The balance of funding required to bring the historic Granton Lighthouse in the north of Edinburgh back to life and transform it into a community arts & education hub has been secured.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited Granton Lighthouse in Edinburgh to outline projects benefiting from our Regeneration Capital Grant Fund in 2026-27.
The initiatives are expected to create more than 1,200 jobs and 800 training opportunities.
The restoration project, part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the Granton Waterfront area, will transform the historic building once used as a place to teach lighthouse keepers their trade into a flexible, accessible modern workspace to be operated by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
As part of its original use, the ‘C’ listed nineteenth century building, an important part of the built heritage of the Granton Waterfront area, was also used to test new illuminations for other lighthouses.
This historic building will be fully refurbished to create a learning, enterprise and exhibition/cafe space. As well as restoring some original features such as the lantern, the outside space will be transformed into a social space for people to sit and relax and enjoy some greenery. Disabled parking and cycle storage will also be provided.
A planning application to carry out the work has been submitted and work could start as early as next year.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:“I’m delighted the funding is now in place to restore this historically significant building to be enjoyed by the local community for generations to come.
“The former lighthouse building is a strong visual reminder of the area’s history. It will now start a new chapter as it continues to be a place of learning and creativity as well as a focal point for the local community to meet.
“Arts and Education Trust Out of the Blue were selected as a suitable operator to lease the building following feedback from local people who told us they need a flexible, accessible work and events space for arts education.
“It’s also another great milestone reached for our £1.3bn regeneration of the wider area and follows our announcement at the end of last year that the Council had been successful in securing funding for this and several other heritage buildings.
“This includes funding to refurbish and restore structures such as Madelvic House, Granton Castle Walled Garden and the platforms in Granton Station Square, the latter of which are located beside the beautifully restored former Granton Station building.”
Now, new research from Hillarys reveals Britain is spending an estimated £48 billion a year just to function while tired, as millions of workers pay daily to push through poor sleep. With 64% spending money each week to cope, and the average employee shelling out £6.23 a day (£2,274 a year), experts warn the nation’s chronic “sleep deficit” is now hitting wallets as hard as wellbeing.
As Sleep Awareness Month takes place in March, the survey highlights a growing reliance on caffeine, convenience food and other quick fixes – masking fatigue rather than fixing it, and with the clocks about to go forward one hour on March 29th, many could struggle with lack of sleep.
Key findings
64% of UK workers spend money weekly to manage tiredness caused by poor sleep
Annual spend on coping with fatigue (£2,274) can account for up to 43% of a renter’s disposable income, showing the real financial impact of Britain’s sleep deficit
The average worker spends £6.23 per day, equivalent to £2,274 per year
Coffee and energy drinks are the most common coping methods, used by 32% of workers
Workers aged 35-44 spend the most, averaging £7.13 per day to stay alert
New research from Hillarys shows that Britain’s chronic sleep deficit is creating a major consumer burden, with the workforce spending an estimated £48 billion a year just to cope with tiredness. The survey of 2,001 UK employees found that nearly two-thirds of workers spend money each week on coffee, snacks, alcohol, supplements, or convenience food to function after insufficient sleep.
The average daily spend of £6.23 translates into £2,274 per worker annually. When compared with typical disposable income, the impact is striking: research from YBS* shows UK renters have just £440 per month left after bills and essentials, while homeowners have £872 per month.
Put another way, the typical worker’s annual spend on coping with tiredness represents around 43% of a renter’s disposable income and 22% of a homeowner’s, highlighting how chronic fatigue is hitting wallets as hard as wellbeing.
Who is paying the most? Midlife adults aged 35-44 bear the highest cost of poor sleep, averaging £7.13 per day (~£2,603 per year) on coping mechanisms such as caffeine, snacks and convenience food. Younger workers aged 18-24 spend £6.35 per day (~£2,317 per year), while those aged 25-34 average £6.23 per day (~£2,274 per year). Workers aged 55 and over spend the least at £4.47 per day (~£1,631 per year).
