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Essential fuel saving tips ahead of Easter road trips

10 fuel saving tips for drivers

Drivers are being told that harsh acceleration and braking could be contributing to poor fuel efficiency.

Experts at LeaseLoco.com are sharing ways to help cash-strapped Brits minimise fuel waste on the road and save money when travelling this Easter.

As prices continue to fluctuate, adopting more cautious driving habits and reducing unnecessary energy output can lead to significant savings.

Shopping around for the best fuel prices and planning ahead for fuel top ups can make a big difference in cutting costs.

Motorists should plan journeys and try to include well priced petrol stations in their route to prevent unnecessary detours for fuel.

Drivers are also advised to conserve fuel and prevent unnecessary consumption by avoiding excessive engine revs and sudden acceleration.

Other tips like closing windows to reduce drag on a vehicle, and minimising air conditioning use can prevent vehicles from overworking and using fuel unnecessarily.

These tips can also benefit electric vehicles (EVs). EV drivers can extend their driving range and reduce the need for frequent charging by minimising energy consumption, ultimately saving money.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “Fuel costs are continuously rising but there are a few ways to combat this which can help make a difference to your monthly budget.

“Some common bad habits that cause drivers to waste more fuel than they realise include unnecessary engine revs, harsh acceleration, and idling in traffic with the engine running.

“If you have an older car you’ll want to avoid frequently restarting your engine in brief stops. Those with new models however should definitely consider making the most of their stop-start systems to help reduce fuel consumption.

“By thinking ahead and driving smoothly, you can make significant savings on fuel by reducing your vehicle’s consumption.”

TEN FUEL-SAVING TIPS:

Shop around

Checking out where near you has the cheapest fuel, you can use sources such as PetrolPrices.com to help you work this out.

Accelerate and brake smoothly

Driving smoothly, with gentle acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption by minimising sudden spikes in fuel usage.

Reduce engine revs

Revving your engine increases fuel consumption. By reducing revs, you can make your fuel usage more efficient.

Use cruise control

Using cruise control or driving at a steady, consistent pace, particularly on motorways, will help reduce fuel consumption.

Remove unnecessary weight

The heavier your car, the more energy it requires to move. Reducing unnecessary weight will decrease fuel consumption and improve efficiency.

Top up tyre pressures

Make sure your tyre pressure is topped up; this will reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.

Combine trips and plan ahead

Plan your trip in advance to find the quickest routes and avoid traffic, especially on unfamiliar journeys. This can help you save time and reduce fuel consumption. If possible, combine trips and car share if you’re taking the same route.

Cut down on air conditioning

Anything that requires energy from your vehicle, such as air conditioning, will consume fuel to operate. To reduce fuel costs, it’s best to minimise the use of air conditioning when possible.

Close windows

Driving with the windows open can increase drag on your vehicle, requiring more acceleration to reach speed. Particularly on fast roads, keeping the windows closed will help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Turn engine off

When stopped for a few minutes, turn off your engine. In newer cars, utilise the start/stop function. Reducing idling can help lower fuel consumption and costs.

LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.

NHS Lothian provides update on hot water issue in maternity services

NHS Lothian has put a series of temporary, proactive measures in place within maternity services at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) following the identification of an issue with hot water quality in the department.

Medical and infection prevention and control teams have assessed that any risk to mothers, babies, visitors or staff is very low and maternity services continue to operate with some short-term precautions in place.

NHS Lothian’s maternity services operate over two hospital sites and, as per the usual process, patients may be treated at either the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or St John’s Hospital depending upon clinical need and capacity.

Late on Wednesday afternoon, discolouration was identified in hot water at a number of outlets within the maternity unit and investigations are currently underway to confirm the cause. Cold and drinking water is not affected.

Precautionary safety measures were quickly introduced and will remain in place while further assessments and actions are carried out. Following a risk assessment, the neonatal unit has temporarily paused external admissions and the birthing pools are currently out of use. These measures follow nationally recognised best practice.

