Thousands of Scots urged to access vital care funding

Unpaid carers in Scotland urged to access respite funding, as 1 in 3 struggle to take a break

The UK’s largest community of unpaid carers is urging hundreds of thousands of Scots providing unpaid care for someone to access vital respite funding. This follows new research revealing that 1 in 3 unpaid carers are rarely able to take a break.

Released as part of a carer-led “protest from home” in July, the Carers Trust research shows that 44% of unpaid carers are not currently accessing government-issued respite care. This echoes previous research conducted by Mobilise in July 2024, which revealed that almost half (47%) of unpaid carers had never taken a break, with many respondents citing a lack of available support as the reason.

It also comes as the Scottish Government introduces a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers under the new Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025. 

Now, experts at carer-led community Mobilise are also calling for greater awareness of funding for replacement care services and holiday accommodation, as well as new developments around Scottish carers’ rights to breaks. This support can give unpaid carers desperately needed breaks.

What rights do unpaid carers have to take breaks? 

Local Authorities now have a duty, under the Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, to ensure that all unpaid carers are able to take sufficient breaks. This means that all unpaid carers living in Scotland are now legally entitled to take a break. 

Anyone in a caring role also has the right to be assessed for an ‘Adult Carer Support Plan’ (or Young Carer Statement, if you’re caring for a child). This can lead to free respite care services, or funding for breaks and activities that offer time away from caring responsibilities – ranging from regular time off to a short holiday.

What respite care funding is available? 

Adult Carer Support Plans aren’t the only way to access replacement care services. A number of different funding options are available to give Scottish carers respite breaks (sometimes known as ‘carers breaks’ or ‘short breaks’), depending on the level of care you provide and the needs of the person you are caring for. 

Respite care costs can also be covered by:  

  • Local council funding via Social Care Assessments – Depending on where you live, respite care funding may fall under the care plan of the person you care for, which is put in place following what’s known as a Social Care or Community Care Assessment. You can ask your local council’s social care department for help with this. 
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare funding – This funding can provide professional care services for the person you look after, whilst you take a break. Eligibility is based on the health care needs and circumstances of the care recipient. The NHS has more information about this criteria, and your GP can also advise and help you apply.
  • Local Carers’ Centre funding – Your local Carers’ Centre may have their own respite scheme, offer grants, or be able to offer details of other funding available in your area. Find out more here.
  • Charitable funds & grants – Other organisations that provide free respite care include:
  • Turn2Us – This charity offers grants for respite care 
  • The Respite Association – Specialist respite care for disabled, sick, elderly and terminally ill people is available through this charity
  • HRH Princess Royal’s Respite Fund for Carers – This fund offers grants for replacement care costs as well as group activities, which may offer a short break and/or time to socialise with other carers

Where can carers get free respite accommodation?

Even with respite care services in place, holiday accommodation costs can be prohibitive for carers who often face additional expenses, and may have to drop out of paid roles or reduce their hours. To help break down this barrier to breaks, a number of organisations offer free accommodation for carers. Some also offer support for your cared-for person to join you.

Free respite accommodation options include:

  • Shared Care Scotland – From accessible hotels that host carers and their loved ones, to home-based respite services and holiday accommodation for carers, this charity helps carers find and fund regular short breaks
  • Carefree – This charity offers 1-2 night hotel stays, which you can have a companion join you for (someone other than the person you look after, to give you a break from caring)
  • After Umbrage – Free 4-day cottage breaks are available through this charity for those caring for someone with life-limiting and terminal conditions
  • Take A Break Scotland – Scottish carers who look after disabled children and young people can apply for cash grants towards short breaks via this charity
  • The Respite Association – As well as free respite care, if you look after someone with a disability or additional health needs, this charity offers week-long seaside holidays
  • Disability Grants – If you look after a disabled person, this organisation lists holiday grants, with a ‘supported holiday’ option to make breaks more accessible for you both

To get more help finding and applying for respite care funding and support, you can visit Mobilise’s detailed Guide to Respite. Care support experts are also on hand to help via the Mobilise website.

