That’s a Wrap! Royal Highland Show delivers sunshine, celebration of Scottish farming and a showcase of champion livestock

A sell-out Saturday, a dedicated family day today and selfies with Saturday night TV star, Sheli McCoy, made for a spectacular and successful Royal Highland Show as the very best in farming and rural life gathered at Scotland’s largest outdoor event venue, Royal Highland Centre, across the last four days.

Over 210,000 people came together to enjoy everything the Show had to offer this year, with agriculture at its heart.

From champion livestock and competitive equine classes to the latest in agri machinery, equipment and technology, the Show once again brought together the people, businesses and innovation driving Scotland’s rural economy.

Visitors were able to see first-hand the skill, standards and expertise across the sector, from the show rings and judging lines to machinery displays, practical demonstrations and conversations around the future of farming.

Alongside the traditional displays, families and visitors enjoyed a packed programme of activity including sheepdog trials, mountain bike displays, hobby horsing, fly fishing demonstrations, wood carving, and choreographed stunt displays from Outlander-inspired rival clans.

Food provenance also took centre stage in Scotland’s Larder, where exhibitors showcased local produce alongside cooking demonstrations exploring everything from the superpower of seaweed and ingredients from the north east, to big-flavour cheeses and food science.

Scottish BAFTA winner Sheli McCoy met with excited fans as she gathered outside Ingliston House beside the giant ‘RHS’ letters to capture selfies on Sunday.

The Show came to a sensational conclusion with a stunning display by the Lonach Highlanders and Lonach Pipe Band as they participated in a parade of the Show’s Main Ring and President’s Salute as part of the event’s Presidential Initiative’s Aberdeenshire showcase.

Children 15 and under were able to attend the Show for free and over 23,000 children attended over the four days.

The Saturday evening of the Show saw the Royal Highland Show present The Reeling, bringing some of Scotland’s biggest contemporary folk acts together, including Skipinnish, Breabach, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Quintet, Dlù and Dougie MacLean.

Other well-known visitors to this year’s Show included First Minister, John Swinney who, whilst on-site, sampled haggis as the US legalised Scotland’s National Dish. TV presenter, Michael Portillo, was also at the event filming for his Great British Railway Journeys series.

The Royal Highland Show is the biggest fundraising event for organisers, RHASS, (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland) with the week of the Show seeing the event site become the sixth-largest population centre in Scotland, bigger than Paisley and Dunfermline.

With 197 hectares of entertainment (the equivalent of 180 football pitches!) there was something for everyone to enjoy.

David Tennant, Head of Show for RHASS said: “After a rainy start, the sun shone over the final two days, helping to quite literally shine a light on the very best of Scottish agriculture and the hard work, dedication and resilience of our farming community.

“As well as celebrating those across the sector, we were delighted to welcome more young people than last year to the Show as part of our dedicated Family Day on Sunday. Activities such as live milking and shearing demonstrations and hobby horsing gave children and families the opportunity to enjoy hands-on agricultural experiences that they may not otherwise have encountered.

“While the Show remains renowned for its rich heritage, livestock competitions and iconic parades, it has evolved into so much more. Each year, we build on previous successes, introducing new attractions, showcasing innovation and creating fresh opportunities for people to connect with agriculture.

“I would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the 2026 Royal Highland Show such a memorable occasion, from our members, exhibitors and competitors to our staff, volunteers and visitors. Your support, enthusiasm and commitment have helped make this year’s Show truly unforgettable.”

The 2026 Royal Highland Show – facts and numbers:

–       This year marks 45 years of The Royal Bank of Scotland supporting the Show, with the bank reaffirming its commitment to its longest-standing corporate partnership last year for an additional three years.

–       327 prestigious trophies and a prize fund of £195,000 were competed for and awarded at this year’s Show

–       Queen’s Cup winner 2026 is Irish Draught Light horse, Corkeeran Willow, by William Moran.

–       The Royal Bank of Scotland Trophy rotates to a different section each year. 2026 was presented to sheep and was won by W Ramsay & Sons for Milnmark.

–       The John Miller Perpetual Challenge Trophy, awarded in rotation to the best stocksperson was this year presented to beef. Moralee Hereford won the trophy.

–       The Sanderson Trophy was won by Paul and Matthew Bedford with Roughlands Graceful Lady. The trophy is a major mark of excellence in Scotland’s equine community.