High-pressure sectors such as finance and IT report even greater expenditure, with some workers spending up to £3,100 per year just to stay alert during the working day.
Britain’s top coping behaviours
Coffee and energy drinks – 32%
Sugary snacks – 18%
Takeaway or convenience food – 17%
Alcohol – 16%
Supplements or sleep aids – 14%
Sleep deprivation is no longer just a health issue – it has become a consumer economy. Workers routinely spend money on short-term stimulants rather than addressing the root cause, creating a cycle of fatigue and expenditure that compounds across generations and sectors. Younger workers rely heavily on caffeine to get through the day, while older workers invest more in supplements or aids.
Tom Coleman, sleep expert at Hillarys, comments:“Paying to stay awake is only masking a much bigger problem.
“Chronic sleep deficit changes how our bodies regulate energy, stress and focus, and over time it can make fatigue feel normal – which is why midlife workers are spending thousands just to keep going.
“Fatigue also impairs decision-making, so people are more likely to reach for quick fixes like coffee, snacks, energy drinks or takeaways, even when they’re costly or not the healthiest choice.
“The solution isn’t more stimulants – it’s reshaping daily habits to reduce sleep debt: scheduling regular bedtimes, building natural tiredness through daytime activity, and managing stress early in the day rather than in the evening.
“Organisations can help by recognising the hidden costs of fatigue and supporting healthier work-life patterns. Addressing sleep now is an investment that pays back in alertness, better decisions, and real money saved on coping mechanisms.”
Edinburgh Tradfest has announced full details of its 2026 programme of traditional music, film, storytelling, workshops, talks, ceilidhs, and special events.Taking place from 1to 11 May at various venues across the city, thanks to continued support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
The festival kicks off with RURA and special guests Astro Bloc at Potterrow on Friday night before moving to the Traverse Theatre for a jam-packed programme of live music. Folk film screenings take place at the Cameo Cinema, and there will be storytelling and special events at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Music highlights include: folk song sensation and multi award-winner Kim Carnie;Scottish supergroup Session A9; The Furrow Collective (Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts); RANT (Anna Massie, Lauren MacColl, Bethany Reid, Gillian Frame); the Brian Molley Quartet tracing the Scottish roots of jazz; and Séamus and Caoimhe celebrating the culture of their Connemara homeland with dexterous instrumentals and beautiful blood harmonies.
In addition, the international line-up showcases: Rajasthani folk trio SAZ; banjo-playing singer-songwriter from Montreal Kaïa Kater; The Complete Recordings of Hezekiah Procter, a vaudeville act seemingly from the 1920s looking back on the beginnings of country music with Montreal based songwriter Li’l Andy taking on the fictional persona of “Hezekiah Procter”; Gen Z old-time combo The Onlies from Seattle; Scandinavian string trio Northern Resonance; and acclaimed singer, composer, and live-looping artist GANNA Gryniva performing her new album UTOPIA which mixes Ukrainian folk tunes, with Peruvian grooves, jazz-tinged arrangements and electronic soundscapes.
Other must-sees include A’ Chiad Litir (The First Letter), the festival’s new music commission presented by singer songwriter Josie Duncan, celebrating the life of Scots 16th century poet Marie Maitland whose works explored themes of same-sex attraction; fiddle player Laura Jane Wilkie and folk guitarist Ian Carr; master of the melodeon Tim Edey; The Nexus Project exploring contemporary and ancient Highland bagpipes; multi-award-winning harp and percussion duo Eleanor Dunsdon and Gregor Black; and Deiseil: Dancing in Time– a powerful exploration of the revival of stepdance told through fiddle, feet, stories and Gaelic song.
