They may be the smallest piglets ever born at Kew Little Pigs Farm, but these seven tiny new arrivals are already making a big impression.
Proud mum Bambi gave birth to the adorable litter earlier this week at the award-winning farm in Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
The piglets’ pint-sized dad is Pluto, a 38cm tall Juliana boar who’s believed to be the smallest proven adult boar in the world.
Pluto’s official Guinness World Record application is currently under review, but in the meantime, his growing family is giving the Kew Little Pigs team even more reason to celebrate.
“This is a really special moment for us,” said farm owner Olivia Mikhail. “We’ve never had a litter this small in size before, they’re absolutely adorable, and all doing well. Bambi is being a wonderful first-time mum, and Pluto is clearly passing on his best qualities!”
Nicknamed the “tiny but mighty” boar, Pluto was born on 23 February 2024 and is already a star at the ethical micro pig breeding farm. As well as being known for his cuddly, sociable nature, he’s dabbled in the limelight too, having starred in a London vodka brand’s ad campaign.
Pluto is now a dad twice over, with another of his love interests, Venus, also believed to be pregnant.
“He’s had quite the summer,” Olivia joked. “He might be small enough to sit comfortably on your lap, but Pluto’s definitely leaving a big legacy. If his piglets inherit his charm and character, they’ll be absolute treasures.”
Kew Little Pigs, which ranks in the top 10% of animal attractions globally on TripAdvisor, is the UK’s leading ethical breeder of micro pigs, offering hands-on experiences and educational visits.
The farm has welcomed thousands of families over the years and is now gearing up for its Alice in Wonderland-themed Fun Days this summer, promising piggy cuddles, music, face painting, and games for all ages.
To celebrate the new arrivals, the farm is offering 10% off tickets for all visitors using the code familyfun10 when booking at www.kewlittlepigs.com
“These piglets really are a milestone for us,” Olivia added. “We’re passionate about raising awareness of what responsible pig ownership looks like, and we’re proud that our babies will go on to become well-loved pets in forever homes. It’s a joy to watch them grow, and we think Pluto would agree!”
Edinburgh International Festival has become the first charity and the first arts organisation in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, highlighting its commitment to genuine emissions reductions
Operational progress includes a 56% reduction in electricity and 26% in gas emissions at The Hub,42% reduction in general waste through sustainable concessions and 58% reduction in printed paper since 2023, with a switch to freesheets and leaner print runs.
Progress in artistic programme includes the development of an artist residency model for touring orchestras, putting climate-themed works on stage and a sustainable approach to building locally for large-scale productions.
Edinburgh International Festival is the first charity, and the first arts organisation, in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, as part of its commitment to sustainable practice.
This achievement underpins the International Festival’s commitment to Net Zero by 2045, in all its activity, from delivering year-round work with workshops, community engagement projects, and support for emerging artists, to an August festival programme that features world-class performers from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.
Aligning with BSI’s Net Zero Pathway’s ISO 14064-1 (for greenhouse gas reporting) and IWA 42:2022 (for strategic planning), the Festival has set a clear roadmap to reach Net Zero emissions. A three phased plan involves reaching Net Zero for gas, electricity and staff hired vehicles by 2030, waste, water, coach travel, printed materials and commuting by 2035 and freight, hotels and staff travel by 2045.
Unlike other approaches that rely on offsetting, the BSI Net Zero Pathway prioritises actual emissions reductions, ensuring that organisations are making genuine progress towards Net Zero. Its robust science-based approach is based on international standards, evaluating an organisation’s carbon footprint and reduction targets to ensure credibility.
The BSI certification builds upon several initiatives from the International Festival to embrace new models of working with artists, audiences and employees to reduce carbon impact.
This includes reducing gas and electricity usage at The Hub, the Festival’s HQ on the Royal Mile, by 26% and 56% respectively, as well as appointing a full-time Environmental Sustainability Manager.
In 2023, the International Festival was proud to achieve the Green Tourism Silver Award, providing third-party verification that the Festival upholds globally recognised sustainability standards.
In 2024, the number of printed programmes was reduced, and coupled with a switch to freesheets across most events, printed paper amounts reduced by 14% compared to 2023’s output. This year, fewer printed brochures and a new highlights leaflet will see a 38% reduction in printed pages from 2024, a 58% reduction since 2023.
Terry Roberts, Edinburgh International Festival Sustainability Manager, said: “Our journey to net zero is an ongoing process, and we are actively seeking new ways and partners to reduce our environmental impact.
“The BSI certification provides a structure to achieving our ambitions, allowing us to understand where we are and what we need to do progress.
“We know this will be difficult and we can’t achieve anything alone, but by working together with our artists, suppliers, partners, audiences and the wider community, we are confident we can play our part in creating meaningful change. ”
Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services EMEA, said: “Achieving meaningful emissions reduction is a key priority for many in the cultural sector, but turning that ambition into action is a real achievement. The Edinburgh International Festival should be congratulated for this demonstration of leadership and action.
“BSI’s Net Zero Pathway is an independent process designed to build credibility around an organization’s journey and ultimately build societal confidence in the progress being made.