–       Inter-breed sheep champion was the Blackface winner from the Ramsay family, Milnmark. The family have also won the breed championship ten times in total.

–        Over 6,000 livestock were welcomed, including 700 cattle, 2000 sheep, 400 heavy horses, 1,680 light horse entries, from 2,500 competitors

–       Texel, Beltex and Blackface sheep classes among the largest sections. Newer breeds such as Dutch Spotted sheep have also continued to grow in popularity.

–       Dairy had cattle had the highest number of entries in over 10 years

–       Highlands remain the leading cattle breed entered (100), alongside strong numbers of Beef Shorthorn (93) and Aberdeen Angus (77)

–       1,680 light horse entries

–       Over 700 exhibitors, stretching across food, drink, clothing, artisanal crafts and agri-trade were in attendance.

–       The Sir William Young Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to the world of livestock breeding and celebrates the enduring legacy of the late Sir William Young, was presented to Hugh Ramsay MBE.

–       Over 200 volunteer stewards were involved in the RHS, as well as over 150 judges from all across the UK from Thurso to Devon

–       A record 7,000 school pupils from 250 school groups came along for free through RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust), trying their hand at milking Mabel the (fiberglass) cow, planting peas, learning about peat and tasting and exploring seafood in the RHET Discovery Centre.

–       Over 60,000 pints were poured over the four days, and over 10,000 glasses of Pimms were drunk.

–       The classic burger was the most popular dish served up across the four-day event with 16,326 burgers  flipped, and visitors kept energised with over 23,600 cups of coffee poured.

Super early-bird tickets for the 2027 Show are now on-sale.

You can buy tickets here: https://www.royalhighlandshow.org

Today: Enjoy a sunny lunch at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

☀️ A little taste of sunshine is coming your way this Monday! ☀️

With the sun hopefully shining, we’ve got a lovely sunny lunch planned for you all.

Join us for a delicious Italian lemon spaghetti with garlic bread, followed by some homemade banana muffins for dessert.

🍽️ Lunch is served 11:30am – 12:30pm

You’re welcome to sit in and enjoy a chat, or grab a takeaway to enjoy at home.

Free for everyone – we’d love to see you!

And don’t forget, breakfast is on as usual too! ☕🥐

Hot rolls and drinks from 9:00am – 10:30am

Funding boost for organisations bringing people together

TACKLING LONELINESS

Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.

A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.

This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers. 

Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.

Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people. Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.

“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”

Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.

Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings

Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment

Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people

Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia

Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people

North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older).  Intergenerational elements

Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents

Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people

Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions

Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers

Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families

Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions

Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions

Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers.  Volunteering.

Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community

Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people

Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women

Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers

The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people

Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.

Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing

Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia

Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment

The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders

Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities

Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)

Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds

The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people

The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children

Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups

Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions

Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people

Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families

British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person

Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people

Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome

The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism

ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability

Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people

Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults

Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people

Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL

Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands

Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting

Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.

Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS

Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people

Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.

Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people

Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people

Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income

Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.

Six tips to kickstart the day as a third of people in Edinburgh are completely inactive in the morning

Kickstarting your day with simple morning rituals can help you feel energised and focused. Yet new data from Kellogg’s revealed that almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) are completely inactive in the morning.

Improving health is the biggest motivation for moving more, with more than a quarter (28%) saying it’s their main driver*.

Breakfast still plays a functional role for over half (53%) of those in Edinburgh, who eat it to fuel themselves for the day*. Although this isn’t the only factor to help beat the afternoon slump, as staying energised rarely comes down to a quick fix.

Lejla Damon, Senior Brand Manager from Kellogg’s, shares six tips to help Glaswegians improve their morning routine and embrace the day ahead:

Rave-olution

Waking up with a song and a dance can really boost those dopamine levels, leaving you feeling on top of the world. Seeing some friendly faces and listening to great tunes, paired with a balanced breakfast, is a recipe for success. Research* shows that dance sparks feel good vibes of joy (29%), energy (36%), freedom (25%) and even a touch of nostalgia (15%) for individuals in Edinburgh. Morning raves are really having a moment – especially with the over-50s – and are a fantastic way to wake up. Six in ten indiiduals in Edinburgh (60%) admitted they’d be keen to try new activities, so look out for events in your local area – you won’t regret it!

