Veterans Scotland puts community at the heart of discussions at Armed Forces Champion Gathering event

Veterans Scotland has hailed its Armed Forces Champion Gathering event as a major success after bringing together representatives from local authorities, public bodies, the Armed Forces community, and the Scottish and UK Governments to reinforce partnership working in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The event, held at the Stirling Court Hotel and attended by over 120 invited guests, provided a national platform for organisations across Scotland to share good practice, strengthen collaboration and discuss how services can continue to improve support for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families.

Delegates took part in discussions on the latest updates on the Armed Forces Covenant extension, gaining insight into the lived experiences of the Armed Forces and Veterans community in relation to health, education and housing and learned from peers about how the Covenant duty is being delivered on the ground in communities across Scotland.

The Gathering also highlighted successful partnership initiatives already taking place across Scotland and showcased the importance of coordinated working between local authorities, public bodies and the Scottish Government in supporting the Armed Forces community.

Veterans Scotland has a broad footprint across Scotland, recognising veterans not as a group in need of support but as a national asset whose skills, experience and values are actively harnessed to deliver wider government priorities, including economic growth, the Plan for Change, and strengthened defence and resilience.

Emma Watson Mack, Executive Chair at Veterans Scotland, said: “Our Gathering event was designed as a day to inform, connect and inspire those delivering the Armed Forces Covenant in practice.

“We’re thrilled with how many of our members and partner organisations attended. It not only showed such a strong commitment in supporting our veterans but also to share their experience and the crucial impact that Covenant has on so many Veterans and their families across Scotland.

“We heard some incredible insights that demonstrated lived experience and innovative approaches by local authority champions which we know will help inspire other organisations in the future. The Armed Forces Covenant is most effective when organisations work together, and this event has reinforced that shared commitment.”

Veterans Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Though I have only been Veterans Minister for a short time, it is already clear to me that so much of what is done in aid of those veterans and service families who find themselves in need is underpinned by the passion, dedication and hard work of individuals across the country.

“I am grateful to Veterans Scotland for all their work, and for giving so many important voices the opportunity to come together at their Gathering in Stirling to share their knowledge and experiences.

“I remain committed to working with Veterans Scotland and all in the Armed Forces community to build on the significant progress that has been made in recent years, as we develop an action plan for veterans in Scotland that reflects the new Strategy for Veterans published last year.”

Cllr Maureen Chalmers, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing said: “It was both a privilege and a timely opportunity to come together in support of the Armed Forces community at the Veterans Scotland Gathering. Events like this send a powerful message of our collective commitment to those who have served. 

“It was also particularly valuable to hear about the practical ways councils and their partners are making the Armed Forces Covenant continue to make a difference in communities across Scotland. I very much hope that the discussions from the event and the collaboration will lead to stronger partnerships, improved services, and further tangible progress with the Covenant. 

“Ultimately, the priority is to carry forward the energy from the event into practical improvement, so the Covenant continues to make a real difference to veterans and their families to ensure they feel supported, recognised and included.”    

Lt Cdr (Ret’d) Susie Hamilton, Scottish Veterans Commissioner, said: “The Gathering was extremely impactful. It demonstrates the power of collaboration, the real world consequences of policy decisions, and the importance of listening directly to the serving and veteran community.”

Every child in England to get access to enriching activities to build skills and confidence for life

Children in every part of the country to get access to enriching activities to beat isolation online and build connections in the real world

  • New benchmarks to give every school and college the tools to offer high-quality enrichment across arts, sport, nature, civic life and life skills
  • £132.5 million ‘Every Child Can’ programme will fund activities within school and in communities at weekends and in the holidays, ensuring enrichment is a common entitlement for all — not just those who can afford to pay

Every child, regardless of where they grow up or which school they attend, will benefit from enriching activities that build the skills, confidence and relationships they need for life and work thanks to government action announced today.

Greater access to opportunities in sport, creative activities, nature and the arts will be made available to children both in and out of school in order to halve the participation gap and reclaim childhood for all young people.

