More than half a million more people in line for savings boost

  • Government’s Help to Save scheme now open to 550,000 more people to help with cost of living
  • Those saving £50 a month can expect £25 Government top-up, putting more money in people’s pockets
  • Part of Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on Plan for Change

More than half a million more UK savers are in line for Government bonuses worth up to £25 a month to boost their cash pots and help ease rises in the cost of living, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced today.

As part of the Government’s mission to grow the economy and improve lives in every corner of the UK and to deliver its Plan for Change, Help to Save is now open to anyone working and receiving Universal Credit – rewarding 550,000 more people.

Its extension to April 2027 means more can benefit from the scheme, which has paid out millions of pounds in bonuses to more than 500,000 people since Help to Save was launched in 2018.

This is evidence of the Government backing the most vulnerable in society with 93% of savers paying in the maximum £50 every month to their Help to Save account.

In Scotland, 36,050 Help to Save savers have paid in a total of £33,584,000 into their accounts, since September 2018.

An account can be set up in less than 5 minutes and easily managed through GOV.UK or the HMRC app, making it accessible to people throughout the UK.

Savers who deposit the maximum amount of £2,400 over four years will receive a bonus totalling £1,200 into their bank accounts, with payments coming at the end of the second and final year.

Economic Secretary Emma Reynolds said: ““Security for working people is at the heart of our Plan for Change.

“We want more people to have a bit in the kitty for a rainy day, which is why we are giving hundreds of thousands more working families on tight budgets access to this support.”

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Thousands of customers have already benefitted from Help to Save and many more are now eligible to get a great return of 50% on top of their savings, no matter how little you can save each month. Go online or via the HMRC app to find out more and apply today.”

Savers can deposit between £1 and £50 each month earning an extra 50 pence for every £1 saved, with bonuses paid in the second and fourth years of the account being opened. The bonus payment applies to the highest amount saved within the period.

Nearly 18,500 people opened a Help to Save account via the HMRC app in 2024. App users have access to their savings account at their fingertips. They can view their account, check their balance and bonus details, and make a deposit via debit card, bank transfer or standing order.

Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.

Michelle Highman, Chief Executive of The Money Charity, said: ‘We are really pleased to see the Help to Save scheme extended and made available to more people.

“It’s a brilliant way for people to start to save and to build their financial resilience and futures. Saving even just a little each month will help, and the added 50% bonus payment from the Government means that if you are eligible, then it’s a great place to boost your savings.”

Find out more about Help to Save at GOV.UK.

Tesco shopper selects local school to receive a £5,000 donation

St Thomas of Aquin’s High School is celebrating after being selected by a Tesco customer to receive a £5,000 donation.

On Saturday 15th March, Tesco customers at the Edinburgh Nicholson Street Express store were given the chance to take part in a lucky dip to find a golden version of Tesco’s famous blue voting token.

St Thomas of Aquin’s High School was one of three local groups that customers could vote for to receive the £5,000 Golden Grant as part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme.

Philippa Hastings, a member of staff at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, said: “This funding will be used to support the families of the St Thomas of Aquin’s school students in accessing extra-curricular and excursion opportunities at a time when many families are struggling with the cost of living.

“We are trying to develop educational and engaging opportunities for young people to learn outside of the classroom and are thrilled to be able to support families financially thanks to this grant.”

Over one hundred Tesco stores across the country took part in the Golden Grants event, with £500,000 in total being donated to good causes that help children and young people.

Stronger Starts helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, as well as purchasing equipment for healthy activities.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “We are incredibly proud to award Golden Grants to over one hundred schools and local projects, supporting the vital work they do for our children and communities.

“Since we launched our grants programme in 2016, more than £120 million has been given to more than 67,000 local schools and community groups.”

Golden Grants are part of Tesco’s £8 million Stronger Starts grant programme, which is delivered in partnership with the charity Groundwork UK.

Three arrested and charged following drugs recoveries in Lothians and Edinburgh

Three men have been arrested and charged following the recovery of drugs in the Lothians and Edinburgh.

Yesterday (Thursday, 17 April, 2025), police officers executed warrants at various addresses in Livingston, Pencuik, Bathgate, Armadale and Edinburgh. 

Quantities of cannabis with an estimated street value of £700,000 were seized alongside a five-figure sum of cash. 

The men, aged 24, 30 and 32, are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Saturday, 19 April, 2025.

