The Scottish Ambulace Service has been issuing text messages via GOV.Notify to patients to gather their feedback on their experiences with the service.
To date, feedback messages have been sent to patients who have used the Falls pathways, those who experienced breathing difficulties, NHS24 callers who were transferred onto SAS, and patients who were triaged through our clinical hub and did not require an ambulance.
The primary aim of gathering patient experience data is to understand how patients are treated, identify service gaps, support learning and development, and inform resource allocation and service improvements.
SAS will be issuing text messages to patients who have experienced breathing difficulties and falls.
The text will be issued via GOV.Notify and link to a Webropol survey. If you receive this text, please complete the survey so we can ensure the Scottish Ambulance Service is proving the right care in the right place.
See behind the scenes as Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover
Work is progressing on redevelopment of the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, the historic home of the Crown, Sword and Sceptre which make up the Honours of Scotland.
Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.
A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.
The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room.
Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said: “I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity.
“I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.”
Mackenzie added: “We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn.
“It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.”
The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617.
The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security.
Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said: “The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
“With this redevelopment, we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards.
“The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.”
The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.
Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website.
105 new shows across comedy, theatre, musicals, cabaret, variety and children’s shows go on sale today from Gilded Balloon, marking its biggest on sale to date, with more programme announcements still to come.
These newly announced shows form part of a wide-ranging 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, bringing together leading names, rising stars and international artists. From big nights out to thoughtful theatre and side-splittingly clever comedy, August at Gilded Balloon offers something for all ages and tastes.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon,said: “We’re delighted to be putting a further 105 brilliant shows on sale as part of this year’s Fringe programme, with even more still to be announced.
“This line-up brings together some of the most exciting talent working today alongside the next generation of performers, and truly reflects the breadth and energy of the Fringe.”
The programme brings together established names including Gregor Fisher, Phil Nichol (returning with two shows), The Guilty Feminist and Rich Hall, alongside a strong wave of new voices making their Fringe debuts. Rising talent includes includes Madeleine Brettingham, Adi Parmar, Fab Goualin, Hannah Byczkowski and Shane Daniel Byrne, while Gilded Balloon continues its commitment to Scottish artists with debut shows from Eva Peroni and Alan Jay, and returning favourites Kim Blythe and Kathleen Hughes. The programme also features new Scottish music and theatre, including Crocodile Rock and a range of bold new productions across the theatre programme.
Gilded Balloon’s legendary shows return for 2026. Late’n’Live is back as the original late-night show, featuring stellar line-ups of your favourite acts from across the festival, hosted by some of the best MCs in the country every night.
Described as “The best late-night show on the Fringe” (Scotsman) and “A Fringe institution for a reason” (TheRecs.co.uk), previous acts have included Johnny Vegas, Bill Bailey, Rich Hall, Jason Byrne, Mawaan Rizwan, John Bishop, Larry Dean, Maisie Adam, Reuben Kaye, Jordan Grey and Viggo Venn. Late’n’Liveremains an essential addition to any Fringe bucket list.
Best Of So You Think You’re Funny? returns with an unmissable line-up of fresh talent, including finalists Reb Day, Joel Walker and Rachel Porter, offering audiences the chance to see the best emerging comedians before they become household names.
So You Think You’re Funny? Heats continue the search for comedy’s next big star, as contestants compete for a place in the final of the UK’s biggest newcomer competition. Previous winners include Peter Kay, Aisling Bea, Sara Pascoe and Lee Mack.
Comedy highlights includeGregor Fisher: An (Early) Evening With Gregor Fisher, where the Scottish stage and screen legend shares stories from his life and career; Madeleine Brettingham: Legend, the debut show from the So You Think You’re Funny? 2025 winner exploring myth, identity and growing up in a world of booze-soaked bad behaviour; and Rich Hall: Chin Music, a typically sharp, improvisational hour from the acclaimed comedian.
The Guilty Feminist, hosted by Deborah Frances-White, brings its Road to Gilead Project to the Fringe, alongside rising Scots comedy star Kim Blythe: Puzzle, following a sold-out 2025 run, and Smack The Pony’s Fiona Allen: White Lies, a sharply observed new show about social anxiety and human interaction.
New additions to the programme include Comedy Night at the Museum, a Gilded Balloon production bringing together top international comedians for a wholly improvised late-night show inspired by real artefacts from the National Museum of Scotland; Shane Daniel Byrne: Baby It’s Time, showcasing one of Ireland’s fastest-rising comedic voices; and Christian Dart: GUMSHOE!, a multi award-nominated, sell-out hit blending noir parody with high-energy character comedy.