The drive to make sure all children are supported to develop new skills and explore their talents includes new benchmarks for schools and colleges published today. These will ensure schools and colleges have the practical tools and guidance to offer a wide range of opportunities across five categories: civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including STEM, sport and physical activities.

Leading figures within these categories will soon be announced as ambassadors using their influence and expertise to inspire participation, raise awareness and help drive support for enriching opportunities for young people.

Activities could include music groups, engineering clubs, debating societies, football clubs and much more. These clear benchmarks will work in partnership with civil society and help schools and colleges develop inclusive, engaging enrichment offers that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities.

Ofsted will consider a school’s enrichment offer as part of how it assesses personal development, and parents will be able to see their local school’s offer through new ‘school profiles’ – a one stop shop with key information on a school’s offering.

This complements the government’s wider reforms to bring the national curriculum into the modern day, break down barriers to opportunity and better prepare young people for life and work in today’s world and beyond. 

‘Every Child Can’, funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, will deliver £132.5 million  for new activities programmes delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision.

It is structured around the same five categories as the Enrichment Framework, ensuring a consistent approach to building skills and confidence wherever young people engage and removing the postcode lottery that has held children in underserved parts of the country back.

It responds directly to the State of the Nation survey of more than 14,000 young people, which found that despite being the most digitally connected generation, young people today face some of the highest levels of isolation globally.

They want safe spaces, trusted adults, better mental health support and greater access to enriching activities. However, access to these opportunities remains unequal, with too many children locked out because of where they live and what school or college they go to.

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said: “Every child should be able to enjoy sport and the creative arts, not just the lucky few.

“Whether it’s performing on stage, playing sport, exploring nature or getting involved in their community, these experiences build confidence, spark ambition and help young people discover what they are capable of.

“As the world around our children continues to move fast, investment is about making sure the childhood experiences we truly value can once again be for every young person, wherever they live.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Every child deserves the chance to find their spark through great art, sport, music, dance or drama, because arts and culture belong to all of us – not just a privileged few. A child who loves the arts shouldn’t have to be born into the right postcode to pursue it.

“That is why we are rebuilding opportunity in the classroom and in communities and ensuring every young person has something to do, somewhere to go, and someone who cares through our National Youth Strategy: Youth Matters.

“For too long we have underinvested in generation with appalling consequences. Every child should have the chance to live a richer, larger life and we will ensure they do.”

This package forms part of the UK government’s commitment to restore lost childhood freedoms – investing in playgrounds, in music hubs, sports partnerships, youth services and youth spaces and support for families through measures including VAT relief on children’s activities this summer. 

With children growing up in an increasingly fast-changing world the package is designed to protect and nurture childhood, ensuring young people are equipped with skills and confidence to achieve and thrive.

Participating in enrichment activities has been associated with higher attainment and a stronger sense of school belonging and wellbeing among children and young people.

According to EPI research, children who attended sport clubs during secondary school were more likely to be in education or employment as young adults, while those who participated in hobbies, arts and music clubs were significantly more likely to progress to higher education.

Today’s announcement builds on the UK government’s work to ensure young people have access to enriching and cultural activities including:

  • More than £500 million for an ambitious 10-year National Youth Strategy – co-designed with young people – to connect half a million more young people with a trusted adult outside their home and equip them with skills to boost their resilience and stay safe online.
  • Over £1 billion of investment in school sport over the next three years, including the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will bring national sporting expertise into every primary and secondary school to tackle inactivity and ensure more young people have access to high-quality PE and sport. Alongside this, an additional £400 million will also be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities across the country 
  • £1.5 billion would be provided to cultural venues across England over the course of this parliament, including £27.5 million for public libraries to help them upgrade their buildings and technology to meet changing needs to better serve their communities.
  • Inviting 400 schools in the most deprived areas of England to take part in the £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme, to support them to meet the benchmarks set out in the Enrichment Framework, helping them build a strong offer shaped by their own pupils.
  • Revitalising the curriculum to ensure young people are given the chance to experience the arts, while maintaining a strong academic core, removing school performance measures that constrain subject choice, and making sure GCSEs in arts subjects are fit for purpose.