Also, not to be missed on both weekends during the day, are music workshops led by Bruce Ncube (group singing), Laura Jane Wilkie (fiddle), Anna Massie (guitar) and Cahalen Morrison (songwriting); two glorious instrumental shows: #WorldPlayAStrathspeyDay featuring Madeleine Stewart, Sam Mabbatt, Laura Jane Wilkie and Angus Lyon; and Isla Ratcliff’s Scottish Four Seasons with Kristan Harvey, Emma Tomlinson, Natalie Haas, May Halyburton and Iona Reid; a child-friendly concert on Sunday 3 May, with award-winning singer Fiona Hunter; and this year’s Rebellious Truth talk with folk legend Dick Gaughan in conversation with Dr Lori Watson from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Celtic and Scottish Studies.
Finally, on the last Sunday of the festival, our much loved Spotlight event returns with three amazing up-and-coming combos: Jeri Foreman & Ruth Eliza, Curlew and Dauntless.
At theScottish Storytelling Centrethere is an exciting line-up of ceilidhs, talks, workshops and storytelling sessions all programmed and supported by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).These include two storytelling shows: The Cold Heart by storyteller Franziska Droll and musician Greg Harradine which explores the terrible cost that comes with the desire for wealth and belonging; and The Corpse Roadby Daniel Serridge and Heather Cartwright, who perform a collection of stories and songs about the roads that for many, formed their final journey to the grave.
There is also a whole series of free talks, held both online and in-person at the Centre, exploring the roots and origins of the traditional arts. Each with a guest speaker giving a fresh perspective on their artform and asking ‘What is…’ traditional dance, music, craft, and storytelling in a contemporary Scotland? In addition, following the passing of the Scottish Languages Act last year, there will be talks on the central role that Gaelic and Scots play in defining the Traditional Arts in Scotland, as well as Edinburgh’s regular night of Gaelic culture and community Bothan Dhùn Èideann on Fri 8 May.
Alongside these talks there will be various workshops, where participants can get hands-on and learn different skills including step-dance, hand-bound brush making, willow-weaving, Gaelic song, Scots singing for the next generation of Young Scots Sangsters; and using the Ogham alphabet as a prompt for creating improvised music.
These talks and workshops will culminate in a jam-packed Living Heritage Discovery Day on Sunday 10th May which will include a talk with Michael Fortune, one of Ireland’s leading folklorists, to discuss approaches to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Living Heritage) and tradition-bearing. On the day there will also be a Living Heritage Fayre, Come and Try Sessions, and a traditional ‘house cèilidh’.
Furthermore, there will be an exhibition of Highland Story Quilts at the Storytelling Centre created by storyteller and artist Lizzie McDougall (3 April to 10 May); Dougie Mackay returns with Hearth Fire Sessions on Thu 7 May alongside Danica Boyce, Tom Muir and Riikka Palonen; and Claire McNicol andLinda Williamson present their quarterly full-moon celebration Moonspinners with guests Josie Duncan and Anna Lehr and a Beltane theme under the full Flower Moon.
Finally, to celebrate the Outer Hebrides Film Archive’s new website (www.faodailfilm.scot) accordionist composer Pàdruig Morrison with fiddler and Gaelic singer Claire Frances MacNeil, will perform a live score for FAODAIL | FOUND to accompany a screening of some recently digitised archive films from the Outer Hebrides. This event at the Storytelling Centre, is part of the Folk Film Gathering supported by Screen Scotland which returns this year, as part of Edinburgh Tradfest with a selection of films from the world’s archives, and a focus on Scottish culture and traditions.
Other highlights from the Folk Film Gathering’s 12th edition include the opening film at the Cameo which is a World premiere of a new documentary celebrating the life and work of Trad treasure Jimmy Hutchison,featuring a one-off live concert with Jimmy and his protégé Erika Douglas. Plus, fresh from its acclaimed World premiere in Glasgow, there will be a screening of Sailm nan Daoine or (Psalms of the People) directed by Jack Archer, exploring the rich tradition of Gaelic psalm singing, and featuring Rob MacNeacail; the Scottish premiere of Celtic Utopia, a lively documentary celebrating Ireland’s current folk renaissance and featuring Lankum, The Mary Wallopers, The Deadlians and others; and a rare selection of early silent short films by Bill Douglas screening with the newly-digitised Ring of Truth written by Douglas and produced by students at Strathclyde University in 1996.
