Charity urges parties to strengthen support for Scotland’s veterans

  • The Forces Employment Charity is calling on all candidates to commit to meaningful, long‑term action to improve employment and justice support for veterans and their families across Scotland.
  • Long‑term, specialist employment and justice services deliver proven benefits for veterans, communities and Scotland’s economy.
  • The charity has created a Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge, urging those standing for election to back practical measures that would strengthen Scotland’s workforce, reduce reoffending and ensure veterans are supported with dignity and fairness.

With the Scottish Parliament election just weeks away, the Forces Employment Charity is calling on all parties to commit to meaningful, long‑term action to improve employment and justice support for veterans and their families across Scotland.

Veterans and their families make a significant contribution to communities and the economy. However, many face barriers to sustainable employment, while some veterans are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

The charity has created a Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge, urging the political parties to back practical measures that would strengthen Scotland’s workforce, reduce reoffending, and ensure veterans are supported with dignity and fairness.

The Forces Employment Charity delivers specialist employment and career transition support to thousands of Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families every year, helping them to succeed beyond service. In addition, through its justice service NOVA Scotland, the charity provides dedicated, trauma-informed support to vulnerable veterans in contact with the criminal justice system, enabling them to rebuild their lives and establish long-term stability.

The charity is urging parties to support three key commitments in their election campaign:

1. Fair Access to Employment

Support measures that ensure veterans, their families, and the families of those still serving can access meaningful employment opportunities. This includes:

  • Protecting long‑term funding for specialist employability programmes
  • Encouraging Armed Forces‑friendly recruitment practices
  • Supporting skills development, career transition and employer engagement initiatives that recognise the value of military experience

These steps would help veterans thrive in civilian careers and contribute to Scotland’s economic growth.

2. Specialist Justice Support

Commit to protecting long‑term funding for specialist veterans’ services within the justice system. These services deliver:

  • Prevention, diversion and early intervention
  • Community‑based alternatives such as addiction treatment, volunteering and unpaid work
  • Rehabilitative support tailored to veterans’ needs

These interventions would address the underlying causes of offending and reoffending, ensure veterans receive the specialist help they need to rebuild their lives, and help to build safer communities.

3. Standardised Recording of Veteran Status

Support standardised recording of veteran status across the justice system so Scotland can design evidence-based, trauma-informed and cost-effective responses that improve outcomes and reduce reoffending. Improved identification would:

  • Strengthen throughcare
  • Reduce recalls and reoffending
  • Improve evidence‑based policy and prevention planning
  • Ensure Scotland meets its Armed Forces Covenant commitments

This change would not alter sentencing or create preferential treatment, but would ensure veterans receive appropriate, cost‑effective support.

Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity, said: “Every day, Scotland benefits from the experience and dedication of its veteran community, yet too many still face barriers to establishing sustainable civilian careers or accessing tailored justice support; support which saves lives and transforms futures.

“In this election, we ask all parties to support practical measures that will strengthen Scotland’s workforce, create safer communities, and ensure fairness and opportunity for those who have given so much. We hope to see these commitments taken forward in the next parliamentary term so that veterans and their families receive the long-term specialist support they deserve.”

Find out more by reading the charity’s Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge.

Celebrate Edinburgh’s heroes: Nominate a fundraiser for the 2026 JustGiving Awards

Edinburgh ranked as one of the hotspots for charity fundraising in 2026

Edinburgh has been named as one of the UK’s biggest hotspots for fundraising, according to data from JustGiving.

In the first three months of 2026, Edinburgh came in at number six in the list of places with the most individuals undertaking fundraising challenges for good causes*, up four places from the end of 2025.

Manchester tops the list, holding steady from last quarter, with Glasgow in 2nd place and Bristol in 3rd, with Nottingham and Newcastle completing the top five. 

The list has been compiled by JustGiving, the UK’s largest fundraising platform for charitable giving, to mark the launch of the 2026 JustGiving Awards, which looks to celebrate remarkable people up and down the country raising money for causes close to their hearts.