The government is working with The National Lottery Community Fund to develop Every Child Can. Further details on the remaining funding, how each programme will work and how to apply to take part will be published in due course.

The Department for Education will work closely with schools, colleges and sector partners, including the Enrichment for All Coalition, to support implementation of the framework and understand its impact on children and young people.

This will help build a shared approach to ensuring high-quality enrichment opportunities can support attendance, engagement, wellbeing and achievement for all pupils.

Jet2’s Winter Sun programme now on sale from Edinburgh Airport

  • 13 sunshine destinations are now on sale from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 27/28
  • Over 300,000 seats available from Edinburgh Airport
  • Today’s announcement will be followed by further good news for Winter 27/28 

UK consumer champion Jet2 has today announced the launch of its Winter Sun programme from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 2027/28, with more seats and choice on offer. The programme includes the airline and travel operator’s first full winter season of operations to Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh Airport.

As demand from holidaymakers looking to escape the long winter continues, the leading leisure airline and tour operator is once again giving customers what they want by putting over 300,000 seats on sale from Edinburgh Airport.

A choice of 13 winter sun destinations have gone on sale from Edinburgh Airport: The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura), Spain (Alicante, Malaga), Balearics (Majorca), Portugal (Faro, Madeira), Turkey (Antalya), Cyprus (Paphos), Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh), and Malta. During peak periods, the airline and tour operator will operate 40 weekly outbound flights.

The release of the programme comes in response to demand from holidaymakers looking to book ahead and enjoy some winter sunshine. It also makes Jet2 the first airline and tour operator to go on sale for Winter 27/28, giving customers and independent travel agents the opportunity to book their place in the sun for next winter early.

 The full Winter 27/28 Winter Sun programme from Edinburgh Airport is as follows:

  • Tenerife (up to 7 weekly services)
  • Lanzarote (up to 5 weekly services)
  • Gran Canaria (up to 3 weekly services)
  • Fuerteventura (up to 3 weekly services)
  • Malaga (up to 3 weekly services)
  • Alicante (up to 5 weekly services)
  • Antalya (up to 3 weekly services)
  • Faro (up to 2 weekly services)
  • Majorca (up to 3 weekly services)
  • Madeira (up to 2 weekly services)
  • Paphos (weekly services)
  • Sharm el-Sheikh (weekly services)
  • Malta (up to 2 weekly services)

Over the coming weeks, the airline and tour operator will also reveal further programme details for Winter 27/28.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Our winter sun programme for 2027/28 is on sale nice and early from Edinburgh Airport, and we are very pleased to be giving customers and independent travel agents such fantastic choice and flexibility.

“This exciting new programme opens up the best winter sun hotspots to local holidaymakers and, as always, we have designed it in direct response to the demand for our award-winning flights and holidays so we know how popular it will be.

“We are not done yet, with even more exciting announcements about our Winter 27/28 programme coming soon!”

Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “With this summer already mapped out, now’s the perfect time to start planning next year’s getaway and explore the range of sunshine destinations on offer for Winter 27/28.

“It’s an ideal time to swap Scotland’s grey skies and drizzle for a few weeks of guaranteed sunshine so it’s fantastic to see Jet2 launching such an extensive programme for passengers to enjoy.”

For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com 

If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com

Exclusive exhibition invites public to share their fondest Edinburgh Zoo memories

As Edinburgh Zoo celebrates 110 years, recently retired keeper Karen Stiven shares her favourite memories and encourages the public to add their own stories to the archive

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is inviting members of the public to share their memories of Edinburgh Zoo as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations, helping to preserve the stories that have made the zoo a cherished part of Scottish life since it first opened in 1913.

