I’m writing to you – a loyal RNLI supporter – following the recent events in the media that have generated deliberate misinformation and misunderstanding about the RNLI and our lifesaving work in the Channel.
Sadly, as a result, some of our volunteers and staff have been the subject of online and, in the worst cases, physical abuse.
The RNLI’s people represent the very best in our society – they selflessly give up their time to keep others safe. Yet they and their families are being threatened by those who would hide behind a balaclava or a keyboard. These actions are wholly unacceptable in a civilised society. We will take whatever steps we can to care for and protect our people and their families.
The RNLI is an apolitical organisation. We are completely independent of government, powered by remarkable, kind people like you.
For over 200 years, in all weathers, in peace and war, the RNLI and our amazing volunteers and staff have selflessly dedicated themselves to rescuing people they have never met before, without judgement, fear or favour.
When the coastguard tasks a RNLI lifeboat crew to launch to a vessel or people in distress, we will always answer the call, whoever needs our help.
It is a legal and moral obligation under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Courage is the RNLI’s currency. Dependable, loyal, service to others and our nations is our hallmark.
RNLI lifeboats were tasked by the coastguard and launched 9,058 times in 2025. 109 of those launches were to those in distress in the Channel, representing 1.2 per cent of the RNLI’s total rescue work. Nearly 95 per cent of those who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year – one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – were picked up by the UK Border Force.
‘I am extremely proud of – and grateful for – their vital lifesaving work’
Our mission, and our tasking, is to rescue those women, children and men in danger of drowning. Anyone rescued from crossing the channel in these boats by the RNLI is immediately handed over to the UK’s immigration authorities.
While illegal immigration is a political issue, the RNLI has always existed to save lives at sea. I have seen ludicrous rumours that we house asylum seekers on RNLI premises, or that there are RNLI missions to move migrants to secret locations.
These rumours are completely baseless and untrue.
Illegal migration is a polarising subject that generates strong views, locally and nationally. But please be mindful of misinformation, the impact it has upon others, and be reassured that the RNLI and our crews strive only to prevent people from drowning at sea.
I am extremely proud of and grateful for their vital lifesaving work that meant 389 lives were saved last year; lives saved to be lives lived.
With your continued support, this charity will continue to save lives at sea all around the UK and Ireland, just as we always have. So, on behalf of everyone at the RNLI, thank you for making that possible.
Sincerely,
Peter Sparkes RNLI Chief Executive
PS. Please visit our web page for more information on this issue, and for answers to frequently asked questions.
Scotland’s colleges faced growing financial strain in 2024/25, with a rising number reliant on cash advances from the Scottish Funding Council.
Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. Five colleges needed a cash advance from the SFC in the same year – three more than in 2023/24. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year.
Despite an increase of over nine per cent in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It is not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform. Meanwhile, the Scottish Government and its partners have been slow to progress reforms, including to how the sector is funded.
The sector has cut its workforce by 13 per cent since 2019 to reduce costs, and most colleges have limited ability to generate income. Student numbers continue to fall but the sector has proven resilient. The proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25, and most students went on to further study, training or employment.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: ‘The financial pressure on Scotland’s colleges is increasing, and their situation remains extremely challenging. Without urgent and successful reform of the sector, it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.
‘The recommendations I made in 2025 remain important, but they are still in the early stages of being addressed. The Scottish Government, Scottish Funding Council and colleges need to take action to implement them at pace.’
Councillors at yesterday’s Planning Committee have voted in favour of an ‘ambitious pragmatic’ option for the development of Princes Street and Waverley Valley.
