Organisations that support victims of crime can apply for a share of more than £700,000 from a fund financed by penalties imposed on offenders.
More than 5,000 people have benefited from the Victim Surcharge Fund (VSF) since it was set up in 2019, with over £2.4 million awarded to 18 organisations.
Support for victims can include help with essentials like food and clothing, repairs for property damaged as a result of crime, and emotional support.
The fund has now opened for applications for the sixth time.
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown said: “We know the impact of crime can be traumatic and it is absolutely right that offenders should be made to pay towards supporting victims.
“The additional support offered through the Victim Surcharge Fund is vital and allows support organisations to provide quick and practical help to victims and their relatives, covering costs, for example of emergency accommodation, food and clothing.
“Although recorded crime is down significantly over the long term, I recognise that this is of little comfort for victims, which is why we will continue to put their needs at the heart of the criminal justice system.
“The Victim Surcharge Fund builds on our wider support which includes a significant package of reform proposed in the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill to ensure those impacted by crime are treated with compassion and their voices heard.”
The Victim Surcharge Fund opens for new applicants today.
The fund is financed by penalties imposed on offenders.
To date, the fund has awarded £2.4 million to organisations that provide victims of crime with direct, practical support.
Michelle Herd, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Abernecessites, which has received funds from the Victim Surcharge Fund to support families fleeing domestic abuse said: “Feedback from the professionals we work with highlights the critical role of our service in preventing survivors from returning to abusive situations and addressing their concerns for their children’s well-being.
“We have provided essentials such as clothing, school uniforms, shoes, bedding, storage units along with beds, kitchen essentials and white goods which were vital to enable families to move into a safe property or make their place of refuge homely. Having the basic essentials, even as simple as a child’s favourite toy that has been left behind can have a huge impact on the whole family.”
The victim surcharge came into force in November 2019 and applies to those who commit an offence and are subsequently convicted and receive a court fine. Such offenders are charged an additional penalty – the victim surcharge.
This is transferred to the VSF and distributed to organisations to supplement and enhance support for victims.
The sixth round of applications for the VSF is now open. Organisations can request an application form by emailing VictimSurchargefund@gov.scot and should apply by 4 August 2025
Today (7th July ’25), the designer, entrepreneur and TV judge, Patrick Grant, was officially installed as the Chancellor of Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh at the University’s graduation ceremony.
Patrick, who became a household name following his appearances as a judge of BBC One’s ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’, was joined by Carol Rogers, Scotland’s leading forensic scientist. Carol, who is best known for her work on serial killer Peter Tobin’s case, was awarded an honorary degree for advancing the field of forensic science, particularly in relation to investigations of sexual offences across Scotland.
Both Patrick and Carol joined 2000 students, families and guests at an impressive ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
Patrick Grant
A prominent figure in the British fashion industry and founder of the social enterprise Community Clothing, Patrick Grant is an advocate for sustainability and building strong communities through entrepreneurship.
Brought up in Edinburgh, he has developed an international reputation as a champion of UK textile manufacturing, supporting local communities while producing high-quality, long-lasting garments. His book ’Less’, published in 2024 and a Sunday Times Bestseller, details his commitment to reducing consumption and embracing circular, regenerative fashion.
Over the past two decades, Patrick has built a distinguished career in the fashion industry – working with global brands including Cartier, Rolls-Royce, BMW, Barbour, and Alexander McQueen, and always advocating for craftsmanship and quality.
He revitalised Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons, relaunched men’s tailoring brand E. Tautz – winning Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards – and led Debenhams’ most successful designer collaboration with Hammond & Co.
In 2015, his passion for British manufacturing resulted in the rescue of Blackburn-based clothing factory Cookson & Clegg.
This experience inspired him to launch Community Clothing in 2016, a pioneering initiative that earned him widespread recognition for revitalising the UK garment industry. Community Clothing’s makes and sells UK clothing at a fraction of the price of premium brands, and has a strong focus on sustainability, job creation and building local economic prosperity.