Among them is Karen Stiven, who has recently retired after 45 years at RZSS. Joining the zoo in 1981, Karen dedicated her career to caring for a number of animals from birds to hoofstock and became one of the zoo’s longest-serving keepers.

Now retired from her role as Experienced Keeper, Karen has witnessed decades of change at Edinburgh Zoo. One of her fondest memories is hand-rearing a young hippo, Cleo, a challenge that involved sleepless nights and round the clock care. Seeing the calf grow and thrive made all the hard work worthwhile and remains one of Karen’s most treasured memories.

Karen believes preserving the zoo’s history is just as important as creating new memories for future generations. She said: “Having these archives is a huge achievement.

“They allow people to look back and see where everything started, how much has changed and how far we’ve come.

“The stories are incredibly important and I hope people continue adding their own memories so future generations can do the same for many years to come.”

The appeal comes as RZSS continues to uncover and preserve stories from across its history. While archive collections contain official records and photographs, the charity says some of the most valuable insights come from the personal memories of people who have visited, worked at or supported Edinburgh Zoo over the years.

David Field, CEO of RZSS, said: “Karen’s story is a wonderful example of the memories that make Edinburgh Zoo so special. After 45 years of dedication, she has been part of countless moments that have shaped the zoo’s history.

“Karen’s story is just one of thousands and for 110 years, Edinburgh Zoo has played a part in the lives of people across Scotland and beyond.

“We know there are an abundance of family photographs, favourite animal encounters, school trip memories and personal stories waiting to be shared, and we would love to hear them. Every memory helps us build a clearer picture of our past and preserve it for future generations.”

Members of the public can share photographs, souvenirs and other memorabilia with the team as part of Memories Week running from 13 – 21 June, helping ensure the next chapter of Edinburgh Zoo’s story is recorded alongside the first 110 years.

The Nation has Spoken: Peacock is Britain’s Favourite Butterfly!

Peacock voted Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in first-ever poll

THE nation has spoken and crowned the Peacock Britain’s Favourite Butterfly in a landmark poll. Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed that the colourful Peacock has beaten off fierce competition from a colourful cast of species to take the top spot as Britain’s Favourite Butterfly. 

Topping the first-ever vote to find the nation’s champion, the garden favourite beat 59 other butterflies to claim the highly coveted title, in a vote that saw over 20,000 votes cast across the UK between 15 May – 7 June. 

The top five was a rainbow of colour, with the Orange-tip coming a close second, Red Admiral third, Holly Blue in fourth, and the bright yellow Brimstone coming in fifth. But ultimately, the stunning Peacock, with its eye-catching and instantly recognisable beauty, stole the nation’s hearts. 

Butterfly Conservation’s Head of Engagement, Kate Merry, said: “The response to Britain’s Favourite Butterfly has been absolutely wonderful, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that people up and down the country love butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colours, and voted in their thousands for their favourites. 

“The Peacock is a worthy winner, it’s a true showstopper and a species that I bet a lot of us picture when we think of butterflies. It’s been really special seeing people get so passionate about their favourites and throw their support behind them!

“Now we can’t wait to see how many Peacocks are spotted up and down the country in this summer’s Big Butterfly Count.”

The result comes at a critical moment for the UK’s butterflies. In 2024 Butterfly Conservation declared a butterfly emergency after numbers recorded during its Big Butterfly Count fell to their lowest ever.

Now the charity is calling on everyone, everywhere to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count between Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August to help conservationists get an updated picture of how Britain’s most common butterflies are faring. 

The winner – a showstopping garden icon

The Peacock, Britain’s official favourite, is an iconic butterfly. This showstopper is instantly recognisable with its striking colours and stand-out eye-spots, a remarkable evolutionary defence mechanism designed to ward off predators many times its own size.

It is a regular visitor to gardens and green spaces across the whole of the UK, particularly where patches of nettles can be found as they are its caterpillars’ favourite foodplant. 