Plans incorporate a range of enhancements to Princes Street, the Gardens and surrounding area, including:
Improved accessibility
Widened pavement by 1.5m at the southern footway of Princes Street, with new high-quality stone pavement installed – reducing congestion for those walking and wheeling
Improved accessibility for Princes Street Gardens with new ramps or potentially lifts installed
Upgrade and refurbishment work to the Ross Bandstand and amphitheatre – making it more accessible to meet the needs of audiences and performers
New features and facilities
Shelters in Princes Street gardens repurposed for use as small cafes and potential community use
New or improved public toilets and drinking fountains installed
Princes Street Gardens extended opening hours, with new lighting to highlight the cityscape
New landscaping to include public seating and rest points
Transport efficiency
A new cycle hub at Waverley Station with safe cycle access and improved cycle parking along Princes Street
Narrowing of the carriageway at the south side to make more space for walking and wheeling, maintaining it as two lanes in each travel direction for bus and tram services
Potential introduction of a new bus gate at the east end of Princes Street as part of measures to reduce congestion and delay along the thoroughfare
The design approach is based on the outcome of discussions at a workshop in June where Councillors, officers and representatives from partner organisations including Historic Environment Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Essential Edinburgh, Network Rail and Edinburgh Access Panel, among others, met to hear proposals and share feedback.
Individual project plans including designs and costs for the works will be taken forward at Transport and Environment, and Finance and Resources committees.
The option being taken forward is aligned with current approved Council strategies and plans, supporting delivery of adjoining projects and the existing transport network.
It was also agreed that a revised Princes Street and Waverley Strategy will come back to Committee in early 2027.
Planning Convener, Cllr Joan Griffiths, said:“Princes Street is already going through considerable change and improvement, attracting millions pounds of new investment – but we know there’s still more to be done.
“The way forward we’ve agreed today is a positive step forward – and my thanks to officers for their hard work in getting us to this point. This is a sensible and pragmatic approach that takes on board much of what we heard during the public consultation, particularly around improving accessibility.
“Crucially, this differs from previous plans in that it is affordable and deliverable, and we have the resources to take forward these improvements immediately.
“I have no doubt these changes will improve how residents and visitors experience Princes Street and the Gardens and look forward to seeing these plans develop further in the future.”
Musselburgh Racecourse takes on a distinctive Munich-style influence at its next race meeting this Saturday (12 September).
The popular Oktoberfest Raceday – supported by The Royal Regiment of Scotland – is now in its third year and continues to grow in popularity with thousands of racegoers embracing the famous German celebration.
Bavarian oompah bands and bratwurst will be to the fore while on the turf seven quality Flat races – including the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup – promises a thrilling afternoon of sporting action.
Live oompah band, the Jäger Maestros, will be performing a mix of classic tunes and oompah-style songs while the Oktoberfest Marquee will host a number of fun events, including a stein holding challenge, keg rolling and sing-alongs.
Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest which dates from 1810 and takes place throughout September and October, the East Lothian racecourse has tapped into a rich theme and is encouraging guests to enter the spirt of the raceday by donning traditional lederhosen.
Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania has completed a soldier’s assault course at Glencorse Barracks and in return a soldier will complete a number of jockey-related challenges at the race meeting. The Regiment will also have a military stand at Oktoberfest setting out some challenges for gallus racegoers.
Street food vans will offer a range of bratwurst, pretzels and German beer, and following the last race (scheduled for 7.20pm) the celebrations continue with an After Racing Party.
The feature race of the day is the £20,000 SCOTS Association Musselburgh Gold Cup over 2m 2f which is supported by six other competitive races, with the first provisionally timed for 4.07pm.
Musselburgh Racecourse Oktoberfest 2025
Musselburgh Racecourse Head of Marketing and Business Development, Aisling Johnston, said: “Our Oktoberfest meeting continues to grow each year and returning visitors love the mix of a fun German-inspired event with competitive horse racing.
“We hope guests will dust off their lederhosen and put their best Bavarian foot forward to come along for what will be a hugely entertaining afternoon and evening, topped off with seven exciting Flat races.”
Gates open on 12 September at 2pm and tickets bought in advance are reduced by £5 for a limited period. Children aged 17 years and under are admitted free with four children permitted per paying adult.
The racecourse provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Wallyford and Newcraighall rail stations on each raceday.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline will join landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.
Buildings and landmarks across Scotland will unite by shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on the 10th of September. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura, and the Balmoral Hotel will be some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.
Joining the venues will be Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts.
It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.
For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life.
“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”
After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.
“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.
“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’
“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”
A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.
A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.
But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection. More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.
It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:
Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
Let them know they are not alone.
Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
Ask them what things they care about and what they like.
Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.
“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.”
“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visitwww.samaritans.org.
