SEPA warns of early water scarcity risk as dry spell continues

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that early signs of water scarcity are emerging across Scotland, with businesses urged to take action now to manage their water use and ensure their operations have climate resilience built in.

The latest Water Situation Update  latest Water Situation Update published online covers March, showing the month brought below-average rainfall across most of the country. Some areas in the south saw less than a third of what they’d usually expect. This continues the trend that was highlighted in SEPA’s Winter water situation report 2025.

Parts of Angus and Fife have now seen 10 straight months of below-average rainfall, receiving less than half of what’s normal for March. Only Shetland recorded above-average rainfall.

The impact is already being seen. River flows are running low to extremely low for this time of year, and groundwater levels from SEPA’s monitoring points are dipping further due to a lack of winter recharge.

Groundwater levels are lower than levels recorded in early April 2022, particularly in Fife and Angus. That year later saw a summer drought with restrictions put on abstractions from rivers in some areas. The only area of the country with groundwater levels above normal for the time of year is Moray, reflecting the higher-than-average rainfall in this area over the winter period.

A changing climate: the need for resilience and adaptation

Despite Scotland’s reputation as a wet country, climate trends are shifting. Extended dry periods are becoming more common, increasing the risk of water scarcity. SEPA’s three-year Corporate Plan highlights climate resilience as a strategic priority for the agency, helping businesses and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and build in resilience to extreme weather events.

Notably, 2024 was the first year in some time that Scotland did not experience any significant water scarcity, thanks to more favourable rainfall patterns. The return of early warnings so early in 2025 highlights the increasing unpredictability of Scotland’s climate and the need for long-term adaptation.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Performance (National), said: “Water scarcity is becoming a growing challenge in Scotland, and the data from March shows there is an increased risk that water scarcity could occur early in the season this year.

“As part of our commitment to helping Scotland become more climate resilient, we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely. Following on from this water situation update, our weekly water scarcity reporting will begin in May, unless the situation deteriorates sooner. This will provide regular updates on conditions to ensure businesses can prepare for any potential challenges ahead.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, businesses and key stakeholders – including the agricultural sector, industry and Scottish Water – over the coming months to monitor water levels, manage resources sustainably, support adaptation measures and ensure the correct balance is struck between protecting the environment and providing resources for human and economic activity.”

It is important to note that while SEPA plays a key role in monitoring the environment and managing abstractions from Scotland’s natural water resources for agriculture and other industrial uses, Scottish Water is responsible for the public water supply.

The latest Water Situation Update is available at sepa.org.uk/water-scarcity where abstractors can also find guidance on water efficiency and adaptation strategies.

Edinburgh joins Core Cities UK

Edinburgh has become the 12th member of partnership-led organisation with a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

Edinburgh has joined Core Cities UK, becoming the organisation’s 12th member city, its third national capital, and expanding the UK-wide reach of the group as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday later this year.

Edinburgh will join Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield to become a member of an organisation that has a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

Edinburgh is one of the most economically successful places in the country but, like other Core Cities, has areas of the city where overall health, earning potential and life expectancy fall well below national averages.

The Scottish capital will play a key role in the group’s thinking around inclusive economic growth and other members hope to learn from its development of a tourism levy, which will come into effect in Edinburgh next Summer.

Cllr Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve joined Core Cities UK and look forward to sharing our knowledge, ideas and experiences with other member cities.

“Edinburgh continues to perform well as a place to live, work, visit and invest in, but we still face many of the same urban challenges as our partners.

“Growing populations are creating ever increasing demand for homes, public services and infrastructure, while many of our residents are struggling with the cost of living – meaning poverty, homelessness and economic inactivity remain the biggest challenges of our time.

“From my early discussions with the Chair and other member cities, it’s been clear how much we have in common – both in terms of these challenges, but also our priorities. I have no doubt that this collaboration will help us to solve our collective problems while growing more sustainably for the benefit of all of our residents.”

Cllr James Lewis, Chair of Core Cities UK and Leader of Leeds City Council, added: “Edinburgh joining us is an historic moment for Core Cities and solidifies our position as the authoritative voice of urban Britain.

“We have always argued that cities have certain things in common, no matter which nation – either within the UK or abroad – they are situated in and we look forward to getting Edinburgh’s unique perspective on our policy discussions.”

