Graves of two unknown World War 1 officers ‘named’ 111 years after their deaths

The previously un-named graves of two officers who gave their lives during World War One have been identified in Belgium. Captain (Capt) Gordon Cuthbert of Sunbury, Middlesex, and Lieutenant (Lt) Leslie Harvey, originally from Windsor, both served with 1/8 Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own, Middlesex Regiment and both died near Ypres on 25 April 1915.

Two ‘unknown soldier’ headstones have been replaced with ones bearing the names of the men who lay there after investigation work by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. 

Rededication services for Capt Cuthbert and Lt Harvey were organised by the team, and services were held for Capt. Cuthbert at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Tyne Cot Cemetery and for Lt Harvey at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery yesterday (29 April 2026). 

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: “I am grateful to the independent researcher who put such a lot of effort into discovering the stories of these two men, and the records behind the un-named graves and who ultimatly submitted the cases for their identification.

“Their work has led us to recognise the final resting places of Captain Cuthbert and Lieutenant Harvey, and to restore their names to them.

“It has been a privilege to have contributed to these cases and to have organised the services of rededication today.”

Captain Gordon Cuthbert 

14 August 1876 – 25 April 1915 

In 1894, Gordon Cuthbert joined the London Rifle Brigade, and he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Volunteer Brigade of the Middlesex Regiment in February 1900. He transferred to the Territorial Reserve in 1908 and was appointed captain in command of the Twickenham Company in 1911. 

On the outbreak of war in August 1914, he rejoined the Middlesex Regiment and proceeded to Gibraltar for garrison duty until February 1915 when he was sent to northern Europe. He was killed on 25 April whilst leading a storming party which retook a trench near Ypres. In the chaos of war immediate burial was impossible, and following the war Gordon’s name was added to the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing in Ypres. 

In 1920 the body of a Captain of the Middlesex Regiment was recovered on the southern side of the Ypres-Roulers railway line – his rank and regiment were determined from elements of his uniform, but his personal identity was impossible to tell and so he was buried as an unknown Captain at Tyne Cot Cemetery. 

Detailed research has now allowed the unknown Captain to be identified as Gordon Cuthbert. 

Military personnel salute, and Standards are dipped, as Last Post sounds at the service for Captain Cuthbert (Crown Copyright)

Lieutenant Leslie Harvey 

3 January 1884 – 25 April 1915 

Leslie Harvey joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, and on the outbreak of war volunteered immediately, being given a commission in the Middlesex regiment on 28 August 1914. Leslie was sent to Gibraltar with the regiment in October 1914 and was promoted to Lieutenant in February 1915. Following a short period of leave in England he was sent to France, in late February – early March 1915. 

By April 1915 Leslie had reached Belgium and was engaged in fighting in the Zonnebeke area. On 25 April 1915 he was killed whilst leading a bayonet charge. Although he was buried by his men at the time – near a railway crossing – the records of his grave were lost and following the war he was named on the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing at Ypres. 

In early 1929, the body of an unknown Lieutenant of the Middlesex Regiment was recovered from a location just south of the Ypres-Roulers railway – identified by a shoulder title, and his badges and buttons. It was impossible to determine his personal identity, and he was buried as an unknown Lieutenant at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, alongside two other men recovered at the same place and time. 

Archival research has now connected this unknown Lieutenant to Leslie Harvey and allowed us to identify his final resting place.  

Padre Victoria Day leads the service for Lt Harvey (Crown Copyright)

The services today were supported by serving soldiers from the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and led by Padre Victoria Day of 26 Royal Engineer Regiment. 

The headstones were replaced by CWGC.

Polly Brewster, Commemorations Case Officer at CWGC, said: “On the 25th April 1915, Captain Gordon Cuthbert and Lieutenant Leslie Harvey were engaged in fierce fighting near Ypres and made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It feels very poignant that 110 years later, almost to the day, we are now able to commemorate them by name at their final resting places. The Commission will continue to care for their graves in perpetuity, ensuring that they can rest in peace and dignity, their sacrifice remembered.”

Seven sentenced after MHRA investigation uncovers £1.8m illegal medicines and steroids network

An MHRA-led investigation has exposed a £1.8 million illegal medicines and steroids network, leading to seven men being sentenced

Seven men have been sentenced after an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Criminal Enforcement Unit into a large-scale criminal network supplying illegal steroids and prescription-only medicines. The group received combined sentences totalling more than 21 years’ imprisonment. 