Education, Children and Families Convenor James Dalgleish welcomes an anti-knife crime initiative to the city:
“This week sees an unusual – but vitally important – visitor to Leith.
“Knife Angel has been installed at Kirkgate, a huge 27ft statue constructed with 100,000 knives and bladed weapons that have been confiscated by police forces from all over the UK. Raising the important topic of knife violence within young people, the statue was brought to the town with the help of Leith mum Lisa Petrie.
“Lisa lost her 22-year-old son John to knife violence last year and since has tirelessly campaigned to make young people aware of the dangers of carrying a knife. Through her grief she is bravely doing all she can to make young people aware of the dangers of knife crime.
“Knife Angel will be in Leith for one month and I hope it creates thought provoking conversations and encourages parents to talk to their children about the dangers of carrying a blade and what the repercussions can be.
“The installation is part of a month-long anti-knife crime campaign aimed at children, young people and the wider community.
“The Council funded 500 high school pupils to attend Code at the Fringe, a gritty physical theatre piece centred on knife crime and country lines and the realities of getting involved with gangs. Using rap, parkour and BMX stunts, the show received rave reviews and pupils tell me it raised important discussions with peers and teachers.
“Theatre production company Strange Town have been funded, with support from Forth Ports, to take Balinsong to high schools across Edinburgh.
“The theatre performance centres on knife crime and how a split-second decision can have devastating impact on a young person’s life. Thousands of pupils will see the show which is hard-hitting and previous audiences have agreed the messaging lives on long after the curtain falls.
“For younger pupils, 92 pupils submitted artwork centred on the theme of safety with the art being turned into a mosaic that covers an entire Lothian Buses bus. Pupils were asked how young people can help make Edinburgh safer and I was blown away with some of the suggestions and the creativity of the young people.
“The bus was launched last week and I have already spied it travelling down Princes Street – it is certainly eye catching and was a good way to involve younger children in the anti-violence campaign in an age-appropriate way.
“Working with partner agencies, I was shocked to learn that carrying a knife makes you over 40 per cent more likely to be a victim of knife crime. While knife carrying and violence is decreasing in our society it is clear that we need to continue to do all we can to continue this downward trend.
“Every life lost to knife crime is a tragedy and I would urge young people, teachers and parents to use this initiative as a talking point and make sure they know the dangers of carrying a bladed weapon.”
A groundbreaking new documentary has been launched today (Thursday 10 September) to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.
What I want you to know is a powerful film from Suicide Prevention Scotland following bereaved father Phil Wanless as he seeks to understand his son Fraser’s death.
Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations delivering the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
Running to 30 minutes, it gives one family’s story the space to explore some of the most difficult themes.
Ultimately, the film asks what might have been different if the people around Fraser, and Phil, had been met with time, space and compassion sooner.
Fraser was just eleven years old when he found his mum, Lisa, dead after she experienced a fatal epileptic seizure.
Phil’s journey has helped him understand that his son struggled to grieve her death. Later he turned to substance use and experienced difficult relationships.
Ultimately, the documentary challenges people to consider the principles of time, space and compassion, in every part of our lives – not just suicide prevention; that every one of us can help save lives.
Phil is joined by his partner Debbie Rowan, Fraser’s friend Darren Gallagher, Iain Corbett, a community development practitioner who has extensive experience working with young men, and John Gibson, founder of The Canmore Trust.
John and his wife Isobel lost their son Cameron to suicide in 2019.
A facilitation pack has also been launched so that a range of different groups and communities across Scotland can watch the film and talk about it together. It is designed for anyone, regardless of their experience.
In the documentary, Phil Wanless says of his son’s suicide: “Fraser and I spoke every day, whether it was a voice call or a text. I hadn’t heard from him for a day, and that was very unusual.
“I don’t believe he wanted to die. I just don’t think he wanted to live. He just didn’t want the pain any more.
“The boy that I brought up, bought his first football boots, and put his first Hearts top on, everything was gone in the blink of an eye. Part of my heart is missing. That’s the only way I can describe it. It’s not a cliché. Part of my heart is missing.
“It broke us. It took a family that was pretty close, and broke us. I wish I had the chance to tell Fraser right now how much I loved him.
“It is Fraser’s story, but it could be anybody’s story.”
