Families across Scotland can apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open TODAY – 1 June 2026.
The payment is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed to ease the money pressures that come with a child starting primary one.
Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years old.
Families receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should get an automated payment and do not need to apply.
Families do not need to wait until their child actually starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child’s start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.
Business confidence in Scotland rose two points to 50% in May.
Second time confidence level has been above the UK total since the end of 2025.
Firms’ optimism in their own trading outlook increased nine points to 62%, while optimism in the economy dipped five points to 38%.
Overall UK business confidence rose three points in May to 47%.
Business confidence in Scotland rose two points during May to 50%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own trading outlook month-on-month, up nine points at 62%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down five points to 38%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 50% (vs. 48% in April 2026).
Scottish firms’ confidence in their own trading outlook was driven by stronger customer demand and expected new contracts or clients (70%), while confidence in the economy was driven by stronger customer or market demand (60%).
Almost a third (31%) of businesses in Scotland also expect to increase staffing levels over the next year, down four points on last month.
Since May 2025, Scotland has had an average overall business confidence of 48% with its largest figure of 59% in August last year and its lowest of 36% in December.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Scotland’s businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (47%), introducing new technology, such as AI or automation (42%), and evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (39%).
Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Scottish businesses are showing momentum, with confidence in their own trading prospects rising and firms looking ahead with optimism.
“Businesses are backing that confidence with action, with many planning to invest in training and new technology, demonstrating a clear commitment to long-term growth, innovation and building future capability.
“We’re here to support that momentum, whether it’s financing growth, helping with technology investment, or working with firms to develop their teams and capabilities.”
National picture
Overall, UK business confidence rose three points in May to 47%.
Firms’ trading outlook rose four points to 58% and their optimism in the economy generally rose two points to 35%.
Sixty-six percent expect stronger output over the year ahead, while 8% predict weaker activity.
The main drivers behind businesses expecting a decrease in activity remain the same as in April; economic uncertainty, higher cost pressures and weaker customer demand.
Business confidence rose across seven of the twelve UK regions and nations in May, and decreased in four. Northern Ireland saw notable gains with North East and West Midlands becoming the most confident regions.
Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking said: “Business confidence edged up modestly in May, suggesting firms are beginning to steady after April’s decline.
“This month, confidence levels from businesses in the North East particularly stands out. It’s also reassuring to see that increased confidence from the construction sector has brought them more in line with their retail, services and manufacturing counterparts.
“Across the UK, each region and nation presents unique opportunities and drivers of growth – whether that’s clean energy in the North East, advanced manufacturing in the West Midlands or tourism and hospitality in Scotland.
“We’ve seen first-hand what the right financial support and advice can do for ambitious businesses and are keen to continue supporting our customers as they grow – helping Britain prosper.”
Join us for an evening of food, friendship, and community at our monthly multicultural meal, hosted by Hibernian Community Foundation in partnership with the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS).
Enjoy authentic homemade curries, rice, salad, and naan bread.
Fresh fruit kindly sponsored by the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland.
A warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone.
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:50 PM)
Hibernian Community Foundation
Famous Five Stand, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh, EH7 5QG
FREE ENTRY | ALL WELCOME | NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Come together in the spirit of compassion, community, and culture.
Volunteers Week is an annual UK-wide celebration recognising the incredible selfless work of volunteers. In NHS Lothian we are incredibly proud of all our volunteers from the community, our estates and our hospitals.
Kosar Bibi started as a Volunteer Driver in November 2024 to support NHS Lothian’s Flow Centre with patient transport from hospital to home. In short, Kosar picks up patients from hospital discharge lounges across our sites and drives them directly home. While some journeys for Kosar may be short, such as travelling to Forth Valley, others may see Kosar drive all the way up to Inverness and other parts of the Highlands.
Since starting in her role, Kosar has safely transported home more than 120 patients, clocking up an incredible 21,000+ miles in the process.
