People who are due a payment between Friday 3 April and Monday 6 April over the Easter bank holiday, will receive it by the end of Thursday 2 April.
Best Start Food payments are not affected.
All other payment dates will stay the same.
Cancer Research UK has responded to today’s cancer treatment waiting times statistics published by Public Health Scotland.
Chief executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “It’s unacceptable that people are waiting too long to start cancer treatment. It’s crucial that cancer is diagnosed early when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Tackling these delays must be a priority for the incoming government, so that people get the timely diagnosis and treatment they deserve.
“NHS staff are working flat out to deliver services to patients and more needs to be done to support them.
“The solution lies in investing in the NHS workforce and cutting-edge equipment. It will also be essential to introduce innovations that will see more people diagnosed and treated sooner.”
ANALYSIS:
These latest figures show that, during the last quarter for which results are available, from Oct-Dec 2025, around 1,300 (27.4%) patients waited longer than 62 days to start treatment following an urgent suspected cancer referral.
The report shows that only 72.6% of patients on an urgent referral for a suspicion of cancer started treatment within 62 days during this quarter. This is well below the 95% target and is the tenth worst performance on record (since 2012).
More information on how Cancer Research UK believes waiting times can be tackled can be found in:
Longer better lives: a manifesto for cancer research and care in Scotland
The full Public Health Scotland report can be found here:
This historically autonomous port town, whose motto is ‘Persevere’ and whose independence has been contested across its nine centuries, has an incredibly rich heritage, and a distinct modern culture and attitude to life. A vibrant swagger that is modern Leith, and on which a community-led bid aims to shine a spotlight.
The proposal for UK Town of Culture 2028 has been developed from the ground up by a collective of volunteers based in Leith – residents, artists, cultural organisations, schools, community groups and independent businesses who want to celebrate its identity and its creativity, while making sure that more people feel welcome, included and proud of where they live.
Over 70 organisations and public figures including Leith Theatre, Hibs FC, Leith School of Art, Grid Iron Theatre Company, Historic Environment Scotland, Unique Events, Forth Ports, FirstStage Studios, Coburg Studios, Leith Civic Trust, Leith Community Centre, Leith Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, VOCAL, Citadel, EHFM, Leith Academy, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith Library and many others have signed up to back the bid, alongside its three community councils, elected officials, and with the backing of City of Edinburgh Council as accountable body.
The bid area spans the community council areas of Leith Central, Leith Harbour & Newhaven, and Leith Links, home to around 50,000 residents and one of the most diverse, densely populated, and fast-changing areas in Scotland.
Leith is internationally recognised for its creative energy, food scene and waterfront – ranked fourth coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out in their influential annual list of 2021, and 16th in 2023. The home of The Proclaimers whose “Sunshine on Leith” remains the people’s anthem, Irvine Welsh and Trainspotting, undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World Ken Buchanan, Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson, and pioneering physician and suffragette Grace Ross Cadell; the place where a cure for scurvy was found, the site of the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, where the first set of rules for golf were written, and where the first ship to cross the Atlantic purely using steam was built. Leith is a place rich with culture, innovation and history.
It is also an area of sharp contrasts where pockets of significant deprivation sit alongside rapid development. The partnership bid seeks to address these tensions, widening opportunity, creating pathways, building skills development and employability in order to protect what makes Leith distinctive while building a stronger future for its communities through a celebration of culture, investment, pride and developed partnerships.
Leith’s Town of Culture plans, designed following a round-table session with interested residents and organisations, include large-scale public moments on the waterfront; a year-round rhythm of community-led festivals and commissions; a £1 million Community Culture Fund empowering grassroots organisations; what the team are calling “Sunshine on Leith”- public-realm legacy improvements; and long-term investment in skills, access and cultural infrastructure.
The events, it proposes, would draw not just pride, but also a reflection on the history that has brought it to this point, a story which included the transatlantic slave trade, industrial decline and an amalgamation into the city of Edinburgh that Leithers voted overwhelmingly against back in 1920.
