‘Where we need vision, we have a vacuum’
WES Streeting has resigned as UK Health Secretary, clearing the way for his leadership bid.
STREETING’s RESIGNATION LETTER:
Streeting resigns as Health Secretary
Funding boost to help Scotland’s school libraries inspire a new generation of readers
School libraries across Scotland are being invited to bid for a share of £150,000 in Scottish Government funding to deliver innovative projects that inspire reading for pleasure, widen access to books and help children and young people build vital digital skills.
The 2026/27 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF), administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), will support creative initiatives that widen engagement with reading, foster whole-school reading cultures and help pupils develop the literacy, wellbeing and digital skills needed to thrive in modern life.
SLIF supports projects aligned with the ambitions of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools — the national strategy for school libraries in Scotland. Open to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools in Scotland, this year’s fund will prioritise applications focused on:
- promoting reading for pleasure and developing whole-school reading cultures
- improving equity of access to books, libraries and reading experiences
- strengthening digital and information literacy, and
- supporting wellbeing, creativity and partnership working to widen engagement with reading
Projects funded through previous rounds of SLIF have demonstrated the powerful role school libraries play in supporting attainment, confidence, inclusion and wellbeing. From transforming unused spaces into vibrant reading hubs to creating intergenerational storytelling projects, digital media initiatives and community reading programmes, SLIC is encouraging schools and library services to submit bold, creative ideas that reflect the needs and aspirations of their local communities.
Last year 17 trailblazing projects were awarded a share of the SLIF. Successful initiatives included inclusive reading projects using assistive technology in Aberdeen, podcasting and digital storytelling programmes in Renfrewshire, a football-inspired emotional literacy project in East Renfrewshire delivered in partnership with Police Scotland, and large-scale family and community reading initiatives spanning schools in Inverclyde, the Highlands and East Lothian.
Other funded initiatives explored themes including myths and legends and empathy through reading, while a range of projects also focused on digital literacy and accessibility to ensure every child can experience the joy of reading.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: “The School Library Improvement Fund continues to highlight the innovation and ambition within school libraries across the country.
“Every year, we see inspiring projects that make a tangible difference, helping children and young people discover a love of reading, build confidence, strengthen digital skills and feel more connected to their school communities.
“This year’s priorities place reading and equitable access at the heart of the programme, while also recognising the ever-growing importance of wellbeing, creativity and digital literacy. We are encouraging schools and library staff to think boldly about what their library can achieve and to develop ideas that deliver real impact for learners and their families.”
Schools can submit either individual or collaborative applications, with SLIC accepting up to two individual applications per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications, helping ensure opportunities are shared fairly across Scotland.
The School Library Improvement Fund 2026-27 is now open. Applications will close at 12pm on 8 June 2026. To find out more and apply, visit:
The School Library Improvement Fund – The Scottish Library and Information Council.
Mental Health Foundation: Acting early is key to building a mentally healthier society
Mental health in the UK is moving in the wrong direction. More people are experiencing distress, services are overwhelmed and demand continues to rise.
The need for action is clear. But what should that look like?
At the Mental Health Foundation, we believe that lasting change depends on acting earlier – we call it prevention.
Treatment and crisis services are vital and always will be, but they can’t carry the full weight of the mental health crisis.
If we want fewer people to reach crisis point, we have to address the conditions that harm mental health in the first place and strengthen those that protect it.
Read our vision of how to build a mentally healthier society: https://bit.ly/4cStwDC
Join us this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek as we call for action to improve mental health across the UK.
Because everyone deserves good mental health
Out of the Blue: Youth Summer Camp
The summer holidays just got a whole lot more creative! 
Drill Hall artists All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre and Strange Town are joining forces for a brand-new 5-day summer camp, and it’s going to be something special. 
Aerial skills, movement, storytelling, character work, theatre-making… and it all ends in a LIVE SHOW for friends and family!
Ages 12–18 | All levels welcome | No experience needed
Monday 20th – Friday 24th July
10am – 4pm
The Out of the Blue Drill Hall
£200 | Subsidised places available
Give your teenager a summer they’ll never forget.
To find out more, just head over to our website.
