The City of Edinburgh Council unequivocally condemns the violent protests that have been taking place against refugees and asylum seekers across the country.
This statement has been agreed by all of the elected members from the Labour, SNP, Liberal Democrat and Green groups setting out our shared concerns and positions:
‘Refugees and asylum seekers are people, with hopes, dreams and ambitions. Some have families and children, and are fleeing hardship, persecution, war and unimaginable suffering. That people fleeing such traumatic circumstances should be met by anger, hate and violence is heartbreaking and does not reflect the values that we in Edinburgh have lived by.
‘Harsh rhetoric on migration have contributed to this situation and the blame for this lies with large sections of the media as well as a great many politicians who ought to be courageously standing up for refugees and asylum seekers, not telling lies about refugees and immigrants. We condemn the racism, whether it be systemic or not, which is often at the root of these messages.
‘However, cynical attempts to paint working class communities as racist must also be challenged. Many communities are struggling with the rising cost of living and have seen their public services hollowed out by over a decade of austerity measures.
‘While some have reasons to be angry and upset, we must push back against attempts to direct that anger at some of the most vulnerable in our society. Our responsibility as leaders in this city includes helping build relationships between our diverse communities and building cohesion.
‘Peaceful protest is fundamental to our freedoms and complex policy issues should be discussed and debated thoroughly, but it is incumbent on everyone to do so in a manner which is civil, which does not dehumanise or scapegoat vulnerable communities, and which reflects reality, not myths.
‘We take a strong partnership approach to public safety here and the Council commends all of the organisations involved in making the welcome real for those who have newly arrived in our communities.
‘Within the Council we have agreed a cross-party statement between Labour, the SNP, the Lib Dems and the Greens – it reflects our combined desire to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, to recognise the important benefits that newcomers bring to our communities and to ensure that they have a good opportunity to flourish with us here in Scotland.
‘One of the key things we can do is to combat misinformation to ensure that the people of Edinburgh have access to accurate information on this topic. We also want to recognise and celebrate the stories of refugees who have found a new home in Edinburgh, their incredible contributions to our communities and society, and the benefit that they bring to us all.
‘While the Home Office is ultimately responsible for managing migration, the Council sees great value in firmly and unambiguously stating that Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city and is stronger for that diversity.
‘We reiterate our united position that all people who want to live, work and visit our city are welcome to do so.’
A programme funded from the seized assets of criminals delivered £6.2 million funding to support over 15,000 young people during 2024-25.
The money has been used by Cashback for Communities to support 29 organisations delivering projects that divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime.
A report into the second year of the programme’s three-year funding phase, which runs from April 2023 to March 2026, showed that after taking part in CashBack for Communities projects:
8,881 young people reported that they were less likely to engage in criminal or anti-social behaviour
7,049 young people reported they had reduced involvement in anti-social or criminal activity
11,810 young people reported an increase in their wellbeing
10,524 young people reported positive changes in behaviour
Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “This report highlights the success of the Cashback for Communities programme which helps to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour and to make informed choices about their future — choices that positively impact them, their families and communities.
“It is more than an early intervention programme – partners provide a range of support and activities offering safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities that benefit young people to feel supported and inspired to thrive.
“Since 2008, CashBack has committed £156 million to supporting around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authorities.
“Cashback’s success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.”
New powers let residents reclaim beloved assets and drive patriotic renewal, ‘street by street’ – delivering on the Plan for Change
Millions to benefit as communities revive high streets, parks and public spaces
Up to £5 billion Pride in Place programme puts local people across 339 neighbourhoods in the driving seat of national renewal, as government chooses unity over division
New powers let residents reclaim beloved assets and drive patriotic renewal, street by street – delivering on the Plan for Change
Neighbours and families across the UK will lead the revival of their communities, as the Prime Minister launches a landmark £5 billion Pride in Place programme — backing the ‘true patriots who build their communities up, and choosing unity over division’.
As part of the fund, 169 areas will receive £2 million every year for a decade, giving long-overlooked communities the certainty and control they need to plan for the future. A further 95 areas will receive an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces with new green spaces, play areas and sports and leisure facilities.
From Bootle to Bridgwater, local people will decide how funding is spent — reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls. This is renewal in action, led by the people who know their neighbourhoods best.
Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country.
Yesterday’s announcement is part of the government’s Plan for Change, a decade-long mission to back the people who make their communities thrive. It sits alongside wider work to deliver cleaner, safer streets, create opportunities on every doorstep, and build the homes, roads and GP surgeries people need to thrive.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:“For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.