Participation is central. Should Leith be shortlisted, people of all ages will help shape and curate the programme through participatory forums, youth leadership, and neighbourhood-based activity. Accessibility is embedded from the outset, with a commitment to free and low-cost events, inclusive design, clear access information, and partnerships with local and national access organisations.
The bid also looks forward – positioning Leith as a cultural gateway once again. Building on its working port and growing role in green energy, the programme connects industrial heritage with a sustainable future, supporting local makers, creative businesses and pathways into work across culture, events, hospitality and the screen industries.
If shortlisted, Leith is ready to move quickly into a development phase, formally establishing the partnership as a charitable delivery body and continuing deep engagement with communities to co-design the final programme.
Those behind the bid say the process itself is already having an impact:
“This bid has been built by the people of Leith, for Leith,” said a spokesperson for the partnership.
“It’s about confidence, connection, care for our place, and fun! – and about showing what culture can do when it’s led locally, shared widely, and rooted in everyday life. Leith has never stood still. In 2028, we hope to stand tall as the UK’s first Town of Culture.
“Share your passion and care for Leith by getting behind our bid on social media using the hashtag #Leith2028”
Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council Margaret Graham said: “This bid is about far more than recognition – it’s a celebration of Leith’s creativity, its rich heritage, and, above all, the people who make this community so special.
“From our historic waterfront to our thriving arts scene, this is an opportunity to reaffirm Leith’s place on the international stage.
“Reaching this point has been a true team effort, with incredible support from local organisations, community representatives, and residents. I hope everyone will get behind Leith as we make our case to become the next Town of Culture.”
Bob Last, CEO of FirstStage Studios commented: “The people of Leith are constantly seeking new ways forward built on its rich and complex history, it’s a town, a community, a home to diverse creativity, and crucially Leith is a unique attitude, where better to celebrate culture?”
“Leith is more than a town of culture. Leith is culture.” said Irvine Welsh as he put his name to Leith’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.
Hibernian FC Chief Executive, Dan Barnett added his support: “We are extremely proud to be part of the unique culture and heritage of Leith.
“The people and community of this historic port town have helped shape our identity for over 150 years and will continue to do so going forward.”
Lynn Morrison, Chief Executive of Leith Theatre Trust said: “What an incredible opportunity this would be for Leith and for Leithers, old and new.
“It’s a chance to connect all of Leith’s creative spaces, talent and energy, working together to celebrate Leith’s growing culture and creativity in a meaningful and lasting way. Being a Town of Culture would provide a powerful springboard to galvanise the momentum, creating new possibilities and helping shape the next chapter of Leith’s cultural future.”
Andy Thomas, Acting Manager of The Citadel said: “The Citadel has supported generations of young Leithers for over 45 years. We’re proud to be supporting a bid to celebrate Leith’s unique culture and identity, both psst and present.
“The Town of Culture is a fantastic pportunity to bring all Leithers together and ensure that the benefits of cultural development reach everyone in the community.”
Gunnar Groves-Raines, architect and Director of GRAS said: “Leith is a town defined by cultural exchange, creativity and productivity. It is in the midst of an exceptionally exciting period of evolution, with an explosion of ambitious cultural activity matched by a highly engaged audience of residents and visitors.
“Designating Leith as Town of Culture would be a powerful catalyst – recognising this deep-rooted creativity and investing in its future as a civic, inclusive and outward-looking neighbourhood.”
Jed Milroy, Tinderbox Collective, said:“Leith’s strength has always been its people – a community that makes, shares and builds culture together, not just for audiences, but for each other.
“It’s a place where you can arrive as yourself and be welcomed as you are. Community arts education is keeping this spirit alive and nurturing it in the next generation of Leithers.”