Existing infection prevention and control measures – already standard across all maternity departments – remain firmly in place.

Michelle Carr, Chief Officer – Acute Services, NHS Lothian said: “We understand that this situation may cause concern and want to reassure patients, families and staff that health and safety is our highest priority and we are taking a highly precautionary approach while we work through this issue.

“Both NHS Lothian and our estates contractor are working hard to resolve the issue swiftly and the situation is being closely monitored. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures are also in place.

“We are grateful to our patients and visitors for their understanding and cooperation.”

An expert multi-disciplinary Incident Management Team – made up of infection control, water engineers, microbiological and clinical teams – has been established to oversee the investigation and ensure prompt resolution.

Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Opera journeys to comunities and schools across Scotland this summer

SCOTTISH OPERA’S POP-UP OPERA JOURNEYS TO COMMUNITIES AND SCHOOLS ACROSS SCOTLAND THIS SUMMER

Scottish Opera’s much-loved Pop-up Opera hits the road from 29 May, with performances of A Little Bit of The Elixir of Love, A Little Bit of Rigoletto, and children’s opera, Be a Sport, Spike!

These 30-minute shows take opera out of the theatre into unexpected places all over the country and are ideal for anyone new to the art form who would like to try a taster of these classics. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or have never seen an opera before, these bite-sized, illustrated shows are designed to be welcoming, understandable, and open to everyone.

Between 2021 and 2025, almost 21,000 people have seen a performance of Pop-up Opera, from Orkney to the Isle of Lewis, across the Central Belt and down to Dumfries & Galloway, at a variety of iconic and surprising locations.

At last year’s Pop-up Opera tour, one audience member commented that ‘it was great to see and hear world-class musicians and singers in our local environment. It makes it possible for people who cannot travel far.’

Another added that Pop-up Opera ‘was a fun event, the narrator kept the audience involved, musicians were excellent and best of all it was local.’

This summer, audiences can experience opera on a miniature scale at public Pop-up Opera performances at Perth Festival of the Arts and Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, and in Tayport, Peebles, Mull, Connel, Fochabers, Stonehaven, New Stevenston, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Giffnock, Barrhead, Linlithgow, Glasgow and Newtongrange, plus free illustration workshops for children aged 4 to 8, at select venues.

There will also be free school performances in Perth, Dumfries & Galloway, Mull, Dundee, Aberdeenshire, Moray and North Lanarkshire.

Scottish Opera’s productions use ten specially created illustrations to help the performers — storytellers Marc MacKinnon and Dani Heron, along with singers Holly Teague, Marie Claire Breen, Ross Cumming, Colin Murray, cellist Andrew Drummond Huggan and guitarist Sasha Savaloni— present the story.

Scottish Opera’sDirector of Outreach & Education, Jane Davidson MBE said: ‘This year we are once again delighted to be visiting locations and venues across Scotland, swapping theatres for venues right on your doorstep. We are presenting a trio of Pop-up productions, contrasting the ‘light and the dark’ of the operatic repertoire.

‘Be A Sport, Spike! is being performed this summer just in time for the football world cup, and as athletes from all over the world journey to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

“Written for children and their families, we tell the story of Mike ‘The Spike’ McTavish – the world’s greatest all round sporting hero!’ But there is one thing that Spike can’t do – sing! Audiences will join Spike and his friends as he starts to exercise those vocal cords and finds out that a little perseverance can go a long way.

‘Verdi’s most famous revenge tragedy Rigoletto is a gripping tale of deceit and despair, with the title character’s plan to protect his daughter from a villainous Duke going horribly wrong.

‘But love takes many forms in the world of opera – not least in Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love – a delicately balanced comedy in which a naïve country boy learns that true love is not conjured up with the aid of a magic potion but won through character and perseverance.’

Be A Sport, Spike! was originally commissioned for Festival 2018, the cultural programme surrounding the city’s hosting of the first ever European Championships.

