Strengthening Gaelic and Scots education

LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Parents across Scotland will be able to ask for a Gaelic school to be established in their area as part of legislation being taken forward by the Scottish Government.

Under the plans, local authorities would be required to assess if the request was practical and affordable. After taking advice, ministers may direct local authorities to proceed with the establishment a new Gaelic school if the authority’s assessment considers it to be viable. 

Other provisions of the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • introducing educational standards for Gaelic and Scots
  • establishing Gaelic and Scots as official languages
  • 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

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set out the measures on a visit to Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She was joined by Scotland’s first Gaelic speaking national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, who is also known as the Makar.

The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary year of Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said: “This Bill aims to build a strong foundation to support Gaelic’s continued growth following an encouraging increase in Gaelic speakers and learners across Scotland. It would boost Gaelic education provision throughout Scotland and better establish Gaelic and Scots as national languages.

“Gaelic medium education enriches communities and offers good value for money. Gaelic medium schools frequently demonstrate above average performance with some local authorities showing better grades across all qualification levels despite costs being no greater than English medium schools.

“To support the growth of Scotland’s indigenous languages, we are also providing an additional £5.7 million to promote Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said: “It’s fantastic to have seen the growth of Gaelic medium education over the last 40 years: it’s something we should be very proud of.

“It’s vital that there’s ongoing support to maintain and develop Gaelic as a community language in the Highlands and Islands and to give people all over the country every chance to learn and speak it – and also to encourage Scots speakers and communities across Scotland.” 

Background

Stage 3 of the Scottish Languages Bill is expected to be considered by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics show that 130,161 people in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase of 43,105 people from 2011. The census shows that 2,444,659 people in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase of 515,215 from 2011.

The latest version of the Scottish Languages Bill is available online.

A’ neartachadh foghlam Gàidhlig agus Albais

Reachdas gus taic-chànain a neartachadh.

Faodaidh pàrantan air feadh Alba iarraidh gun tèid sgoil Ghàidhlig a stèidheachadh anns na sgìrean aca, mar phàirt de reachdas a tha ga thoirt air adhart le Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

Fo na planaichean, dh’fheumadh ùghdarrasan ionadail measadh a dhèanamh air so-dhèantachd agus reusantachd cosgaisean an iarrtais. Às dèidh dhaibh comhairle a ghabhail, faodaidh ministearan iarraidh air ùghdarrasan ionadail a dhol air adhart le stèidheachadh sgoil Ghàidhlig ùr, ma cho-dhùineas measadh an ùghdarrais gun gabh a dhèanamh.

Am measg chumhachan eile ann am Bile nan Cànan Albannach:

  • thèid bun-tomhasan foghlaim a thoirt a-steach do Ghàidhlig agus do dh’Albais
  • thèid Gàidhlig agus Albais a stèidheachadh mar chànain oifigeil
  • thèid taic a chumail ri cruthachadh sgìrean cànain sònraichte ann an coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig, airson ’s gum faod ministearan poileasaidhean a thaghadh nas fheàrr leis an gabh an cànan a leasachadh
  • faodaidh pàrantan ann an gach ceàrn de dh’Alba tagradh a chur airson àitichean sgoil àraich agus tràth-ìre Gàidhlig fhaighinn dhan cuid chloinne

Chaidh na ceumannan a mhìneachadh leis an Leas-Phrìomh Mhinistear agus Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson na h-Eaconamaidh agus na Gàidhlig, Ceit Fhoirbeis, ’s i a’ tadhal air Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis. Còmhla rithe bha a’ chiad bhàrd nàiseanta Gàidhlig ann an Alba, an Dotair Pàdraig MacAoidh, ris an canar cuideachd am Makar. Bha iad a’ tadhal aig an aon àm ris a’ 40mh ceann-bliadhna de dh’fhoghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig ann an Alba.

Thuirt a’ Bh-uas. Fhoirbeis:

“Tha a’ Bhile seo ag amas air bun-stèidh dhaingeann a thogail gus taic a chumail ri fàs leantainneach na Gàidhlig, às dèidh àrdachadh brosnachail ann an luchd-labhairt agus luchd-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba. Chuireadh i gu mòr ri solar foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig air feadh Alba, ’s i a’ daingneachadh na Gàidhlig agus na h-Albais mar chànain nàiseanta.