Light Movement

Starting your day with some light movement and exercise is one of life’s simplest mood boosters – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. Sure, a gym or Pilates class can help you feel energised from the outset, but don’t underestimate the benefits of a brisk walk and exposure to natural sunlight. Almost a third of people in Edinburgh (31%) admit they are completely inactive in the morning, with nearly half (45%) opting for a walk over other types of physical activity, take advantage of those brighter mornings with a stroll around your local area. It’s a great way to get your steps in and help to focus your mind for the day ahead.

Never Hit Snooze

By mid-morning, almost four in ten individuals in Edinburgh (37%) feel ‘fine’ but admit they could feel better. Hitting snooze in the morning can be extremely tempting – we’ve all been there. But it’s known to throw off your body clock, which can sometimes lead to grogginess that lasts well into the morning. Try placing your phone or alarm clock on the other side of the room so you’re forced to spring out of bed to silence it. This breaks the three-second habit of hitting snooze and creates a gap so you can consciously choose to stay awake. Natural sunlight is also a fantastic alarm clock, so keep the blinds slightly open to boost alertness in the mornings. And, of course, don’t underestimate the night before. Put yourself on a digital curfew 30 minutes before you go to sleep, allowing the brain to switch off. 

Routine is Key

Morning routines are necessary because they can provide structure and a clear mind for the rest of the day, helping to reduce stress first thing. Having small habits provides an early sense of achievement before you take on the day. If you don’t have the time to get out for a walk or workout, take 15 minutes to do some sort of movement at home, at your own pace. A few jumping jacks or light stretching will do the trick – or a quick dance! And if you have a garden, get outside and embrace the natural sunlight. It’s known to be a great mood booster.

Morning Fuel

Breakfast is an important start to the day, with more than half of those in Edinburgh (53%) saying they eat it to fuel themselves for the day. It is widely recognised by global nutrition organisations that those who eat breakfast cereal on a regular basis tend to have better overall nutrition intakes and diet quality compared to those who don’t1.

Many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals, providing sources of important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin D1, and in most cases provide a source of fibre or are high in fibre – something which most UK adults continue to fall short of in their daily diets2. So, why not start your morning with a high fibre breakfast cereal, such as Kellogg’s Special K Original, which is fortified with a range of vitamins to help support energy** when consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Positive Mindset

Positive thinking first thing in the morning can lead to a positive attitude and a brighter mood for the rest of the day, helping you tackle whatever life throws at you. A good morning routine is not just about what you do, but how it makes you feel. It’s about creating small, positive habits that add up to a big difference in your overall wellbeing.

Voices of Glasgow’s babies heard at special event

Glasgow City Chambers hosted a special event on Thursday, 18 June to celebrate a project shining a light on the ‘voice’ of babies. Teams working on The Art of Listening to Babies Project came together to acknowledge and reflect on the work done so far.

Designed with babies as the focus, the initiative explores how arts-based practice can put their voices at the heart of their nursery environment and help them to have meaningful and responsive experiences.

The project recognises the importance of a baby’s brain development, particularly in their first 1001 days of life, and therefore the significance of every social interaction and relationship they form at that stage, as well as other ways they communicate without speaking.

Esteemed guests including nursery practitioners were welcomed and invited to share their experiences of working on the project, including carrying out research in 26 nursery baby rooms across the city.

Cllr Christina Cannon, convener for Education and Early Years, said: “Glasgow is delighted to be one of the early trailblazers of this project and learn more about what matters to the families of our youngest citizens.

“I would like to thank the dedicated nursery practitioners for the fantastic work they have done so far.

“Babies may not use words, but there is power in the way they express their feelings through movement, facial expression, gesture and sound.

“The smallest interaction can help secure attachments and support emotional wellbeing, making it vital for us to provide high-quality early years provision to support a baby’s development. It is not just about improving services, but making life changes.

“Capturing their ‘voice’ means recognising that every baby has a perspective, a right to be heard, and a right to be understood.”

Jennifer Phillips, Starcatchers’ co-CEO, said: “This project reminds us that listening starts long before words.

“Thanks to the creativity of Starcatchers’ artists, the expertise of researchers at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Queen Margaret University, inspirational Early Years practitioners, and the support of Glasgow City Council, we have gained remarkable insights into babies’ experiences of early learning and childcare.