Pop-up Opera, supported by Friends of Scottish Opera,was originally inspired by Japanese storytellers who brought folk tales to villages, just as this tour does.

Tickets are on sale now at www.scottishopera.org.uk/pop-up-opera-2026

You can follow Scottish Opera on Bluesky, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram @ScottishOpera

CAST and CREATIVE TEAM

Storytellers Marc MacKinnon & Dani Heron

Sopranos Marie Claire Breen &Holly Teague

Baritones Ross Cumming & Colin Murray

CelloAndrew Drummond Huggan

GuitarSasha Savaloni

Costume Supervisor Ailsa Munro

Illustrations by Agnes Xantippa Boman, Essi Kimpimäki & Iain Piercy.

PERFORMANCE DIARY

Public performances:

Perth Festival of the Arts, St Matthew’s Church, Perth

29 May, 2.30pm (plus free kid’s art workshop at 1pm)

30 May, 2pm & 4pm

The Larick Centre, Tayport

31 May, 12.30pm & 2.30pm (double bill performance). Free kid’s art workshop at 11am.

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, Wigtown County Buildings

6 June, 1pm & 3pm

Eastgate Theatre, Peebles

7 June, 2pm (double bill performance)

Craignure Village Hall, Isle of Mull

13 June, 2.30pm (double bill performance)

Connel Village Hall

14 June, 2pm & 4pm (plus free kid’s art workshop at 12.30pm)

Fochabers Public Institute

20 June, 2pm & 4pm (plus free kid’s art workshop at 12.30pm)

Venue to be announced, Stonehaven

21 June (free performance)

New Stevenston Community Centre

25 June, 7pm (double bill performance)

The Royal Scot Club, Edinburgh

26 June, 7pm (double bill performance)

Portobello Town Hall

27 June, 7pm (double bill performance)

Callander House, Falkirk

28 June, 2pm & 4pm (free outdoor trailer performance). Free kid’s art workshop at 12.30pm

Eastwood House, Giffnock

1 July, 3pm & 7pm (double bill performance)

Arthurlie House, Barrhead

2 July, 1pm & 3pm (Free kid’s art workshop at 11am)

Linlithgow Burgh Halls

3 July, 1pm & 3pm (Free kid’s art workshop at 11am)

Stockingfield Bridge, near Brassey Bridge, Glasgow

4 July, 1pm & 3pm (Free outdoor performances using trailer stage)

National Mining Museum, Midlothian

5 July, 1pm & 3pm (Free kid’s art workshop at 11am).

Egg-cellent time for chatting with your kids about what they’re seeing online this Easter

As millions of children enjoy the Easter holidays, the government is stepping up to take the pressure off parents battling to keep their children safe online

Parents can access the government’s free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, which provides practical tools and conversation starters to help families talk about harmful online content over the school holidays
The government is taking tough action to make tech platforms do more to protect children online, with a landmark consultation open until 26 May setting out proposals including minimum age limits for social media and overnight curfews on addictive features
New government guidance published last week sets out clear, judgement-free advice on healthy screen time for children under 5

THIS Easter weekend there’s plenty of time for chocolate eggs, family time, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of screen time.

Parents across the country are navigating that daily balancing act with screens – wondering what their children are seeing, how much time they’re spending online, and whether they’re doing enough to keep them safe. It’s a lot to carry, and it shouldn’t all fall on families.

That’s why the government is preparing to take tough action to make tech platforms take responsibility – and at the same time giving parents the free, practical tools they’ve been asking for, so they feel supported rather than on their own.

The landmark consultation on children’s online safety, which is open right now, sets out some of the most ambitious proposals ever put forward by any government – including minimum age limits for social media, overnight curfews on addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, and tighter restrictions on AI chatbots for young people.

The government has promised to act quickly on the findings, and new legal powers mean ministers can move within months rather than waiting years for new legislation. The response has already been significant, over 38,000 people have had their say in just the first month since it launched. The consultation closes on 26 May and there are dedicated versions for both parents and young people – so this is a real chance for families to shape what happens next.