“Tha foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig a’ cur beairteas ri coimhearsnachdan agus tha deagh luach an airgid na lùib. Is tric a bhios coileanadh sgoiltean Gàidhlig nas fheàrr na chìthear sa chumantas, ’s cuid a dh’ùghdarrasan ionadail a’ sealltainn chomharran nas fheàrr thar gach ìre teisteanais ged nach eil cosgaisean nas àirde na cosgaisean sgoiltean tro mheadhan na Beurla.

“Gus taic a chumail ri fàs nan cànan a tha dùthchasach do dh’Alba, tha sinn cuideachd a’ toirt seachad £5.7 millean a bharrachd gus Albais agus Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh am-bliadhna.”

Thuirt an Dotair MacAoidh:

“Tha e air leth math gum facas mar a dh’fhàs foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig thairis air na 40 bliadhna a dh’fhalbh: bu chòir dhuinn a bhith gu math moiteil à rud mar seo. Tha e riatanach gum bi taic leantainneach ann airson a’ Ghàidhlig a chumail suas agus a leasachadh mar chànan coimhearsnachd air a’ Ghàidhealtachd agus anns na h-Eileanan, agus airson gach cothrom a thoirt do dhaoine air feadh na dùthcha an cànan ionnsachadh agus a bhruidhinn – agus cuideachd airson luchd-labhairt agus coimhearsnachdan na h-Albais a bhrosnachadh thar Alba.”

Cùl-fhiosrachadh

Thathar an dùil gum beachdaich BPA air Ìre 3 Bile nan Cànan Albannach Dimàirt, an 17mh latha dhen Ògmhios.

Tha àireamhan a’ chunntais-shluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Gàidhlig aig 130,161 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 43,105 neach bho 2011. Tha an cunntas-sluaigh a’ sealltainn gun robh beagan sgilean Albais aig 2,444,659 neach ann an Alba ann an 2022, àrdachadh de 515,215 neach bho 2011.

Tha an dreachd as ùire de Bhile nan Cànan Albannach ri fhaotainn air loidhne.

Forderin Gaelic and Scots education

Legislation tae uphaud the leids

Parents aw ower Scotland will be able tae speir for a Gaelic schuil tae be set up whaur they bide as pairt o legislation bein taen forrit by the Scots Government.

Unner the plans, it wad be necessar for local authorities tae luik intae gin the speirin wis practical and affordable. Efter takkin advice, ministers micht caw upon local authorities tae gang forrit wi the settin up o a new Gaelic schuil if the authority’s ettles shaw it tae be daeable. 

Ither provisions o the Scottish Languages Bill include:

  • settin oot educational staunards for Gaelic and Scots
  • settin forrit Gaelic and Scots as official leids
  • uphaudin the settin oot o areas o muckle linguistic mense in Gaelic communities sae that ministers can better ettle at policies tae uphaud the growin o the leid
  • allouin parents in ilka pairt o Scotland tae speir efter Gaelic nursery and early years places for their bairns

Depute First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes set oot the meisures on a visit tae Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis (Inverness Gaelic Primary School). She wis jyned by Scotland’s first Gaelic spikkin national poet, Dr Peter Mackay, wha is kent forby as the Makar. The visit gangs alang wi the 40th anniversary year o Gaelic medium education in Scotland.

Ms Forbes said:

“This Bill ettles tae big strang foonds tae uphaud Gaelic’s ongawin growth follaein a hertenin increase in Gaelic spikkers and lairners aw ower Scotland. It wad forder Gaelic education provision throughoot Scotland and set forrit mair siccarly Gaelic and Scots as national leids.

“Gaelic medium education maks communities mair strang and gies guid value for siller. Gaelic medium schuils aft kythe better-than-average ootcomes, wi some local authorities reportin better grades athort aw qualification levels, for aw that costs are nae mair muckle than English medium schuils.