The top five – a rainbow of joy across the country

Completing the top five in the vote to find Britain’s Favourite Butterfly are four species that between them create a kaleidoscope of colours and show why Brits love butterflies so much.

In second place, the Orange-tip is a worthy runner up, with its glowing white wings and vivid tangerine tips in the males, this uplifting species is a sure sign of spring and that warmer summer days aren’t far away. 

Taking third is the Red Admiral whose striking jet-black wings, bold red bands and white spotted tips make it one of the most iconic species in the UK. A long-distance migrant, it travels all the way from North Africa to flutter around UK gardens each year, although it is now commonly sticking around through the winter, a sign of our warming climate.

In fourth, the fairy-like Holly Blue, which counts British icons Dame Joanna Lumley and Geri-Halliwell Horner amongst its fans. Its powder-blue wings are a shimmering delight when spotted in gardens, this species has been steadily spreading northwards in recent decades, bringing its appealing beauty to gardens and hedgerows across more of the country than ever before.

And rounding out the top five, the Brimstone, whose sunshine-yellow wings may have given all butterflies their name – the original butter-coloured fly, whose appearance is often heralded as the first sign of spring.

The Peacock, Red Admiral, Holly Blue and Brimstone, along with 16 other butterflies and day-flying moths, can be recorded as part of this summer’s Big Butterfly Count in July and August. 

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the world’s largest butterfly survey, and this year it carries greater urgency than ever. Conservationists are hoping that a surge in public participation in 2026 will both improve the data picture and help galvanise support for butterfly-friendly habitats across the UK.

Kate Merry said: “Taking part in the Big Butterfly Count couldn’t be easier, simply spend 15 minutes in any outdoor space and count the butterflies and day-flying moths you see and submit your sightings to help build our interactive map. 

“This information will help conservationists to see how some of our more-common species are faring, which in turn helps to build a wider picture of how all butterflies and moths are doing. It’s easy, fun for all the family, and a great excuse to get outside and experience the simple joy of spotting butterflies.”  

This year’s Big Butterfly Count takes place from Friday 17 July – Sunday 9 August. Simply download the free app, spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and types of butterflies spotted. 

To find out more visit www.bigbutterflycount.org  

IT’S COMING HAME!

Specsavers brings World Cup fever to Scotland’s most remote village with dedicated Inverie fan zone

THE World Cup is coming to Scotland’s most remote village as, thanks to Specsavers, the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Inverie got its very own fan zone.

The village, which is based in the Knoydart Peninsula in the West Highlands, is only accessible by boat or via an 18-hour hike over the mountains.

In 1978, ahead of the World Cup in Argentina, 15 villagers made headlines by digging a four-mile trench and laying a cable just to get a television signal and watch Scotland’s matches.

Almost 50 years on, and with Scotland back on the world stage for the first time in nearly three decades, that same spirit lives on in Inverie. This time, Specsavers stepped in, transforming the village hall into a big-screen fan zone so the community can come together once again.

A 100-inch screen was installed, alongside a full-scale production setup, with a metric ton of equipment ferried across to the peninsula – a far cry from the graft and ingenuity of 1978.

Now, with a population of around 100, the entire village rallied behind Steve Clarke’s side as they took on Haiti in their opening World Cup match, gathering in the early hours of this morning for a shared moment they won’t forget.

The event also featured live music and complementary food and drink as the village hosted one its biggest events of the year.

There was one very special Scotland fan in attendance: 66-year-old John Murdo Morrison, who was part of the group who dug four miles uphill to get the village aerial in position for a telly reception back in 1978.

Just 18 years old at the time, John is feeling the same excitement now as he did then ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.

John said: “What we did in 1978 was special and the whole village is excited to be watching Scotland at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

“We’re delighted to have Specsavers and their team here to set up the fan zone and we’re glad our digging days are behind us.

“It was an incredible and challenging experience but all worth it to watch Scotland at the World Cup in Argentina.