Theatre highlights include SLAY, a darkly funny and unflinching exploration of trauma, therapy and modern coping mechanisms, andSilent Disco, an inventive, headphone-led experience blending psychology and music.
Further standout work includes HESS, Michael Burrell’s powerful and timely revival exploring the psychology of extremism and its lasting impact, and Broke & Fabulous in the 21st Century,a riotous, raunchy dramedy celebrating friendship, ambition and modern love.
Other theatre shows on sale today include Ostrich, a sharp look at modern dating and identity; Top Gunchained, a high-energy parody from the team behind Yippee Ki Yay; Boy in a Box, a confronting and urgent piece examining race and identity in America; and Waiting For Wonka, a darkly comic reimagining of childhood nostalgia.
Themed shows bring a mix of interactive and late-night entertainment, includingThe Thinking Drinkers’ Great British Pub Ride, an epic, drink-fuelled journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats; Dreamgun Film Reads, where comedians perform unrehearsed parody versions of classic films; and Not Another Quiz Night, a high-energy, chaotic late-night favourite.
Cabaret and variety sees Fake, a critically acclaimed blend of magic, storytelling and illusion from Chris Cook that explores truth, deception and identity; EIGHT: The One (Wo)Man Drag King Musical Parody, a high-energy, genre-bending musical comedy reimagining Henry VIII through drag, parody and pop and Fungasm: Save or Smash offers up bold, interactive performance.
Also featured is Charlene Kaye: Diversity Shredder, introducing audiences to the unhinged, razor-sharp world of Charlene Kaye — guitar god, internet legend and “breakout comedy star” (Rolling Stone), alongside Siobhan Wilson: Flowercore, an immersive performance celebrating Scotland’s wildflowers through music and visual art.
Children’s and family shows include Max Fulham’s Monkey Business, a lively, family-friendly mix of puppetry, sketches and slapstick comedy andMama G: The Magic Bookmark comes to Teviot. “Everyone’s favourite pantomime dame!” (Metro) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G discovers the magic of books and the power of being yourself in this hilarious award-winning panto adventure for the whole family!
Bring Yer Bairn Comedy is the adult comedy show where you can bring yer bairn! A selection of our favourite comics from the Scottish scene and beyond, performing to parents, carers and bairns under 15 months old! The perfect morning show!
All shows will take place across Gilded Balloon’s four venues this August, including the welcome return to Teviot, alongside Patter House and Gilded Balloon at the Museum, as well as the newly added Gilded Saloon, GB’s year-round pub and live venue.
It’s set to be a very pink summer!
Further programme announcements will follow in the coming months. For full listings visit www.gildedballoon.co.uk or follow @gildedballoon.
Gilded Balloon is one of Scotland’s leading and best-loved entertainment producers, presenting a cross-genre programme annually at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and touring productions across the UK throughout the year.
A man has been convicted of sexual offences while he was working as a politician.Jordan Linden, 30, was convicted of ten offences following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court of crimes which included sexual assault, stalking, and sexual communication.
The victims were all boys or young men, and the offences took place between 2011 and 2021. The age of the youngest victim was 14.
One of the offences saw Linden sexually assault two victims at a house party in Dundee after a Pride march in 2019.
Linden, who was former leader of North Lanarkshire Council and earlier chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, was arrested and charged by specialist officers from Police Scotland in February 2024.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr said: “This was a protracted investigation which involved speaking with a broad range of people, many of whom regarded Linden as being in a position of trust.
“He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however his conduct toward them was far from professional.
“I’d like to thank the victims who came forward to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and support ensured that we were able to bring Linden before the courts.
“No-one should be subjected to sexual offending, and we will always investigate reports, regardless of when they occurred or who the perpetrator is.”
Linden was placed on the sex offenders register and is due to be sentenced in May.
A plan to “deliver dignity in work” has been launched by Scotland’s largest trade union body as the Scottish Trades Union Congress reveals its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
The manifesto, which builds on the successful Scotland Demands Better march and rally last October, sets out clear demands from trade unions on investment in public services, high quality jobs and a proper industrial strategy for Scotland.
The STUC has called for measures to raise an additional £3.7 billion for the public purse which include the introduction of wealth taxes, scrapping council tax for a proportional property tax and ending the £3 billion scandal of outsourcing within Scotland’s public services.
In addition to equity stakes in national infrastructure projects such as offshore wind and making government funding for manufacturing conditional on Fair Work terms and conditions, the trade union body say the manifesto “leads the way” for politicians to support Scotland’s workforce.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Our manifesto is a clear plan to deliver dignity in work, revitalise our public services and rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.
“For too long have politicians, especially those now seeking our votes, been allowed to ride roughshod over the expressed will of Scotland’s workers. Many in our communities are desperately seeking positive change that, all too often, doesn’t materialise after the ballots have been counted.