Core Cities’ mission is to unlock the full potential of our great city regions to create a stronger, fairer economy and society. With the addition of Edinburgh, Core Cities will generate more than 25 per cent of the economy and will be home to more than 22 million people.

Core Cities UK is a leading voice in policy around devolution and decentralisation and its reports with organisations including OECD and RSA are used as benchmarks within the sector. It also has strong private sector relationships with a variety of companies including Landsec and Lloyds Banking Group and works closely with the English Combined Authority Mayors as well as local Government in London.

Founded by a number of English councils in 1995, it is headquartered in Manchester and will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer.

Holyrood Minister attends Global Disability Summit in Berlin

Highlighting Scotland’s leading role at home and abroad

At the Global Disability Summit in Berlin today, Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart will highlight Scotland’s commitment that by 2030 at least half of Scotland’s international development funding will include a disability equality objective.

This will ensure that disabled people have improved access to programmes in Scotland’s partner countries Malawi and Zambia – for instance giving disabled women and girls access to quality education.

The Equalities Minister will also take part in events focusing on disability equality and inclusion as well as meet with relevant Ministers and interest groups.

Ms Stewart said: “Scotland has a growing reputation at home and abroad for the action it’s taking to reduce the barriers disabled people face.

“This is the first time Scotland has been invited in its own right to the Global Disability Summit and this is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our culture of equality, particularly our focus on giving disabled people a voice in the decisions that affect them.

“Our work with our partner countries in Malawi and Zambia will be shared at the World Bank roundtable on inclusiveness in education. We will also highlight how Scotland is ensuring that marginalised groups, including disabled people, are at the heart of international climate action.

“However, I’m concerned that while the international picture is improving, the UK Government is going ahead with taking away disabled people’s benefits to balance the budget and plans to further reduce aid spending. We will continue to press them to reverse these damaging cuts.”

Global Disability Summit – 2nd – 3rd April, 2025 / Berlin

14 Years of FREE Prescriptions under the SNP Government

14,520,670 PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED BY NHS LOTHIAN LAST YEAR – SAVING HOUSEHOLDS AN AVERAGE OF OVER £400

On the 14th anniversary of prescription charges being scrapped by the SNP Scottish Government, Gordon Macdonald MSP has highlighted that the policy saves the average household in Scotland over £400 a year.

Latest figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) show that over 113 million prescriptions, including 14,520,670 by NHS Lothian, were dispensed in Scotland in 2023/24 – meaning that on average people in Scotland received 20.8 prescriptions.

This means that based on the £9.90 charge currently in place in England, the average household in Scotland saved £436.72 in 2023/24 thanks to the policy.

In one of his first acts as Scottish Tory leader, Russell Findlay outlined his plans to re-introduce charges if he ever came to power – a move which would cost each person £206 per year on average. 

A report by Trussell Trust last year showed that in England, 68% of working households receiving Universal Credit have gone without essentials such as prescription medication due to the costs involved. 

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The SNP is proud to have abolished prescription charges in Scotland, ensuring that everyone in Edinburgh has access to the medication they require based on their needs rather than the ability to pay.

“The SNP believe that healthcare should be free at the point of use for everyone. The prescription charges, which Russell Findlay plans to re-introduce, were nothing more than a tax on ill health.

“In the face of soaring energy bills, despite Labour’s promise to bring them down, people across the city are still living through a cost-of-living crisis – making it more important than ever that they can access the medical treatment they need without worrying about the cost.

”With Labour continuing to hint at an increased level of private healthcare involvement in the NHS, only the SNP can be trusted to put the people of Edinburgh first and protect them from having to pay for their vital medication.” 

Dispensing NHS Board Prescriptions items dispensed (total)
  
   
NHS Scotland 114,358,700
   
NHS Ayrshire and Arran 9,172,880
NHS Borders 2,615,030
NHS Dumfries & Galloway 4,062,010
NHS Fife 7,785,890
NHS Forth Valley 6,421,780
NHS Grampian 10,606,210
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 26,355,740
NHS Highland 6,971,860
NHS Lanarkshire 15,807,560
NHS Lothian 14,520,670
NHS Orkney 410,830
NHS Shetland 569,610
NHS Tayside 8,356,630
NHS Western Isles 702,020

Tracy Gilbert MP presents North East Edinburgh with CAP+ Community Alcohol Partnership of the Year Award

On Wednesday (April 2nd), Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert presented the Community Alcohol Partnership award to the North East Edinburgh division for their Innovative Youth Engagement and Community Impact efforts at an event at Westminster.