Patrick has also become a familiar face on television. In addition to the ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ (nominated for a BAFTA in 2022), he presented the award-winning documentary ‘Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King’, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s ’Desert Island Discs’, and won BBC One’s ’Celebrity Mastermind’.
He has written for a variety of publications, including The Financial Times, The Times, The Sun, The Daily Mail and GQ.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “Patrick has had a meaningful and hugely impactful career as a designer, entrepreneur, writer and sustainability champion.
“His work resonates with the University’s strong social justice ethos, and our commitment to building strong communities and acting as a force for good. His passion for combining entrepreneurialism, skill and people-focused thinking to create thriving communities aligns with QMU’s purpose of shaping a better society through teaching and research.”
Carol Rogers – Forensic operation lead – Major Crime (Sexual Offences)
As National Lead Forensic Scientist for Sexual Offences with the Scottish Police Authority’s Forensic Services, Carol Rogers has advanced forensic science, bringing justice to countless victims of sexual offences.
As one of the most respected experts in her field, Carol has dedicated over two decades of her life to the meticulous and often harrowing work of forensics. Working in major crime, she has led forensic investigations in numerous major cases, including murders and serious sexual offences.
Recently, her work was highlighted on the BBC Scotland crime documentary ‘The Hunt for Peter Tobin’ where she discussed the painstaking investigation of the serial killer’s crime scene – work which led to his successful conviction.
Carol’s expertise in blood pattern analysis, body fluid analysis, damage interpretation, and DNA interpretation has been instrumental in solving some of Scotland’s most notorious crimes.
Her ability to provide expert testimony in court has been crucial in securing convictions and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, bringing closure to victims and their families.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “We cannot underestimate the impact that Carol Rogers’ progressive work has had on the profession of forensic science, and on the thousands of individuals and families’ lives affected by crime.
Her leadership of teams has helped set standards in forensic services, and her work has been pivotal in advancing forensic techniques and methodologies, ensuring the profession evolves and improves.
She has also drawn on her expertise as a forensic scientist and expert witness, working on cases from “crime scene to court”, to assist Queen Margaret University in the development of its PgCert Advanced Forensic Practice.
“Launched in 2021, this specialist course enables already experienced forensic practitioners to work at an advanced level in Police Custody and Sexual Assault Referral Coordination Services (SARCS).”
Sir Paul concluded:“In the year that we celebrate Queen Margaret University’s 150th anniversary, we are honoured to have two such inspirational individuals at the first of our three 2025 graduation ceremonies.
“We are delighted to officially install Patrick Grant as our new Chancellor, and to recognise Carol Rogers dedication and unwavering commitment to justice with the honorary degree of Doctor of the University.”
The Prime Minister and Home Secretary have paid tribute to victims and survivors of the 7/7 attacks and joined the nation in marking the 20th anniversary
Memorials will be held throughout the day alongside victims, survivors, loved ones and first responders to remember the 52 people killed and hundreds of others injured in the attacks.
Ahead of the anniversary, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever.
“We honour the courage shown that day—the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror.
“Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now—against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”
Marking 20 years, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself.
“As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us.
“We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.”
The anniversary of a terrorist attack can re-trigger trauma for victims and survivors of terrorism. If you, or someone you know has been affected by terrorism, support is available at gov.uk/victimsofterrorism.
The government has taken action to deliver strengthened support for victims and survivors of terrorism, announcing plans for a new dedicated support hub to help victims recover and rebuild their lives.
Proposals for a new national day for victims and survivors of terrorism have also been consulted on, helping the country to remember and honour victims.
The public will also be better protected through strengthened security of public events and venues following the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, better known as Martyn’s Law, receiving royal assent in April.
Livingston Designer Outlet goes Jurassic crazy this July with lifelike dinosaurs, ranger training and endless photo opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. From Monday 7th to Sunday 20th July, guests can enjoy a host of dinosaur-themed events, making it the ultimate day out to remember.