International folk film highlights include Czech romance thriller Hastrman about a nobleman/water spirit who faces an agonizing dilemma over whether to remain a wild creature or find happiness in love; 1970s Polish folk horror Lokis, A Manuscript of Professor Wittembach; cult Slovakian classic Perinbaba (The Feather Fairy); Canone Effimero directed by the De Serio brothers showcasing Italy’s vibrant folk traditions and the natural beauty of its local cultures; and the festival’s closing film, the newly-remastered 1954-Ukrainian classic Andriesh with a live performance from Edinburgh’s Ukrainian Choir.
Plus, there will be a rare cinema screening of Heiny Srour’s groundbreaking Lebanese drama-documentary Leila and the Wolves introduced by the Scottish-Palestinian poet Nada Shawa; two films celebrating the work of the Rojava Film Commune in North East Syria; and a special double-bill titled Women in Resistance: featuring Las Damas Azules and Daniel Draper’s Iron Ladies.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “At Soundhouse we have a very broad definition of traditional music and are always most excited by those artists carrying it forward in new and innovative ways.
“This year’s line-up is packed with trail-blazing musicians from the USA, Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland and India alongside a broad programme of Scotland’s finest. We’re certain that Edinburgh Tradfest ‘26 will be the best yet!”
Daniel Abercrombie,Scottish Storytelling Centre said:“Tradfest continues to be an important celebration of the traditional arts in Scotland, where Edinburgh gets to show off her blooming spring beauty with a ceilidh welcome for all.
“The Scottish Storytelling Centre and TRACS are proud to provide a programme of storytelling, music, crafts and dance as part of the festivities.”
Jamie Chambers, Folk Film Gathering producer, said: “We’re excited to be back for another year, as the world’s first folk film festival, exploring the many possibilities of what a folk cinema might be.
“As usual, our programme explores a core of rare Scottish films (including a chance to see some very rare work by the brilliant Bill Douglas) placed within a global context of the most exciting community-engaged filmmaking from across world cinema, with films from Lebanon/Palestine, Kurdistan, Ukraine, Peru and Italy.
“In particular, we’re really proud of our special strand exploring some of the different ways in which Eastern European folk tales have been translated to screen”
Siobhan Anderson, Music Officer at Creative Scotland said: “Tradfest 2026 looks to continue the festival’s trend in programming exciting emerging acts alongside household names and international visitors to make an innovative programme.
“New commissions, film screenings and workshops will sit alongside a range of activity across the traditional arts to entertain and delight Edinburgh at the start of the festival season. Creative Scotland is proud to support Soundhouse to sustain this important element of the cultural calendar.”
Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May to Monday 11 May. For tickets and more information visit edinburghtradfest.com
Endometriosis Awareness Month: Listen to your body
The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is home to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Endometriosis Centre, a specialist service supporting women living with the often‑debilitating symptoms of endometriosis.
The multidisciplinary team made up of specialist consultants and an endometriosis nurse provides expert care for women with stage three and four endometriosis. The clinic supports and treats patients with complex symptoms, offering pain management, mental health and wellbeing support, and, where required, surgical treatment.
This Endometriosis Awareness Month (March 2026), the team is shining a light on the condition estimated to affect around 1.5 million women and girls in the UK, including one in ten women in Scotland.
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the lining of the womb grow elsewhere in the body, commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic lining, and sometimes on the bladder, bowel or other organs. It is a long-term condition with no definitive cure, and its symptoms can significantly affect every aspect of a woman’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
Rosie McCluskey, Advanced Clinical Nurse Endometriosis Specialist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We’re spreading awareness because it’s so important that girls and women listen to their bodies and understand the symptoms.