Detective Sergeant John Irvine said: “This represents a significant recovery and highlights our efforts to disrupt the drugs trade in our local communities.

“Seizures such as this show our commitment nationally to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.

“We will continue to take all steps to tackle and disrupt individuals involved in drug supply and I encourage anyone with any information to contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Stuart Dobbin aims for Holyrood selection

SNP Forth Ward councillor, Stuart Dobbin, has announced he has put his name forward to represent the new Edinburgh Northern constituency at the next  Scottish Parliament election  next May.

Having been living with his wife, Rosanna, in Inverleith for several years, he knows Northern Edinburgh very well. 

As a local councillor he has represented Forth Ward since 2022, and before returning to Scotland worked internationally in business for over a quarter of a century. 

As councillor, he is an active presence in the community and recognised by residents and third sector organisations as an energetic and active advocate for them. 

He is proud of the success he has had in pressuring the council to change how they respond to tenants living in damp and mould-ridden homes. It shows how he can challenge institutions to achieve outcomes, in this case, that change peoples’ lives for the better and healthier. 

Stuart said “This election is about Scotland’s place in the UK, in Europe and, ultimately, in the world.  Our country faces challenges that are of a scale radically different to those we face locally. 

“Having rid ourselves of the Tory government, we find a Labour Prime Minister who clearly treats Scotland with contempt and is doing nothing to protect our pensioners, the disabled or the workers at Grangemouth.  All promises broken.

“I bring a wealth of professional and lived experience.  I spent quarter of a century in leadership positions, living and working across Asia, engaging with commercial and government organisations and managing through some very tough times. 

“I have proven my commitment and ability to represent my constituents, with the drive and energy to affect change within institutions, with the temperament and broad professional and lived experience that would make me an effective advocate to stand up in the Scottish Parliament to represent Edinburgh Northern  and our national interests.”

Father of motorcyclist killed in crash supports Police Scotland’s Motorcycle Safety Campaign

The father of a man who died in a motorcycle crash near Glencoe is supporting Police Scotland’s annual motorcycle safety campaign, which highlights the vulnerability of motorcyclists on Scotland’s roads.

Ross Dominick (above), a 35-year-old father of three from Johnstone, died on Sunday, 23 July, 2023 when a car pulled across his path as he was riding with friends. The crash happened on the A82 at the entrance to the Buachaille Etive Beag car park, in Glencoe, where Ross sadly died at the scene.

His father, Ian Dominick, is supporting the campaign by sharing his son’s story as part of Police Scotland’s wider efforts to raise awareness of the risks faced by motorcyclists.

The campaign follows the publication of a joint study with Transport Scotland examining motorcycle fatalities between January 2015 and August 2024.

The study found that 269 people – including 253 riders and 16 passengers – were killed during that period. Despite accounting for less than 1% of traffic, motorcyclists represented 18% of all road fatalities in Scotland.

Ross’ father, Ian Dominick (above), said: “Ross was just an ordinary guy doing what he loved – out on a sunny day on a motorbike with his friends. And he never came home.

“We’re not the same people we were before – it changed everything. Our outlook on life now is just take every day as it comes, because you don’t know when it’ll be taken from you.

“His family haven’t had the opportunity to grow up with him, he hasn’t had the opportunity to see his family grow up.

“My message to everyone using the roads is simple – open your eyes and look again. If you can’t do that, you shouldn’t be on the roads. Everyone deserves to get home safely.”

Inspector Ally Johnson, from Police Scotland’s National Motorcycle Unit said: “Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable road users. They have far less protection than those in cars, and when things go wrong, the consequences can be devastating.

“We’re encouraging motorcyclists to take their time, understand the risks, and enjoy the roads safely – particularly when overtaking, on bends or approaching junctions. As part of that, we’d encourage riders to consider opportunities like Rider Refinement, a one-day course, that helps improve skills and build awareness of the risks involved.

“Other road users also have a responsibility to look out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions where visibility can be limited. Everyone has a part to play in keeping the roads safe.”

Anyone interested in attending a Rider Refinement course can find more information and book a place via the Institute of Advanced Motorists website or by searching ‘Rider Refinement Scotland’ online.