“Tae forder the growin o Scotland’s hamelt leids, we’re forby pittin forrit an extra £5.7 million tae uphaud Scots and Gaelic this year.”

Dr Mackay said:

“It’s braw tae hae seen the growin o Gaelic medium education ower the last 40 years: thon’s a thing we should be gey prood o. It’s vital that there’s ongawin uphaudin tae heeze up and forder forrit Gaelic as a community leid in the Hielans and Islands and tae gie fowk aw ower the country ilka chance tae lairn and spik it – and forby tae herten Scots spikkers and communities aw ower Scotland.” 

Backgrund

Stage 3 o the Scottish Languages Bill is expectit tae be taen tent o by MSPs on Tuesday 17 June.

Census statistics report that 130,161 fowk in Scotland had some Gaelic skills in 2022, an increase o 43,105 fowk syne 2011. The census reports that 2,444,659 fowk in Scotland had some Scots skills in 2022, an increase o 515,215 syne 2011.

The latest version o the Scottish Languages Bill is set furth online.

‘Cruel Cuts’: Trussell urges UK government to think again

15,000 people in disabled households in Scotland will be forced into severe hardship if the UK government goes ahead with cuts to social security, warns Trussell

  • New report reveals hundreds of thousands of people will be pushed into severe hardship if government goes ahead with ‘cruel’ cuts to disability payments
  • 15,000 more people in disabled households will be at risk of needing to use a food bank

New analysis from anti-poverty charity Trussell has found that 15,000 people in disabled households across Scotland will be forced into severe hardship and at risk of needing a food bank in 2029/30, if the UK government goes ahead with planned cuts to social security.

The report – produced by economic and public policy experts WPI Economics for Trussell – models the projected impact of proposed changes to social security for disabled people on the number of people facing hunger and hardship in Scotland, a measure of deep poverty which captures people at risk of needing to use a food bank now or in the future.

This new analysis comes just weeks after it was revealed that almost 240,000 emergency food parcels were distributed by the Trussell community across Scotland during the past year. This is equivalent to one parcel every two minutes and a 101% increase compared to a decade ago.

Across the UK, it is projected that 440,000 people in disabled households will be forced into severe hardship. It also shows that the UK government’s planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit will move 95,000 people out of severe hardship – which Trussell says is clear evidence this welcome step cannot possibly make up for the sheer scale of the damage of cuts. The net impact of reforms will still be around 340,000 more people in disabled households facing hunger and hardship.

Trussell warns that UK government’s proposed £7 billion cuts to support for disabled people are likely to undermine its goal of increasing employment and will drive higher costs for public services.

Trussell and WPI Economics have shown that even before these cuts, the ongoing failure to tackle hunger and hardship leads to the Scottish government spending an additional £860m a year on public services alone, like the NHS, schools and children’s social care.

As MPs prepare to vote on legislation to introduce the cuts, Trussell is urging the UK government to think again and halt these damaging cuts to support for disabled people. They will be condemning hundreds of thousands of people to severe hardship and piling the pressure on food banks across the country, which are already stretched to breaking point.

As well as axing the proposed cuts, Trussell is calling on the UK government to bring forward the planned increase to the basic rate of Universal Credit so it comes into full effect from April 2026, rather than April 2029.

Cara Hilton, senior policy manager for Scotland at Trussell, said: “This UK government was elected on a promise of change, and with a commitment to end the need for food banks. If the government goes ahead with these ill-considered and cruel cuts to social security, this promise will not be kept – and instead, they will risk leaving behind a legacy of rising poverty and hunger.

“Tackling fiscal challenges should not be done at the expense of people already facing hunger and hardship. These cuts will force 440,000 people in disabled households into severe hardship and leave them at risk of needing a food bank. We urge the government not to continue down this damaging path.

“We support the plan to reform employment support and help more people into work, where their health allows this and accessible jobs are available, but these proposed cuts will utterly undermine this goal. Slashing support will damage people’s health and reduce their ability to engage in training and work.”

Craig Crosthwaite, manager at North Ayrshire Foodbank, said: “Most days we see people coming to the food bank who have a disability or are caring for someone with a disability in their household.