A partnership set up to tackle underage drinking has been rewarded for its work. The North East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership was named ‘CAP+ of the Year’ by national organisation Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) at its annual awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on 2nd April 2025.

CAP sets up and supports local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “I was honoured to present the 2025 CAP+ Award to North East Edinburgh.

“It’s fantastic to see their hard work and dedication being recognised, especially in light of the remarkable achievement of a 56% reduction in weekly alcohol consumption among 13-15 year olds in Edinburgh and Orkney. This progress is a direct result of the strong local partnerships that have been established.

“These services are vital for our young people. CAPS’ commitment to working alongside them has produced incredible outcomes.

“I want to extend a huge congratulations to all the divisions across the UK for their remarkable achievements.”

North East Edinburgh CAP was recognised for its exceptional efforts in addressing underage drinking and fostering positive change among young people in the local community.

Led by Police Officers Lauren Munro and Ania Morrison, the CAP has demonstrated outstanding creativity and dedication in tackling complex youth-related issues.

Lauren and Ania commented: “We had another great year working with CAP. With the invaluable mentoring and continuous support from the national CAP team we were able to come together with other partner agencies to deliver numerous projects over the course of 2024.

“We’re really honoured to accept this award.”

Kate Winstanley, Director of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “The North East Edinburgh CAP, under the leadership of PC’s Munro and PC Morrison, is a brilliant example of innovation and effectiveness.

“Their creative initiatives and unwavering commitment to engaging with vulnerable young people have made a real difference in their community. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their outstanding work.”

Covid Memorial art trail in Wardie Bay

Work is nearing completion on the creation of a Covid memorial art trail in the Wardie Bay area, designed to honour the experiences and resilience of the local community during the pandemic.

The art trail along McKelvie Parade is intended to arouse curiosity and invite those using the space ‘to pause and be present’.

The project, funded entirely by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland through the Remembering Together initiative, is part of a national effort to reflect the diverse impacts of Covid across Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

Across Scotland, local communities have engaged with commissioned artists and creative organisations to develop unique memorials that capture the collective and individual experiences of the pandemic.

For Edinburgh, Greenspace Scotland has been working in collaboration with artist Skye Loneragan, supported by Artlink and the City of Edinburgh Council. The project has explored experiences of the pandemic, with the goal of highlighting the challenges faced by disabled people, while also celebrating their resilience and potential.

Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker, said: “Creating this Covid memorial pathway in Wardie Bay is an important step in acknowledging the shared experiences and challenges faced by our communities during the pandemic.

“This project provides a meaningful space for reflection for us all, and particularly for individuals with learning disabilities and their carers, who were disproportionately affected.

“Through collaboration with local artists and community groups, we are ensuring that these voices are not only heard but commemorated. This pathway will stand as a testament to the resilience, compassion, and strength shown by all during those difficult times.”

During Phase 1 of the project Skye, supported by artist Stewart Ennis collaborated with participants from the Maple Project and Lung Ha Theatre and reached out to the wider community through public interventions on the Granton Western Breakwater (Wardie Jetty).

Participants were invited to share their memories, thoughts, and feelings about the pandemic and to develop ideas around how we process loss and create spaces for people to come together and reflect.

The creative process focused on making sure the final art trail design was relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the varied experiences of the community. Concepts that emerged during the engagement phase include themes such as “getting away from it all but having somewhere to come back to,” “the tidal flow of the pandemic,” and “making hard things soft and rough things smooth.”

The art trail at McKelvie Parade is a combination of several interventions along the route that arouse curiosity and invite those using the space to pause and be present.

Art pieces have been created to reflect the tidal flow of the pandemic and include Leith West breakwater stones inscribed with words people told artists they would gift themselves if there were another pandemic (cash, giggles, music).

The trail is book-ended by halved stone boulders placed apart and includes a smoothed patch of stone seawall with the invitation ‘Lean on me’, poetry at the entrance to the Bay, a Someone Missing bench co-created with a wheelchair user who described feeling held if there were grooves in the pavement, and a Something Missing Half with 2m distanced Stone seed.