Lorne Primary School celebrates 150th anniversary with series of community events
This year marks 150 years since Lorne Primary School first opened its doors. To mark the milestone pupils, families and the local community are invited to join a programme of special events to celebrate learning, community and resilience:
- Heritage Exhibitions featuring historic photographs and memories from alumni and community archives
- Community performances and pupil showcases highlighting arts, music, and storytelling
- Involvement in Leith Festival Pageant showcasing the brilliant work of pupils and teachers
- Collaborative projects with local partners exploring the school’s role in Leith’s history and future
- In-School Events such as a ‘Back in the Day’ Disco, a time travelling film that explores Lorne pupil experiences over the last 150 years and a celebratory tea party for staff, alumni, dignitaries and pupil representatives
Officially opened in February 1876, the first headmaster, the Reverend James Forsyth, welcomed pupils into the newly completed school building in late 1876, laying the foundations for a legacy of learning that continues today.
The much-loved Victorian school has played a vital role in shaping the lives of generations of Leith’s learners and their families.
Built on land secured from the Governors of George Heriot’s Hospital, the school was originally designed to accommodate up to 500 children. The school grew alongside its community and in 1898 a third storey was added to meet the needs of the increasing pupil numbers, and by 1901 the roll had risen to 900 pupils.
During the Second World War, the school building was temporarily repurposed as a civic restaurant, offering meals to local people affected by wartime disruption, while many pupils continued their studies in temporary settings around the city.
In 1962, a fire in the roof of the building led to the closure of the school for a decade. The school reopened in 1973 with 282 pupils. Today the school is a vibrant, multicultural learning community with over 150 pupils representing over 25 home languages.
Education, Children and Families Convenor, Cllr James Dalgleish said: “It is incredible to see Lorne Primary School celebrating its 150th anniversary.
“This important milestone provides a great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the impact that the school has had on the lives of many learners over the years as well as on the wider Leith community.
“While a lot has changed over the past 150 years, the school remains deeply rooted in the heart of the community, and today Lorne Primary School is a vibrant, modern, nurturing and inclusive school.”
Commenting on the milestone, Lorne Primary School Head Teacher, Lindsay Kennedy said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 150 years of learning at Lorne Primary.
“This anniversary is a tribute to every pupil, family, and staff member who has been part of our journey. We look forward to continuing our legacy of nurturing curiosity, compassion, and achievement for many generations to come.”
Assembly Festival announces return of Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival
First tickets on sale TOMORROW – Friday 15 May
First music acts and family-friendly programme announced
24 Jul – 02 Aug 2026
Tickets on sale from 12pm Friday 15 May
Assembly Festival has announced the return of the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival (EFFF) for a second year, with first tickets on sale this Friday 15th May.
Taking place in the city centre’s George Square Gardens from 24 Jul – 2 August, the Edinburgh Folk & Food Fest kicks off Assembly’s festival offerings with a mix of free and ticketed events for all the family.
Taking place in the Piccolo and Palais Du Variété in George Square Gardens, the festival will welcome local street food vendors, folk musicians from across the UK, workshops, masterclasses and more.
This year’s music lineup includes performances from critically acclaimed Scottish contemporary folk band Breabach, Mercury Prize nominated Seth Lakeman, trad fusion stars An Dannsa Dub and Indie trad fusion group Dlù.
The musical evolution of the beloved Edinburgh Food Festival, back for its second year at George Square Gardens, creates an accessible space for folk fans and food lovers alike, bringing Scotland’s rich folk heritage to the capital for ten days of the very best food to a soundtrack of folk and fusion.
With additional shows catered towards children, including Fringe favourites The Greatest Magic Show, Comedy Club 4 Kids and Explosive Science Show, EFFF is the ideal summer day out for all the family.
Assembly Festival Managing Director Dani Rae said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing back the Folk to the Edinburgh Folk & Food Festival for a second year after the huge successes of 2025.
“We’ve got an incredible lineup of the best folk music in Scotland and beyond, as well as some fantastic local food vendors to announce and we can’t wait for audiences to join us for a dance and a bite to eat.”
The first tickets for the Edinburgh Folk & Food Fest are on sale from 12pm Friday 15 May at edfoodfest.com.
Charities call for end of rule locking 70,000 pensioners out of vital financial support
National charity Independent Age and 12 other organisations1 have teamed up to send an open letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, calling for an end to the mixed age couples rule.