“Recognising patterns in what they’re experiencing, what’s happening, when it happens and how often, can make a huge difference when they speak to their GP and explore support or treatment options.”
Rosie explained that symptoms can include heavy periods, irregular bleeding, bowel and bladder changes, abdominal bloating, extreme fatigue and, in some cases, an impact on fertility.
“These symptoms can have a profound effect on women’s mental and physical health which in turn affects home life, work life and even financial stability,” she said.
Symptoms can begin as early as adolescence and may continue through menopause.
They vary widely from person to person and may affect the body in multiple ways. Common symptoms include:
• Pelvic pain • Painful ovulation • Severe period pain, both during menstruation and at other times • Heavy or irregular bleeding • Abdominal bloating • Bladder and bowel symptoms • Extreme fatigue • A potential impact on fertility
Rosie also explained that early recognition and support are vital in helping women and girls access appropriate care, manage symptoms and advocate for their own health.
“By improving awareness, we hope to empower more people to seek help sooner and feel confident discussing their concerns,” she said.
PROTESTERS gathered outside Edinburgh Pets At Home (Pets At Home Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird) today and called on newly appointed CEO, James Bailey, to stop live animal sales at all of the chain’s stores.
Live animals are sold in the majority of Pets At Home stores; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, fishes, insects and reptiles.
Newly appointed Pets At Home CEO James Bailey, will start work in the new role on March 30th 2026.
Campaigners representing Rescue Not Retail are calling on James Bailey, the former Waitrose boss, to end the sale of live animals in all Pets At Home stores.
Protestors wore masks and signs were held outside the front of the shop that said “Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop!’ Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!”, “Hamsters are not toys! Just like us!”. “Fishes are not decorations! Just like us!”. “Snakes are not hobbies! Just like us!”.
The protest was part of a nationwide week of action organised by campaign group Rescue Not Retail. Other protests are happening in Edinburgh, Derby, Dorchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton
The week of action has followed an open letter written by Rescue Not Retail to Pets at Home asking for an end to animal sales. The letter was endorsed by Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Gail Porter, Peter Egan and other notable figures, including 29 veterinary professionals and 25 animal rescues.
Over the past 6 months, Pets At Home have seen their profits dive, a 25% drop in share price, and their CEO depart with an interim currently in place.
Rival pet store chain Jollyes removed live animals from all of their stores earlier this year, receiving praise from animal rescues.
The UK is in a rescue crisis, exacerbated by the fallout of Covid and the rising cost of living, with an estimated 184,000 small animals given up every year.
LOCALS protested for two hours outside Pets At Home (Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird) calling for new CEO James Bailey to stop selling live animals. With rescue centres across the country at bursting point and facing funding issues, campaigners are addressing the root cause of this crisis.
Many pet store chains have already stopped selling live animals, James Bailey and Pets At Home are simply being asked to follow suit. A growing number of people are boycotting Pets At Home stores completely due to the conditions the animals are kept in there, likely contributing to the recent slump in profits of the business.
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must end the abuse of animals in shops by halting animal sales across all stores.
“We’re saying loud and clear: ‘Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop! Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!“
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said:“James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must take immediate action to end this abuse by halting animal sales across all stores.
“Pets at Home is acting irresponsibly by encouraging the objectification of animals and enabling impulse purchases. There is a troubling lack of transparency within the pet industry—we do not know exactly where the animals sold at Pets at Home come from. Pet mills operate as factory farms supplying animals for the trade.
“Snakes, fishes, and hamsters are thinking, feeling beings with distinct personalities and complex needs. They are not decorations or toys to be bought on a whim and discarded when they become inconvenient. Pets at Home should instead promote adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis..“
Chris Rhodes, animal advocate, from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the new CEO of Pets at Home, must end the sale of animals and stop reinforcing the idea that animal exploitation is acceptable.