The trail includes twin milestone plaques that describe Time as a Feeling, and Distance as a relationship to friends and family.

Lead artist Skye Loneragan said: “Processing loss is so important. Covid often kept us (and still keeps many of us), at a distance with those we loved and might have been losing, or parts of ourselves we lost, or something and somewhere we love and might be unable to reach.

“This project deliberately seeks to work with people whose experiences are often excluded and I am always interested in how we can nurture our collective sanity, together, our interconnected well-being, through the huge diversity of life experiences that make up what is.”

Construction is expected to be completed today – Friday 4 April.

Special Relationship? UK responds to Trump’s Tariffs

The Business and Trade Secretary’s statement to Parliament on the imposition of US tariffs

With your permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the United Kingdom’s economic relationship with the United States.

The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion which supports 2.5 million jobs across both countries. This is second only to the EU where our trading relationship is worth £791 billion.

Yesterday evening, the United States announced a 10% reciprocal tariff on UK exports and have today imposed a 25% global tariff on cars. This follows the application of tariffs of 25% on US imports of steel, aluminium and derivative products that was announced on 12 March.

No country was able to secure an exemption from these announcements, but the UK did receive the lowest reciprocal tariff rate globally. And though this vindicates the pragmatic approach this Government has taken, we know that while these tariffs are still being levied, the job is far from done.

We are, of course, disappointed by the increase in tariffs on the UK, and on other countries around the world. The impact will be felt amongst all trading nations. But I would like to update the House on how the UK can navigate these turbulent times, acting in our national interest and for the benefit of all our industries.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my American counterparts, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Special Envoy Mark Burnett for their engagement over the last few months. While any imposition of tariffs is deeply regrettable, from the beginning, they promised to make themselves available and have been true to their word, and I look forward to our continued engagement over the days ahead.

As Members will know, since the new US administration took office, my colleagues and I have been engaged in intensive discussions on an economic deal between the US and the UK. One that would not just avoid the imposition of significant tariffs but that would deepen our economic relationship. On everything from defence, economic security, financial services, machinery, tech and regulation there are clear synergies between the US and UK markets. And this is reflected in the fair and balanced trading relationship that already exists between our two countries.

I can confirm to the House that those talks are ongoing and will remain so. It is this Government’s view that a deal is not just possible, it is favourable to both countries. And that this course of action serves Britain’s interests as an open-facing trading nation. I have been in contact with many businesses, across a broad range of sectors including those most affected, who have very much welcomed this approach. It is clear to me that industry themselves want to grasp the opportunity a deal can offer and they welcome this government’s cool-headed approach.

Madam Deputy Speaker, in increasingly insecure times – I have heard some Members cling to the security of simple answers and loud voices. I understand the compulsion, but I caution members of this House to keep calm and remain clear eyed on what is in our national interest not to simply proclaim that we follow the actions of other countries.

The British people rightly expect this Government to keep our country secure at home and strong abroad. An unnecessary, escalating trade war would serve neither purpose.

True strength comes in making the right choices at the right time. And thanks to the actions of our Prime Minister, who has restored Britain’s place on the world stage, the UK is in a unique position to do a deal where we can – and respond when we must.

It remains our belief that the best route to economic stability for working people is a negotiated deal with the US that builds on our shared strengths. However, we do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured.

To enable the UK to have every option open to us in the future, I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action.

This is a formal step, necessary for us to keep all options on the table. We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response. This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say, and influence the design of any possible UK response.

If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs that have been placed on our industries, this request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from that, will be lifted.  

Further information on the request for input will be published on gov.uk later today, alongside an indicative list of potential products that the Government considers most appropriate for inclusion.

I know this will be an anxious time for all businesses, not just those with direct links to America. Let me say very clearly that we stand ready to support businesses through this. That starts by making sure they have reliable information. Any business which is concerned about what these changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on great.gov.uk where there is now a bespoke webpage.

Madam Deputy Speaker, this Government was elected to bring security back to working people’s lives. At a time of volatility, businesses and workers alike are looking to the Government to keep our heads, to act in the national interest and navigate Britain through this period. And while some urge escalation, I simply will not play politics with people’s jobs.

This Government will strive for a deal that supports our industries and the well-paid jobs that come with them, while preparing our trade defences and keeping all options on the table.