“Most importantly, we have shown that even our youngest children can help shape policy when we take the time to understand how they communicate. The illustrated book, A Voice As Big As Any Other, being presented to participating babies is a wonderful way of recognising their contribution and demonstrating that their experiences have helped influence the future of early years services in Glasgow.”

Siobhian Brown, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said: “It was wonderful to join the celebration and hear directly from those who have brought this project to life across Glasgow’s nurseries.

“The Art of Listening to Babies project reminds us that every baby has a voice — expressed through movement, gesture and expression — that should be truly heard and understood and that responding to that voice with care and attentiveness is one of the most important things we can do.

“I am proud that the Scottish Government is funding this innovative work through our Early Adopter Community Project, and I look forward to seeing how the insights will deepen our understanding and help shape both local and national policy across Scotland.”

The project is delivered alongside Starcatchers and funded by the Scottish Government through the All Aged Childcare, Early Adopter Project.

Edinburgh Festival Carnival’s back!

We are thrilled that this year’s Edinburgh Festival Carnival will return to the streets!

Thanks to funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Visitor Levy, the 2026 Carnival will see over 1,000 performers parading down The Mound and along Princes Street in a breath-taking display of music, dance and carnival costumes from local, national and international artists.

Following the parade, the party continues with performances across West Princes Street Gardens.

More information coming soon!

Join Barnardo’s atop the world-famous Forth Bridge

‘We felt it was only right to get married in front of the bridge where we got engaged’

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has brought joy to those seeking adventure and has raised nearly half-a-million pounds for Scotland’s leading children’s charity. And now, a precious few are once again able to stand atop the iconic Forth Bridge to help make childhoods across Scotland happier, healthier, and more hopeful.

Barnardo’s Scotland’s ‘Your View at the Forth Bridge’ event, run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty allows members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland – namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

One couple who have already enjoyed the Your View experience are Laura, 36, and Connor Robertson, 33, from Armadale, in West Lothian. The couple got engaged atop the Forth Bridge two years ago when Connor got down on one knee – much to Laura’s shock!

Laura said: “The proposal was a complete surprise! Connor didn’t even tell me that we were doing the bridge viewing until we arrived in the car park, so the whole day was a pleasant surprise from start to finish.

“Your View was one of the best things we’ve done together – getting to be up on top of the bridge and taking in some of the most amazing sights.

“I’d recommend it to anyone. The volunteers were amazing, from getting history about the bridge being built, to the friendly and helpful staff joining you as you make your way up in the hoist.

“It was a day we will never forget. Barnardo’s is an incredible charity and we’re over the moon that all of the money from tickets goes straight towards the great work that they do in Scotland.” 

The couple got married in South Queensferry on Saturday, 7 March this year… with a familiar sight in the background of some of their wedding photographs.

Laura adds: “We felt it was only right to get married in front of the Forth Bridge where we got engaged, so it really was a full-circle moment getting to tie the knot with our special place on view!

“And, to top it off, our little boy Noah, who is now three, was at the wedding too, and he had an absolute ball!”

Your View 2026 will take place from Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September, with tickets on sale now.

To date, more than 7,000 visitors have experienced the event and there have been around a dozen marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.

Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £450,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: 

www.eventbrite.com/cc/your-view-at-the-forth-bridge-2026-4846806.

Michele Janes, the Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “As I step into my new role in Scotland, I’m struck by how the Your View event captures the very best of what Scotland offers: breathtaking beauty, a sense of possibility and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve come back down to earth.

“The view from the top of the Forth Bridge is a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition, engineering brilliance and community spirit come together.

“It’s a unique opportunity for people to see Scotland from a new perspective, connecting them to the scale of the possible, while supporting the potential of children and families across the country.”

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, added: added: “The Forth Bridge is one of Scotland’s most cherished and recognisable landmarks, and we’re proud to once again support an event that allows people to experience it in such a unique way.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that this special opportunity not only gives visitors a remarkable perspective of the bridge, but also helps raise vital funds for Barnardo’s Scotland and the important work they do with children and families.

“We’d also like to offer our congratulations to Laura and Connor. We’re delighted that the Forth Bridge continues to play such a meaningful role in their story.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

“The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support children and families in Scotland. It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”

Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.

For more information on this year’s Your View event, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.

For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.

To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.

