Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Big Day Out held at Edinburgh Napier University
An event celebrating the contribution of the armed forces community was held at Edinburgh Napier University yesterday.
Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Big Day Out came to ENU’s historic Craiglockhart campus on Saturday 20 June and among the highlights were a welcome from Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, pipers, and a dog show run by veterans’ support charity Bravehound.
As well as music and a range of crafting activities led by Veterans Tribe Scotland, Alliance partners such as Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and Sight Scotland hosted stalls highlighting the opportunities and support available to veterans and their families.
The winners of the Alliance’s ‘My Service My Scotland’ Veterans Voices in Art competition were announced and there was also a talent competition.
The event marks the culmination of the ‘Sunray Two Six’ tour – a veteran-led tour of the Highlands and Islands designed to meet veterans where they are, sparking informal conversation, reflection and peer support.
The Big Day Out was held as part of Armed Forces Week, a national campaign to build public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community.
Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance is led by Edinburgh Napier University, through its Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement (CMREPE).
CMREPE Director, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, said: “We are delighted to be hosting what promises to be a remarkable event, highlighting the extraordinary contribution of our armed forces community.
“It is also a fitting conclusion for the Sunray Two Six tour, which has proved to be a powerful veteran-led programme.”
Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance Strategic Lead Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick said: “We are delighted that so many our partners are able to join us for this afternoon of fun.
“Everyone is welcome and I’m sure we shall identify some rising stars through our “You’ve Got Talent competition.”
Edinburgh Napier’s armed forces roots
This event bolsters Edinburgh Napier University’s strong historical links to the armed forces, which date back to Craiglockhart’s use as a military hospital during the first world war.
The site drew fame as the place where poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen first met – and visitors on Saturday can take tour of its War Poets Collection.
ENU continues to lead pioneering research into life for military personnel and veterans – including the recent evaluation of the impact achieved by the charity Bravehound.
In November, Craiglockhart also played host to a remarkable remembrance event, telling the story of the residents of the German village of Kutenholz and their effort to connect with the families of those who lost their lives there during the Second World War.
The Second World War Comes to Queensferry has been developed in partnership with the Queensferry History Group and reveals how the community experienced the upheaval of war.
Queensferry occupied a strategically important position during the Second World War because of its proximity to the Firth of Forth, the naval base at Port Edgar and the iconic Forth Bridge. Local residents lived with the constant awareness that Scotland’s east coast played a crucial role in Britain’s wartime defence and witnessed the first Luftwaffe attack over Britain.
Through a local perspective, the exhibition examines the conflict through the eyes of ordinary people living in and around Queensferry.
Many of the photographs, stories and research featured in the exhibition come directly from community collections and local investigations carried out by the Queensferry History Group, helping to preserve memories that might otherwise have been lost.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:“The Queensferry History Group has created an invaluable record of the town’s past, and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with them to bring this exhibition to life.
“By working closely with local people to shape how we present and interpret history, exhibitions like this help to uncover personal stories, family memories, and community perspectives, making the past more meaningful, engaging and accessible for visitors of all ages.
“I hope visitors will take the opportunity to visit the exhibition and discover a deeper understanding on the events that have shaped our shared heritage.”
A spokesperson from the Queensferry History Group said:“Queensferry History Group, a volunteer research group, has been meeting for almost 40 years, through the years, seeing varying faces and places but ultimately bringing the History of Queensferry to the local and wider community.
“This recent project is to commemorate the men who fought and died for Queensferry during World War Two, to bring their stories to life and to introduce some who fought and returned home.
“We researched the war history of the men and the battles they fought in. We searched through earlier transcripts of interviews with community members recorded some years ago.
They contained stories of people’s personal experiences, witnessing the first air attack of the War, in Britain, which was on ships in the Forth. How the children felt being sent away from their families as evacuees, how people coped with rationing and many more effects on the community back then.
“We are proud to bring this exhibition to our community now.”
Rising numbers of referrals made by NSPCC to agencies in Scotland about children being left home alone
The NSPCC made 18% more referrals to Scottish agencies, including the police and children’s services, following contacts to its Helpline about children being left home alone or unsupervised last year, the charity reports as it offers parents advice with the summer holidays approaching.
In 2025/26 the Helpline, which provides help and advice for adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child, made 197 referrals in Scotland, compared to 167 in 2024/25.
The service will refer a concern to external agencies if practitioners believe additional support or intervention is deemed necessary.
Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from adults across the UK who were concerned about a child being left at home alone or unsupervised increased by 11% last year.
The service handled 7,452 contacts about this issue between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, compared to6,719 contacts the previous year (2024/25).
More than two fifths of these contacts (44%) were deemed serious enough for the NSPCC Helpline to make a referral to external agencies. Over a third (35%) of those referrals were made for children aged five and below.
The months with the greatest number of contacts across the UK were July and August, with 793 and 871 contacts respectively. These months can be particularly difficult for parents as they are forced to balance the competing pressures of work and childcare.
With schools across the UK breaking up in the coming weeks for the summer holidays, many adults might feel unsure about whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised or have concerns about another child being left alone.
A mother from Scotland, who contacted the NSPCC Helpline, said:“I am concerned about my children spending time alone at my ex’s house.
“We agreed they would stay with their dad during part of the school holidays, but he frequently leaves them alone even though they’re only 12 and 14 years old. He gives them money for the local shops and leaves for the day, which really worries me.
£I know the state of the house is inappropriate and dangerous. I’ve raised my concerns with him, but he either dismisses them or say he’ll clear the place and find other work that is more flexible.
“I don’t know to do – I don’t want the children to think I’m trying to stop them from seeing their father.”
There is no legal age limit for leaving children, but the NSPCC recommends not leaving a child aged under 12 years old at home alone.
Also, if a child has expressed worries about being left without a parent or carer, those should be taken seriously and respected.
Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC’s Helpline, said: “For many parents and carers, the long summer break can be a logistical nightmare, as they try to balance keeping their children safe and cared for with the demands of work.
“Managing these pressures may lead some to consider whether leaving their child at home alone is a practical solution.
“Even for children aged 12 and over, it’s important to make sure they feel confident about being left by themselves, and to agree in advance what they will be doing while the parent or carer is away and what they should do if anything goes wrong.
“Parents and carers can also turn to the NSPCC Helpline and website for a wide range of expert advice, information and support.”
For parents and carers of young people who are ready to remain at home unsupervised, the NSPCC has prepared advice.
Tips for parents and carers considering leaving their child alone
Being left on their own for the first time can feel just as daunting for a young person as it does for you as a parent or carer leaving them. To prepare them, it can help to talk through different situations they might face and how to handle them – for example, would they know what to do if someone knocked at the door.
Make sure they have key phone numbers written down, including the emergency services and trusted contacts like family or friends, in case they’re unable to contact you or they face an emergency.
Agree in advance what they will be doing while you are out and be clear about any rules or limits – for example, cooking can be risky and should only be done by an older child.
As a carer or parent, you should make it clear what time you expect to be back, keeping your child informed if plans change, and check in with them regularly.
Being left at home alone can be a significant adjustment, depending on the child. It is best to start with short periods – around 20 minutes – and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable and confident.
Further advice on leaving children home alone can be found on the NSPCC website, as well as a quiz to assess if a child is ready to be left unsupervised.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Childline is available for young people via phone on 0800 1111 and online, offering a 1-2-1 chat on the website.
YESTERDAY (Friday, 19 June, 2026), police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.
Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.
Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.
The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.
Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the West and North of the city.
During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas, suffering differing injuries.
Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.
The individual remains in custody and enquiries continue. Local policing patrols will continue across the area and our communities will see a visible policing presence over coming days.
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form here:
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.
“I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”
Prime Minister (at time of writing! – Ed.) Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Absolutely appalling.No one should face violence on our streets.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.
‘My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.
“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.
“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”
Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “People should be free to worship, work and walk our streets without fear. The attack in Edinburgh is disturbing.
Violence in our streets is bad enough but reports indicate some of the victims were targeted because they were Muslim. This is abhorrent.
“I am glad police acted swiftly. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the public must have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”
Council Leader responds to attacks in Edinburgh
Following a series of incidents across the city yesterday (Friday 19 June), Council Leader Jane Meagher has condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of emergency services.
Councillor Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday.
“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.
“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.
“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.
“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.
“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”
THE EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT:
MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND CALLS FOR REASSURANCE AND COMMUNITY VIGILANCE
The Muslim Council of Scotland remains deeply concerned by the violent incidents reported across Edinburgh yesterday, including the stabbing of two young Muslim students in Broomhouse and attacks on individuals perceived to be Muslim.
We welcome Police Scotland’s update confirming that a man has been arrested, there is no further threat to the public, and enquiries remain ongoing.