The investigation began after UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) identified website linked to the Bolton area that were suspected of selling performance-enhancing steroids and other illegal medicines. 

MHRA investigators traced the activity to a flat above commercial premises on St Helens Road, which was being used to store, package, and distribute the drugs. 

During enforcement action, officers seized more than 130,000 doses of steroids and unauthorised medicines that were being sold by mail order. These included products such as tamoxifen, finasteride and modafinil, highlighting the scale and complexity of the illegal supply network. Further searches across Bolton led to a number of arrests. 

Following a detailed investigation, several individuals were charged with offences including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, supplying unauthorised medicines, and money laundering to the value of over £1.8 million.  

Tim Duffield, MHRA Head of Intelligence said: ““This was a well-organised operation that put people at real risk. Medicines bought outside regulated channels can be unsafe, ineffective or fake. 

“Our investigators worked hard to break up this criminal network and bring those responsible to justice. These convictions are just part of the MHRA’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal trade in medicines and protect public health.” 

Mario Theophanous, UKAD’s Head of Intelligence and Investigations, said: “Disrupting the supply of illegal performance-enhancing drugs is central to protecting sport.

“Our intelligence officers work in partnership with regulators and law enforcement, to identify and dismantle the criminal networks that make these substances available. That collaboration is a vital part of how we keep prohibited substances out of sport, and away from elite athletes and young people.” 

Zaheer Oomer, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty at an early stage to all charges, including money laundering offences to a value of £99,893.  

Rizwan Atcha, a health and safety advisor, Imtiaz Atcha, a former bank manager, and Matthew Williams, a care worker, also pleaded guilty at the start of the trial in June 2025. Each admitted money laundering offences to the value of £772,112, £117,733 and £221,349 respectively.

Abdul Khan, a scrap metal dealer, Saddym Shahid, a mechanic, and Rajendra Patel, a scrap metal worker, pleaded not guilty and stood trial at Bolton Crown Court. They faced charges of money laundering involving £139,967, $248,750 and £229,061 respectively. Following consideration of extensive evidence, the jury found all three men guilty on 7 July 2025. 

A Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation investigation is ongoing. 

The MHRA reminds the public to only obtain medicines from trusted and regulated sources, such as registered pharmacies.

Anyone who suspects they have been sold illegal or unsafe medicines, or is experiencing side effects, should seek medical advice and report any concerns to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.  

Convictions 

  • Abdul Khan and Saddaym Shahid – Conspiracy to supply class C drugs 4 years imprisonment. Conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicinal products 18 months imprisonment concurrent. Money laundering 3 years imprisonment consecutive. Total 7 years imprisonment. 
  • Mohammed Oomer – Conspiracy to supply class C drugs 35 months imprisonment. Conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicinal products 18 months imprisonment concurrent. Money laundering 20 months imprisonment consecutive. Total 4 years 7 months. 
  • Rizwan Atcha – 4 counts of money laundering. 37 months imprisonment concurrent on each count. Total 3 years and 1 month imprisonment. 
  • Imtiaz Atcha – 4 counts of money laundering. 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work.  
  • Rajendra Patel – 2 counts of money laundering. 24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work. 
  • Matthew Williams – 4 counts of money laundering. 24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work. 

Free Connecting Europe Fair opens doors for young people

On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.

The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.

Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.

The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:

  • Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
  • Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
  • Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!

Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.

Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”

EVENT DETAILS

  • Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
  • Time: 10:00 – 16:30
  • Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
  • Cost: Free Entry

More Information: festivalofeuropescotland.org/connecting-europe-fair

Connecting Europe Fair 2026-Flyer-Print VersionDownload

Retirement boost of £29,000 awaits millions as landmark Pension Schemes Act becomes law

Over 20 million workers are set to get more from every pound they save towards retirement thanks to the passing into law of historic pensions legislation yesterday, Wednesday 29 April 2026

  • Pension Schemes Bill to receive Royal Assent, delivering major reform to the UK’s £2 trillion worth of pensions.
  • New rules aim to benefit 22 million people as they drive down costs and boost returns on retirement savings.
  • Act paves the way for the upcoming Pensions Commission to ensure savers can look forward to a comfortable retirement.