Kosar explained: “I decided to become a volunteer driver after seeing first-hand the difficulties people have getting home from hospital due to grown children, carers etc. having other commitments.
“I love meeting such interesting people from all walks of life and all ages. I also get to see and hear how hard the NHS work to improve people’s lives. The best bit is reuniting the patient with their loved ones.”
Supporting the Flow Centre to help get patients home as quickly as possible also helps our hospitals frees up beds for new patients coming into the system. Additionally, Kosar provides a service when all other patient transport options have been exhausted, saving NHS Lothian the cost of having to use the last resort option of paying for external transport.
Ross Lamb, Voluntary Services Manager, describes Kosar as a friendly, empathetic, and committed person. Kosar averages several patient transfers per month and proceeds with her duties regardless of the weather (obviously taking weather warnings into account!).
Ross explains: “As Kosar’s Voluntary Services Manager, it’s always interesting to see all the places she transports patients to around Scotland each month, and it’s also rewarding to see the number of patients she gets home safe and sound to the comfort of their own surroundings.”
“When nominating Kosar for this award, I also worked out that over 35% of the patient transfers Kosar has completed have been round trips of 200 miles or more. This is quite simply an extraordinary effort from a volunteer and something that should quite rightly be celebrated and appreciated.
“The Voluntary Services Team and Flow Centre are extremely grateful for all Kosar’s kind support and outstanding commitment. We are very lucky to have her!”
Kosar has now also been shortlisted for the Voluntary Service Award at this year’s upcoming Celebrating Success Awards.
AN £18 million Scottish Government investment will give young people the chance to get involved in different sporting activities on their doorstep.
The Council, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding from the national initiative to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people locally as part of the national agency’s 2026 Summer of Sport.
The £18 million initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland, will offer young people aged three to 26 the opportunity to get active and maybe try something new.
This summer, it’s game on, and the 2026 Summer of Sport is a unique opportunity for communities across Scotland to embrace the excitement of sport, inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, both of which will showcase Scotland on the global stage and inspire young people to take part, get active and begin their own journey in sport and activity.
With activities running throughout the summer and beyond, young people in Edinburgh will have access to a range of free and low-cost sport and physical activity opportunities, helping remove barriers to participation and ensure more young people have the chance to get involved.
The Council will work with colleagues and a network of partners, including Edinburgh Leisure, The University of Edinburgh, Scottish Student Sport, NHS, local sports clubs and local community organisations to ensure these opportunities are available to young people, regardless of background.
The funding will enable the delivery of activities designed to help young people develop healthy habits, build stronger social connections, and foster a lifelong love of movement.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:“We’re proud to support the 2026 Summer of Sport and are excited for the accessible activity opportunities it will create for young people in Edinburgh.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity and sport. We will work with colleagues and partners to make these opportunities available to young people across Edinburgh, regardless of background.”
Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish said: “With the school summer holidays fast approaching, this funding will make it possible for even more children across the city to take part in, and maybe even have a go, at a new sport for the first time.
“We are committed to levelling the playing field for all children and young people in Edinburgh and we know that sport can play a crucial role in supporting that.
“The benefits of being active are widely known and the range of activities on offer will hopefully encourage young people to get out, get active and as a result benefit from better social connection, camaraderie, alongside health benefits.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said:“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.
“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Through these investments, the Council is working to ensure that the 2026 Summer of Sport positively influences as many young people as possible, fostering engagement in sport and outdoor activities across all communities.
To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, visit:
Neighbourhood crime “eroding community safety” as Crimestoppers urges public to speak up anonymously
Crimestoppers is launching a new campaign to highlight the growing impact of neighbourhood crime across the UK and empower people to share information anonymously to help protect communities.
From burglary and robbery to shoplifting and phone theft, neighbourhood crime is reshaping everyday life, affecting people’s sense of safety at home, their confidence on their streets and trust in local high streets and public spaces.