Council Leader pays tribute to Councillor Val Walker

COUNCIL LEADER CLLLR JANE MEAGHER COMMENTS ON THE SAD PASSING OF HER COLLEAGUE, CULTURE & COMMUNITIES CONVENER CLLR VAL WALKER

Councillor Jane Meagher said: “I was extremely sad to hear of Val’s sudden and unexpected death and my thoughts are with her family and friends.

“It was a privilege to get to know Val, both as a friend and colleague. What struck me from the very beginning was her intelligence, her wit but, most of all, her warmth and kindness. Even in the heat of political debate she would always remain calm, constructive and respectful of other people’s views.

“Prior to becoming a councillor, her roles in education and library services over many years gave her a long-lasting passion for reading, something that she loved to share with others – helping them to discover the wonderful world of books and libraries.

“Alongside this, she campaigned tirelessly for the Labour Party, as she did for the rights of workers, women and single parents. She spent thousands of hours knocking on doors and speaking to local residents – and I know that being elected as councillor for Fountainbridge and Craiglockhart in 2022 filled her with huge pride, something that stayed with her throughout.

“She brought the same determination to her role as Chair of the Council’s Joint Consultative Committee and I know she was held in the highest regard by the Trade Unions, who recognised a lifetime of activism and support.

“Val’s other great passion for theatre, and the arts more generally, made her the perfect choice for Culture and Communities Convener, a role that she approached with vigour and enthusiasm. She was never happier than when she’d managed to find a way of reaching consensus with all parties and I know that she was trusted and admired by colleagues from across the chamber.

“She was also a great champion of the festivals, and of the benefits they bring to our city’s reputation, but – in typically balanced fashion – an equally fierce defender of our parks and greenspaces and the huge enjoyment they bring to our residents.

“Val is a great loss to the council, to her colleagues and to the city. We will miss her immensely.”

‘Everyone at the Unite City of Edinburgh Council branch is saddened to hear that Councillor Val Walker has passed away. We know her as a solid supporter of worker’s rights.

‘She will be dearly missed.’

Flags will be lowered at the City Chambers as a mark of respect. 

Letters: The Great Labour Betrayal – From Welfare State to Warfare State

DEAR EDITOR

When Labour swept to power in 2024, they promised a “year of change” built on fairness, economic security, and real support for working people. Nine months on, millions of voters who believed in that vision are left wondering: where did that promise go?

Take the Winter Fuel Allowance. Labour pledged to protect pensioners, but instead, they’ve means-tested this vital support, stripping £300 a year from 10 million elderly households. For pensioners in Scotland, where fuel poverty is already a crisis, this is more than a broken promise, it’s a direct hit on dignity and security in retirement.

Then there’s the closure of Grangemouth Refinery, Scotland’s largest industrial site. While Labour’s manifesto talked up industrial renewal, the reality has been the loss of thousands of skilled jobs and a blow to local communities. Promised “Just Transition” funding has stalled, and the government’s silence is deafening.

Small businesses, too, are feeling the squeeze. Labour’s hike in employer National Insurance contributions, hits small shops and local employers hardest. Big chains can pass on costs, but for independent bakers and butchers, this could be the final straw. This isn’t “backing British or Scottish business”, it’s making survival harder for the backbone of our communities.

Labour has refused to tax extreme wealth or impose windfall taxes on energy giants. Meanwhile, households face rising bills, not the £300 cut Labour promised. Their much-touted energy plan has faltered, and green levies are pushing costs even higher, especially painful in Scotland’s long, cold winters.

Welfare cuts are another blow. The government’s own figures show that recent changes will push 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children into poverty. Universal Credit health payments are frozen, and support for the sick and disabled is being slashed. This is austerity by another name, and it’s hitting the most vulnerable hardest.

Perhaps most telling is Labour’s decision to pour billions into defence, aiming for the highest military spending since the Cold War, while cutting £15 billion from public services. For Scotland, where Labour refuses to devolve full fiscal powers or reverse Tory-era cuts, the sense of betrayal is acute. Many now feel Labour is more interested in appeasing the centre than standing up for the people who put them in office.

This isn’t the change we were promised. It’s a retreat into old, failed policies that deepen inequality and erode trust. The working class deserves more than slogans and spin. It’s time for Labour to remember who they serve – and for all of us to hold them to account.

We urge voters and the media to hold this government to account. The working class deserves more than empty slogans and reheated Thatcherism.