Over 20 million workers are set to get more from every pound they save towards retirement thanks to the passing into law of historic pensions legislation yesterday, Wednesday 29 April 2026.

The Pension Schemes Act will bring about major reform to the UK pensions system, benefitting an average worker to the tune of up to £29,000 by the time they retire.

The Act will require pension schemes to prove they are delivering value for money, enable the automatic consolidation of small pension pots, and create larger, better-performing funds.

Many people build up several small pension pots as they move between jobs, making it difficult to keep track of their retirement savings. The new law will enable these pots to be brought together automatically, giving savers a clearer picture of their pension.

The new Act also introduces a Value for Money framework, protecting savers from being stuck in underperforming schemes. In future, pension schemes managers and trustees will need to offer clear default options for turning savings into retirement income, with the aim of giving people who choose this, a sustainable income in their retirement.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “Today is a landmark moment for the 22 million workers building up a pension pot across the UK.

“For too long, our pensions system has been fragmented and rarely ensures that people’s savings are working hard enough to support them in retirement.

“The Pensions Schemes Act will change that by creating schemes that drive down costs, deliver higher returns, and give savers the security they deserve.”

The Act aims to transform the pensions landscape, ensuring every pound saved delivers stronger returns while driving investment in the economy. Key measures include:

  • Enabling small pension pots to be automatically consolidated.
  • The VFM framework will standardise how value is assessed, leading to transparency and comparability. This, in turn, will drive competition and a long-term focus on value across the DC pensions sector.
  • Creating multi-employer defined contribution “megafunds” of at least £25 billion, which will drive down costs and enable investment in a wider range of assets, including in UK businesses and infrastructure.
  • Consolidating Local Government Pension Scheme assets into pools managed by FCA-regulated managers, supporting long-term investment in local infrastructure, housing and clean energy across the country.
  • Providing Defined Benefit schemes with greater flexibility to release surplus funds, unlocking collectively around £160 billion to support employers and deliver for scheme members.

Together the measures will benefit working people on an average salary who save into a pensions pot over their career by up to £29,000 by the time they retire.

The Act paves the way for the upcoming Pensions Commission which is examining how we ensure tomorrow’s pensioners are on track for a comfortable retirement and will make recommendations for change – potentially benefiting millions of people across the UK.

BBC Children In Need funding

BBC Children in Need offers grants of £1000 to £40,000 per year for up to 3 years.

They support & fund projects relating to children with housing, confidence, minority communities & disabilities issues.

Applications open year round:

https://bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/apply

‘May the 4th be with you’: Edinburgh’s 2026 Capital Sci-Fi Con raises over £64,000 for CHAS

In a fitting tribute to Star Wars Day, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has announced that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised more than £64,000 to support its vital work across the country.

Held annually at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, the convention returned in February, welcoming sci-fi fans from across the UK for a weekend packed with celebrity appearances, cosplay, and immersive fan experiences.

This year’s star-studded line-up included Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, Game of Thrones star Murray McArthur, and Peggy — better known to fans as Dogpool, the beloved canine star of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Since its launch in 2016, Capital Sci-Fi Con has raised over £548,000 for CHAS. The event was founded by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser Keith Armour, whose passion and dedication have helped grow the convention into one of Scotland’s most successful fan-led fundraising events.

CHAS now leads the organisation of the convention, with Keith continuing to support in an advisory role alongside a dedicated committee of volunteers.

Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS, said: “On a day when fans across the world celebrate ‘May the 4th be with you’, we’re absolutely delighted to share that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised an incredible £64,232.53 in net profit.

“We’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets and came along to support the event. Every pound raised helps CHAS continue providing vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”

Gretna 111 exhibition at Out of the Blue Drill Hall

18 – 23 MAY – FREE ADMISSION

Exhibition announcement! 📢

The Gretna 111th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibition commemorates the Gretna train disaster, which killed over 200 men from the 1/7th Royal Scots who were based here at the Dalmeny Street Drill Hall).

🌟 Curated by The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, the exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the crash, which took place in May 1915.

🌟 The Drill Hall has been chosen for this exhibition due to its history of being the 7th Battalion’s Drill Hall and its association with the people of Leith. 216 members of the 7th Battalion were killed during the disaster on the morning of 22nd May 1915.