Jenny Mungall, volunteer bid mobiliser, and director of JUMP said: “Leith’s got swagger, I call it Big Dock Energy. It’s a vibrant, creative, collaborative community, and we’ve seen all of that at every stage of putting this bid together.
“I hope that the people of Leith get the chance to shape an amazing programme in 2028 as the first UK Town of Culture, but whatever the outcome, we’ve got bags of ideas to celebrate culture and community and we’ll find a way to get some of them off the ground.”
Rod Jones, Idlewild guitarist, record producer and artist manager added: “I first moved to Leith around 20 years ago and was immediately taken by the community spirit and feel.
“Over these last 2 decades there has been a wealth of changes and growth with studios, venues, art spaces opening all over Leith and its become a cultural home to me and many more as well as my actual home. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Chitra Ramaswamy, author and journalist said: “I moved to Leith almost 20 years ago and have witnessed its many changes. My children were born here, and go to school here, and it’s the diversity, heritage, and open-hearted welcome of the place that has made me so proud to be a Leither.
“Again and again, as a writer, I return to Leith as deep inspiration – my first book opened on the Water of Leith. What has remained, in so many ways, when so much has changed, is the republic’s fiercely independent spirit, its commitment to grassroots community action, protection of its complex industrial heritage, and, above all, its people.”
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports commented: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Leith. With the development of the Forth Green Freeport, the film studios, and new industries shaping the future economy, the area is at a pivotal moment – one where culture, industry and innovation go hand in hand.
“Becoming a Town of Culture would amplify that momentum, bringing together heritage and creativity to tell Leith’s story to the world.”
Nick Devison, Principal of Leith School of Art commented: “I have always been inspired by Leith’s independence, energy, and creativity. Leith School of Art stands at the very heart of this vibrant community and this bid is all the more significant for us as we approach our 40th anniversary in 2028.”
Bryony Knox, silversmith said: “Leith is the perfect spot to celebrate culture. I am a silversmith, with a business over 25 years old, based in studios with over 70 artists, right by the Water of Leith.
“I can think of at least 8 other sets of independent studios, with woodworkers, jewellers, ceramicists and painters within a 2 minute walk… Where else could boast that?
“It makes for a strong collaborative creative community, and I have chosen to live, bring up my children and run my silversmithing business from Leith because it’s the best place to be!”
Susie Gray, volunteer bid mobiliser and Executive Director of Premier Scotland, commented: “I am hugely lucky to work with some of the most recognised cultural organisations in the world, and still nothing beats coming home to Leith.
“It wears its heart on its sleeve. It believes in the power of a song. It’s wildly eclectic and endlessly inventive, a place where creativity belongs to everyone and is passionately shared. Having seen up close the impact of City of Culture on Hull, it’s exciting to see the programme broadened out to towns across the UK.
“Leith could do so much with the investment and opportunity that comes with an accolade like UK Town of Culture, it would be spectacular, and more people could discover its magic.”
The Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) met last night (Tuesday 31st March) to consider the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on Scotland’s people and businesses.
The meeting included discussion on the potential impacts on the supply and price of various goods and services, including energy, food and fuel.
It was chaired by First Minister John Swinney and attended by the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice & Home Affairs, the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands and the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.
The First Minister said: “The impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on people and businesses in Scotland is becoming more significant by the day.
“As concerns continue to grow across our communities and sectors, I convened SGoRR to assess the situation in detail and to consider what further engagement, support, or actions may be required from the Scottish Government, our partners and others in the days and weeks ahead.”
Increased rates of the National Minimum Wage, including the National Living wage came into force from 1 April 2026. These rates bring into effect recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission last autumn.
The new rates are set out in the table below:
| NMW Rate from April 2026 | Annual increase (£) | Annual increase (per cent) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Living Wage (21 and over) | £12.71 | £0.50 | 4.1 |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £10.85 | £0.85 | 8.5 |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £8.00 | £0.45 | 6.0 |
| Apprentice Rate | £8.00 | £0.45 | 6.0 |
| Accommodation Offset | £11.10 | £0.44 | 4.1 |
Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission, said: “The recommendations we made last autumn sought to balance the need to protect the economy and labour market, whilst providing a real-terms increase for the lowest-paid members of society.