It is the right approach to defend the UK’s domestic industries from the direct and indirect impacts of US tariffs in a way that is both measured and proportionate, while respecting the rules-based international trading system.

As the world continues to change around us, British workers and businesses can be assured of one constant: that this is a Government that will not be set off course in choppy waters. So the final part of our approach will be to turbo boost the work this government is doing to make our economy stronger and more secure including our new industrial strategy. We will strike trade deals with our partners, and work closely with our allies for our shared prosperity.

We have a clear destination to deliver that economic security for working people.

We are progressing a deal that can do that, we are laying the foundations to move quickly should it not, and we are ensuring British businesses have a clear voice in what happens next. And I commend this statement to the House.

Acas publishes new guidance on neonatal care leave

Acas publishes new guidance on neonatal care leave

Workplace experts Acas has published new guidance on neonatal care leave to coincide with a change in the law this weekend.

Working parents are now entitled to additional time off while their babies are sick in hospital.

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 comes into effect on 6 April 2025, providing a new leave and pay entitlement for parents with a baby in neonatal care.

Acas’s advice provides information on what neonatal care is, who is eligible and the rights of parents who take it.

Acas Interim Chief Executive Dan Ellis said: “Becoming new parents can be an incredibly stressful time, especially if their baby requires care in hospital for a while.

“Any employee that requires time off to help care for their child in these circumstances should be treated with compassion and understanding.

“Our advice provides employers and managers with guidance on how they can support staff members who need to take neonatal care leave.”

The new law aims to give parents the right to have up to 12 weeks leave and pay depending on how much time their baby is in neonatal care. This is in addition to other time off and pay.

The right to take neonatal care leave applies from the first day of work. Eligible parents can take neonatal care leave once their child has been in neonatal care for at least 7 consecutive days.

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, a charity that supports families with neonatal babies, said: “The most supportive employers have always sought to help parents in these circumstances, but without a clear statutory framework, they’ve had to rely on measures like sick leave and compassionate leave or other improvised solutions, creating challenges for HR teams to navigate.

“This new entitlement creates a clear and defined statutory provision, recognising that the most important place for both parents to be when their baby is in neonatal care is at their cotside.”

Time off for neonatal care is available to anyone birth parent, father or partner, spouse, civil partner or adoptive parent.

When it comes to informing their employers, parents need to self-declare and provide some extra information. Employees should contact their workplace HR representatives to go through specifics relating to their personal situation.

Parents who have a baby admitted to neonatal care up to the age of 28 days might be eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave and it must be taken within 68 weeks of the baby’s birth.

For the full advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/neonatal-care-leave-and-pay

Award-winning swim school launches in Edinburgh

Award-winning swim school Puddle Ducks is making a splash with the launch of its lessons in Edinburgh.

Launching at Nuffield Health New Mart Road and Nuffield Health Edinburgh Fountain Park, children from the local community will now be able access Puddle Ducks’ unique child-led programme on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays.

The launch comes as owner of Puddle Ducks Edinburgh Ellie Cawdell, saw an opportunity to expand her existing business into Scotland.

Ellie, who also runs successful Puddle Ducks franchises in York and Cambridge commented: “Edinburgh is such a beautiful, family friendly city, I wanted to be able to offer the Puddle Ducks programme to families across this amazing location.

“Our swimming lessons are well loved in York and Cambridge, and I wanted to bring this to Edinburgh. I’m excited to welcome lots of local families through our doors”.

With plans to expand into more pools in the area, Ellie is hoping her business will become part of the local community and has hired two swim teachers from the area. Libby and Isla, both from Edinburgh will be leading the classes and are excited to see the children develop and thrive in the water.

Libby commented: “Being from the local area myself, it’s really exciting to see such a recognised, well established and much-loved brand arriving in our community. I’m delighted to join the team and provide the life-saving skill of swimming to local children; it’s such an honour!”.

Founded in 2002, Puddle Ducks is a multi-award-winning baby and child swimming school; the only 100% child-led swim school in the UK, offering classes from bump through to 10 years of age and all teachers are STA qualified.

Puddle Ducks Edinburgh is looking for more pools across the area to run classes, as well as having upcoming opportunities for more teachers and assistants to join their growing team.

To find out more about Puddle Ducks Edinburgh’s swimming lessons, visit: 

https://www.puddleducks.com/local-teams/edinburgh