Edinburgh is a city of runners according to the data, with running and marathons proving the most popular vehicles for fundraising in 2026 so far, with causes like MND care, cancer care and poverty relief driving the most donations among locals.

The 2026 JustGiving Awards are now open for nominations, with members of the public invited to put forward inspiring fundraisers from across the UK. The awards celebrate remarkable individuals, families and groups who have gone above and beyond to raise money for a charity or personal cause over the past 18 months. 

Finalists will be shortlisted before going forward to a public vote later this year. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the stories of generosity, determination and community spirit that continue to inspire people across the country.

Michael and Andrew Cole were finalists in the 2025 JustGiving Awards Stronger Together category. Andrew pushed his 73-year-old father, Michael, who is living with MND, around the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon in a specially adapted wheelchair, raising over £5,800 for MND Scotland.

Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: “Every year, the JustGiving Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate some of the most inspiring fundraisers in communities like Edinburgh.

“With more than one million fundraising pages created on JustGiving last year, there is no shortage of incredible individuals, families, groups, and even pets, going above and beyond for the causes closest to their hearts. 

“Last year, the public submitted 18,000 nominations, shining an important light on the fundraisers whose generosity, determination and impact continue to inspire people across the world. We cannot wait to see who they put forward this year.”

Nominations will be open for just over three weeks, closing on 10 May. To nominate a JustGiving fundraiser who has inspired you, click here. To find out more about last year’s inspiring award winners, click here.

Top ten fundraising hotspots – Quarter 1, 2026 (change from previous quarter in brackets)*:

1. Manchester (non-mover)

2. Glasgow (Up 2)

3. Bristol (Down 1)

4. Nottingham (Down 1)

5. Newcastle (Up 1)

6. Edinburgh (Up 4)

7. Leeds (Down 2)

8. Sheffield (Up 4)

9. London (Down 2)

10. Plymouth (Up 3)

*based on number of fundraising pages created on the JustGiving platform between 1 January – 31 March 2026, weighted by population according to ONS data

Leith Community Croft: April events

EARTH IN COMMON

Get your Friday night plans sorted for the next few weeks and support a local social enterprise working on food security and access to food growing space in your community.

All while you have a good time and make new friends! Love

💕

Become a member and you can get a discount too!

British Council set to become national agency for Erasmus+ in Scotland

The Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for Erasmus+.

In December the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Claire de Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland, said: “Erasmus+ offers a major funding boost to support Scotland’s place at the heart of cross-European cooperation on youth and learning opportunities. 

“As the National Agency for Erasmus+, we will work closely with the Department for Education, the Scottish Government and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for Scotland.

“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.

“We know from stakeholders across higher education, schools, technical and vocational education and training, and sport how valuable the programme will be in Scotland. It offers enormous benefit to people from a wide range of backgrounds, helping to build skills, confidence, an international outlook and lifelong connections to European peers.”

The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014–20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK’s cultural relations activities.

During that period, the programme enabled over 37,635 young people, students and staff from Scotland to study, train or volunteer overseas, including 10,831 in higher education, 8,285 in schools, 8,865 in vocational education and training, and 3,867 in youth programmes. Scottish organisations also led 503 Erasmus+ projects.

In total, Erasmus+ funding in Scotland amounted to approximately €142 million, supporting higher education (€84.51 million), vocational education and training (€29.79 million), schools (€13.82 million), adult education (€8.54 million) and youth (€5.17 million).

Scottish organisations and institutions can find out more and register for updates on Erasmus+ opportunities at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus

Edinburgh’s Keller Taproom to host new women-led whisky tasting to support industry inclusivity

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) has teamed up with the Capital’s Kellar Taproom to support women in whisky, with all proceeds going to Smart Works and OurWhisky Foundation this month. 

Inspired by the easy conversation and coming together of a Book Club, Notes in the Margin is a one-night-only event on Wednesday, 22 April, from 7pm to 8pm. 

This is a women’s whisky tasting that brings people together to explore an unknown selection of drams from across the Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers portfolio. Tasted blind, discussed openly, and shaped by guests’ own “notes in the margin” along the way.