“Social security payments do not allow people to afford the essentials, and this is amplified when you are also dealing with the extra costs of managing a disability. Life simply costs more for disabled people.  We fear that should these cuts be forced through Parliament, we will see many more people being forced to access our help.”

You can find out how many emergency food parcels were distributed in your area, and write to your MP to express your concerns at these cruel cuts, on the Trussell website: https://campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode

hunger_and_hardship_final_report (1)Download

Thousands of jobs to be created as Government announces multi-billion-pound investment to build Sizewell C

‘GOLDEN AGE OF CLEAN ENERGY ABUNDANCE’ – ED MILIBAND

  • 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, to be created as the Government announces multi-billion investment to build Sizewell C.
  • Chancellor to confirm funding at the GMB Congress ahead of Spending Review, as Energy Secretary vows ‘golden age’ of nuclear.
  • Investment to deliver clean power to millions of homes, cut energy bills and boost energy security.
  • Government commits over £6 billion of investment to nuclear submarine industrial base to deliver on Strategic Defence Review

Ten thousand jobs will be created as the Government announces a £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C nuclear plant as part of the Spending Review, ending years of delay and uncertainty. 

The Chancellor is set to confirm the funding at the GMB Congress later today ahead of the Government’s Spending Review, as the Energy Secretary vows a ‘golden age’ of nuclear to boost the UK’s energy security. 

The Government’s investment will go towards creating 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, and support thousands more jobs across the UK. 

The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality.  

 

The equivalent of around six million of today’s homes will be powered with clean homegrown energy from Sizewell C. The investment in clean, homegrown power brings to an end decades of dithering and delay, with the Government backing the builders in the drive for energy security and kick-starting economic growth.  

The announcement comes as the Government is set to confirm one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor programmes. This comes alongside record investment in R&D for fusion energy, worth over £2.5 billion over five years. Taken together with Sizewell C, this delivers the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation.

Clean, home-grown power at Sizewell C will help drive the UK’s energy security, as part of the Government’s mission to protect family finances by replacing the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators with homegrown power that we control.  

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:  “Today we are once again investing in Britian’s renewal, with the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation. This landmark decision is our Plan for Change in action.  

“We are creating thousands of jobs, kickstarting economic growth and putting more money people’s pockets.” 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  “We will not accept the status quo of failing to invest in the future and energy insecurity for our country.  

“We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance, because that is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis. 

“This is the Government’s clean energy mission in action – investing in lower bills and good jobs for energy security.”  

Sizewell C  

Sizewell C will provide 10,000 people with employment at peak construction and support thousands more jobs across the UK, including 1,500 apprenticeships.

The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality. Jobs in the nuclear industry pay well above national averages and the government is committed to working with nuclear trade unions such as the GMB, Unite, and Prospect, who will continue to play a pivotal role in building the industry.   

Despite the UK’s strong nuclear legacy, opening the world’s first commercial nuclear power station in the 1950s, no new nuclear plant has opened in the UK since 1995, with all of the existing fleet except Sizewell B likely to be phased out by the early 2030s.  

Sizewell C was one of eight sites identified in 2009 by then-Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a potential site for new nuclear. However, the project was not fully funded in the 14 years that followed under subsequent Governments.  

The Government’s nuclear programme is now the most ambitious for a generation – once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more new nuclear to grid than over the previous half century combined. 

Small Modular Reactors  

Great British Nuclear is expected to announce the outcome of its small modular reactor competition imminently, the first step towards the goal of driving down costs and unlocking private finance with a long-term ambition to bring forward one of the first SMR fleets in Europe.  

The government’s nuclear resurgence will support the UK’s long-term energy security, with small modular reactors expected to power millions of homes with clean energy and help fuel power-hungry industries like AI data centres.   

This follows reforms to planning rules announced by the Prime Minister in February 2025 to make it easier to build nuclear across the country – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.   

The government is also looking to provide a route for private sector-led advanced nuclear projects to be deployed in the UK, alongside investing £300m in developing the world’s first non-Russian supply of the advanced fuels needed to run them.   

Companies will be able to work with the government to continue their development with potential investment from the National Wealth Fund.