Latest figures show the scale of the issue with more than 509,000 shoplifting offences, 224,000 burglaries, and 129,000 thefts from the person recorded across the UK.
In addition, there were an estimated 590,000 incidents of retail violence and abuse, alongside 950,000 cases of verbal abuse in convenience stores*.
These are not just statistics, they represent real people experiencing fear, disruption, and lasting emotional impact.
Neighbourhood crime can have long-term consequences. Burglaries can damage a person’s sense of security in their own home. Robberies and phone theft can change how people travel, socialise and go about daily life. Retail crime continues to affect local businesses, workers and the overall confidence of many communities.
Despite this, many incidents go unreported. People may fear retaliation, not want direct involvement with police, or feel that speaking up will not make a difference. This silence can leave the door open for organised crime and criminal activity to continue, leaving communities feeling unsafe.
Crimestoppers is encouraging people to break this cycle by sharing what they know safely and anonymously.
Mick Duthie, Director of Operations from the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Neighbourhood crimes have the effect of eroding community safety which is why information we receive anonymously and pass on can help to keep us safe.
“We know that many people want to speak up but feel unable to. That’s why our charity exists. We provide a safe, trusted way for anyone to share information about crime completely anonymously.
“You don’t need proof, and you don’t need to give your name. Even a small piece of information can make a big difference in helping to protect others.”
Crimestoppers guarantees 100% anonymity. No information provided can be traced back to the individual to makes contact.
Edinburgh’s last all-boys school is removing phones overnight in a drive to put sleep back at the centre of school life.
As debate continues following Westminster’s recent decision to ban mobile phones in schools, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh is taking its own approach to managing screen use.
The independent school has their younger boarders hand in their phones and tablets each evening before bed, removing the temptation to scroll, message or game late into the night.
For Sixth Form pupils, phones remain with them but the school’s Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm, marking the end of the digital day. The policy forms part of a wider effort to encourage healthier digital habits and better sleep routines.
As a boarding school, staff also oversee evening routines and bedtime in the houses, giving them a unique view of how screen habits affect sleep.
The move comes amid growing concern about the impact smartphones are having on teenagers’ sleep and attention. Recent research by the National Literacy Trust found that fewer than one in ten boys aged 14-16 now read daily for pleasure, with screens and digital distractions increasingly dominating evenings.
Staff say reclaiming some of that evening time has become an important part of boarding life at Merchiston.
The school has also introduced The Bothy, a deliberately screen-free social space where pupils can spend time together without devices, playing board games, reading, listening to music or simply talking.
Staff say the aim is not to ban technology but to help boys develop healthier routines around sleep and downtime.
Boarding staff say the biggest change is visible in evening routines once devices are removed.
Richard Glover, house parent for the school’s middle-year boarders, where phones are handed in overnight, said: “Before we introduced clearer routines around phones, it wasn’t unusual to see boys scattered around the house late in the evening, each absorbed in their own screen messaging, gaming or scrolling.
“Once the phones are handed in, the atmosphere changes quite quickly. You start to see the more traditional side of boarding life come back with boys chatting in the common room, reading, playing pool, helping each other with homework or even cooking together in the kitchen.
“We have noticed that the boys even recognise their sleep quality improving with the school’s routine. Within a short time the house becomes much calmer and bedtime happens far more naturally.”
For older pupils, the emphasis shifts towards independence.
Nick Lieberman, house parent for the school’s Sixth Form boarders, where pupils keep their phones but Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm, said: “With Sixth Form pupils the focus is much more on independence and learning self-management of their screen time.
“They’re only a year or two away from university, so part of boarding life is helping them learn how to manage their own routines and helping them build habits they’ll carry with them beyond school.
“The evening routine in Sixth form is sacred and forms invaluable structure for the boys while in school. The boys must then be in their rooms and settling for bed from 10pm onwards.