We have sought reassurance from Police Scotland, particularly as mosques and community organisations host family events this weekend and members of the Shia community prepare to mark Muharram in the coming days.
We encourage communities to remain calm, vigilant and mindful of their personal safety, and for organisers to review security arrangements where appropriate.
Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected. We thank Police Scotland and emergency services for their swift response and continued engagement.
MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT
Four people were attacked and hospitalised across West Edinburgh and Leith last night. Several are Muslims. Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.
Police Scotland must treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far right terror. To investigate these attacks while ignoring a motive shouted aloud at the point of arrest would tell every Muslim in Scotland the law does not see the hatred aimed at them. We expect a hate crime investigation and prosecution, and we stand ready to support the families.
To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, report what you see. You are not alone.
Samantha Gough, an inspirational visually impaired athlete from Edinburgh, has been awarded an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for services to sport and to the visually impaired community.
Sam’s journey to becoming one of Britain’s most accomplished visually impaired athletes, excelling across multiple disciplines including blind football, goalball and rowing, has not been an easy one and it was only a few years ago she believed her sporting ambitions were over.
Born with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), Sam’s condition means that while her eyes are healthy, her brain cannot fully process visual information. Her sight deteriorated significantly in 2014, requiring her to relearn essential life skills, including mobility and independent navigation. She describes attending Sight Scotland’s Royal Blind School in Edinburgh as a real turning point in her life.
Sam, who will be 23 next week, explains: “This is a huge honour. I want to use it to highlight blind football and visually impaired sport, and to show others what can be achieved if you follow your dreams.
“I have struggled with my mental health and sport truly saved me, so I am determined to show others what can be achieved. I would never have believed this was possible, and to be recognised in this way is incredible. There is still so much more we can do to make sport accessible and inclusive, and I hope this helps raise awareness and open doors for more visually impaired athletes.
“It wasn’t very long ago that I didn’t think I could take part in sport at all. I went from being registered partially sighted to severely sight impaired and was basically excluded from all sport. Instead of asking how they could support me, I was seen as a problem. If you had told me then what I’d be doing now, I would never have believed you. It shows what can be achieved if you are given the right support.
“The Royal Blind School was a real turning point for me. I was given tailored support and the opportunity to learn vital independent living skills, which really helped rebuild my confidence.
“It also helped me accept myself and my disability, which was such an important part of my journey. Before I came to the school, I did not fully understand my visual impairment or how to explain it.
“Learning braille was another huge moment for me. I had lost the ability to read and write as my sight deteriorated, and braille helped me reconnect with that. It felt like I had found a part of myself again. The school also helped me develop everyday skills like cooking, going to the shops, and speaking up about the support I need.
2They also showed me how to use my white cane, which was a complete game changer. I then got my wonderful guide dog, Helga, last year, which again transformed my life and gave me even more confidence to get out and about.
“All the amazing things that have happened to me through sport and my advocacy work would not have been possible without the incredible teachers at the Royal Blind School. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and gave me the skills and confidence to move forward. It quite literally changed my life.”
In 2022, Sam made history as the first-ever captain of the England Women’s Blind Football team, a landmark achievement that established her as a pioneer of the women’s game. She went on to lead the national side at the inaugural IBSA Women’s World Championships in 2023, guiding England in their first appearance on the global stage and helping to mark a defining moment for the sport.
Her success extends beyond football. In goalball, she became one of the UK’s top female goal scorers and represented Great Britain at the 2022 European Para Youth Games, where she secured a bronze medal. In rowing, she claimed gold at the 2023 British Rowing Indoor Championships and was selected for the Great Britain Para Rowing performance pathway.
Beyond her sporting success, Sam has also been recognised for her advocacy work. In 2023, she won a Midlothian Young People’s Award and was also commended in the UK Parliament for her achievements. She is also an ambassador for Sight Scotland, using her platform to promote inclusion and inspire others with disabilities to take part in sport.
Sam adds: “One of my life goals is to raise awareness of visual impairment and encourage people to embrace and accept it. I want to use my platform, whether through sport, social media, visiting schools to talk about my disability, or working with organisations like Sight Scotland, to show what is possible and help influence positive change.
“The support I received changed my life, and I would encourage anyone to reach out. There are people who understand and want to help, and it really can make such a difference.”
Did you know Girlguiding Scotland members aged 14-25 can register to stand as a candidate in the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) elections?