“Hopefully Steve Clarke and the team can do us proud in America.”

Specsavers’ Scottish Divisional Chair, Laura Baird, said: “It was inspiring to hear the story of John and the 15 villagers of Inverie from the 1978 World Cup.

“The lengths Scottish people are willing to go to watch our national team never ceases to amaze me and I just hope we’ve helped made things a little easier this time with our fan zone!”

Specsavers renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA in 2024, becoming the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner and extending one of the longest-running partnerships in sport.

The agreement runs through to 2028 and includes continued support for referee training and development, as well as raising awareness of grassroots and local football across the country.

Watch Senga the Highland Cow predict Scotland’s chances in the World Cup – and a surprising outcome for England

MOVE OVER, PAUL THE OCTOPUS!

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has teamed up with Senga—a two year old Highland Cow turned psychic pundit. Senga, which is Gaelic for slenderness, is based at Kitchen Coos and Ewes at High Airyolland Farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

Faced with a choice of equally filled feed buckets labelled with the outcomes of Scotland’s Group games, the hairy heifer didn’t hesitate to deliver her verdict and has predicted a classic rollercoaster tournament for the national team, opting for a Scotland win against Haiti, a draw against Morocco, and a loss against powerhouse Brazil. With four points predicted, Senga’s calculations mean Scotland will face a nail-biting wait to see if they progress to the knockout stages.

If they do, Senga has predicted that they will battle through and make it all the way to the quarter-finals.

Senga was also tasked with picking Scotland’s top scorer. Snubbing the front line strikers, she put her hoof down and picked Aston Villa midfielder and captain JOHN McGINN to finish top of the Scots’ scoring charts.

Turning her attention to England, the bolshy bovine predicted the Three Lions would enjoy a strong tournament and make it into the semi-finals, but in a twist that will surprise absolutely nobody north of the border, Senga predicted that the English campaign will end in heartbreak: getting knocked out on penalties.

Neale McQuistin from Kitchen Coos and Ewes said: “We always knew Senga was special, but we didn’t expect her to become a football pundit.

!She’s usually incredibly level-headed, but if she thinks we can take four points from the group, the Tartan Army should start letting themselves believe anything is possible.”

https://twitter.com/Ladbrokes/status/2065359067380388055/video/1

Alex Apati, PR Manager at Ladbrokes said: “If Scotland make it to the quarter finals and England go out on penalties, then we might see Senga becoming an honorary member of the Tartan Army. 

“We’ve already seen a flurry of bets on an England shootout exit, because if there’s one thing more reliable than a psychic coo, it’s English penalty heartbreak.”

AFTER this morning’s nervy 1 – 0 victory over Haiti it’s so far, so good – Scotland sit proudly at the top of the group! Maybe, just maybe …! – ED.

Edinburgh Climate Festival

SATURDAY 27th JUNE at THE MEADOWS 12 – 7pm

Join us Saturday, June 27th for this year’s climate festival at the Edinburgh Meadows from 12 – 7pm 🌻 Come along to enjoy one of our many free performances, workshops, talks and art installations as well as the festival’s stalls and vibrant atmosphere!

You can find out more at edinburghclimatefestival.com

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supported by The University of Edinburgh and in partnership with Caledonian Horticulture🌳

#ClimateAction#community#festival#nature#edinburgh#June

McGill’s Buses becomes ‘McGinn’s’ as Scotland World Cup fever grips the nation

McGill’s Buses is getting behind Scotland’s World Cup heroes by temporarily rebranding one of its electric buses as ‘McGinn’s’ in tribute to midfield favourite John McGinn.

The specially branded Yutong E12 electric bus will take to the streets with a playful twist on the McGill’s name, celebrating Scotland’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup and paying tribute to one of the national team’s most recognisable and much-loved players.

The one-off rebrand comes as excitement builds across the country ahead of Scotland’s return to football’s biggest stage, with John McGinn’s passion, personality and commitment making him a firm favourite with the Tartan Army.