“From high quality jobs to an economy that prioritises the needs of workers, our manifesto leads the way in showing the politicians exactly how they can support workers across the country.
“There can be no half-measures. People are under suffocating pressure from the cost-of-living crisis that, without urgent political intervention and support, will drive workers further from the political process and present an open goal to those in our communities intent on dividing working-class people.”
The STUC Manifesto, Workers Demanding Better, is below:
Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish writes about work to address child poverty across schools and communities:
It has a been ten years since the introduction of our 1 in 5 Raising Awareness of Child Poverty campaign – ambitious and extensive work to tackle the stigma associated with poverty and to support families and children.
We built on this in 2018 with the rollout of our Making Education Equal for All framework, providing schools with practical guidance on how to help those in their communities living in poverty. I’m pleased that an updated version has just been launched.
A decade on and around 18,000 children and young people citywide are still living in poverty. It is hard to comprehend what this means day to day unless you’ve seen or experienced it first-hand. The tired faces of children starting the school day with an empty tummy, the endlessly forgotten school trip money – and on top of this the extra burden of shame, isolation and exclusion that living in poverty can bring.
It is unacceptable that this is Edinburgh’s reality and it is imperative that we continue to do everything we can to level the playing field for all children and young people.
It is positive that in the last ten years, the action we’ve taken has narrowed the poverty related attainment gap, helped more learners to take part in activities and to achieve, and supported families with their wellbeing and finances.
Reducing the cost of the school day – including removing/reducing the cost of uniform, trips and extra-curricular activities has been a priority. We went even further last year, when we removed the requirement for branded school uniform – minimising unnecessary costs and reducing pressure on family finances.
Our Active Schools teams provide extra-curricular sport activities, before and after school and at lunchtimes at no charge. We have also invested in musical instruments to enable more pupils to learn an instrument and to progress – it is fantastic that those who wouldn’t have done before, are now taking part in our ensembles.
I firmly believe that our schools should be a place of equity, where regardless of a child’s background, where or who they live with – they have every opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions.
There is still a long way to go to remove poverty-related barriers. We are committed to doing all we can to make sure that all children and young people in Edinburgh have equal access and opportunities to participate in, and make the most of, their school experience – and every chance to succeed.
This article fist appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News
The team at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre enjoyed a celebratory event recently at Glen Pavillion to mark the company’s busiest trading period.
Hundreds of Amazon employees gathered to mark the successful completion of ‘peak’ – the weeks leading up to Christmas when customer orders reach their highest levels of the year.
The festive shopping period sees Amazon welcome thousands of seasonal colleagues across its UK operations network, all working alongside permanent team members to ensure packages arrive on time for customers nationwide.
The post-peak celebration has become an annual tradition, giving teams the opportunity to come together and reflect on their collective achievements.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “While many businesses are quietening down for the holidays, our teams come together to deliver for our customers locally and around the UK.
“This celebration is our way of saying thank you to every single person who played their part in making Christmas special for our customers.
“It’s been fantastic to bring everyone together to celebrate what we’ve accomplished as a team, and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together in 2026.”
Christina Watson, an Amazon employee who attended the celebration, said: “The party was a great way to celebrate everything we accomplished together during our busiest time of year.
“There’s a real sense of camaraderie here, and it’s brilliant to work alongside such a dedicated team. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2026 brings.”
The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture stands in solidarity with our friends, partners and colleagues in Trongate 103.
One of the most important outcomes of Glasgow’s crowning as the European City of Culture in 1990 has been its reinvention as a city which embraces its cultural heritage and supports its cultural future.
It is well known in city planning strategies that cultural activity drives regeneration. Glasgow understood this and took considerable steps to expand and develop this strategy, establishing the city as a hub for innovation, art, design and culture after the demise of its heavy industry.
These industries once also fuelled a magnificent explosion of forward thinking in art, architecture and design, the resulting Glasgow School of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his circle continues to be world-renowned.
The spotlight has once again turned to Glasgow for its extraordinary position as a creative hub. The world looks at Glasgow as a leader in this field. But this reputation is easily destroyed and lost.
In the wake of the European City of Culture year, the city saw increased regeneration which enabled the development of Trongate 103 with the promise that the 25-year lease would stand.
This agreement is now being reneged upon and new tenancy agreements issued with a four-fold rent increase. This is unaffordable by the grass roots venues which call Trongate 103 their home – organisations which not only provide a service to artists and the community but support a wider ecosystem of artists, collectors and agencies. Trongate 103 is a beacon for Glasgow on an international stage.
We stand with the tenants of Trongate 103 today as they peacefully demonstrate their right to fair treatment. Let Glasgow flourish.