Fusion Energy  

The government is also making a record investment in R&D for fusion energy, investing over £2.5 billion over 5 years. This includes progressing the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), the world-leading fusion plant in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs and with the potential to unlock limitless clean power.  

This builds on the UK’s global leadership to turbocharge economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, while helping deliver the UK’s flagship programme to design and build a prototype fusion power station on the site of a former coal-fired plant.   

Defence 

To secure the UK as a leader in both civil and defence nuclear, the government is also making continued long-term investment in our Defence Nuclear Enterprise and its industrial base, which is critical for our national security while also being a significant generator of economic opportunities, jobs and growth across the entire country.

Further investments in the defence nuclear sector include over £6bn over the SR period to enable a transformation in the capacity, capability and productivity of the UK’s submarine industrial base, including at BAE Systems in Barrow and Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby – to deliver the increase in the submarine production rate announced in the Strategic Defence Review. 

In addition, we will embark on a multi-decade, multi-billion redevelopment of HMNB Clyde, with an initial £250m of funding over 3 years, supporting jobs, skills and growth across the West of Scotland. 

The government will also invest over £420m of additional funding in Sheffield Forgemasters, securing 700 existing skilled jobs and creating over 900 new construction roles. 

Sustainable cooking for New Scots

ELREC WORKSHOP AT HEART OF NEWHAVEN

SATURDAY 14 JUNE 12.45 – 2.45PM

Introducing our first workshop for New Scots in Edinburgh 🌏

Join our free Sustainable Cooking Workshop to meet new people, practise your English, and take part in something meaningful!

Together we will explore the rich tradition of Ukrainian Borsch, a flavourful sour soup made with meat stock, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, cherished across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.

Come be a part of a powerful experience that unites community, culture, and cause.

Date: 14 June 2025 (Saturday)

Time: 12:45 – 14:45

Venue: Heart of Newhaven Community Centre

Address: 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh, EH6 4HY

Language: English and Ukrainian

Open to: New Scots aged 18 or over who have a basic understanding of English

Registration: https://forms.gle/PYDCdzj3m9EfbikW7

#SustainableCooking#community

Scotland Office: First government trade mission since UK-EU deal

Minister Kirsty McNeill teams up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to champion Scotland and the UK in Spain

Boosting trade and investment between Scotland and Spain is top of the agenda as a group of 16 Scottish female entrepreneurs, led by UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC), arrive on Spanish soil today (Monday 9th June). 

The Scotland Office led trade mission will meet with Spanish entrepreneurs, business leaders and politicians to maximise the benefits of the recent UK-EU deal, tackle the Scottish gender export gap, promote Brand Scotland’s iconic goods and services and encourage Spanish investment into Scotland.

A recent report found that trade in Scotland could increase by more than £10 billion over two years if women-led businesses exported at the same rate as those led by men.

Women from Scotland’s world class food and drink, tech, manufacturing, energy, tourism, travel, legal services, consultancy, marketing and cosmetic sectors are on the trade mission.

UK Government Scotland Office Kirsty McNeill said: “I’m very proud to be teaming up with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and fantastic Scottish women entrepreneurs on a trailblazing mission to Spain to help kickstart economic growth, create jobs and attract investment to Scotland as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

“I want the UK to be a leader in promoting gender diversity in international trade and this is a unique opportunity for our women business leaders to build international connections, explore market opportunities, and connect with other female entrepreneurs in one of Scotland’s and the UK’s largest EU markets. 

“Through ‘Brand Scotland’, we are now giving our country the global platform it deserves.”

Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: This trade mission marks a bold step forward in advancing Scotland’s global trade ambitions.

“By connecting some of our most dynamic women entrepreneurs and leaders with key players in Barcelona, we are opening new doors of opportunity, innovation, and growth. Scotland’s businesswomen are global in their outlook, ambitious in their vision, and ready to lead the way in forging deeper connections around the world.

“The collaboration between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Scotland Office is a powerful partnership which will boost business growth, increase exports, and champion Scotland as a world-leading trading nation. This mission expands our market access and ensures the future of our business community is more representative, resilient, and internationally competitive.”