Yours sincerely,

Dhruva Kumar

Former Glasgow South MP Candidate

Depute Convenor, Media Officer, Alba Party Glasgow

Free tickets available for service marking 140 years of SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been commemorating its 140th year throughout 2025, with a service set for Edinburgh at 2pm on Saturday, 31 May, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church.

The charity was founded in 1885 after The Times published a letter from Major – later Colonel Sir – James Gildea, asking the public to support the wives, widows and children of soldiers and sailors who were killed, injured or rendered incapacitated through service to Queen and Country.

This, effectively, was the foundation stone of what became the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Families’ Association, which in 1919 added Airmen to its title, becoming later SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

The event at St Mary’s Episcopal Church will recognise the contributions made by SSAFA’s volunteers and supporters for the past 140 years. It begins at 2pm on Saturday, 31 May, with several special performances throughout.

Performers include pipers, drummers and dancers from Queen Victoria School, The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Pipes and Drums, and the Edinburgh Military Wives Choir.

Sandra Millar, Corporate and Special Events Officer, Scotland at SSAFA, commented: “We hope to welcome as many people as possible to the service in May to show our collective support for the Armed Forces community.

“The event will recognise the efforts of SSAFA’s employees and volunteers, past and present, who provide practical and emotional support to serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families across Scotland and beyond.”

It is free to attend, however guests are encouraged to register their attendance by visiting: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/events/community/ssafa-140-cathedral-service/

SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.

BBC Alba gives viewers access all areas to Runrig tribute band Beat the Drum: ‘DÌLEAB RUNRIG’

In 2018, Runrig, one of Scotland’s most beloved bands called time on a career spanning five decades. But while Runrig may have said their goodbyes, their fans – the Riggies – weren’t ready to say goodbye to Runrig.

With the band’s blessing, tribute group, Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience, hit the road in 2024 with over 50 tour dates across the UK, Germany and Denmark.

Made up of a range of generations from across the UK, Richie Muir from South Queensferry Edinburgh, Duncan MacDonald, a Skye native, alongside his son Scott from Glasgow, Jason Laing from Stornoway and Ben Marshall from Nottingham, formed the band during the COVID lockdown, creating a sound that celebrated their Celtic rock idols.

In a new two-part BBC ALBA documentary, Beat the Drum: Dìleab Runrig airing over Easter weekend on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April, we will join the Riggies and get an “access all areas” pass to the tour road trip.

The documentary follows the highs and lows of tour life, as Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience embark on their most ambitious tour to date. In just four short years, Beat the Drum have grown from a little-known tribute band, to selling out tours throughout the UK and Europe. Viewers can watch as the band battle technical issues, traffic jams and beach-based breakdowns to ensure they put on a show worthy of their heroes.

As they approach their biggest gig, a night at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall with a capacity of two and half thousand, have they bitten off more than they can chew?

For bassist Duncan, who turned sixty last year, life as a touring musician has been fantastically exciting, and getting to share that with his son, Scott, has made it all the more special.

Duncan MacDoanld, Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience, said: “Life has a funny way. If you had told me when I was in my 20s I’d be playing Runrig’s music and touring I’d have laughed out loud.

“But as a 60-year-old I can’t think of anything better. To get the chance to play one of the biggest venues in Scotland, with my son Scott on drums, is a dream I didn’t know I had! But it has come true.”

Calum MacDonald, founding member of Runrig, said: “Our fans are wonderful, and like a big family, but when Runrig stopped, the fans didn’t. Now they have concerts to be a part of and that just brings us so much happiness.”

Beat the Drum – The Runrig Experience are a band by fans for fans, and throughout the tour the documentary introduces the Riggies who followed the group across the world, embracing Gaelic culture and language, and creating friendships for life. This is a story of deep-rooted bonds and the songs that inspired them.

Filmed and produced by BEEZR, Beat the Drum: Dìleab Runrig premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Saturday 19 April at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles), with part two airing on Sunday 20 April at 9pm. Both episodes will be available to watch on demand on iPlayer on Saturday 19 April.

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002b9gt

Man convicted of 2023 murder of teenager in Edinburgh

A 21-year-old man has been convicted of the murder of Lewis McCartney in Edinburgh. 

The 18-year-old was found with serious injuries on Viewcraig Street around 3.45am on Sunday, 12 February, 2023. Lewis was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later. 

Bailey Dowling was found guilty of murder at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Thursday, 17 April, 2025). He will be sentenced at a later date.