cult classic films adorn the interiors, the menu boasts a range of burgers named after must-watch movies, and complimentary popcorn is served while diners wait for the chefs to cook up a hit.
And these blockbuster burgers have already turned the heads of culinary critics. Last year, Luxford Burgers took home the awards for Independent Restaurant of the Year and Scotland Burger Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Deliveroo Restaurant Awards. And now they’re back for another bite.
Will Shu, chief executive and founder at Deliveroo, said; “The Deliveroo Restaurant Awards is about championing the local restaurants who provide incredible selection and quality food in their communities.
These restaurants are the beating heart of our towns and cities, and they obsess over making sure every food delivery is a special moment for our customers – that’s something worth celebrating.”
Reacting to the news that Luxford Burgers had made the shortlist once again, executive director Alexander Galpin said: “Our team work incredibly hard to source quality, fresh ingredients and create original flavour combinations that really stand out, so we’re glad we’ve caught the attention of the judges.
“We had a taste of success last year and now we’re coming back for more!”
Whether they emerge as culinary champions this year is all down to the public. Burger buffs have got until Friday 9th May to cast their vote via the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards website, with the winners set to be announced on Wednesday 28th May.
Foysol Choudhury, MSP for Lothian, calls for the celebration of Scotland’s first ever transplant football team, encouraging progression post-procedure. Scotland has made history with the formation of its first-ever transplant football team, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together individuals who have undergone organ, stem-cell, or bone marrow transplants.
The mixed-gender team, with an average age of 40, welcomes players from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where transplant recipients can connect with others who have faced similar challenges. The club’s mission extends beyond fitness—it’s about reclaiming life after a transplant, proving that recovery is not just about survival but about thriving.
The health benefits of the club go far beyond physical activity. Jelina Berlow-Rahman, the only female player on the team, embodies the spirit of resilience. Diagnosed with kidney failure at 26, she endured four years on dialysis before receiving her transplant.
Remarkably, she built her own law firm while undergoing treatment, demonstrating the power of perseverance. Jelina shares the team’s message: “Anyone can play, for however long they want. Everyone is welcome. It’s fine to play continuously and guide one another.”
For many transplant recipients, the journey doesn’t end with surgery—it’s a lifelong process of adapting to new challenges. The team provides a support system, helping players overcome emotional and physical hurdles that often accompany major medical procedures. Many patients struggle with mental health difficulties post-transplant, feeling isolated or uncertain about their future.
Football offers them an outlet for expression, a way to regain confidence, and a chance to honour their donors. The Scottish Transplant Football Team has already made waves in the international transplant sports community.
Despite being only six months old, the team competed in the 2025 European Transplant Football Championships, facing off against seasoned teams from across the continent. Scotland was the only mixed-gender team in the tournament, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
The squad, founded by Duncan MacAulay, an Inverness-based fire service worker who underwent a heart transplant, has rapidly grown into a 21-player team.
Their participation in the Euros was a testament to their determination, securing an 8-1 victory over Ireland before battling against top-tier opponents like Spain and Italy. Jelina Berlow-Rahman also made history as the first woman to play for Scotland’s transplant football team at an international level. Her presence on the pitch was a powerful statement about breaking barriers and proving that transplant recipients can achieve incredible feats.
The team’s journey is just beginning. With plans to expand recruitment, raise awareness about organ donation, and compete in the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup, Scotland’s transplant footballers are determined to inspire others and change perceptions about life after transplantation.
Their message is clear: transplant recipients are not defined by their medical history—they are athletes, professionals, and individuals with limitless potential.
Commenting, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The Scottish Transplant Football Team is more than just a sports club—it’s a lifeline for players seeking physical and mental well-being, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Through football, they are proving that life after a transplant is not just about survival—it’s about thriving, competing, and celebrating second chances.”
Three people have been arrested and charged in connection with drugs and firearms offences in Edinburgh.
Yesterday, Thursday 17 April, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Crewe Road Gardens.
Two men, aged 61 and 41, and a 17-year-old female, were arrested and charged. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Saturday, 19 April.
A number of weapons, including a firearm, and mobile phones were seized.
Detective Chief Superintendent David Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, said: “I want to reassure the community that extensive enquiries are ongoing into this as part of our investigation into recent incidents in the East and West of the country.
“There will be a continued police presence in the area.
“If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please get in touch.”