The rule, introduced in 2019, could be preventing around 70,000 low-income couples from receiving entitlements specifically for older people until they bothreach State Pension age, leaving affected couples up to £7,000 worse off a year.
As well as the range of organisations calling for change, new polling from Independent Age shows that a large majority of the UK public back ending the rule, with 62% saying that couples where one person is over State Pension age should receive pension-age entitlements2.
Together the organisations are urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, to allow couples to claim pensioner benefits, like Pension Credit, once the older partner reaches State Pension age.
Data from 2019 shows that 12% of couples who could be eligible for Pension Credit have an age gap of more than 10 years, meaning the older partner may have to wait an extremely long time to access pensioner entitlements, adding to their financial strain. While couples in this situation are eligible to receive Universal Credit, this is paid at a lower rate and is not designed to meet the needs of people over State Pension Age.
In the letter the organisations say the issue is urgent:
‘Nobody should be punished financially because of who they love. Yet as many as 70,000 older people are missing out on the financial safety net designed to protect pensioners, just because of their partner’s age.
‘This is urgent. With the incoming rise in State Pension age, more and more couples on a low income will face an even longer wait to receive the entitlements they need due to the mixed-age couples rule.’
Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE said: “Every day we hear from older people struggling to make ends meet, and for thousands of mixed-age couples the system is making that struggle even harder.
“This rule is unfairly locking around 70,000 older people out of vital pension-age support simply because their partner is younger.
“The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently depending on who they love. The financial support they are missing out on could be the difference between heating and eating or paying the rent.
“Twelve organisations have joined us in calling on the UK Government to act now and scrap the mixed-age couples rule, to ensure all older people on a low income get the financial security and dignity they deserve once they reach pension age.”
In the letter the organisations also express concern over ‘the assumption that all younger partners are able to be financially responsible for their household’ and how this ‘does not reflect reality for many couples. In lots of cases, a younger partner will have health conditions or unpaid caring responsibilities that could mean they are unable to work.’
Lynn, 62, and her husband David from Eastbourne have a five-year age gap and have been unable to access the support they need as a result: She said: “David and I met on a blind date. We’ve been married for nearly 24 years.
“Although David is my full-time carer, we’ve had a hard time getting any financial support because he’s five years older than me. We used to receive Employment and Support Allowance, but once my husband reached State Pension age, it stopped.
“David and I trudged around four different places, including the council, to try and find out what we were entitled to and we were told we could claim Pension Credit. But after seven months of receiving Pension Credit, we got a letter saying there had been a mistake and we weren’t entitled to it because we are a mixed-age couple. We were told to apply for Universal Credit instead.
“All this happened when we were in the middle of moving house and our Pension Credit payment was due. I remember thinking: Now what are we going to do? and being so worried as we literally had no money for our move. We just couldn’t understand why we were told we were eligible to claim Pension Credit and then the payments were suddenly stopped.
“For the first time ever, we had to turn to a food bank to get by. If it wasn’t for our children, I don’t know what we’d have done. They helped us get through this very stressful time in our lives.”
Jan Shortt, General Secretary, National Pensioners Convention said: “To treat people differently on the basis of who they fall in love with is nonsense.
“Mixed age couples are suffering financially because they cannot access the support they need. Decisions made by the government penalise mixed age couples and this must be addressed to enable them to be financially secure in the future.”
The organisations who have signed the letter alongside Independent Age are:
Age Scotland
Ageing Without Children (AWOC)
Age UK
Civil Service Pensioners Alliance
National Federation of Occupational Pensioners
Northern Irish Commissioner
National Pensioners Convention (NPC)
Re-engage
Unison Retired Members
National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO)
Welsh Older People’s Commissioner
Wise Age
For more information on Independent Age’s mixed aged couples campaign, see:
Mixed-age couples locked out of vital support | Independent Age
Fringe Days Out returns for 2026
THE Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has announced the return of Fringe Days Out, the Fringe Society’s flagship community engagement programme.
Fringe Days Out supports Edinburgh-based community groups by providing free Fringe tickets to deliver an entire festival experience paid for by the Fringe Society. Through Fringe Days Out, more than 20,000 community group participants have visited the festival since 2017, with many having never experienced the Fringe before.