“Fishes, snakes, and hamsters are sentient beings with the capacity to think and feel. Animals are not objects, decorations, or toys to be purchased for human gratification. Pets at Home should instead champion adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis.
“Fishes are not decorations! Hamsters are not toys! Snakes are not ‘hobbies’. Rabbits are not ‘for children’.”
Rescue Not Retail is a campaign group raising awareness of animal suffering in the pet industry.
The organisation’s first aim is getting Pets At Home to stop selling live animals on their shop floors. All animals are complex individuals who have specific care needs that can be very difficult for the average household to meet.
Misinformation during sales leads to many people finding themselves responsible for an animal they cannot properly care for, so the animal ends up either neglected, passed on to a rescue, or abandoned.
In response to the campaign’s recent open letter, naturalist Chris Packham said:“It’s time we stopped treating sentient, feeling animals as products on a shelf. Every small animal sold in a shop is an individual, not a toy or decoration.
Like ourselves, each hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and so on has just one life to live and they deserve not to be commodified. Keeping animals on shop floors encourages people to buy them on a whim, which is fuelling a rescue crisis in the UK.
“If we truly love animals we must end the sale of them in stores.”
Iconic heritage attractions prepare to welcome visitors once again
Cairnpapple Hill, Seton Collegiate Church, Torphichen Preceptory and Trinity House will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1 April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) kicks off the start of its spring/summer season.
Cairnpapple Hill is one of Scotland’s best-known prehistoric sites, with evidence of human activity on the hill dating back over 5,500 years. The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm until Wednesday 30 September.
Seton Collegiate Church was a private place of worship in the 15th and 16th centuries for the local landowning Seaton family and was raided by English forces during Henry VIII’s wars of Rough Wooing against the Scots.
The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm until Wednesday 30 September.
Founded in the 12th century, Torphichen Preceptory was the Scottish headquarters for Knights Hospitaller. In 1298, it was occupied by William Wallace during the Wars of Independence, which forced the order to withdraw from Scotland for a short period. The site will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 4 April until Sunday 27 September.
Trinity House is an elegant Georgian building and was once the headquarters of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters. It is home to a collection of maritime treasures, including a Sir Henry Raeburn masterpiece painting of Admiral Adam Duncan. The site will be open for guided tours every Friday at 11am and 1pm from Friday 3 April.
Visitors will also benefit from increased access at Hailes Castle following the completion of essential conservation work, including being able to explore its Great Hall. Hailes is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, dating from the early 1200s.
Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said: “It’s always exciting to welcome visitors to our wonderful historic sites over the spring and summer months. Whether revisiting a favourite spot or experiencing a new place for the first time, warmer weather offers a fantastic opportunity to get outside and explore Scotland’s historic environment.
“With many of our sites set within some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, our properties offer incredibly beautiful nature experiences too. From dramatic viewpoints to peaceful grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visit at historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place. Please check the website for the latest information before travelling.
Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt.
Scottish Bakers has unveiled the shortlist for the 2026 Scottish Baker of the Year Awards, with bakeries from across the country competing for the industry’s most prestigious title.
This year, eight Edinburgh bakeries have been shortlisted. The shortlisted bakeries from Edinburgh include Babyfaced Baker, Company Bakery, Linzer Bakery, Mademoiselle Macaron, Mimi’s Bakehouse, Saltire Pattisserie, Selkie Bakery and WALKERS BONBON 1 LIMITED.
The competition has already attracted national attention following its launch earlier this year, when bakers took on the challenge of creating the world’s largest empire biscuit. Highland bakery Harry Gow set the unofficial world record with an impressive 78-inch creation.
The competition has now reached the judging stage, with 500 products from over 60 bakeries across Scotland arriving at Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline for the official judging day.
More than 50 industry experts and media personalities came together to assess entries across 11 categories: Biscuits, Bread, Sweet Treats, Scone, Morning Roll, Morning Goods, Doughnuts, Celebration Cakes, Better For You/Free From, Multiple Retailer Product and Innovation.