Dinosaur discovery trail
Trail: 7-20 July
Roaming dinosaurs: 9-11 July & 16-18 July, from 11am – 5pm*
Location: Livingston Designer Outlet
Guests can embark on a journey through time as they explore six dinosaur themed zones located throughout the outlet, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, a jungle environment and exciting sound-effects. Between 9th–11th and 16th–18th July, the experience will become even more immersive as roaming encounters with raptors and a T-Rex will make unexpected appearances throughout the day.
Exclusive dinosaur appearances
Noisy Norman: 7-11 July & 16-20 July
Giant T-Rex: 12-15 July
Location: Grand Staircase
Throughout the event, two life-size dinosaurs will be taking over the Grand Staircase – Noisy Norman an animatronic model and a static Giant T-Rex. Standing at almost 2 metres tall and 3 metres long, Noisy Norman towers over guests and roars into life for those who are brave enough to get close. Watch out for his swinging tale and razor-sharp teeth. A Giant T-Rex will take Norman’s place from 12th-15th July, ready to wow visitors with equally great prehistoric power.
Ranger training & baby dinosaur experience
9-11 July & 16-18 July, from 11am – 5pm*
Location: Grand Staircase
Budding explorers can sign up for Ranger Training at Dino Basecamp, where two expert safari rangers will guide guests through a 15-minute session covering essential dinosaur survival skills! At the end of each session, newly qualified rangers will get the chance to meet a baby dinosaur.
Michelle Whitelaw, Centre Manager at Livingston Designer Outlet, said:“We are always looking for ways to deliver memorable experiences alongside brilliant shopping, and bringing the Jurassic era to Livingston Designer Outlet is not one to be missed this summer.
“Whether it’s meeting Noisy Norman, taking part in ranger training or getting amazing photos throughout the whole outlet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Livingston Designer Outlet is Scotland’s largest outlet shopping destination, offering over 80 brands, restaurants and cafés under one roof.
Plain Black and White – NO brands/logos or other colours!
If required, blazers and ties can be purchased in school or from the websites below. Cash only if purchasing in school. We have a variety of sizes to try in school if you need assistance with this
If required, school jumpers are available online
Black jeans are acceptable as long as they are not faded or ripped
We have a stock of pre-loved uniform available to all pupils free of charge in school (donations continually welcome!)
Please send us a DM if we can help with any issue – financial or otherwise! We’re here to help!
Official Scottish Government research finds banning purchase of sex would have “limited impact” on stopping trafficking and sexual exploitation
Ministers warned of “notable evidence gaps” behind Ash Regan’s claims that tackling demand for sex would reduce harm
Victims Minister Siobhian Brown says evidence raises “significant questions and concerns” about Regan’s Nordic Model Bill
Ash Regan’s proposals to outlaw the purchase of sex have been dealt a hammer blow after the Scottish Government admitted that the measures would have “limited impact” on stopping trafficking and exploitation, according to national sex worker group Ugly Mugs.
Official Scottish Government research, published last week, acknowledges that there are “notable evidence gaps” behind claims by supporters of Ms Regan’s Bill that prosecuting sex buyers would reduce exploitation in Scotland.
Civil servants spent months trawling international evidence on tackling trafficking and sexual exploitation.
In their conclusions, published last week, they write: “Much of the literature reviewed focuses on criminal justice interventions. This tends to focus on the effectiveness of preventative measures which aim to reduce demand for prostitution (e.g. via deterrence). The evidence reviewed suggests that such measures may have limited impact on preventing trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
The research was published on the same day that Siobhian Brown, the Victims and Community Safety Minister, told MSPs scrutinising Ms Regan’s Bill that she had “significant questions and concerns” about the proposed legislation.
In a letter to the Criminal Justice Committee, Ms Brown cited “challenges experienced internationally” in implementing similar legislation, and said she had “concerns about the accuracy” of Ms Regan’s cost estimates of implementing the Bill.
The minister wrote: “There remain significant questions and concerns regarding the measures within the Bill and how they would work in practice, the extent to which they would deliver on the policy intent, and the associated financial implications.”