“We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.
“This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.
“We’re choosing renewal over decline, unity over division. This is our Plan for Change in action – giving power and pride back to the people who make Britain great.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said: “Building pride in place starts with people, not politics. Local people know what they want to see in their neighbourhoods – and they don’t need government to dictate it.
“This plan will spark an historic grassroots movement that will restore local people’s power, boost national pride and help people get on in life across the UK as part of our Plan for Change.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:“We’re giving local people the power to transform their hometowns. Giving them more control of how money is spent where they live so that together we can invest in Britain’s renewal and build an economy that rewards working people.
“This £5 billion investment doesn’t just reverse decades of underinvestment in our public infrastructure – it cuts through the bureaucracy by giving local people the power to deliver the change they want to see.”
This announcement significantly scales up the work already underway in 75 areas, helping communities regenerate and restore local pride.
The up to £5 billion package includes an additional £3.5 billion to roll out the programme to 169 more areas, each receiving up to £20 million over ten years.
Separately, 95 areas receive a share of £150 million capital funding to improve public spaces, parks and high streets.
Local people in the existing 75 areas are already shaping their communities, every project is the result of local people’s ideas and priorities—chosen by the community, for the community. It’s the people who know best what their area needs, and their voices are shaping the future of their towns and cities.
£292 million Pride in Place investment for Scottish neighbourhoods
Scottish Local Authorities backed by Scotland Office to revitalise communities as part of our Plan for Change, with spending decisions in the hands of local people
Local communities are at the heart of Scottish life – and the Scotland Office is backing them with millions of pounds to improve the opportunities and environment for people across the country, the Prime Minister announced yesterday.
The Pride in Place programme will see up to £280 million shared among 12 Scottish local authorities to precisely target areas which can benefit most from funding being made available for a wide range of regeneration projects. Across the UK 169 of the most-in-need communities will benefit.
This includes revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security.
And a Pride in Place Impact Fund will see eight local authorities share £12 million to fund the types of changes people have said they want to see. These could include new green spaces, play areas and town centre revitalisation to sports and leisure facilities and the improvement and ownership of key community assets.
Across the UK a total of 95 areas will receive this capital funding.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said yesterday: “The UK Government is committed to delivering a decade of national renewal for Scotland. Through the Pride in Place programmes we’re announcing today, the UK Government will provide 14 places in Scotland with up to £20 million over 10 years and eight Scottish local authorities with £1.5 million over two years.
“We are providing almost £300 million new direct investment to local authority areas to revitalise local communities.
“The UK Government will be working with local partners to deliver economic growth and l see these improvements made to communities up and down Scotland making them even greater places to live, work and play.”
JOIN the AtkinsRealis team tomorrow (Friday 26 September) from 2pm to see the Concept Designs for improving flooding issues on Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive.
The organisers say:
‘Currently, during high rainfall, this junction and surrounding homes experience flooding.
‘The objective of this project is to respond to the existing drainage challenges in the area by incorporating nature-based solutions.
‘Through the strategic use of planting, green spaces and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), the project will help to manage rainwater naturally by capturing surface water in an attenuation feature (Eh? – Ed).
‘This will helpslow water down from entering the sewage system, reducing pressure and lowering the risk of flooding on streets, footpaths, homes and gardens.
‘To ensure the project delivers a green community space suited to local aspirations, we would love to hear what you would like to see incorporated in this project.’
We’ll be on the corner of Easter Drylaw Avenue and Easter Drylaw Drive (foot of Easter Drylaw Bank) from 2pm.
Not going to be at home tomorrow? You can still get in touch with your thoughts or any questions at flood.management@edinburgh.gov.uk
Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, and a prominent leader of the Indian community in the UK, has officially joined the board of Variety, the Children’s Charity Scotland.
A tireless advocate for trade, investment, and community integration between Scotland, the UK, and India, Mr. Lal brings with him a lifelong commitment to charitable work and public service.
With a deep-rooted belief in giving back, Mr. Lal and his family are widely recognised as one of the most respected Indian-origin families in the country—not only for their business and diplomatic influence, but also for their continued support of those in need, both at home and abroad.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Neil Lal led multiple initiatives to support vulnerable groups across the UK. He organised relief for students facing hardship, provided food and essentials for the elderly, and mobilised community support in partnership with local councils and charities. His swift and compassionate response helped bridge communities during one of the most challenging times in recent history.
Beyond the UK, the Lal family has been deeply involved in charitable efforts across India. Their contributions include the funding and development of educational institutions, hospital facilities, and welfare programs for underprivileged communities.