To compete for the overall title of Scottish Baker of the Year, bakeries must also enter The Baker’s Den, the business focused stage of the awards. From this, judges will choose one winner of Scottish Baker Local Hero of the Year and one winner of Scottish Baker Icon of the Year, before selecting the overall Scottish Baker of the Year from those two finalists.
As the trade association representing Scotland’s bakery sector, Scottish Bakers has introduced a refreshed format for 2026. The new structure is designed to shine a spotlight on the industry’s Local Heroes and Icons, celebrating the breadth of talent across the country and the qualities that make Scottish baking unique.
This year will also see a new look awards ceremony, with the full event taking place across one action packed day.
Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said:“We are delighted to return this year with a brand new format for Scottish Baker of the Year.
“We want to celebrate what makes each bakery across Scotland special, while recognising the two key groups helping the industry thrive, our Local Heroes and Icons.
“With fairer, stronger judging, the competition will be more consistent and transparent than ever before, and we look forward to giving entrants valuable feedback to support growth across the industry.
“We have already shown our ambition to go bigger and better in 2026 with our unofficial world record for the largest empire biscuit at the competition launch in January. That same ambition was clear again today in the outstanding range of products judged by our expert panel.”
The overall winner of Scottish Baker of the Year, along with all Best in Category winners, will be announced at the awards on 16 May 2026 at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel.
Since 2012, Scottish Baker of the Year has celebrated skill and excellence in Scottish baking, creating opportunities for bakeries of all sizes to showcase and strengthen their work.
Scottish Baker of the Year is made possible with the support of Awards Partner BAKO Group, Icon Sponsor Rondo, Local Heroes Sponsor Carr’s Flour, and valued category sponsors Dawn Foods, National Food & Drink Training, Fleming Howden, Reiser, Andrew Ingredients, DMD (2000) Ltd and Puratos.
New funding for independent advocates will help people in need navigate the social care system
New funding for independent advocates will help people in need navigate the social care system. The £500,000 Scottish Government Independent Advocacy Social Care Fund will ensure people can have a say in their care and advocate for their rights.
Twelve new projects will support people with, for instance, chronic health conditions or disabilities, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, or older people in residential care and unpaid carers.
A new National Care Service Charter of Rights will help people better understand existing rights, including being treated without discrimination and protection from harm when accessing social care.
Anne’s Law, which comes into force on 31 March, will enshrine the right of care home residents to contact with family and friends.
This includes choosing at least one person who can act as an essential care supporter, with a legal presumption that suspending their visits is likely to seriously harm the health and wellbeing of a person in a care home.
Social Care Minister Tom Arthur visited Partners in Advocacy in Edinburgh to meet staff, carers and advocates. He said: “We are proud to support people across Scotland through this new fund and Charter to access the right support and have their voices heard.
“We know the system can sometimes be complex and difficult to navigate so this is about ensuring there is someone to advocate for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They deserve to have their voices heard and their wishes acted upon.
“The charter strengthens this commitment by clearly setting out people’s rights and expectations for social care, social work and community health.”
Partners in Advocacy Chief Executive Officer Jess Wade said: “We are delighted to be part of the Independent Advocacy Social Care Fund, which will ensure more people can access independent advocacy, better understand their rights and have their voices heard.”
A code of practice to support implementation of Anne’s Law regulations was published this week, developed in collaboration with those with lived experience and care homes:
About 140 individuals and businesses penalised for deliberately defaulting on tax exceeding £25,000 have today (26 March) been named by HMRC.
The latest update includes several takeaways, convenience stores, a vape importer and a vape shop. In every case, those named failed to make a full disclosure when HMRC began its investigation – a step that would have kept their details off the list.
The list covers civil penalties only and does not include criminal convictions for tax fraud. Details remain published for 12 months.