This visit marks the first Brand Scotland trade mission since the signing of a partnership agreement between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office on Friday (June 6th). The deal, backed by a £100,000 UK Government grant, is focused on showcasing Scottish businesses globally and attracting inward investment. 

Spain is the UK’s seventh largest trading partner (2024) and Scotland’s 10th with total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) being £64.6 billion, while the UK is the number one European destination for Spanish investment (€83 billion stock).

Last year Scotland’s goods exports to Spain reached £0.7 billion, with food and drink leading the way at over £212 million. Most recent figures show that Spain was the number six export destination for Scotch whisky, with sales worth £196 million in 2024. Spain is also among the most valuable destinations for Scottish seafood exports, including a top 20 destination for Scottish salmon exports.

The trio of trade deals secured by the Prime Minister in recent weeks offers a huge opportunity for Scotland and the UK’s economy. 

The agreement with the EU directly addresses challenges faced by Scottish exporters since 2019, especially in the food and drink sector, as it makes it significantly easier to sell Scottish goods to markets such as Spain (see stakeholder quotes annexed below).

The two day trade mission comes after Minister McNeill hosted a gathering of female business leaders from across Scotland in Edinburgh in May to identify and tackle export challenges they face. 

While in Spain the Minister will also participate in cultural initiatives, including a concert for Ukraine, being organised by the British Embassy in Madrid. 

Bike Week: Local Scottish Greens MSP celebrates cycling infrastructure successes  

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Local Scottish Greens MSP Lorna Slater has heralded the delivery of key cycling infrastructure in Edinburgh as part of Bike Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling.  

Thanks to pressure from the Scottish Greens during the party’s time in Government, the SNP has committed to increase spending on active travel projects across the country by more than 400% compared to 2019/20. While it still remains short of its £320m spending target on walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure, the extra funding it has provided so far has already made a major difference on the ground. 

Scottish Greens MSP Lorna Slater said: “Active travel has come on leaps and bounds since we got the Government to boost spending on it.  

“Now, more people can safely cycle, walk or wheel around Edinburgh and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come with travelling under your own steam. 

“Bike Week provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on this success – but also to look forward. I would urge the Scottish Government to meet its target of spending £320m – or 10% of its transport budget – on active travel as soon as possible. 

“We’ve already seen that if the infrastructure gets built, people will use it. The SNP must provide more funding so that as many people as possible can bolster their wellbeing whilst helping the planet at the same time.” 

LiftFest 2025 programme announced

MUIRHOUSE MILLENNIUM CENTRE

SATURDAY 19 JULY 12 – 5PM

We’re the team at LIFT, a local charity dedicated to lifting lives and bringing communities together.

We’re thrilled to announce Lift Fest 2025, a family-friendly community festival happening on:

  • Date: Saturday 19th July 2025
  • Time: 12 PM – 5 PM
  • Location: Muirhouse Millennium Centre,
    7 Muirhouse Medway,
    Edinburgh, EH4 4EZ

Lift Fest promises a fantastic day packed with live music, family fun, local talent, and lots of community spirit. The event features:

  • DJ and live music
  • Tattoos
  • Face painting
  • Hairdressers
  • Tabletop sales for local crafters, bakers, and sellers
  • Food stalls
  • Fairy trails
  • Carnival games
  • Mascot meet & greets
  • And much more!

TABLE TOP SALES – LIFT FEST 2025

🕛 12 PM – 5 PM

📍 Muirhouse Millennium Centre

📍 7 Muirhouse Medway, Edinburgh, EH4 4EZ

📅 Saturday 19th July 2025

💷 £10 per table hire

If any local crafters, bakers, or sellers are interested in booking a table, please contact us:

📞 0131 467 3578

📧 tyler@lift-edinburgh.com

#LiftFest

#LIFTCharity

#LiftLives

#CommunityStrong

#EdinburghEvents

Bronze figurehead of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled at Royal Scots Monument

On Saturday 7 June 2025 HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Royal Scots Regimental Association, unveiled a bronze medallion containing a figurehead of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a final addition to The Royal Scots Monument in Princes Street Gardens.  

