2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards launched – including search to find the nation’s Town of the Year
People across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being urged to celebrate their high street heroes.Nominations have opened for the 2026 Scotland Loves Local Awards – including those for Town of the Year.
The accolades recognise and reward the people and organisations who make communities better places to live, work and visit.
And residents are being encouraged to nominate those who they would like to be named as a High Street Hero – with one being honoured in each of Scotland’s eight Scottish Parliament regions.
People can also put their home area forward for the national accolades of Town of the Year and Innovation in Place.
The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of its wider Scotland Loves Local campaign, which encourages people to help grow stronger communities by supporting the enterprises, organisations and initiatives in them.
Last year’s heroes included Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers in Bathgate, recognising more than 50 years of commitment to serving his community.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Remarkable, determined and innovative work is taking place across Edinburgh and the Lothians which is making communities better places to live, work and visit. The Scotland Loves Local Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that.
“We are looking forward to hearing more about the places, projects and people who are leading the way with inspirational action which really does make a difference – and having the chance to celebrate their achievements.”
Now in their sixth year, the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise leadership, innovation and community action that supports thriving local places – from transformational regeneration projects and entrepreneurial community initiatives to the individuals going above and beyond to make a difference.
They highlight the impact of place-based collaboration in delivering stronger, greener and more resilient town centres and places.
Nationally, awards will be presented for:
Town of the Year (recognising a town that demonstrates a clear vision, strong partnership working and meaningful progress in creating a vibrant and sustainable place).
Innovation in Place (recognising a specific project or initiative that has delivered meaningful, measurable impact within a town or neighbourhood, celebrating practical work happening on the ground).
Award nominations can be made at www.lovelocal.scot/awards-2026/ , where full category criteria can also be found. There, you can briefly share the details of your nominee and why you would like to see them recognised.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday August 14th, with winners announced in October.
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.
The Royal Highland Centre is set to receive a visit from Hollywood royalty as legendary Scottish actor, James Cosmo MBE, has been unveiled as the Great Chieftain for the British Pipe Band Championships 2026 taking place at the Ingliston venue on Saturday 30th May.
Globally recognised thanks to his roles in Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and Game of Thrones, the iconic actor will preside over the championships, welcoming bands and spectators to one of Scotland’s most prestigious cultural gatherings.
Hosted by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) the Championships bring together premier pipe and drum bands from across the UK for a full day of world-class performances. With grade categories ranging from Juvenile to Grade 1, the event will showcase musical talent at every level and provides a platform for young and emerging musicians to shine, including school pipe bands, and will include performances and workshops.
Last year, over 5,000 competitors and spectators attended, including 60 bands, as the Royal Highland Centre proudly hosted the Pipe Band Championships for the first time.
Mark Currie, Director of Venue at the Royal Highland Centre, said: “We are honoured to be hosting James Cosmo and the British Pipe Band Championships at the Royal Highland Centre.
“Thousands of people joined us last year and we’re expecting another great turnout later this month. There’s so much to see including competitions, drum-major displays and now the chance to spot a legendary actor among the phenomenal pipers. It’s a great day out for all the family.”
James Cosmo MBEsaid: “Pipe bands have always been woven into life in Scotland and right across the Britain. There’s a wonderful sense of tradition and community around them.
“You see the hard work that goes into it the hours of practice, the discipline, the pride people take in performing side by side. And the championships are a fine opportunity to celebrate the very best of that spirit.
“This year, more than 210 bands from across the Great Britain will gather to compete, bringing with them extraordinary talent, commitment and experience. Behind every performance are years of effort and a genuine love for the music and tradition.
“But events like this are about more than competition. They’re about people. Families, friendships and communities brought together through music that has endured for generations and still means so much today.
“To everyone taking part, travelling from near or far, and to all those supporting from the sidelines, I hope you enjoy every moment of what promises to be a memorable championship, filled with all the sights and sounds that make pipe band culture so special.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said: “Having James Cosmo, a man who embodies Scottish spirit on the global stage, as our Chieftain is a fantastic honour.
“He is widely respected, and his presence will add huge excitement to what is already set to be a spectacular day at the Royal Highland Centre.”
Tickets are available now via the Royal Highland Centre website, and early booking is recommended due to high demand. Children’s tickets are £12.50, adults £15 and family tickets £35. Children under five go free.
Find out more about the event and purchase tickets here:
Researchers and people with Parkinson’s in Scotland are joining forces at a new £10 million research centre, in a push to turn decades of discovery into treatments that could transform lives.
The UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre – jointly funded with Parkinson’s UK – launches today and connects research teams at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford and University College London to tackle one of medicine’s most stubborn challenges – why, despite scientific advances, there is still no treatment that can slow or stop the condition progressing.