Online Safety Minister, Kanishka Narayan, said: “I’ve been hearing from parents and children across the country, and it’s clear this matters deeply to families. Platforms must be held accountable – and they will be. We are taking action to make sure they meet their responsibilities.

“But I’ve also heard that parents want support, not just reassurance. Regulation alone won’t change culture overnight, and that’s why we’re giving families free, practical tools to have those conversations at home. We want every family to feel equipped and confident, not overwhelmed.”

Alongside this, the government is also reminding parents about its ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ campaign, a no-nonsense and free toolkit packed with practical advice to help mums and dads feel confident starting those conversations, without it turning into a row at the dinner table.

Over 120,000* families have already visited the campaign website since it launched in February, with thousands** setting weekly reminders to check in with their children about what they’re seeing online.

With the school holidays here, there’s never been a better time to take five minutes to explore what your children are seeing online. A simple question can go a long way and the government’s free guidance is there to help when you need it.

You can access the free ‘You Won’t Know until You Ask’ guidance at Help your child stay safe online – Kids Online Safety. The screen time guidance is available at the Best Start in Life website. To take part in the consultation, visit GOV.UK.

Letters: The Scottish Government must play their part in keeping children safe online

Dear Editor,

Two recent court cases in the US have marked significant moments in the battle to keep young people safe online.

First, Meta was fined hundreds of millions of dollars for misleading users over the safety of its platforms for children. Then Meta and Google were sued for damaging a woman’s mental health in childhood through addictive platform designs.

These cases highlight how children and families are being failed by tech companies, who continue to expose young users to sexually explicit material, contact with dangerous adults and other preventable risks.

The online world is a central part of children’s lives. They learn, play and socialise online, and enjoy many benefits from social media, messaging apps, gaming and other digital platforms.

Children often don’t distinguish between their online and offline lives – both shape who they are. But alongside the positives, the online world also brings serious risks to children that must be addressed.

The scale of risk and online harm children face is unacceptable. Effective regulation of social media, a power reserved to Westminster and introduced through the Online Safety Act, is vital but not the only solution. The Scottish Government must play their part too. Devolved child safety online policy must also keep up with the fast‑changing digital landscape, including the challenges posed by generative AI.

The NSPCC wants to see a Scotland‑wide approach that brings together early years, education, child protection, the voluntary sector and law enforcement to keep children safe online.

We are calling on the next Scottish Government to provide clear leadership on prevention by retaining a strong, ambitious National Child Safety Online Action Plan, updated every year, aligned with the Online Safety Act, which is a key part of a wider public health approach to preventing child sexual abuse.

Yours sincerely,

Joanne Smith

NSPCC Scotland Policy Manager

Child poverty campaigners respond to new IFS living standards report

“Scottish tax and benefit policies working to reduce child poverty … but progress falls far short of 2030 targets“

Responding to yesterday’s (2 April 2026) IFS Labour market, living standards and poverty trends in Scotland report the Director of Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) in Scotland, John Dickie said: “As this IFS briefing makes clear child poverty is lower in Scotland than the UK as a whole as a result of very welcome devolved tax and benefit policies, not least the introduction of the Scottish child payment, as well as lower housing costs.

“But the bottom line is one in five of our children still live in poverty, far short of the 2030 target of fewer than one in ten agreed by all the Holyrood parties. As the IFS state clearly the most direct way for the next Scottish government to further reduce child poverty is to increase devolved benefits.

“That’s why we are calling on all the Holyrood parties to commit to immediately increase the Scottish child payment to £40 a week as the first step toward doubling it by the end of the Parliament.”

Mr Dickie continued: “The IFS analysis echoes what parents tell us – that a mix of improvements to benefits, labour market opportunities and public services are all needed to protect them and their children from poverty.

“The next Scottish government will need to go further on all three if it is serious about ending the scandal of child poverty in a rich country.”