On the night, guests will also have the rare opportunity to sample the sold-out inaugural release of Aberargie Single Malt Whisky, a debut expression released last month that’s not currently available to purchase.

Hosted by MSWD brand managers Lauren Doherty and Rebecca Davidson, the guided tasting will introduce a curated line-up of “secret” whiskies, encouraging attendees to share their thoughts and impressions as they go, creating their own ‘notes in the margin’.

Rebecca Davidson of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said: “Whether you’re new to whisky or love a good dram, come and join us for our first women in whisky event. It’s relaxed, friendly and a great way to meet new people whilst trying new whisky you can’t get anywhere else.”

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers is an independent, family-owned business representing five generations of Morrison whisky heritage. Based in Perth, the company focuses on single-malt production, blending, and bottling, with a portfolio that includes Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr, and Bruadar.

At the heart of the business is Aberargie Distillery, located on a family-owned farm near Perth. Established in 2017, the distillery marks the Morrison family’s return to whisky production following the sale of Morrison Bowmore to Suntory in 1994.

Tickets are £10 from Skiddle and include three whisky drams, with all proceeds going to Smart Works and OurWhisky Foundation. 

The OurWhisky Foundation is a non-profit organisation that recognises, supports and empowers women working in whisky around the world, while advocating for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Where: Kellar Taproom, 23-27 Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH1 3LY
When: Wednesday, 22 April
Cost: £10 with three drams
Ticket Link: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Edinburgh/Keller-Taproom-Edinburgh/Notes-in-the-Margin/42139111/ 

From the East Coast Main Line to the East Coast of the US: Lumo’s tartan is showcased in New York City

Scotland’s TikTok sensation Just The Brave have modelled the rail operator Lumo’s iconic tartan pattern at the New York Tartan Day parade.

The parade is held every April to mark the end of the annual Tartan Week, a celebration of Scottish-American heritage. Several thousand marchers made their way down Sixth Avenue, with Outlander actor Sam Heughan leading the parade this year.

Just The Brave, who have racked up 5.7 million views on TikTok, proudly represented Lumo at the event in special tartan waistcoats. The operator is famous for providing affordable, direct links between Glasgow, Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London.

Lumo recently enlisted the help of Houston Kiltmakers to design an official tartan to cement its dedication to serving Scotland. The eye-catching design was formally accepted into the Scottish Register of Tartans in January this year.

As well as taking part in the official New York Tartan Day parade, Just The Brave were selected to appear on a large billboard in the city’s iconic Times Square. The group made the most of the unique opportunity by taking selfies with the huge digital screen.

Screenshot

Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, led the project to commission the tartan design. He said: “We’re committed to celebrating Scotland and the communities that we serve. As Lumo continues to better connect Scotland with new routes including Glasgow and Stirling, our tartan is an ideal way to reflect our cross-border connectivity.

“Seeing our officially registered tartan being worn at such an iconic event that celebrates Scotland is a very special moment to further showcase Scotland on an international stage.”

Just The Brave also wowed guests with a performance at the official opening of Lumo’s new rail base in Preston last month. Lumo is preparing to launch a brand new service for the West Coast this spring, connecting destinations including Stirling, Carlisle, Preston and London Euston.

Just The Brave added: “Visiting New York City to take part in the Tartan Day Parade has genuinely been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Thank you so much to Lumo for their support in helping us to do this and for sorting us out with the perfect waistcoats to model on Sixth Avenue.

“It was particularly amazing to see our photo shining bright in Times Square! Gestures like that sum up why Lumo is so loved in Scotland.”

Lumo journeys between Glasgow and London King’s Cross start from just £33.90 when booked direct, with journeys between London Euston and Stirling on Lumo’s upcoming West Coast route starting from just £29.90.

Lumo recently celebrated Scottish Tourism Month by partnering with Visit Glasgow to showcase the best places to visit in the city, with video content featuring BBC Radio 1 presenter Emil Franchi.