Britain’s leading match funding charity Big Give, which runs the UK’s biggest fundraising campaign, has announced that TV personalities Lorraine Kelly, Ruby Wax, Deborah Meaden and Megan McCubbin have become ambassadors, strengthening the charity’s network of prominent supporters.
Big Give, which enables donations from the public to charities taking part in its campaigns to be doubled, has raised over £427 million to date.
Its flagship campaign, the Christmas Challenge, became the UK’s biggest public fundraiser in 2024 when it overtook more established campaigns such as Children in Need and Comic Relief. Last year, the Christmas Challenge raised a record £57.4 million in one week for 1,591 charities taking part.
The charity has previously worked with high profile supporters of charities participating in its campaigns, including Dame Judi Dench, Gary Lineker and Dame Joanna Lumley.
Now, as it seeks to spread the word further about the power of match funding, it has appointed four celebrity ambassadors.
Lorraine Kelly is one of the UK’s most familiar and respected broadcasters, best known as the long-standing host of ITV’s Lorraine. With a television career spanning decades, Lorraine has become a trusted presence in British households and a consistent supporter of charitable causes.
She has previously pledged her support to charities taking part in Big Give campaigns, most recently encouraging people to support The Muscle Help Foundation during last year’s Christmas Challenge.
Ruby Wax is a comedian, writer, broadcaster and mental health campaigner who rose to prominence with her sharp, often confrontational celebrity interviews on television shows such as The Full Wax and Ruby Wax Meets.
In recent years she has become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness, drawing on her own experiences of depression, earning a master’s degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from the University of Oxford and receiving an OBE in 2015 for services to mental health. She has previously worked with Big Give when her mental health charity Frazzled Café has taken part in its campaigns.
Deborah Meaden is a business leader, investor and author, widely recognised for her role on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, which she joined in 2006. She has been an active supporter of environmental and conservation initiatives throughout her career. She has previously supported Big Give campaigns through her involvement with Tusk, the conservation charity of which she is a trustee.
Megan McCubbin is a zoologist, conservationist, wildlife photographer and television presenter. She is best known for presenting the BBC wildlife programmes Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, and for her work highlighting biodiversity and environmental issues. She has previously worked to highlight Big Give’s second largest annual campaign, Earth Raise, which is the UK’s biggest environment-focused fundraiser.
Their appointments reflect a shared commitment to effective philanthropy and high-impact fundraising. Big Give’s match funding model enables charities to multiply the value of public donations, encouraging people to give more and more often.
Deborah Meaden, Big Give ambassador, said: “I have been impressed with how Big Give has championed match funding, bringing in companies, foundations and individual philanthropists to double donations from the public. It is clear that multiplying people’s generosity in this way encourages people to give more.
“Given my longstanding interest in environmental issues, I am especially pleased to be supporting Earth Raise, which has grown to become the UK’s biggest green fundraising campaign. I encourage everyone to get involved when the campaign launches on April 22nd.”
Lorraine Kelly, Big Give ambassador, said: “I am absolutely delighted to become an ambassador for Big Give. I know they have worked so hard to establish the Christmas Challenge as the UK’s biggest fundraiser, and other campaigns such as Earth Raise, Arts for Impact and Women and Girls have become vital moments in the fundraising calendar.
“I have seen the difference Big Give can make to individual charities taking part in its campaigns and match funding is such a brilliant way of making people’s donations go further.
“I am proud to be supporting Big Give in making such a positive difference.”
Ruby Wax, Big Give ambassador, said: “I have seen how powerful match funding can be when my charity Frazzled Café has taken part in Big Give campaigns. Telling people their donations will be doubled is a brilliant incentive to give.
“Big Give has raised incredible sums already and established the Christmas Challenge as the UK’s biggest public fundraising campaign. They have set an ambitious goal to raise £1 billion for good causes by 2030, and I am really happy to be able to play a part in that work as a new ambassador.”
Megan McCubbin, Big Give ambassador, said:“I have worked informally with Big Give on different campaigns involving charities I support for some time, and am thrilled to be taking on a broader role to help spread the word about the work.
“Match funding is a superpower – Big Give have shown that it can consistently deliver better and better fundraising results. The fact that the Christmas Challenge raised £57.4 million in one week last year is really incredible – and this year we want to do even more.”
James Reed CBE, Chair of Trustees at Big Give, said: “Lorraine Kelly, Ruby Wax, Deborah Meaden and Megan McCubbin are all powerful and trusted advocates for positive change, and we are delighted to welcome them as ambassadors at Big Give.
“Their profiles and commitment to charitable causes will help shine an even brighter spotlight on the importance of match funding and effective philanthropy.”