The impact of Fraser’s death was profound, and was felt from as soon as Phil learned his son was gone. Eventually, he also planned to take his own life.
“There were no instructions on how to grieve. The only time anybody talked to me about my mind health was at the point of crisis. That has to be the wrong way round.
“Suicide is the end product, and it’s the permanent product. But the truth is, we want to reach anybody who’s feeling like that long before we get to crisis.
“We need to stop the idea that the first time you get to talk to anybody is when you’re thinking about taking your life. We have to treat mind health as every bit as important as physical health.”
Phil wants the principles of time, space and compassion to be taught from an early age. Only as a bereaved father has he learned about the impact of trauma.
“In my whole life nobody ever taught me about compassion, and yet it’s one of the most important things in life. I think we should be teaching it at school.”
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Public Health, Sport, Alcohol and Drugs, said: “I want to thank Phil Wanless and his family and friends for their courage in sharing their experiences in this powerful film.
“Losing a loved one to suicide is a tragedy beyond measure and this documentary brings home the devastating impact. It also reminds us that opening up conversations about suicide and encouraging people to seek help can save lives.
“Our work on suicide prevention is informed and guided by those with lived and living experience. I am determined that we learn from Fraser’s tragic death as we continue that work to ensure that anyone with thoughts of suicide or impacted by suicide in any way gets the help they need and feels a sense of hope.
“Our Suicide Prevention Action Plan – joint with COSLA – aims to reduce deaths by suicide whilst also tackling the inequalities that can increase the risk of suicide, and is backed by a budget of £3 million in 2026–27.”
Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, said: “Phil Wanless’ story of his son Fraser’s tragic death, and of his own experiences of bereavement and suicide, is incredibly moving.
“Thank you, Phil, for sharing so openly. The documentary powerfully shows how deeply suicide is felt by friends, families, and wider communities, and is a clear call to action for all of us.
“The film is also striking in how it tells us about the complexities of Fraser’s life, with trauma, substance use, and relationships all having a significant impact. It reminds us of the importance of ensuring our work on suicide prevention in Scotland continues to address the wider factors in our lives.
“The COSLA and Scottish Government Suicide Prevention strategy and action plan sets out our vision and I am committed to ensuring that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or is bereaved by suicide can access the support they need, when they need, and that local government does all it can to both provide support and address the wider social factors that can impact on suicide risk.
“Phil has told us what he wants us to know, and now we must all act.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s national delivery lead Haylis Smith says: “The film shines a light on the reality of suicide in a way that hasn’t happened before. I know Phil doesn’t think he’s extraordinary, that he’s simply a grieving father angry after the loss of his son.
“But Fraser’s death will not be in vain, because Phil, Debbie and their families have opened up their home and lives in a way that will help so many people think about how to support people who experience trauma. He is extraordinary, because Phil’s intervention will save lives. We might never know who, but it will.
“We can see in the film where there were missed opportunities for time, space, compassion. It shows what their absence feels like, how much there still is to learn about reaching people long before a crisis and how we can all play a part in supporting people at risk of, or impacted by suicide.”
A 32-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 23, have been charged following a fatal crash on the A8 near Newbridge.
Around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, 2026, officers were called to the crash involving four cars.
A 58-year-old woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Linda Patterson and the following statement has been released on behalf of her family:
“Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.
“She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.
“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.
“She will be greatly missed.
“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”
Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with Linda’s family and friends at this devastating time.
“Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.
“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.
“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.
The two women and the man were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect 1.7 million people in Scotland – around one in three of us.
Yet despite the enormous impact these conditions have on people’s health, independence and ability to work, Scotland has no dedicated national strategy for MSK health. That needs to change.
Arthritis UK is calling on First Minister John Swinney to deliver Scotland’s first-ever MSK Action Plan, providing the national leadership needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and support.
Behind the statistics are people living every day with pain, fatigue and disability – some waiting years for a diagnosis or treatment that could transform their lives.
Our “Don’t Turn Your Back on Arthritis” campaign gives those people, their families, and supporters the opportunity to make their voices heard.
We are urging people across Scotland to send a simple message to the First Minister: arthritis affects too many people to remain an afterthought.
It is time to face arthritis head-on and give MSK health the priority it deserves.
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