Their family-run private family foundation continues to provide essential support to orphanages, elderly care centres, and rural healthcare projects, ensuring that those most in need are never forgotten.
Now, Neil Lal is bringing his wealth of experience and passion for service to Variety, the Children’s Charity Scotland. Speaking about his appointment, Mr. Lal said: “I am truly honoured to join the board of Variety, the Children’s Charity Scotland.
“It’s a privilege to be working alongside Chairman Gordon Smith and such a committed, compassionate team. Everyone on the board brings something valuable, and I look forward to supporting the important work we do to improve the lives of children across Scotland.”
Founded in 1973, Variety Scotland has spent over five decades supporting children and young people who face illness, disability, or disadvantage. The charity has helped tens of thousands of children by providing specialist equipment, supporting hospitals and care centres, and organising life-changing experiences that bring joy and confidence to young lives.
The Variety Scotland committee is well known for its dynamic calendar of fundraising events—none more anticipated than the November Ball, a highlight of the Scottish charity scene. This glittering evening of entertainment, celebration, and generosity raises vital funds for the charity’s programs.
“We look forward to everyone supporting the charity with the November Ball and beyond,” Mr. Lal added.
Variety’s fundraising efforts have long included star-studded tribute dinners honouring some of Scotland’s greatest figures from sport, film, and the arts—icons such as Lord Richard Attenborough, Sir Sean Connery, Ally McCoist, Jimmy Logan, Andy Cameron, and Walter Smith.
Neil Lal’s appointment marks a powerful step forward for Variety, the Children’s Charity Scotland. With his leadership, international reach, and proven commitment to social causes, the charity is poised to expand its impact even further—reaching more children, building stronger communities, and creating a legacy of care and inclusion for generations to come.
For those wishing to support the charity’s work or attend the November Ball, now is the perfect time to get involved and help make a difference.
Volunteer Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship event, the Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2025, taking place on Tuesday 30 September from10:00 to 17:30at St Paul’s and St George’s Church, York Place.
With free entry for all visitors, this inspiring event offers a unique chance to connect face to face with a wide range of organisations currently looking for volunteers across Edinburgh.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Browse hundreds of live volunteering opportunities
Receive personalised advice from expert volunteer advisors
Enjoy refreshments at the on-site café hosted by Space Kitchen
Whether you’re completely new to volunteering or seeking your next rewarding role, this fair is your one-stop destination to explore, connect, and get involved.
Organisations interested in exhibiting can now book a stall (fees apply, with flexible payment options available).
Join us to discover how you can be part of something amazing!
For more information, visit edvolfair.org.uk or follow #edvolfair25 on social media.
Local communities will be handed new powers to revitalise their high streets and restore pride in their towns
Communities will be handed unprecedented new powers to seize boarded shops, save derelict pubs and block gambling and vape shops on their high street.
Prime Minister to announce “Pride in Place” Programme with historic funding to invest in over 330 of our most overlooked communities.
The measures form the largest transfer of power from Whitehall to communities in history through the Plan for Change.
People will be given the power to revitalise their neglected high streets, create new spaces for young people and take back control of derelict pubs, to breathe new life into neglected communities up and down the country.
Communities will be handed new powers to seize boarded up shops, save their treasured local pubs or libraries and clean up the eyesores in their area.
Local people will finally have the powers to put things right after years of decline – an inheritance the government is determined to fix through the Plan for Change.
This is about choosing a future where communities are empowered to come together, rather than be divided, and where renewal is chosen over decline. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will unveil the Pride in Place programme – an unprecedented programme backed by record funding – that lets local people call the shots on where and how money is spent in their communities, restoring local pride and helping them reclaim their streets.
For far too long, communities have been dictated to rather than in control of their own destiny. This week marks a new way of governing. By choosing renewal over decline, this government is delivering lasting change working people will feel.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed said:“When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.
“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.
“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.
“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”
The nationwide Pride in Place programme – which will be unveiled by the Prime Minister today (Thursday, 25 September) – will deliver a record investment and support over 330 communities in total.
It will tackle deep-rooted deprivation and regional inequality through wide-ranging action, including:
Community Right to Buy: handing local people the power to buy beloved assets, helping them turn around derelict pubs, create new parks and regenerate treasured spaces in the heart of their communities.
Compulsory Purchase powers: allowing communities in England to acquire assets and eyesores like boarded up shops and derelict abandoned businesses, allowing new local start-ups to thrive. For larger sites – like disused department stores or abandoned office blocks – it could even see new health centres opening up, or local housing to help reach our target of 1.5 million homes.