The monument, originally unveiled on 26 July 1952, commemorates the service rendered by The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) to 16 monarchs from its founding in 1633 under a Royal Warrant from King Charles I until its amalgamation under Defence Review in 2006. The additional medallion marks the final monarch under whom the Regiment served.  

Her Royal Highness, accompanied by Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Right Honourable Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, was met by the Chair of the Regimental Trustees, Brigadier (retd) George Lowder MBE, and by the Governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Robert Bruce CBE DSO.

The unveiling was attended by many former Royal Scots and their families as well as members of The Royal Scots Club and representatives of the City of Edinburgh Council.  A service of dedication was conducted by Reverend Dr Iain May, Chaplain to The Royal Scots Regimental Association.

In 2007 The Princess Royal, who was the Regiment’s Colonel in Chief from 1983 until 2006, had graciously unveiled an addition to the monument to mark the Regiment’s amalgamation, the final chapter in its history, and to acknowledge and commemorate the Regiment’s 373 years of proud and loyal service to Crown and Country.

After the unveiling, Her Royal Highness then spent time with former members of the Regiment before leaving for The Royal Scots Club in Abercromby Place where The Princess Royal graciously took the salute at the Club’s annual ceremony of Beating Retreat.

Brigadier George Lowder, Chair of the Regimental Trustees, said: “The Royal Scots have always been, and continue to be, very proud of their long service to Crown and country which is commemorated on this monument.  

“Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the last Sovereign under whom the Regiment served, appointed HRH The Princess Royal to be Colonel in Chief of The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) in 1983.  

“We have been greatly honoured, therefore, that The Princess Royal, whose long and continued connection with the Regiment we cherish, has unveiled this final addition to our monument today.”.

Carers Week: Unpaid carers in employment need further support to improve their health and wellbeing

  • 44% of carers in employment have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on caring responsibilities
  • 33% of current and former carers in employment say they have postponed or cancelled their own appointments, tests, scans, treatments or therapies
  • Findings mark the start of Carers Week which takes place from 9-15 June. The theme of this year’s Carers Week is ‘Caring About Equality’. 

Many of the UK’s unpaid carers who juggle employment responsibilities alongside looking after disabled, older or ill relatives need further support to stay in paid work and progress in their career.

New polling of over 2,000 members of the public for Carers Week 2025 found that working carers often struggle to prioritise their own health needs, and a quarter (25%) had reduced their working hours to care.

Forty-four per cent of carers in employment said they had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since they started caring – a higher proportion of carers in comparison to those not working (44% compared to 37%).

Carers and former carers in employment were also more likely to say they had postponed or cancelled their own appointments, tests, scans, treatments or therapies due to the demands of their caring role (33% compared to 27%).

Those cancelling appointments said they couldn’t find appointments at a time they could attend and were unable to take time off from paid employment for these. 40% of working carers said they needed more flexibility at work. Previous research by Carers UK has found that 600 people a day have given up work to care[1].

Carers UK and charity supporters Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Oxfam GB, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and The Lewy Body Society are seeking to increase visibility and raise awareness of the inequalities carers face during Carers Week, which is a UK-wide awareness campaign.

TSB Bank is the headline sponsor for Carers Week 2025, which is also kindly supported by Regina UK and Centrica.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “Carers need more support to ensure they can remain in work with the same career opportunities. The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 gives employees the right to five days of unpaid leave, but this is just the start.

“An understanding line manager, flexible working and paid Carer’s Leave can all make a difference – helping employees to look after their own health and wellbeing, as well as the person they care for.

“When businesses invest fully in carer-friendly workplaces this brings benefits for employees and employers alike, resulting in the retention of valued staff and taking us one step closer to equality for carers in the workplace.”

Ariam Enraght-Moony, Chief People Officer, TSB said: “As the number of carers increases, so must our commitment to support them. At TSB, we’re proud to do just that, offering 70 hours of paid carer’s leave each year – plus wider support including access to a care management service to help navigate each step of the care journey.

“Our support isn’t just about attracting talent; it’s about retaining skilled colleagues and making sure no one has to sacrifice their career to care.

“I urge businesses to consider what more they can do to support colleagues who are carers too.”

You can read the full report here.