MSP highlights support for local families as schools return

GORDON MACDONALD HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

As children across Edinburgh head back to school, local SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has highlighted the wide range of support available to help families with the cost of learning, including almost 7720 Best Start Grant – School Age Payments worth a total of ££2,132,033 paid out to local families in the last year.

The Best Start Grant – School Age Payment is a one-off payment of £314.45 to eligible families when their child starts primary school, helping with essentials such as school uniforms, shoes, and bags. This is in addition to the Best Start Foods payment card, which supports families with the cost of healthy food throughout the year.

The SNP Government has also expanded free school meals to all pupils in primary 1-5, with plans to extend this to all primary pupils in the lifetime of this parliament. Free school meals save families hundreds of pounds each year while ensuring every child has access to a healthy, nutritious lunch.

To help with the cost of uniforms, the SNP has increased the national minimum School Clothing Grant to at least £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils, available through local councils to eligible families.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The start of the school year is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a financially challenging time for families. That’s why I’m proud that in the last year alone, 7720 payments worth ££2,132,033 have gone to families in Edinburgh through the Best Start Grant – School Age Payment.

“From the Best Start Grant and School Clothing Grants, to free school meals and the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP is taking real, practical action to support families and tackle child poverty.

“While Labour austerity continues to squeeze household incomes, the SNP is using the powers we have to put money in the pockets of families across the city ensuring every child has the best possible start in life.”

Local authority area [NUMBER]Number of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments[VALUE]Value of Best Start Grant – School Age Payments
Total123,760£34,282,276
Aberdeen City3,835£1,069,876
Aberdeenshire3,680£1,023,971
Angus2,520£701,794
Argyll and Bute1,595£442,300
Clackmannanshire1,390£384,647
City of Edinburgh7,720£2,132,033
Dumfries and Galloway3,390£938,326
Dundee City4,220£1,163,392
East Ayrshire3,550£984,048
East Dunbartonshire1,380£381,962
East Lothian2,290£635,244
East Renfrewshire1,360£375,589
Falkirk3,685£1,021,533
Fife9,345£2,589,965
Glasgow City19,650£5,435,352
Highland4,450£1,235,628
Inverclyde1,965£545,416
Midlothian2,425£671,369
Moray1,820£504,864
Na h-Eileanan Siar370£101,721
North Ayrshire3,920£1,086,398
North Lanarkshire9,810£2,722,056
Orkney Islands295£81,663
Perth and Kinross2,730£760,952
Renfrewshire4,045£1,118,702
Scottish Borders2,285£632,014
Shetland Islands315£86,440
South Ayrshire2,475£681,893
South Lanarkshire7,420£2,057,810
Stirling1,475£408,767
West Dunbartonshire2,825£777,359
West Lothian4,685£1,298,664
Unknown – Scottish postcode75£21,509
Unknown – Non-Scottish postcode650£176,888
Unknown – No postcode115£32,131

Sing-along screening of K-Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues

EDINBURGH TICKETS ON SALE NOW

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS – (L-R) Mira (voice by MAY HONG), Rumi (voice by ARDEN CHO) and Zoey (voice by JI-YOUNG YOO). ©2025 Netflix

One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now.

Racking up an incredible 158 million views on the streaming platform, with its leading single reaching number one in charts on both sides of the pond, K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm this summer.

Now, for one weekend only, the global phenomenon hits the big screen in full high-definition glory for a sing-along event, taking place 23 – 24 August.

The sing-along event follows a world-renowned K-Pop girl group who find themselves balancing a life in the spotlight with their secret identities as ‘bad-ass demon hunters’. Set against a colourful backdrop of fashion, food, style – and the most popular music movement of the current generation – this special sing-along screening promises to be a summer highlight.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS – (L-R) Rumi (voice by ARDEN CHO), Zoey (voice by JI-YOUNG YOO) and Mira (voice by MAY HONG) . ©2025 Netflix

Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh Ocean, said: “As the Korean Wave continues to capture hearts worldwide, this special event offers fans of K-Pop the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful animation and chart-topping score with our breathtaking screens and immersive surround sound.

