Scottish soldiers buried in France on the 110th anniversary of their deaths

Relatives of two World War 1 Scottish soldiers gathered in France yesterday to witness their burial with full military honours, alongside six other soldiers whose identities remain unknown

Lieutenant (Lt) James Grant Allan, 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and Lance Corporal (LCpl) Gordon McPherson, 7th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, were laid to rest alongside their comrades exactly 110 years after they were killed in action in France.

The service was supported by serving soldiers from 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Lt Allan left Edinburgh University to join the Gordon Highlanders in 1914, when war was declared. He joined at the same time as his brother Nimmo, and they both went to fight in France.

He was killed on 25 September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos. A friend and fellow officer wrote “Jim’s men thought the world of him” and continued “I have gained from his friendship…He may have left this world but only to go to a freer one…I have been strengthened by the thought of him, or his presence”.

He was identified after artefacts found with the casualties suggested one was an officer, which narrowed their search. The families of the battalion’s 14 missing officers were traced and tested, with Lt Allan’s family proving a positive match.

LCpl McPherson was working as a tobacconist when he joined the Cameron Highlanders in November 1914 alongside his two brothers and their father.

He too was killed on 25 September 1915, a fellow soldier of his machine-gun section, described him as “the life and soul of the section. His imitations of Charles Chaplin were enjoyed very much by his comrades. His favourite song, ‘Trumpeter, what are you sounding now!’, grew to be the most popular song in the section…It was Gordon’s song. We can’t sing it now.”

LCpl McPherson was identified by a small set of buttons from the Newcastle Corporation Tramway that he had in his pocket at the time of his death. After studying the 1911 census, the War Detectives discovered that LCpl McPherson’s father worked for the Tramway so a DNA test was sent to the next of kin, which came back positive.

All the soldiers buried yesterday were discovered during construction work for a new hospital on the outskirts of Lens.

The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.

Nicola Nash, MOD War Detective said: “Lt Allan and LCpl McPherson have both been buried today 110 years after they were killed.

“With half a million British servicemen still missing from the First World War, every identity we make is a huge achievement. It has been a real privilege to give closure to their families and lay these heros to rest with honour.”

Nicholas Allan, great-nephew Lt James Allan, said: “I feel very moved and honoured by the work of the MOD that it is honouring this great-uncle of mine who I barely knew existed.

“I feel a profound sense that something has been completed. It speaks to me of all those whose bodies were never found, I feel we’re completing something for them too.

Alistair McPherson, great-nephew of LCpl Gordan McPherson, said: “It’s been emotional in a good way.

“We have known Gordon all our lives because of the letters we have got, and it’s just wonderful to have found him. He’s no longer lost.”

Jeremy Prince, CWGC France Area Director, said: “We are deeply honoured by the reburial of eight Scottish soldiers, six of whom remain unknown, at the CWGC Loos British Cemetery Extension.

“This cemetery, inaugurated just one year ago by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, was established to receive the remains of soldiers recently discovered (and those who may be found in the future) during ongoing work and research in the region.

“The ceremony also coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Loos – a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War. We are proud to offer these soldiers a final resting place worthy of their courage and service. We will remember them.”

Tesco extends national Fruit & Veg for Schools programme in Edinburgh

More than 500 schools across the UK set to receive free fruit & veg

  • Scheme will give thousands of young people fruit and vegetables every day at school
  • Last academic year (24/25), around 140,000 children were supported with over 10 million portions of fruit & veg

Tesco has announced that its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, is to be expanded for another year to reach even more schools across the UK.

For the whole of the next academic year (2025/2026), free fruit and veg from local Tesco stores will give children in more than 500 schools a nutritious boost that they might not ordinarily get.

The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme launched in September 2024 as part of the supermarket’s Stronger Starts funding and community support for children. 

The second year of funding will continue to be specifically targeted in areas where the proportion of pupils receiving free school meals is above 50%. The focus on areas with higher free school meal participation is particularly important because data shows that families on lower incomes struggle to afford a healthy diet.  

Only 12% of children aged between 11 and 18 are meeting the five-a-day recommendation and for children taking part in the scheme, Tesco expects to see their overall fruit and veg intake increase by 23%, based on the average five-a-day intakes in school-aged children. 

The schools taking part in the scheme will be able to shop for the fruit and veg the school needs in stores local to their school. 

Most popular fruits in year one, were:

1.  Apples (225,585kg)

2. Bananas (108,602kg)

3. Oranges (92,597kg)

4. Grapes (39,771kg)

5. Strawberries (37,735kg)

Ashwin Prasad, Tesco UK CEO, commented: “Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has made on their children, so we are delighted we are able to support even more schools in year two.

“The first year of our programme has been a huge success and by expanding it we can ensure that even more young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK get access to more fruit and veg.”

Astral Blanchard, Head Teacher at Twerton Infant School in Bath, said: “The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has given our children the opportunity to try so many new fruit and vegetables, while also helping us build healthy eating into a valuable part of our daily routine.

“Snack time is now a calm and enjoyable moment where we read stories, talk about flavours and explore new tastes together in ways we hadn’t before.

“Children are helping to prepare the fruit, trying things they’ve never eaten, and even asking for fruit and vegetables at home. It has been a joy to see their curiosity grow and their enthusiasm for healthy eating thrive.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has helped to improve the diets of our young people by helping them get more of their five a day, try new varieties and develop healthy habits that we hope will stay with them through life.

“We’re delighted to see the programme expanded to provide daily fruit and vegetables to even more children who might not normally be able to access them.”

Scottish Government commits another £300,000 to support Third Sector

MORE FUNDING TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY COHESION

The Scottish Government will provide an additional £300,000 this year to support projects that build strong and resilient communities across the country.

The investment, announced by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart, comes on top of the £7.9 million already allocated to third sector organisations for 2025-26. This existing funding supports anti-racism work, interfaith dialogue, hate crime prevention and asylum and refugee integration projects.

The additional funding will focus on building community cohesion across a broad range of local initiatives.

Ms Stewart said: “Community organisations play a vital role in supporting integration and bringing people together through their projects.

“The additional £300,000 will help to tackle division and promote the shared values that strengthen our communities, particularly at a time when hostile rhetoric is creating fear and uncertainty.

“I have witnessed first-hand many inspiring projects recently, including the multicultural Pitch-to-Plate meal event at Hibernian Football Club. This demonstrates how local initiatives can successfully unite people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths through shared activities and mutual support.

“We cannot and will not allow division and hostility to define us – the Scottish Government will continue to invest in building the strong, connected communities that all of us want to see.”

Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts: No community lunch today

KITCHEN REOPENS NEXT WEEK

We’re undergoing essential maintenance this week, which means a change in our usual operations!

This means there will no community lunch today 🥣 (Friday 26 September)

🥣 Meal deliveries restart on the 30 September.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding 🌟

City council issues cross-party statement on protests against refugees and asylum seekers

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.’

CashBack for Communities supports thousands of young people

Report highlights impact of programme

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.”

Starmer backs “true patriots” to lead UK renewal with £5bn investment

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.”

Easter Drylaw Flood Management: Community consultation tomorrow

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 joins Variety children’s charity board

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.

TOP: Neil is pictured with Gordon Smith

Edinburgh’s Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2025

Volunteer Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship event, the Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2025, taking place on Tuesday 30 September from 10:00 to 17:30 at 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.