Together, the teams will investigate why Parkinson’s develops, why it progresses and how cutting-edge science can deliver better diagnosis and treatment.
Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK, including 14,000 people in Scotland. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
The centre is led by Professor Miratul Muqit, a practising neurologist and internationally recognised Parkinson’s researcher based at the University of Edinburgh, whose work has helped reveal how changes in key genes affect the health of brain cells.
Discoveries from this field are helping pave the way for targeted therapies now being tested in early-stage clinical trials.
Professor Miratul Muqit, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute Parkinson’s Research Centre, said:“We know more about Parkinson’s than ever before – but people living with the condition are still waiting for effective treatments that can slow, stop or prevent it.
“This centre is built to change the pace of progress. By connecting leading teams across Edinburgh, Oxford and London, we can bring different parts of the Parkinson’s puzzle together – from genes and brain cells to brain circuits and symptoms.
“Our ambition is to make this centre a beacon for open, collaborative science.”
Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK, said:“For people living with Parkinson’s, better treatments cannot come soon enough. That is why this centre, and the collaborative philosophy at its heart, is so important.
“It puts people with Parkinson’s alongside world-class researchers, helping make sure the science is focused on the questions and symptoms that could make the biggest difference to everyday life.”
People with Parkinson’s have helped shape the centre’s direction from the very beginning – including sitting on the interview panels that appointed its first research leaders.
Shafaq Hussain-Ali, who has Parkinson’s, was part of the panel that selected the centre’s Group Leaders. He said:“It was a privilege to be involved. The new centre recognises that Parkinson’s research cannot happen without the involvement and participation of the Parkinson’s community.
“Hearing from the researchers about their passion for transformative science has filled me with hope about what is to come.”
An Edinburgh business adviser has been chosen to receive a Business Gateway Impact Award for the second year running.
The Impact Awards, which took place at Business Gateway’s recent all-staff conference in Edinburgh, celebrated the exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway’s local staff in supporting business owners across the country.
Lee Briggs was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.
Business owners praised Lee for his “reliable, tailored and encouraging advice”, particularly in helping diverse and neurodivergent founders to refine ideas, access grants and build sustainable businesses with confidence.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said:“The Impact Awards were designed to shine a light on those who empower the local business community in Scotland, helping individuals and organisations navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Lee on receiving an Impact Award. Lee and the rest of the Business Gateway network go above and beyond every day to help businesses thrive, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and the tangible difference they make. We’re delighted to have been able to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”
With around 350 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system.
Available free of charge to anyone looking to turn their idea into reality or grow their business, Business Gateway offers online and in-person support on everything from building the foundations of a strategy to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with marketing and budgeting
In 2025-46, Business Gateway supported over 50,000 customers, managed over 30,000 enquiries and celebrated the launch of over 7,200 new businesses.
For more information on Business Gateway and its services, please visit:
Join us for our next Poetry Across the Seasons event on Wednesday 20th May, from 2-3pm.
This workshop is part of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief Demystifying Death Week and Creativity and Wellbeing Week. This is an opportunity to explore themes of mortality, grief and life through poetry. This session offers a supportive space for reflection, expression and creative wellbeing.
You are invited to join us in writing, sharing your own poems or simply listening to others. No experience is needed; all are welcome to participate in this guided experience.
This is a free but ticketed event, facilitated by our dramatherapist, Sally McRae. Light refreshments will be provided.
This is part of our Poetry Across the Seasons series which will be running throughout 2026 in Edinburgh and North Berwick. Each gathering will explore a different theme – from reflection and remembrance to celebration, change, and creativity
WACL (Women in Advertising & Communications Leadership) brought together some of the UK’s and Scotland’s most influential female leaders last week as the WACL Festival of Talent arrived in Edinburgh for the first time.
The event comes at a pivotal moment for gender equality in business. The mean gender pay gap in Scotland rose to 10% in 2025, up from 8.3% in 2024 and 6.4% in 2023. Female owned businesses already contribute an estimated £8.8bn annually to the Scottish economy, yet the proportion of women led employer businesses has fallen from 23% in 2021 to just 16% today, according to Women’s Enterprise Scotland.
Research also shows female CEO representation across the UK has dropped sharply from 28% in 2022/23 to 19% in 2024, highlighting growing concern around the progression and retention of women in senior leadership roles.
Against this backdrop, the WACL Festival of Talent, taking place at The Hoxton, Edinburgh, brought together senior leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives for a one day leadership accelerator focused on helping women build confidence, resilience, influence and stronger professional networks in a rapidly changing business environment.
Part of WACL’s largest ever national programme marking the Festival’s 30th anniversary, events will take place simultaneously across London, Manchester, Edinburgh and online, with the ambition of engaging more than 650 women nationwide.