If you’d like to represent Girlguiding members from across Scotland and advocate for the issues impacting them, SYP is where your voice can find its place!
As we take in the fearful effects of the worsening climate crisis and the uncertainty that takes hold of the many challenges we are facing around our planet today, looking ahead to a hopeful future can be a very daunting task.
For this, we find great importance & delight in announcing the return of this year’s Edinburgh Climate Festival, a free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
A day that brings together numerous climate related organisations, projects and individuals, all looking to help positively raise awareness & work towards creating a brighter future!
The festival will be taking place at the Edinburgh Meadows, Melville Dr EH9 1ND, on Saturday 27th June 2026, from 12 to 7pm.
During the day, attendees can find a variety of free lively performances, fun workshops, art installations & themed talks, as well as wellbeing activities, facepainting and activities aimed towards younger audiences as we welcome everyone of all ages.
The festival will also be welcoming stallholders that cover topics related to circular economy, mitigation, adaptation, climate education, transport, activism, conservation and more.
As a special feature to this year’s edition is our theme: Intertwined. Following last year’s theme of Root & Rise, the question remains: what makes a forest truly strong, resilient, and nourished?
The answer lies beneath our feet, in mycelium. Mycelium is an underground root-like network of entangled threads of fungi. It creates vast connections between plants and trees serving as a shared resource for nutrients, supporting growth as well as being a magnificent communication highway, sending signals and protecting one another.
The 2026 theme embodies this ethos – supporting connection between ourselves, those around us and nature, expanding from local action to global solidarity.
A reminder that fundamentally, we are all nature.
Facing climate challenges alone can feel overwhelming. But when we recognise how deeply intertwined we are, we also recognise our shared strength.
Through collective action we can exchange ideas, re-energise, and cultivate meaningful change. Whether you’re beginning your sustainability journey or deeply rooted in climate work, you can join the festival to build a hopeful and connected community – forming a vibrant, intertwined network.
With the aim to become more sustainable as an event itself, this year the festival is also promoting different initiatives in hopes to achieve better waste reduction & improve its practices overall.
A few to highlight, is their additional single use packaging fee that will be implemented by all food vendors as well as a free raffle that aims to encourage attendees to bring their own containers, rewarding their commitment by offering a chance to win one of three prizes (which are valued at 60, 50 and 40 pounds).
Franciele Sobierai, the ECF Event Coordinator said: “The climate crisis can be daunting, leaving us feeling powerless. However, when we intertwine, work together, and support one another, we can accomplish far more.
“This is the message the Edinburgh Climate Festival aims to spread — encouraging community-driven climate action and solidarity to tackle the climate emergency.”
Scott Davidson, Deputy Director for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and Head of Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s a privilege to be the Climate Champion Partner for this year’s festival.
“As climate projections become more severe, society is increasingly in a race between opportunity and dire outcomes. The University of Edinburgh is committed to playing its part in this race.
“Our sector-leading regenerative sustainability strategy ensures all students have access to meaningful education on climate and nature, and our research drives action in the circular economy, ecological regeneration and in the transition to renewables, to name just a few.
“Supporting the Festival recognises the importance we place on supporting our local community too, and our role in creating a more sustainable future for Edinburgh and beyond.”
The attractions and activities will include various artwork, free workshops, such as yoga, musical performances from Àirdan Band, SNR, Fava Beats, a circular economy fashion show, an energetic Ceilidh & much more! Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate our collective efforts towards a sustainable future!
Confirm your presence on the event here, with the option to give a donation here.
The Edinburgh Climate Festival is brought to you by Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) & Networking Key Services (NKS), through the Communities’ Reduce Reuse & Recycle (C3R) Project.
The festival is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and is supported by the University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture.
Week-long celebration of the role of art in health and wellbeing
Delegates from across the world united in Scotland this week for the world’s largest bi-annual Healing Arts week, celebrating the transformative role the arts has on health and wellbeing.
National Galleries of Scotland hosted the National Conference in Edinburgh on Thursday 18 June, where Scottish violinist and Edinburgh International Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti was recognised as the first ever Global Ambassador for Healing Arts.
Throughout the week flagship days were held in Shetland, Lewis & Harris, Dumfries & Galloway and Glasgow, featuring talks, artist commissions, exhibitions, concerts and workshops. The weeklong activities showcase Scotland as a leading voice in the global creative health movement, emphasising the vital role the arts play in health and wellbeing across communities.
Healing Arts Scotland is part of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab’s global outreach campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