The operator also proudly supports Glasgow’s Pride, Stirling’s Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Join The Poverty Alliance

📢 Do you want to be part of Scotland’s anti-poverty movement? Then join the Poverty Alliance!

For over 30 years, we’ve been campaigning for the changes needed to end poverty, and we know that our strength comes from our network. Our members include individuals and organisations from across Scotland, from grassroots community groups to national charities, trade unions, faith groups, and research institutions.

Together, they bring the diversity of perspectives needed to build a Scotland rooted in justice and dignity for all. We work collaboratively with our members to influence policy and practice, support communities to challenge poverty, build evidence through research, and grow public support for lasting solutions.

Membership is open to all organisations committed to tackling poverty, and it’s free for civil society organisations with an income under £500,000. Individuals can also join as supporters.

As a member, you’ll gain access to the latest briefings and research, invitations to exclusive events and networking opportunities, and the chance to help shape our policy work.

Interested? Find out more and join us via our website.

Japan Sakura at Lauriston Castle

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Join us for our Japan Sakura @ Lauriston Castle – a festival spanning 2 weekends (Sat 18/Sun 19 & Sat 25/Sun 26 April), celebrating the blossom at Lauriston Castle.

Full details of #Japanese#cultural events here: https://cultureedinburgh.com/…/japan-sakura-at…

Free and drop in. #Edinburgh#Scotland

Scotland’s only children’s hospice charity launches £20M appeal to transform care

‘More Than a Hospice’ will rebuild, renew and reimagine children’s palliative care across Scotland as stays at CHAS’ hospices increase by 45% in the last 3 years.

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) launches More Than a Hospice, a £20 million appeal to change how Scotland cares for dying children, no matter where they live, and ensure all families have real choice in joined up care, so no one faces the death of their child alone.

The bold £20 million initiative appeal will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families.

Stays at CHAS’s hospices have increased by 45% in the last 3 years* underscoring the increasing pressure on services and the urgent need for facilities and world-class models of care to keep pace with families’ needs. The surge is being driven by medical advances meaning more children and families need specialist support over longer periods whether at home, in hospital or in hospices.

CHAS supports babies, children and young people with life‑shortening conditions, and the families who care for them, providing specialist palliative care. For families, that can mean months or years of round‑the‑clock care, exhausting routines and constant emotional and practical pressure, while trying to protect ordinary moments together.

More Than a Hospice is an urgent call to Scotland to recognise what children’s hospice care really means today, and to back a long‑term plan to ensure families continue to have choice, comfort and support for decades to come.

Caroline Johnstone, from Sauchie in Clackmannanshire, was introduced to CHAS when her daughter Ayla was born in 2011. Ayla lives with Edwards’ Syndrome and has been receiving support from CHAS for the past 14 years.

Caroline said: “Since Ayla was diagnosed, CHAS has supported us as a family at Rachel House in Kinross. CHAS makes sure we have a choice in care for Ayla. We feel part of a community of families who are going through the same challenges and experiences. CHAS and the Rachel House team have helped Ayla continue to thrive and are always just a phone call away”.

“I’ve phoned at midnight and during the day and they’re always there. If I’m lying awake during the night worrying about something to do with Ayla and need to chat to someone, I know I can phone CHAS – that truly is a lifeline.”

“Ayla absolutely loves the sensory room and going out for walks around the beautiful grounds. She is quite sassy and loves a bit of nonsense but is also tactile and affectionate and the staff all know her personality so well which is great”.

Rami Okasha, CEO at CHAS said: “More Than a Hospice is a movement to rebuild, renew and reimagine what children’s palliative care can be.

“We want to unite communities, medical professionals and policymakers behind a shared mission: that every family has genuine choice and unwavering support during the hardest moments of their lives. Real choice is what we would all expect to have when we are facing the most devastating times.

“Every week, in Scotland, three children die from an incurable condition, and CHAS provides unwavering care at every step on this hardest of journeys for families facing this devastating reality, in our two hospices, in hospitals and at home.

“We welcome advances in medicine which mean more children are living longer with complex needs, but too many families still lack real choice about where and how their child is cared for.