“Edinburgh International Festival’s commitment to science-based targets and meaningful emissions reductions sets a powerful example for how cultural institutions can help shape a more sustainable future, benefiting people and planet.”
Across artist travel, the International Festival have used an artist residency model since 2023, offering a more sustainable model for presenting large-scale orchestras.
Inviting world-leading orchestras for an extended stay in Edinburgh, featuring multiple performances and moments of community engagement, reduces the environmental impact through scaled-back travel and increases the performers’ engagement with Edinburgh – its audiences in the concert halls, as well as its communities.
This year’s resident orchestras include NYO2, a youth orchestra from the United States making its European debut, the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra; and NFM Leopoldinum, leading the Focus On Poland programme.
The Festival also takes a sustainable approach to large-scale productions, as seen in this year’s European premiere of Orpheus and Eurydice, which brings together Australian and Scottish talent. By building the set locally and collaborating with Scottish ensembles like the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the production strengthens local and international artistic ties while significantly reducing emissions.
Each year on stage, the International Festival seeks to challenge and inspire debate amongst audiences through platforming artists who explore climate change and justice in their artistic work.
This year’s programme features several works that delve into our human connection to the natural world, including Nederlands Dans Theater’s Figures in Extinction,Works and Days by Belgian theatre collective FC Bergman and William Kentridge and Handspring Puppet Company’s Faustus in Africa!.
Other green initiatives the Festival is undertaking this year include an optimisation of web servers working with Supercool to a cloud-based set up that has resulted in an energy reduction of 2,866kWh, equating to 595.4kgCO2e, and the use of algae ink, a biodegradable and carbon-neutral product, in Festival-branded flags created by GH Digital.
Beyond being the first arts organisation in the UK to be certified by BSI standards, the International Festival also plays a key role in leading the sector, collaborating with many organisations to share knowledge and experiences, and learn from colleagues.
The Festival are members of a number of sustainability groups and panels, including the Edinburgh Festival City Sustainability Working Group, Green Arts Initiative, Edinburgh Climate Compact and the European Sponsorship Association Sustainability Group.
The Festival also hosted a Sustainability in Practice event in 2025, welcoming an audience from across the worlds of culture and sustainability that included Creative Scotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Festivals Edinburgh and Scottish Ballet.
Looking ahead, the Festival is actively seeking partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to sustainability, with the aim of collaboratively achieving meaningful environmental goals.
Tickets to world-class performances across a handpicked programme of music, theatre, opera and dance at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 are available at www.eif.co.uk.
Motorists across the UK are being urged to stay vigilant as “crash-for-cash” scams continue to rise – with fraudsters deliberately causing rear-end collisions to cash in on bogus insurance claims.
According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), over 170,000 claims linked to suspected crash-for-cash incidents have been made in recent years – costing the UK industry hundreds of millions and pushing up premiums for honest drivers.
Legal expert Adam Jones from HD Claims warns that these staged accidents are often designed to make innocent drivers look responsible, particularly by slamming on brakes in congested traffic or at roundabouts.
“Many of these scams are carefully choreographed to leave you thinking you were at fault,” says Jones. “You may feel you were too close or distracted, but in reality, the collision was intentional. It’s financial exploitation – and in some cases, extremely dangerous.”
Telltale signs you’re being set up for a rear-end scam:
The other car’s brake lights are faulty or deliberately disabled
The driver is erratic, braking sharply or hesitating at junctions
The car is full of passengers – who all later claim whiplash
The other driver tries to talk you out of calling the police
They provide pre-written insurance details or urge you to use their “preferred” repair garage.
Other roadside scams to watch out for in 2025:
False damage claims: Fraudsters may claim you scraped their car in a car park, showing fake dents or photos from a previous incident.
Staged pedestrian accidents: A person may jump in front of your slow-moving car to fake injury.
Vehicle obstruction thefts: Drivers are blocked in by a second car while someone tries to steal valuables from the passenger side.
Fake breakdown helpers: In remote areas, con artists may offer help then demand cash or card payment on the spot.
What to do if you suspect a scam:
Stay calm and don’t admit fault at the scene
Photograph everything – car positions, damage, number plates, road signs, passengers
Call the police if anything feels suspicious
Never accept cash offers or sign anything without checking it first
Report it to your insurer and the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) Cheatline
“Crash-for-cash fraud doesn’t just cost drivers money – it can cause injury, anxiety, and serious legal consequences,” Adam Jones adds.
“If something feels off, document everything and get legal advice immediately.”
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners in Scotland to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth.
The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK, including the Lake District, Greater Manchester and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it.
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.
The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.
It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams said:“Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously ill and can even be fatal.
“We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk.
“With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.”
Top tips for pet owners
Look out for any warning signs near water bodies.
Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Operation Portaledge, bringing the total number of arrests to 55.
Yesterday – Friday, 18 July, 2025 – officers arrested and charged the man in connection with wilful fire-raising and firearms offences. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 21 July.
A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with damage at a property on Walter Scott Avenue in Edinburgh on Thursday, 12 June, and a wilful fire-raising at a property on Jackson Way in Tranent on Friday, 13 June. He will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Another 26-year-old man was also charged in connection with two vehicle fires in Port Seton, which occurred on Sunday, 18 May.