🌟 Central to the exhibition will be the Tree of Life which contains the names of all 216 men. This will be supported by display boards featuring the stories of local soldiers and their families.

🌟 There will also be a diorama of Larbert Station (where the soldiers originally departed from) that captures the time when the soldiers were about to embark on the troop train.

🌟 We’ll be sharing more information in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, why not pop the dates in your diary! 📅

📅 Monday 18th – Saturday 23rd May

⏲️ 10am – 4.30pm

📍The Out of the Blue Drill Hall

🎫 Free entry

To find out more just head over to our website.

https://outoftheblue.pulse.ly/thvvxdlsvf

Photograph (c) The Royal Scots

Capital Theatres: Hope in a Bottle

📢 Calling all Edinburgh-based schools, community groups, youth groups, arts groups and social clubs!

We’d love you to take part in a FREE one-hour community workshop to share your memories of the King’s Theatre, and hopes for its future. With our brilliant Engagement Artists, you’ll explore some fascinating stories from the King’s heritage before sharing your own hope or memory on a scroll.

This is your chance to be part of history, and to join us in celebrating what theatres mean to the communities around them – in the past, present and future.

Workshops will run until 6 June 2026 🔍

Find out more:

https://bit.ly/4mNMpuD

The King’s has long been known as the People’s Theatre, and as we get ready for its grand reopening, we’re inviting groups from across Edinburgh to help capture what the theatre means to the city. 

Are you part of a group that loves theatre? Do you have memories of the King’s Theatre, or hopes for its future? 

Join us for a friendly, free, creative one-hour workshop led by our brilliant Engagement Artists. You’ll explore some fascinating stories from the King’s heritage before sharing your own hope or memory on a scroll.

These will become part of Hope in a Bottle – a city-wide project gathering voices from across Edinburgh ahead of reopening. Some contributions may be shared on social media, in our venues, or even during live performances.

This is your chance to be part of history, and to join us in celebrating what theatres mean to the communities around them – in the past, present and future. 

Workshops are free, last around an hour, and can take place either at the Festival Theatre or in your own setting. They’re suitable for ages 8+ (with no upper limit) and can be adapted for all sorts of groups and abilities. 

We’d love to hear from schools, community groups, youth groups, art groups and social clubs – any Edinburgh-based group that would like to take part.

Whether you’ve got stories about the King’s Theatre already or will be among the first through its doors when it reopens, we’d love for you to take part!

Historic Environment Scotland

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Almost half of Scottish voters blame Government policy for pub closures

  • Over one-in-four Scottish voters said the single most impactful decision Government could do to help the sector is to make business rates fair  
  • One-in-ten say that their MP has spoken up for the sector and just 7% say that their MP is doing enough to protect pubs  
  • Ahead of the local elections, the Long Live the Local campaign calls on MPs to make pubs a priority  

Scottish voters blame Government when their local closes, new research conducted by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common research reveals.  

Campaigners say that the survey, which found that 48% of the Scottish public blames either national or local government when a pub closes, should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the local elections that they must prioritise the sector.    

When asked what would save the sector, the plurality of voters (26%) said that making business rates fair for pubs would be the best decision.  

Despite the strong feelings voters in Scotland have for their local pub, few felt that their local MP was sufficiently engaged on the issue.   

These results follow additional support for Scottish pubs, showing that many voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done to truly protect Britain’s pubs.    

Only 10% of voters said that their MP had spoken up for the sector, whilst just 7% said that their MP had done enough to support pubs in their constituency.  

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.   

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Scotland, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.   

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country.  

“With the local elections right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local.  

“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.”  

Luke Tryl, Executive Director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them.  

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them. At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain.  

“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.”  

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign launched in 2018 to raise awareness of the UK’s alarming rate of pub closures.

Currently standing at over 250,000 supporters from all over the country, the campaign encourages people to support the people behind the pint.    

NHS Lothian: Collect your prescription before May Bank Holiday

A quick reminder: On Monday 4 May 2026, GP practices and many community pharmacies will be closed.

If you need a prescription, please arrange to collect soon.

Visit our website: https://services.nhslothian.scot/rightcare/public-holidays/