“For younger audiences in particular, we know that visiting the cinema is a way to disconnect from the digital world and nurture real-life connections in a communal setting. With the added energy of a sing-along event, we’re confident this latest K-Pop celebration will attract dedicated fans as well as wider family audiences looking for exactly that.”

To find out more, visit www.myvue.com

Blind community hub reopens in Edinburgh

The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) has officially reopened its centre on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh. The newly refurbished office offers a modern and accessible space for the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters and staff to use.  

The Hillside office had temporarily closed for renovation in November 2023, although many of the charity’s services continued to operate throughout this period. The refurbishment has been part of the charity’s continued work to ensure its support and services are robust, future-facing and consistently meeting the needs of people with sight loss. 

The facilities in Abbeyhill now include Café VI – a welcoming café serving the local community, a Product and Advice store offering accessible aids and equipment, and a multi-use community space which hosts various social, leisure and peer-support groups. 

Thursday’s launch event welcomed members of the blind and partially sighted community, volunteers, supporters, and staff.

The ribbon was officially cut by Kirin Saeed, Chair of the RNIB Scotland Advisory Group, following speeches from James Adams, Director of RNIB Scotland; Matt Stringer, RNIB Chief Executive; and Sarah Boyack MSP.

Kirin Saeed says: ““Having an accessible space like this in the heart of Edinburgh makes a real difference.

“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, getting advice on equipment, or meeting with others who share similar experiences, this hub brings people together and supports us in living independently. I can’t wait to meet new and old friends.” 

Later in the day, a smaller, private gathering marked the naming of the new Sandra Wilson Boardroom, in memory of Sandra Wilson, former Chair of RNIB Scotland (2015–2021), who passed away in August 2024. 

RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams, says: ““Thanks to Sandra’s leadership Scotland is a more accessible place for blind and partially sighted people than it otherwise would have been.

“Dedicating this space in her name is a small way of honouring her legacy.” 

Matt Stringer, Chief Executive Officer of RNIB says: ““We’re delighted to open this fantastic new community facility in Edinburgh. It demonstrates RNIB’s ongoing commitment to delivering first-class services for blind and partially sighted people. 

“As a charity, we believe the world should be accessible to everyone. This investment reflects our values and our continued determination to help build a more inclusive society.” 

Pop-Up Vinyl Lounge brings soulful sounds to the heart of Edinburgh

ST JAMES QUARTER SESSIONS

Picture – Chris Watt Photography

This August, St James Quarter is turning up the volume for music fans with the launch of its first-ever pop-up Vinyl Lounge during the opening and closing weekends of the St James Quarter Sessions – the city’s only FREE music festival.

From 15th August, the Everyman Cinema will host the first evening of the Vinyl Lounge before the music moves to Level 1 Guest Services from 16th-17th and 21st-24th August.

Visitors can browse an eclectic selection of second-hand and new vinyl covering everything from Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Latin, to Ska, Reggae, Dub, World, Experimental, Soundtracks, Bollywood, and Library Music.

The experience will be soundtracked by live DJ sets on old-school vinyl decks throughout opening hours.

The opening weekend (15th–17th August) will be curated by La Beat Soul Club, one of Edinburgh’s most-loved soul nights. For over seven years, the La Beat trio – Brian, Gavin and Ross – have been bringing high-energy soul sessions to venues across the city. Now, they’re bringing their deepest crates and infectious energy to their biggest venue yet at St James Quarter.

The closing weekend (21st-24th August) sees Umbrella Vinyl take over. Since opening their Tollcross store in 2022, founders Laura, Josh and Nick have built a community hub for vinyl lovers, known for its inclusive atmosphere and environmentally conscious ethos. Their carefully curated range spans genres from Afrobeat to Soundtracks, reflecting the founders’ Hong Kong roots and broad musical tastes.