The ‘McGinn’s’ bus will operate on the McGill’s N6 service, giving fans the chance to spot it on the road as World Cup fever gathers pace.

Colin Napier, Group Service Delivery Director, said: “Scotland reaching the World Cup is something the whole country can celebrate, and we wanted to mark the occasion in a way that would get people smiling.

“John McGinn has become one of the real faces of this Scotland team. He plays with heart, humour and total commitment, so turning one of our buses into ‘McGinn’s’ felt like the perfect tribute.

“We are proud to back Scotland and we hope the bus helps spread a bit of excitement as supporters get ready for what promises to be a brilliant summer.”

With Scotland’s matches set to bring late nights for supporters, McGill’s is also going the extra mile to help fans get home safely after cheering on the national team.

The operator has confirmed enhanced NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup fixtures, with additional journeys and later departures on key routes to support fans travelling to and from pubs, clubs and city centres for the big matches.

Services including the N3, N4, N6, N26, N38 and N60 will see extra late-night journeys, helping keep supporters moving long after the final whistle as Scotland chase World Cup glory.

Stephen McGinn, former professional footballer and brother of John McGinn, said: “John would probably be equal parts proud and embarrassed to see a bus named after him, but it is brilliant and sums up the excitement everyone is feeling about Scotland getting to the World Cup.

“He has always given absolutely everything for Scotland and the support from fans means a huge amount to him and the players.

“Seeing ‘McGinn’s’ out on the road is a great bit of fun and hopefully it helps build even more excitement as we all get behind the team.”

Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for the ‘McGinn’s’ Yutong E12 on the road and to follow McGill’s social media channels for updates on NightBus services during Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

Local charity celebrates carers and highlights vital support available across the city

This Carers Week (9–15 June), Edinburgh charity LifeCare is celebrating the extraordinary contribution of unpaid carers and encouraging more people to access the help available to them.

Every day, thousands of unpaid carers across Edinburgh provide practical, emotional and personal care to family members, friends, neighbours and loved ones. Many do not recognise themselves as carers, yet they play a vital role in helping people remain independent, connected and well within their communities.

LifeCare has been supporting local people for 85 years and, since launching its dedicated carers wellbeing programme in 2022, has welcomed hundreds of unpaid carers through free wellbeing activities, social opportunities and peer support. The charity also provides more than 19,200 hours of respite each year, helping carers take a break from their responsibilities, focus on their own wellbeing and recharge.

As pressure on health and social care services continues, unpaid carers are increasingly carrying greater responsibility for those they care for. LifeCare sees first-hand the impact this can have on carers’ physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections.

Through free activities including exercise, yoga, meditation, creative arts, massage, hairdressing and social gatherings, carers are given the opportunity to do something for themselves while connecting with others who understand the realities of caring.

Recent feedback highlights the difference these activities make. Ninety per cent of carers said the programme gives them something positive to look forward to, 86% said it allows them to do something for themselves, and 81% reported meeting others in similar situations, helping reduce isolation and build lasting friendships.

One unpaid carer said:

“It would not have been possible for me to care without these classes. I have made friends, learned new skills and taken care of myself when I didn’t feel like it.”

Another added:

“Without LifeCare and the classes I would be completely isolated. Most of my friendships have arisen through LifeCare carers classes.”

LifeCare would like to thank the Short Breaks Fund, administered by Shared Care Scotland, whose generous funding has helped make these free health and wellbeing activities possible for local unpaid carers.

To hear directly from a local carer and learn more about the growing importance of unpaid carers, watch LifeCare’s special Carers Week video on social media and discover why these activities have become a lifeline for so many people.

Find Out More

If you regularly help a family member, friend or neighbour because of age, illness, disability, frailty or a long-term condition, you may be an unpaid carer.

To find out more about LifeCare’s free activities and support for unpaid carers, call 0131 343 0940, visit our website or pop into the LifeCare Hub on Cheyne Street, Stockbridge.