“This is our biggest ever fundraising appeal since Rachel House was built over 30 years ago. Back then CHAS was founded thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Scottish public, today, this More Than A Hospice Appeal is an invitation for the people of Scotland to stand together again behind a simple belief: that no one should face the death of their child alone.”

The £20 million will allow CHAS to bring real choice to families as their child dies by:

  • Rebuilding Rachel House, Scotland’s first ever children’s hospice as a modern, flexible space designed around the needs of today’s families, including those caring for children with the most complex conditions.
  • Renewing Robin House so it continues to be a welcoming home‑from‑home where families can access specialist care, respite and support.
  • Reimagining care for the long term by strengthening children’s palliative care across Scotland, including closer working with the NHS and improving support for families at home at the end of life.

Together, these improvements will help ensure CHAS can continue to deliver highly specialist, family‑centred care as needs evolve, supporting families not just through the hardest moments, but through the long journey that often comes before.

To mark the launch of the appeal CHAS is asking people to ‘Make Their Mark’ on a giant fingerprint tree. Each print is a pledge to support CHAS More Than A Hospice Appeal and help transform hospice and palliative care for Scotland’s children and families, now and for the future.

The beautiful large-scale visual, created in partnership with artist Marion Deuchars, starts with a single fingerprint and grows with every addition from children and their families. It will create a lasting reminder that no family should face the death of a child alone.

Make your mark by donating today and ensure no one face the death of a child alone at chas.org.uk

PM calls social media companies into Downing Street

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

  • Prime Minister calls senior leaders from some of the biggest social media companies into Downing Street
  • Follows government taking powers to act quickly once its consultation concludes, including on measures to protect kids from social media harms
  • PM puts children’s safety first and tells companies this is the time to meet the moment, address parents’ concerns and prepare for next steps

The Prime Minister will say “looking the other way is not an option” as he brings senior leaders of major social media companies – Meta, Snap, Google (YouTube), TikTok and X – to Downing Street today to press for progress on one of the most urgent issues affecting children today.

For parents, the stakes could not be higher – this is about whether children grow up supported and safe online or exposed to harm with no one taking responsibility. When it comes to keeping young people safe online, the Prime Minister has been clear this is not a question of if the government will act, but how.

Throughout the government’s consultation, he has heard first hand from parents on the worries they have about the growing grip of social media on their children’s lives and the need for greater support.

The Prime Minister has said his government will not sit on its hands after the consultation, but instead has acted swiftly to take the legislative powers needed to move quickly once it has concluded to deliver change within months, not years.

Some social media companies have already stepped up by putting in place protections like disabling autoplay for children by default and giving parents greater control over screen time and introducing curfews. But the Prime Minister has argued we must go further to protect children and meet the moment.

During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary will set out the government’s principles and values when it comes to protecting children, and press for answers from companies on what they are doing to keep children safe online and responding to families’ concerns.

Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Social media shapes how children see themselves, their friendships and the world around them. When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.

“Parents rightly expect action and fast. That’s why we’ve already taken the powers needed to move quickly once our consultation ends.

“I will take whatever steps necessary to keep children safe online. Today is about making sure social media companies step up and take responsibility.

“The consequences of failing to act are stark. We owe it to parents, and to the next generation, to put children’s safety first – because they won’t forgive us if we don’t.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2028788258843328611

The meeting comes halfway through the government’s consultation, Growing Up in the Online World, which has so far received more than 45,000 responses to proposals aimed at protecting children’s wellbeing online.

With around six weeks left before the consultation closes on 26 May, the government is urging parents and children to get involved and help shape the next steps.

The consultation is the most ambitious of its kind in the world. It explores key questions including whether to introduce a minimum age for social media, limits on addictive design features, and stronger safeguards around AI chatbots for young people.

Almost 6,000 young people have already taken part, and more than 80 organisations – including schools, charities and community groups – have participated in engagement sessions with ministers and officials in recent months.

Take part in the national consultation: https://gov.uk/growing-up-online