The pop-up Vinyl Lounge is the latest addition to the St James Quarter Sessions line-up. Happening during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the city’s leading retail and lifestyle destination, this year’s St James Quarter Sessions programme sees over 60 acts including The BrandNew Heavies, Bemz, Tamzene, and Cortney Dixon performing across the impressive, canopied development, including the Level 6 rooftop, with panoramic views of Scotland’s capital and castle – providing one of the most unique festival stages in the UK. 

Susan Hewlett, Festival Creator at St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter Sessions is about celebrating music during the Festival, and our Pop-Up Vinyl Lounge is the perfect way to do that.

“Whether you’re a seasoned record collector or simply curious to explore the shelves, you’ll find an incredible mix of music, atmosphere, and community. Partnering with local legends La Beat Soul Club and Umbrella Vinyl means we’re bringing together some of the city’s most passionate champions of vinyl culture – all under one roof.

“We can’t wait for visitors to dig through the crates, discover new sounds, and enjoy the magic of music on vinyl in the heart of the city.”

The Vinyl Lounge is open from 5pm – 10pm in the Everyman Cinema on 15th August and from 12pm to 8pm on the 16th-17th and 21-23rd August before its final day on Sunday August 24th from 12pm – 6pm in the Level 1 Guest Services.

Don’t miss your chance to dig through crates of incredible records, discover hidden gems, and experience the soulful soundtrack of St James Quarter Sessions.

For more information, please visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/st-james-quarter-sessions/

Police appeal following fatal crash at Roslin Glen

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash which happened in Roslin, Midlothian.

The crash happened on the B7003 at Roslin Glen at around 6.50am on Thursday, 14 August, 2025 involving a black KTM 990 Super Duke motorcycle and grey Kia Sportage car.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 43-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a 44-year-old man, was not injured. The road was closed for approximately six hours for collision investigation at the scene.

Road Policing Sergeant Phil Winning said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the motorcyclist who died following this crash.

“I am appealing for any motorist who was on the B7003 and who may have witnessed what happened or had a dashcam device fitted that may have captured the incident or the vehicles immediately prior to the collision.

“Anyone who can assist our enquiries should come forward as soon as possible.”

Those with information or footage should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0604 of 14 August 2025.

It’s never too late to learn!

NEW PROGRAMME OF ADULT EDUCATION COURSES

The new term’s programme of adult education courses on offer across Edinburgh has been released.

The city has successfully run this programme for over 115 years, providing a variety of daytime, evening and weekend courses from Art, Archaeology and Craft to Languages, Tai Chi and Yoga.

There is something for everyone to try and enjoy and is an excellent opportunity to discover a new interest and learn skills for life.

Courses are offered online, outdoors and in many venues across the city.

The programme ensures that education is accessible, affordable and inclusive to all and would encourage anyone interested to sign up. Have fun learning!

Web_Version___Sep_2025___Term_1Download

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/adult-education…

Having a hoot at Strachan House!

Strachan House care home, in Blackhall, celebrated International Owl Awareness Day with a visit from some beautiful owl species from Owl Adventures UK.

Residents, family, and friends of Strachan House Care Home were delighted to see their new feathered friends flying around.

They enjoyed holding, feeding, and learning about several species, including a majestic barn owl and an impressive great horned owl. Owl Adventures UK, founded in 2011 by Ryan Stocks, prioritizes the welfare and conservation of birds.

The group rescues birds of prey after accidents in the wild and encourages support for endangered birds of prey in the UK.

General Manager Fran Fisher said, “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew the birds of prey would bring fun to everyone, especially those who cannot join many minibus outings.

“We are always looking for new activities, and today we saw how much enjoyment and therapeutic value animals provide.”

Resident Rosemary was very excited by the birds from Owl Adventures UK: “Today was very enjoyable, and it was wonderful that the owls were free to roam amongst us.