“A lot has changed since we gave our advice to the Government last autumn, and we are now beginning to gather evidence for recommendations later this year.
“The current economic uncertainty makes it essential that the Commission hears from those affected by the minimum wage and builds consensus for evidence-based recommendations.”
To mark the uprating, the Low Pay Commission has published a report looking at the immediate impacts of the new rates. It has also published a consultation to inform its recommendations on future minimum wage rates.
Do you know who’s stealing motorbikes in our community?
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Tell us what you know. 100% anonymous via Crime Stoppers or contact us directly.
Let’s stop the thieves together.
Here’s a note of Edinburgh Libraries’ opening hours over the Easter break:
Friday 3 April – closed
Saturday 4 April – open as normal
Monday 6 April – closed
from Tuesday 7 April – open as normal.
Remember, Your Library is always open online to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers – https://zurl.co/r9OQf
On advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States, The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America.
Their Majesties’ programme will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the UK and the US, marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
The King will continue to Bermuda to undertake His Majesty’s first Royal Visit as Monarch to a British Overseas Territory.
A further four males have been arrested and charged in connection with assault, possession of weapons and breach of the peace following a disturbance in the Jewel area.
The males, aged 20, 19, 18, and 15, are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Around 4.20pm on Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, officers were called to a report of males with weapons causing a disturbance. There were no reported injuries.
Two males, aged 18 and 17, were previously arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Chief Inspector Alison Macdonald said: “I’d like to thank the public for their assistance during our enquiries.
“This type of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officers are committed to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour in the local community. Targeted patrols will continue to deter and detect any criminality.
“Anyone with any concerns should speak to local officers or contact us through 101.”
NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY
Thursday 2 April marks the start of World Autism Acceptance Month (WAAM). Every year, we come together to raise awareness of autism and this year will be no different. During April, hundreds of autistic people and families across Scotland will be walking 5k to celebrate WAAM, raise awareness and show solidarity with one another.
This year is especially important because it coincides with National Autistic Society Scotland’s Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, which calls for urgent change ahead of the Holyrood election.
So far, almost 3,500 letters have been sent by autistic people and families calling on all party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights by committing to introduce the long overdue Learning Disability Autism and Neurodivergence Bill.
It is clear that in education, diagnosis, healthcare and employment, autistic people are being denied rights and opportunities which should be available to them:
The Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill can make a genuine difference.
Mandatory training in public services can ensure autistic people’s needs are identified and met at the earliest opportunity, rather than only getting support once a crisis point is reached.
Legally binding national and local strategies can also bring about the planning and resources needed to tackle the backlog for assessment and diagnosis, as well as making sure services are properly signposted in our communities.
WAAM leading into the upcoming election is a vital opportunity to ensure parties don’t just talk about the importance of improving outcomes and opportunities for autistic people this election, but that they also Act Now to affect real and meaningful change.
Rob Holland, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “World Autism Acceptance Month is a time for everyone to get involved, raise awareness and celebrate autism acceptance, and so it couldn’t come at a better time to join the calls for change as part of our Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign this election in May.”
“Now is the time to get involved by urging party leaders to Act Now for Autistic Rights and introduce the LDAN Bill, and to spread the word to your friends and families too. This is our chance to ensure the next Scottish Parliament takes overdue action to ensure autistic people’s rights are understood and respected. We cannot miss this opportunity”.
Becca, NAS Scotland Campaigner, said: ” I’ve spent my life feeling unsupported, invalidated and left out on account of my autism and I’ve known many who’ve felt the same. This has to change.
“The LDAN bill is urgent and will make a vital positive difference to many people, allowing us to lead fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful lives. It must come into effect as soon as possible”.