Sex worker groups, led by National Ugly Mugs, the UK’s national sex worker safety charity, have repeatedly warned that criminalising clients has no impact on stopping exploitation and would only make life more difficult and dangerous for sex workers, by pushing the industry underground.
Lynsey Walton, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, said: “Sex worker groups, alongside leading NGOs like Amnesty and the World Health Organisation, have long warned that criminalising the purchase of sex only serves to make life more difficult and dangerous for sex workers, while having no impact on trafficking and exploitation.
“We are pleased that the Scottish Government has now accepted that the international evidence backs this up. MSPs now need to pull the plug on Ms Regan’s misguided and dangerous legislation, and focus on supporting sex workers’ rights to work safely and free from stigma.”
The Scottish Government research comes after independent reviews carried out for the Irish and Northern Irish governments – which have both criminalised the purchase of sex – found that the Nordic Model had not reduced the demand for sexual services in each country.
The Northern Irish review found that there was “no evidence that the offence of purchasing sexual services has produced a downward pressure on the demand for, or supply of, sexual services”. It also found that “the legislation has contributed to a climate whereby sex workers feel further marginalised and stigmatised”.
The Irish Government’s review, published earlier this year, found that after seven years of the legislation being in force, just 15 men had been convicted for purchasing sex. Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Regrettably, the review highlights that despite the criminalisation of the purchase of sexual services, demand has not decreased.”
Something for the school holidays! Check out the poster for details – meet us at the centre (or at the Orchard 10:30 onwards) and we’ll head over to the Orchards for some family fun time!
Dynamic Earth launches its Toddler Tidal and Deep-Sea Discovery Zones for little ones across the Capital
This summer Dynamic Earth is encouraging wee ones from across Edinburgh, and surrounding regions, to set sail on a magical underwater adventure at the city’s leading Science Centre and Planetarium.
With the launch of Ocean Commotion Soft Play on June 23rd, the venue aims to provide accessible, stimulating and interactive engagement opportunities for little ones needing to let off some steam and spark their curiosity in our planet.
For just £4, kids aged 0-6 can expect to explore, climb, splash (not literally!), and play away in the ocean-themed interactive costal escape. No booking required for this fun, interactive soft play.
With every corner of Ocean Commotion designed to boost your child’s development through play, whether they’re learning to crawl, climb, or conquer new challenges, kids are sure to have some fintastic fun beneath the waves!
Sea Turtle Sanctuary – Allow your littlest adventurers to safely drift, crawl and discover Dynamic Earth’s serene ocean cove.
Toddler Tidal Zone – Let wee ones (recommended 12 months plus) build, slide and grow their confidence as they explore the world around them.
Junior Deep-Sea Discovery Zone – Bigger adventures for your budding explorers. Take the training wheels off and scale Dynamic Earth’s rock-climbing reef, before taking part in interactive activities that fuel both skill and imagination
Parents who want to let their little star(fishes) have fun in the venue’s brand-new interactive ocean escape can pay-on-the-day, with £4 granting their wee ones *unlimited access to Dynamic Earth’s world beneath the waves.
The 100ml liquids rule for airport security has been lifted at Edinburgh Airport for the first time since it was introduced in 2006 following the installation of top-of-the-range security x-ray technology.
It means passengers will be able to keep liquids in their bags when going through security, and those liquid containers can now be up to two litres each.
Edinburgh Airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, is the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule.
It comes after eight new X-rays were installed as part of a £24 million investment to transform the security process at Scotland’s busiest airport. Large electricals, such as tablets and laptops, can remain in bags, and liquids in containers up to two litres can now also be kept inside.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.
“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.
“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology. But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”
The latest issue of our CAMRA branch magazine “Pints of View” (issue 84, Summer 2025) is now being distributed around pubs in SE Scotland.
It contains news of pubs and breweries in Edinburgh and South East Scotland along with general articles that may be of interest to yourself or your organisation.
The magazine is available online as a PDF (19MB) from:
UNIFORM 
Plain 