This year, Fringe Days Out launched at the Heart of Newhaven, a community hub in north Edinburgh that hosts a range of community groups. The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, joined Fringe Day Out community groups such as Vintage Vibes and Gig Buddies to celebrate the launch of this year’s programme.
Encouraging community groups to continue to embrace the Fringe in their own way and on their own terms, the event also featured a performance by Edinburgh Festival Fringe performer Greg Sinclair from the show Tongue Twister, part of this year’s Made in Scotland showcase.
The Fringe Days Out partner organisations work with a range of groups in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, including young people, single parents, isolated older adults, disabled and autistic people, ethnic minority communities, refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ people and many more.
This collaboration has fostered long-term, meaningful relationships and helps the Fringe Society better understand how it can open doors and allow communities to celebrate the arts, culture and creativity on their own terms.
Alongside the launch of Fringe Days Out, the Fringe Society has published an independent report studying the impact of Fringe Days Out, produced by Ruthless Research and funded by the Scottish Government.
The report highlights the positive effects Fringe Days Out has had on local Edinburgh communities such as:
- around one in six respondents (17%) were first-time Fringe-goers
- 95% of the community members felt welcome at the Fringe following their visit
- 52% of the community partners reported that Fringe Days Out had led them to work with the Fringe Society in other ways
The Fringe Society looks forward to further developing the relationships forged by Fringe Days Out, ensuring this project supports community groups across Edinburgh and the festival remains a force for good in the city.
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘Fringe Days Out is a real privilege for the Fringe Society to deliver and a joy to relaunch for 2026.
“Fringe Days Out is a wonderful example of how the Fringe Society collaborates with Edinburgh’s communities to break down long-term barriers and celebrate this amazing festival.
“It is vitally important that the Fringe Society continues to ensure that our Fringe Day Out community partners feel empowered to enjoy the Fringe in their own way and on their own terms.’
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, said: ‘Fringe Days Out by the Fringe Society is really important as it helps local people to take part in this world-class festival taking place on their door-step.
“I’m proud to support Fringe Days Out 2026 and all it does to show the fringe is for everyone across the city and not only in its peak month of August.’
Sam Maggs, from Fringe Days Out community partner Gig Buddies, said: ‘Fringe Days Out gives Gig Buddies members a sense of ownership in their community.
“A lot of the time, access barriers and needing support can mean people feel disconnected from the place they live in. Fringe Days Out means that Gig Buddies members are part of the Fringe that’s on their doorstep.’
Find out more about Fringe Days Out and view the impact assessment at:
https://www.edfringe.com/about-us/news-and-blog/fringe-days-out-launches-for-2026/
Duke of Edinburgh attends service for the Kirking of the Scottish Parliament
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was joined by incoming MSPs, the Presiding Officer, and representatives from Scotland’s faith and belief communities at the Kirking for the Seventh Session of the Scottish Parliament in St Giles’ Cathedral last night (Wednesday 13 May).
The service in Edinburgh traditionally takes place on the evening before the first sitting of a new parliamentary term.
The Kirking is a ceremonial tradition that reflects on the responsibilities of leadership in public service, while recognising Scotland’s wide range of religious and non-religious beliefs.
It also provides an opportunity for organisations from across Scotland, including participants from civic society, the diplomatic corps, academia, business, industry and charities, to meet with the newly elected MSPs.
The ecumenical service was led by The Reverend Dr Scott Rennie, The Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, with the Sermon being delivered by the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, The Right Reverend Rosie Frew.
This, together with readings by the Presiding Officer and the Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, is intended to encourage thoughtful reflection on serving others.
The congregation heard performances from the Choir of St Giles’ and the National Youth Choir of Scotland as well as from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland traditional Scottish music duo Stella Rose McIntyre (clàrsach) and Naomi Priestnall (fiddle). Interfaith blessings also featured.
The seventh session of the Scottish Parliament will formally begin today when MSPs will be sworn in by the Presiding Officer in the Holyrood Chamber.
An election will then be held to choose a new Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officers.
PICTURES: Scottish Parliament
Trainer Sale at PYCP
Need some new trainers?
Pop along to PY, 23rd May 11-1pm and take a look at the bargains we’ve got!