Power to block unwanted shops: empowering councils in England to say no to new betting shops, vapes stores and fake barbers.
Giving residents the power: we will only approve spending if community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent – putting real power in local hands and giving them a proper say over their community.
The Westminster government is looking at new powers that would give communities more control over where betting shops can open, and how many there can be in one area.
This is about giving people a say over their high street, particularly where there are high numbers of these types of shop already, not blocking these shops altogether.
They are also looking at accelerating ways communities can take ownership of empty shops – helping to give them a greater say over what’s on their high streets, so they don’t just end up with rows of vape shops, gambling shops and barbers. The government is already bringing in new laws to crack down on dodgy vape shops through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
The Labour government will only approve spending if Pride in Place Boards have genuinely engaged their communities, so that community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions on how the money should be spent.
We (the UK Government) are announcing a raft of new powers and programmes to empower communities across the UK. Please note that some powers and programmes will not apply in every nation of the UK.
The Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, with corresponding funding provided to Northern Ireland.
The government will be working closely with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to design specific programmes which put the principles of the strategy of community engagement at the centre.
Further detail on Northern Ireland, including support for Belfast, will follow.
39,800 people on a low income in Scotland have opened a Help to Save Account
People can save up to £50 a month and get a 50% bonus on top
Part of Government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on our Plan for Change
Help to Save customers have received more than £220 million in bonus payments, and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging those eligible to sign up to take advantage of the scheme during UK Savings Week (22-26 September).
Help to Save is a government savings scheme offering low-income earners a 50% bonus on their savings. Customers can deposit between £1 and £50 each month and earn an extra 50 pence for every £1 they save.
It takes just a few minutes to check eligibility and open an account online on GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.
Savers who deposit the maximum of £2,400 over the four years of the duration of the scheme will get a £1,200 bonus, with it being paid straight into their bank accounts at the end of the second and fourth year.
Latest figures show that since the scheme started in September 2018 to April 2025, 39,800 customers in Scotland opened a Help to Save account and have paid a total of £39.8 million into their savings pots.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby, said:“The Government’s Help to Save scheme has boosted the savings of over half a million people across the country to the tune of £220 million.
“We’re committed to helping families build financial resilience and putting more money in the pockets of working people.”
Of those who have opened an account, 94% deposited the maximum amount into their nest egg each month.
The scheme, originally due to close in September 2023, has been extended and people have until April 2027 to open an account and start paying in. It has meant that to April 2025, more than 95,000 low-income earners have been able to open Help to Save accounts, who would have otherwise missed out.
A total of 7,800 accounts were opened in April 2025 (the highest monthly amount since March 2023) when the scheme was expanded to include all working Universal Credit claimants.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer said: “Millions have been paid out to people who are putting aside whatever cash they can spare each month – so don’t miss out on making the most of your savings. Go to GOV.UK to open your Help to Save account today.”
A fifth of customers have opened a Help to Save account via the HMRC app. People can use the app to keep track of their deposits and view their bonus payments.
Money can be paid into Help to Save accounts via debit card, standing order or bank transfer.
Antonia Stokes, Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) Senior Manager, said:“The Help to Save scheme is a very attractive product for people on low incomes who want to get into a regular savings habit.
“Everyone who is eligible to take part in the initiative has the chance to earn a bonus on top of the money that they put in, and these bonuses can be increased by paying in the maximum amount allowed each month and making no withdrawals.
“Those who are eligible can still receive bonus payments, even if they can’t save the maximum, which makes it an attractive option for savers.”
Money can be withdrawn at any time, although this may affect the 50% bonus payments.
From medieval churches to blacksmith forges, the HES grants programmes, currently open to applications, are helping communities reconnect with their heritage
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is marking a milestone of spending more than £77 million in grants over the last six years by inviting communities across the country to apply for funding to help unlock Scotland’s history.
Grants of up to £500,000 are available for communities, charities and heritage organisations to explore funding opportunities for projects ranging from conservation works to archaeological research and community-led initiatives.
The HES grants programmes play a vital role in supporting communities by helping them to transform places, create jobs, improve wellbeing and support climate action. In the last year, it has invested £1.74million in projects in Scotland’s most deprived communities to unlock local history.
This year’s investment builds on more than 350 organisations that have benefited over the last six years. The most awarded projects were places of worship (22%), community assets (17%) and monuments (13%), as well as thatched buildings (13%). Theatres and a wide variety of listed buildings also benefited from the heritage grants.