Walk4Hope brings support and connection to Scots living with secondary breast cancer

People across central Scotland living with secondary breast cancer will come together in Falkirk this summer for a gentle, supportive walk designed to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Make 2nds Count works across the UK to support those affected by secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer – a condition that can be treated but not cured.

The charity focuses on improving access to tailored support and funding research to extend and improve quality of life. Each year, it directly supports around 2,000 patients and reaches thousands more through education and advocacy.

The event, called Walk4Hope, will bring patients, families and friends together at Falkirk’s Helix Park for a relaxed walk around an accessible 5K route designed with participants’ needs in mind.

Walk4Hope encourages movement while offering a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. By creating a welcoming environment outdoors, the event aims to lift mood, increase energy and foster a sense of community among those taking part.

The event has been made possible thanks in part to a £493 grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which will cover the cost of hiring the park for the day and pay for the presence of adequate first aid facilities.

Lianne Bryce, Lead Regional Fundraising Manager for Make 2nds Count, said: “The kind donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will allow us to deliver our Walk4Hope event in Scotland, bringing together our patient community, friends and family for a gentle 5K walk in the beautiful Helix Park in Falkirk.

“This 5K stroll offers significant benefits, serving as an accessible, low-impact movement to promote physical well-being, boost mood and increase energy levels. Furthermore, the event creates a supportive community setting that enhances emotional well-being, providing participants with a valuable sense of connection, empathy and companionship.”

Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles and Trustee of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, said: “Cancer affects every family in Scotland, and is a cause very close to my own heart.

“Make 2nds Count is doing important work to support people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. We are pleased to help bring Walk4Hope to Scotland, giving people the chance to come together and support one another.”

Walk4Hope is expected to bring a strong sense of togetherness to all involved, offering connection and support to those who need it most.

Edinburgh school uniform exchange breaking down barriers to education

The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help families in need

They say your school days are the best days of your life. But for many pupils in Edinburgh, just making it to the school gates can be an issue, especially for those whose families are struggling to cover the cost of basic essentials such as a uniform.

And so, before the current term draws to a close, one local Community Interest Company is launching a free school uniform exchange, so every pupil can start the new academic year in August looking smart and feeling confident.

Back for the fourth year, The Leith Collective will open a free school uniform exchange within its Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird stores in Edinburgh, as well as its store at the Overgate Centre in Dundee on Friday 26th June. Here, families in need can collect good quality uniforms, coats, gym kits, shoes, schoolbags and pencil cases, completely free of charge, no questions asked. 

The aim of this initiative is to give all pupils an equal start to the school year, as The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson explains; “Every day I see first-hand the huge inequality here in Edinburgh.

“Education has the power to provide a path out of poverty, but for some children, just accessing that education is fraught with obstacles. A lack of uniform is one of them.

“I hope that providing good quality items, no child will feel forced to skip school because they fear being judged for not having a uniform or for wearing ill-fitting or worn-out items. All children should start school on an equal footing, and uniforms shouldn’t hold anyone back.”

To ensure there are enough uniform items to meet demand, The Leith Collection is calling on locals to donate good quality pre-loved items, and businesses to donate surplus new stock.

People can donate and collect items at any of The Leith Collective stores during opening hours.

“Brexit has blunted our ambition and stalled our national progress”, says European Movement in Scotland

“Rejoin now a matter of survival”

Speaking on the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum, the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), Scotland ‘s biggest organisation campaigning for return to the European Union, says Brexit has stalled the UK’s progress as a nation and made us less ambitious.

“Those who told us we’d be better off out of the EU and that there were “no downsides, only upsides,” are guilty of not only leading the nation astray, but also of diminishing our drive and energy.

“We were a proud and influential member of a union of nations building prosperity, a dynamic scientific and technological future, strong consumer protections and the world’s biggest free market.

“Now, we are poorer. Our public services are being drained of investment because our economy has been hollowed out by Brexit. Our young people are being robbed of a better future,” says EMiS.

David Clarke, Chair of EMiS, says that as a society we have an obligation to make the future better than the past.

Clarke says that while rejoining the EU will not cure all our problems it will boost our economic confidence, stimulate growth and make us stronger and more secure.

“We could rejoin the EU within five years, but we need our political leaders to step up and talk about the huge benefits of being in the EU.

“With Russia growing more belligerent, the US being a less dependable ally and China now a global power, our future must lie in Europe. A better future is possible. Reversing Brexit is now a matter of national survival.”