“They are beautiful birds, and it was such an honour to hold and stroke them.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.

Strachan House provides residential, nursing, and dementia care for short and long-term stays.

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend Legion Scotland VJ Day service

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH COMMEMORATE VJ DAY 80

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among a host of dignitaries and special guests who laid wreaths to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day yesterday (Friday).

Held within the Scottish National War Memorial, the Duke and Duchess attended the special service, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland and led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, and were joined by the Rt. Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans, Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President, Royal British Legion Scotland, Colonel Patrick O’Meara QAM, Poppyscotland, Elaine Edwards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sue Raw, War Widows Association, among others.

As well as paying homage to those who lost their lives during the war, those in attendance heard the stories of World War II veterans Bill Ramage, Whitson Johnston and Jack Ransom, all of whom have since sadly died.

The trio had previously spoken about that day on 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and how it was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the war was finally over.

Also present at the event was Jenny Martin, whose mother was pregnant when she was captured by the Japanese in the fall of Singapore in 1942, and was born a Far East prisoner of war spending the first three years of her life in captivity.

Charmaine McMeekin, the daughter of British Army Officer and author of The Railway Man, Eric Lomax, and Nigel Robb, the son of Flt Sgt George Deuchar Robb from the 117 Sqn RAF, who flew Bristol Beaufighters in India were also in attendance.

Music was performed by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh Voices choir and Piper, Ronan Gilchrist.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s hugely important that we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that marked the end of six years of world war.

“We were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance, as well as World War II veterans and their families, especially in such a historic setting as the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.

“We hope others stop and take a moment of reflection today to remember the importance of VJ Day 80 years on.”

New pavilion for Craigroyston CYFC

COUNCIL LEADER OPENS LOCAL CLUB’s NEW FACILITY

Craigyroyston Community Youth Football Club has been gifted a brand-new pavilion by the City of Edinburgh Council.

At an official ceremony to handover the modern new facility yesterday (Friday, 15 August) Council Leader Jane Meagher presented youth team members and club representatives with the keys to the Pavilion.

Relocating the club to their new modern premises at Marine Drive is part of the Council’s wider £1.3bn generation of Granton Waterfront. 

The former club base was previously on adjacent land where the Council is building 143 new environmentally friendly affordable homes known as the Silverlea development.

The half a million-pound project, funded by the Council, has delivered modern changing rooms with showers and a café for club members, their families and other visitors to enjoy.

Designed by architects Smith Scott Mullan, Cruden delivered the project on behalf of the Council and has also gifted the signage and branding in the new facility.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “As we continue to deliver our £1.3bn regeneration of Granton Waterfront, this is a perfect example of our commitment to creating healthy and vibrant communities in the area.

“Investing in our young people is an important part of this work. The former club base was on land that we needed to build affordable homes.

“Providing these modern facilities right next to our Silverlea site works well for the young footballers and the wider community, allowing the club to thrive and attract new members in the future. “

Colin Dudgeon Club Secretary said: “This is a historic day for us. For the first couple of years setting up Craigroyston Community Youth Football Club we didn’t have a home until we moved into Craigroyston Park in 2009.

“The club base we’ve been using wasn’t in good condition and so we’d like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council for our magnificent new club base for our players and parents to call our home. Thanks as well to Cruden for their part in this project and the signage and branding they kindly gifted for the building.

“We can offer safe, hygienic, and modern facilities to our players with changing rooms and showers suitable for all ages and parents can relax in our new Craigie Café, which will be opening on match days soon.”

Michael Palethrope, Community Benefit Manager for Cruden, said: “Community-run clubs like Craigroyston CYFC are at the heart of great neighbourhoods, and we’re proud to support them.

“Alongside building quality, energy-efficient homes and green spaces, we always look for ways to give back to the communities we work in.

“This club is a fantastic example of that, and we can’t wait to see them thrive in their new home.”

PICTURES: CYFC