Recent research conducted by HES highlights the organisation spends £2.26 on heritage for every person in Scotland. The report also shows that every £1 of grant funding awarded by HES generates an additional £5.24 of investment into Scotland’s historic environment – multiplying huge benefits across local economies, jobs and communities.
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Our historic environment is one of Scotland’s greatest assets, but it needs care, investment and collaboration to thrive. Through our grants programmes, we want to empower communities to unlock history, knowledge and progress.
“Over the last six years we’ve spent more than £77 million to support over 350 incredible heritage projects – from local trusts to national institutions. These projects reflect the rich diversity of Scotland’s history and heritage. They also show how investment can deliver real benefits for the future – protecting communities, boosting local economies and supporting skills development.”
To highlight the impact of their grants, HES is placing a spotlight on the people that help maintain Scotland’s treasured landmarks and the difference that grants and investing in the historic environment can bring.
HES will feature recently funded projects including iconic places such as Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre(above), which reopened its doors after seven years of redevelopment, Linlithgow’s St Michael’s Church of Scotland, which repaired its famous ‘Crown of Thorns’ spire, and Ellisland Farm, the first marital home of national bard Robert Burns and his wife Jean Armour.
This year HES awarded a grant of £24,492 to Work of Iron, a Community Interest Company (CIC) blacksmith forge in The Pitt, part of a cluster of community projects leading the regeneration of Edinburgh’s Granton Waterfront.
Work of Iron teaches traditional blacksmithing techniques and encourages people to explore the heritage craft at its North Edinburgh Forge.
Jack Waygood, Founder and Blacksmith at Work of Iron, (top) said:“There’s a skills shortage in traditional ironwork and we’re tackling that whilst giving people from all walks of life the chance to try their hand at blacksmithing.
“We’re really excited to launch our community projects at The Pitt in Granton, offering an accessible way for people to give it a go, and to gain an insight into the industry. We want the forge to be completely self-sufficient and grant funding from Historic Environment Scotland is helping us kickstart that.”
Meet the people behind some of HES’s previously funded projects and the impact of grant funding in their new photo series with exciting video content to follow on their social channels.
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, has called on the City of Edinburgh Council in a formal open letter today to take urgent steps to secure the future of Edinburgh South Community Football Club (ESCFC), one of Scotland’s biggest and most successful community clubs.
ESCFC, has over 1,000 players across 75 teams and more than 200 volunteers, collectively contributing over 40,000 hours of unpaid time, is facing severe challenges due to a shortage of pitches and lack of long-term security over its facilities. Every week, 5–10 children are being turned away, while six full teams, around 120 young people, risk having nowhere to train from September.
Despite more than seven years of talks with the Council, the club still does not have the land security or access to facilities it needs. Edinburgh Leisure has not responded since March regarding long-term Astro pitch availability, and without action the club has missed out on major investment opportunities, such as the £8.6m Scottish FA Pitching In fund.
The club’s impact stretches far beyond football, with initiatives including:
Free after school club and holiday camps (averaging 600 free places weekly across the year)
Free mental health counselling and physiotherapy
Racism and disability awareness training
Free use of club facilities for local schools
Fee waivers and discounts for families in need
Completely free Soccer School every Saturday for up to 120 children aged 5-8
ESCFC is a Platinum-level accredited club, the highest recognition awarded by the SFA, and has been nominated for National Community Club of the Year.
Ian Murray MP said: ““Edinburgh South CFC is a shining example of everything that is good about grassroots football. The scale of the club’s impact from free school holiday places to counselling, mentoring, and a boot exchange programme is extraordinary.
“But that success is now under threat. It is simply unsustainable for children to be turned away week after week because of a lack of facilities and security, and miss out on repeated funding rounds.
“This has gone on far too long. The Council must now step up, work with the club, and deliver the long-term security and pitches it desperately needs.”
Joe Sneddon, Chair of Edinburgh South CFC, said: “Our ethos has always been simple: if you want to play, you play.Thanks to our incredible volunteers we’ve been able to make that a reality for decades, but the lack of facilities and long-term backing is now putting that at risk. We don’t want to turn children away, yet that’s exactly what is happening.
“The Council cannot allow a club of this standing, delivering this scale of community benefit, to be held back by lack of facilities and short-term agreements. The time for warm words is over, we need action to allow us to continue delivering for our communities.”
Ian Murray has written formally to the Council setting out a series of practical steps, including a new Astroturf pitch at Inch Park, guaranteed access to the new Liberton High School Astro, and long-term leases at key facilities across South Edinburgh.