“When the Wi-Fi switches off at 11pm it creates a natural end point in the evening and a digital switch off, limiting the opportunity for endless scrolling and also the temptation to do a bit more work because rest is so important as a part of academic study.”
Carole Crawford, whose son flexi-boards at Merchiston and spends part of the week boarding and part at home, said the school’s approach to evening phone use has helped reinforce positive sleep habits and support the routines already encouraged at home.
She said: “Like most teenagers, my son would happily stay on his phone late into the evening if he could. We have always encouraged sensible phone habits at home, and the structure at school really helps reinforce that message.
“It gives him a clear point in the evening to switch off, settle down and get a proper night’s sleep. When he comes home, that pattern carries through, and he is more conscious of putting the phone down at the right time.”
Headmaster of Merchiston Castle School, Huw Jones, said: “Sleep is fundamental to how young people learn, concentrate and manage their wellbeing. Rather than focusing on restricting or banning phones, our priority is to nurture the skills and habits that support a healthy, sustainable relationship with technology.
“In a boarding environment, we have a duty to ensure pupils have the time and space to switch off properly at night. When young people are well rested, everything improves, from focus in the classroom to how they engage with friends, sport and school life more broadly.
“I try to model good habits by locking away my own phone during the working day. It’s a simple way of showing that how we use technology has a direct impact on our attention, productivity and wellbeing.”
To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:
Are you an unpaid carer looking for community, a new hobby or a moment of respite?
Join us next Monday for a collection of inspiring walks around the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Stockbridge followed by a gentle session of writing, facilitated by Catherine Muir.
These classes are completely free thanks to funding from Shared Care Scotland, short breaks fund.
Meeting places are a mix between LifeCare and The Cottage in the Botanics:
Edinburgh gardeners and David Beckham fans can now get their hands on the newly launched Sir David Beckham rose (Ausa34b16) at Dobbies Edinburgh, following its unveiling at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The new white English Shrub Rose, created by renowned breeder David Austin Roses in honour of one of Britain’s most celebrated figures, has arrived in limited numbers at the Edinburgh and is expected to prove popular with local shoppers looking to embrace the cottage garden trend this summer.
Originally gifted to Beckham from his daughter for his 50th birthday, the David Austin ® rose is a lasting symbol of love and admiration that will continue to bloom year after year.
Dobbies is also sharing expert advice on achieving a classic Cotswolds-inspired planting style, combining soft florals, layered textures and natural materials.
Nigel Lawton, Plant Buyer at Dobbies, commented, “The Sir David Beckham rose is a brilliant addition for gardeners looking to create a timeless English country garden feel at home.
“Roses continue to be hugely popular as more people embrace relaxed, naturalistic planting styles inspired by countryside gardens and outdoor living trends.
“This variety works beautifully alongside classic cottage garden favourites like lavender, salvia and foxgloves to create that soft, romantic look people associate with Cotswolds-style gardens.”
Dobbies’ top tips for creating the Cotswolds garden look at home:
1. Layer soft cottage garden planting Combine roses with lavender, delphiniums, foxgloves and salvia to create fullness, softness and seasonal colour. Mixing heights and textures helps achieve a relaxed, natural look.
2. Add natural materials and rustic textures Terracotta pots, weathered stone, gravel pathways and wooden planters all help create the understated countryside feel seen in traditional Cotswolds gardens.
3. Keep planting generous and informal Avoid rigid lines and structured displays. Instead, allow flowers and greenery to spill naturally through borders for a more romantic, lived-in garden style.
With limited quantities available in each participating store , customers are encouraged to shop early as demand is expected to be high.
£2.50 from the sale of every rose will be donated to The King’s Foundation, for which David Beckham serves as an ambassador.
More than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but yet to take their first step
Almost three-quarters (67%) of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing wasn’t talked about
NatWest launches new confidence building campaign with consumer finance champion Angellica Bell to help would-be first time investors take their first step
A study of 5,000 UK adults from NatWest has found that 67% of Edinburgh locals grew up in households where investing was never talked about.