£2.5m. fund allocated to third sector organisations
Nine organisations working with autistic adults are to benefit from a £2.5 million multi-year fund.
The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential – supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.
Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.
“All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive – the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.
“Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”
Chris Paul, Chief Executive of The Anchor said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels.
“As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”
Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said: “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.
“The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.
“In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.”
On Thursday 7 August, visit us at George IV Bridge, Edinburgh or Kelvin Hall, Glasgow to get your own copy of a special edition centenary comic created by Beano, especially for this occasion!
First-come, first-served: 500 copies at each location
Meet Dennis the Menace (under staff supervision!)
Sign our birthday card to be stored in our archives in perpetuity
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to flock to the Tall Ships when they dock in Aberdeen this weekend, NHS Grampian is encouraging people to enjoy themselves safely.
With quayside concerts every night and a packed daytime programme it is set to be an extremely busy few days. As such, the health board is issuing the following top tips:
Slap on the SPF. With much of the event focused on outdoor activities, protecting the skin is vital. At least SPF30, but preferably SPF50, suncream should be applied generously and regularly topped up.
It might be Yo-Ho-Ho, but is the bottle of rum necessary? Pacing yourself, alternating non-alcoholic drinks, and having something to eat means you won’t feel like walking the plank the morning after.
If a salty sea dog, or marvellous mermaid, should catch your eye, make smart decisions about your sexual health and use a condom. This isn’t just about preventing an unwanted pregnancy, it’s also about stopping the spread of STIs. Condoms are available for free at locations across Grampian, check out our (treasure) map here: www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/sexualhealth/free-condoms
There will be several first aid posts and a larger medical facility on site, at which staff from Scotia Medical Group will be on hand to provide immediate support. These facilities should be your first port of call for any non-urgent incidents at the event.
Dr Kirsty Smith, a consultant in the emergency department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, said: “In an ideal world, we would love it if not a single person taking part in – or coming to see – the Tall Ships needed our care. However, if they do, it is vital they use NHS services correctly, especially if they aren’t familiar with the way we work.
“For minor ailments, the NHS Inform website is packed with useful self-care guides. If over the counter medicines or simple supplies like bandages are required, Aberdeen City Centre is well stocked with pharmacies, and you can get additional expert advice from the pharmacists if you need it.
“For minor injuries, call NHS 24 on 111. You’ll be able to speak to trained professionals and if you need further treatment or an X-Ray, they can arrange an appointment for this.
“I cannot stress enough, calling 999 or coming direct to the emergency departments at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, should be for medical emergencies only.”
Emma Wadee, project manager for The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen said: “Everyone at the Tall Ships Aberdeen want every single one of our visitors to have the best time possible, while staying safe and well during this brilliant event.
“We would urge people to follow the simple and sensible top health tips the NHS Grampian experts have provided. But if anyone does need assistance, please head towards one of our well-signposted first aid posts or alert any of the Tall Ships team who will be on hand to help visitors.”
Anyone requiring healthcare who does not normally live in the UK may have to pay for some or all their treatment, depending on their country of origin.
More information on this is on the NHS Inform website:
Single injection to help prevent the common winter virus
More babies who are born very prematurely will now be protected against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with the introduction of a new single injection which lasts throughout the winter season.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the single dose long-acting antibody medicine, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) will replace the five monthly jabs which were previously offered to higher-risk infants between October and February.
In addition, the existing programme for higher risk infants is being expanded to include very preterm infants, born before 32 weeks.
Minister for Public Health Jenni Minto said: “RSV can be life-threatening to babies born very early.
“That is why I am pleased the single jab will be offered by all NHS Boards across Scotland from this September, helping to protect these high-risk infants over winter.
“We will continue to work hard to protect Scotland’s most vulnerable groups against the respiratory illnesses which circulate throughout the colder months. Our various prevention programmes help reduce avoidable admissions to hospital and therefore the pressure on our NHS.”
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said:
“The last year has seen significant progress in efforts to protect those most vulnerable to RSV, including the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine which is offered at 28 weeks of pregnancy and helps protect newborn babies from serious illness. Babies born prematurely are at highest risk of serious complications from RSV and we welcome this programme expansion, which will help to ensure that even more babies are protected during their most vulnerable early months.”
RSV can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, a lung infection.
The current RSV maternal vaccine (for infant protection) is given at 28 weeks, so the expansion of the programme to all infants born before 32 weeks gives protection to those babies who are unlikely to benefit from maternal vaccination.
The new injection for babies is the latest development in efforts to protect those most vulnerable to RSV and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions over the busy winter period.
Last August, Scotland was the first nation in the UK to introduce another new RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, for pregnant women and older adults – more than 70% of eligible older adults took up the offer, leading to a Public Health Scotland study, published in the Lancet, showing a 62% reduction in RSV related hospitalisations among this group.
First-come, first-served: 500 copies at each location
Don’t go overboard during Tall Ships 2025
Slap on the SPF. With much of the event focused on outdoor activities, protecting the skin is vital. At least SPF30, but preferably SPF50, suncream should be applied generously and regularly topped up.