Responding to concerns that increasing Scottish child payment might weaken incentives to work the campaigners point to recent evidence published by the London School of Economics that concluded there is no evidence that the Scottish child payment (SCP) has reduced labour supply and that “concerns that the SCP creates work disincentives are overplayed“.

Previous analysis by the Scottish government also found the Scottish Child Payment was ‘not negatively affecting labour market outcomes at scale in the economy‘.

One year on, The Range at Craigleith Retail Park is now even better

Great Value Homewares, Furniture, DIY and Art Supplies alongside a fully stocked Garden Centre by Homebase – Your One-Stop Shop for Home and Leisure

A year on from its rapid reopening, The Range Superstore has stepped up once again, completing a full enhancement of the store to deliver an even bigger and better shopping experience.

With expanded departments, refreshed layouts and hundreds of new products added, customers can now enjoy even more choice across the great-value home and leisure ranges the retailer is known for.

Following last year’s swift relaunch, The Range superstore has undergone further investment over the past 12 months, strengthening its position as a true one-stop destination for home décor, creativity and outdoor living.

Shoppers will now discover broader ranges, improved in-store navigation and even more inspiration across every department.

From statement home décor and soft furnishings to lighting, mirrors, wall art and on-trend seasonal collections, the store now offers even greater choice for customers looking to refresh their space. Craft enthusiasts can explore an extensive arts and crafts department, one of The Range’s signature strengths, stocked with canvases, paints, hobby supplies and creative kits for all ages. Shoppers will also find expanded ranges across furniture, storage, kitchenware, outdoor living and family leisure, all designed to deliver style and practicality at accessible prices.

Garden lovers will also benefit from a dedicated Garden Centre by Homebase, bringing plants, compost, tools and outdoor project inspiration back to the local community. Whether updating a balcony, transforming a patio or creating a family-friendly outdoor space, customers can now browse everything they need under one roof.

The enhanced store reinforces The Range’s position as a true destination for home décor, creativity and outdoor living, offering shoppers thousands of products across multiple departments, all at great value prices.

A spokesperson for The Range Superstore said: “We’re proud to welcome shoppers back to a fully updated superstore.

“The Range is known for its breadth of choice and unbeatable value, and this refreshed store truly showcases the very best of what we offer, from home décor and arts and crafts to garden living. We’re excited for customers to come in, explore and rediscover their local store.”

The updated Craigleith Range Home & Leisure (Unit 3 Craigleith Retail Park, South Groathill Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 2LN)is open now, with customers encouraged to visit and see what’s new.

Should your community be a Firework Control Zone?

THE City Council wants to hear from communities across the city about neighbourhoods they would like to be considered for firework control zones next November. FCZs are for private spaces such as gardens. These zones help reduce noise, stress and littering caused by fireworks.

Of the nine zones in place in 2025, four continue this year as the application was for two years – Balerno, Calton Hill, Niddrie and Seafield.

Resident groups, community councils and other community groups – apply by 24 April if you wish your neighbourhood to be a firework control zone.

Apply for a firework control zone in your community:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/firework-control-zones

Attempted murder in Calder Gardens: Police appeal for witnesses

POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted murder in the Calder Gardens area.

The incident happened around 4.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 2 April, 2026), when a 38-year-old man was attacked by four men. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspects are white and aged in their late twenties to early thirties.

The first man is described as of large build, with short dark, balding hair and a beard. He was wearing a black t-shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

The second is described as of medium build and was wearing a grey hooded jacket with dark shoulder panels, light grey jogging bottoms and chunky, grey trainers with a white sole.

The third is of medium build with short, dark hair, and was wearing a black gilet, a turquoise t-shirt and black trainers.

The fourth man is also of medium build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a black puffer style jacket and grey jogging bottoms with white logos.

Detective Constable Beverley Burnside said: “We are asking anyone who saw what happened, knows the men described, or where they might be to get in touch.

“Please check any private CCTV or dash-cam footage that you have and get in touch if you have captured something that could assist with our enquiries.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2301 of Thursday, 2 April, 2026.