However, despite this, more than a third (35%) of people in Edinburgh are ‘investment curious’ but are yet to take their first step, with hesitation to invest driven by fear of making a mistake (33%) and a desire for better understanding of investing (20%). The research also shows that locals feels they need to hit certain milestones before getting started as over a quarter (30%) say they wouldn’t consider investing until they had at least £10,000 in savings.
This “readiness barrier” is preventing many people from taking that first step, with almost three quarters (67%) of Edinburgh residents are not currently investing outside of workplace pensions*.
Practical support could help close the gap. One in five (20%) of residents state that having a better understanding would have helped them to feel more ready to invest, the most commonly listed response. Locally, more than one in three (37%) of residents would be the first in their family to invest if they were to take their first step.
NatWest commissioned the research to support a new campaign aimed at helping people tackle the confidence barriers that can make investing feel out of reach. Developed in partnership with TV presenter and consumer finance expert Angellica Bell, it launches amid a developing national conversation around how to encourage more people to invest.
This includes the recent launch of the government backed “Invest for the Future” initiative which aims to make investing feel more accessible to everyday savers and the introduction of Targeted Support, designed to help banks give customers more meaningful guidance on investing.
Aroma Khan, NatWest Investment Expert, said: “At a time when many people are carefully managing their money and thinking hard about their financial priorities, we understand that investing may not feel like the right step for everyone.
“But for those who are in a position to save, investing can still feel out of reach, either because it was never talked about growing up or because it seems like you need a certain level of knowledge or money to get started.
“That’s why we’ve launched this campaign: to help break down those perceptions and support people in understanding whether investing is right for them, at a pace that works for them.
“We want to help more people feel confident enough to explore that first step, if and when they’re ready. In reality, it’s often about starting small, for example through something like a Stocks and Shares ISA, building understanding over time and recognising that you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one.
“By making investing feel more accessible and achievable, we hope to support people in turning that initial curiosity into informed action.”
To help people take that first step, NatWest has partnered with TV presenter, consumer finance expert and NatWest customer Angellica Bell to challenge common misconceptions about investing for the first time.
Angellica Bell said: “People often assume investing is something you need to have all figured out before you start, that you need the right salary, the right amount saved, or the right moment. But that’s rarely how anything in life actually works.
“I’ve learned that in plenty of situations myself. Whether it was moving into a new role or picking up new skills later in life, the confidence came from doing it, not from waiting until everything felt perfectly in place. Investing doesn’t have to be different. A small step is still a meaningful step, and you build from there.”
Angellica Bell’s advice for those considering investing for the first time:
Accept that nerves are natural – If it feels daunting, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, it’s just what doing something new feels like. Confidence usually follows the first step, not the other way around.
Stop waiting for the perfect moment – There’s always another milestone to hit, but the research shows that regret about not starting sooner is highest among people in their 30s and 40s. Start when you can, even a small step, and build from there.
Focus on the ‘why’ – Make it real: what are you investing for? A clear goal turns a scary step into a purposeful one. Keep it practical, start with an amount you’re comfortable with, and learn as you go.
Challenge the ‘not for me’ narrative – Everyone starts as a beginner. Investing isn’t for a certain type of person, it’s simply a way to build long‑term security and open up more choices later.
Start smaller than you think you need to – Most people overestimate what it takes to begin. A small first step is still a first step, and it’s one more than you’ve taken before.
Find out more about investing with NatWest and how to get started with a Stocks & Shares ISA:
Enjoy authentic homemade curries, rice, salad, and naan bread.
Fresh fruit kindly sponsored by the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland.
A warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone.
Tuesday 2nd June 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:50 PM)
Hibernian Community Foundation
FREE ENTRY | ALL WELCOME | NO BOOKING REQUIRED