The expansion marks a formal commitment from WACL to grow its presence beyond London into Scotland and the North of England for the first time in its 102 year history, reflecting the organisation’s ambition to build stronger regional leadership networks and support female talent across the UK.
Speakers in Edinburgh included Claire Sadler, President of WACL and Chief Marketing Officer at the British Heart Foundation; Corinne Hutton, author and entrepreneur; Sheryl Findlay, international coach; Nishma Patel Robb, Founder and CEO of Glittersphere; Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Head of Commercial Operations at the Advertising Association; Sophie Devonshire, CEO of The Marketing Society; Stef Sword Williams, author; Gemma Atkinson, Chief People Officer; Zoe Howarth, Non Executive Director; Rania Robinson, Co Founder and Partner at Quiet Storm; Emma Isaac, former CMO of Virgin Money; Sam Baker, editor and broadcaster; Melissa Robertson, Non Executive Director; and Georgie Jones, poet.
The Edinburgh event also included speed mentoring sessions with WACL members and senior female leaders, alongside networking opportunities designed to help attendees build meaningful professional connections.
Juliet Simpson, Chair WACL Scotland said: “The reality is that progress for women in leadership is not guaranteed and in several areas we’re seeing signs of regression rather than acceleration.
“Our first WACL Scotland Festival of Talent reflects the changing nature of leadership today, less linear, more complex, and increasingly shaped by influence, relationships and values led decision making.
“It’s about equipping women with the relationships, confidence, language and practical tools that help power and influence compound over time to ultimately drive change.”
Claire Sadler, WACL President added: “Thirty years after the Festival of Talent first launched, the need for spaces that actively support women’s progression remains incredibly urgent.The data shows there is still significant work to do to achieve genuine equality in leadership, particularly at senior levels.
“We are delighted to be bringing the Festival to Edinburgh for the first time as part of WACL’s commitment to growing our influence and support networks beyond London into Scotland and are thrilled with the response we’ve had.
“The Festival exists to help women build confidence, skills and networks at every stage of their careers and to remind the industry that diverse leadership is better for business, innovation and economic growth.”
Clear majority of Scottish voters backed pro-EU parties at Scottish Parliament elections
“Westminster must listen to Scotland’s voters and move towards Single Market membership,” says European Movement in Scotland.
Scottish voters at the Holyrood Parliament elections on 7th May overwhelmingly cast their ballots for political parties that favour much closer ties with the European Union. 100 of the 129 MSPs are from pro-EU parties.
The pro-Europe campaigning organisation, the European Movement in Scotland (EMiS), says the polling is a warning to the Labour Government in London that voters expect action on closer ties with the EU, and quickly.
Chair of EMiS, David Clarke, says: “Scotland’s voters have given a resounding endorsement for Scotland and the UK fully re-engaging with the EU. Pro-union and pro-independence voters backed closer ties with Europe.
“This election shows dumping Brexit is the democratic will of Scotland. Westminster must listen to Scotland’s voters.”
The UK Labour government is currently in talks to repair some of the economic damage Britain suffered from the Withdrawal Agreement signed by the previous Conservative government.
However, the government has said it will not breach its “red lines” by rejoining the single market of the European customs union.
David Clarke says: “The whole of the UK knows Brexit has been a total failure. It’s been made worse by recent global events.Rejoining the European single market would be a huge boost to the economy and in business confidence.
“It’s the right thing for business, for jobs, for exports and the nation.”
The number of MSPs for each pro-Europe party at the Holyrood elections on 7th May was: Scottish National Party (58), Scottish Labour (17), Scottish Liberal Democrats (10) and the Scottish Greens (15).
We are pleased to announce our community walk for all the family on Friday afternoons, 2.30-3.45pm, monthly, starting on 22nd May (fourth Friday of the month).
We will walk, play, do an art activity related to local history, and learn about nature too.
Starting and ending at the Granton Hub / Madelvic House.
All welcome. Please wear sensible shoes and warm clothes / sun hat plus suncream if appropriate, and bring water and snacks for yourselves.
Tamsin Grainger is Paths for All trained, and has a DBS certificate. All children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult or an older sibling.
So sorry to learn of the death of Scottish rugby star Scott Hastings yesterday. Scott was 61, and passed away on his beloved late wife Jenny’s birthday.
Among those paying tribute to a special man was First Minister John Swinney, who said: ‘I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died.
“One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship. I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield.
“My deepest sympathy to his family.”
Scottish Rugby has published a moving tribute to a fine man:
Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years (a record at that time), represented the British & Irish Lions on 12 occasions on two tours and played 13 games for the Barbarians. A proud Watsonian, he also wore the Edinburgh jersey with such distinction.
He remains the most-capped Scotland male centre of all-time.
But those stellar stats tell far from the whole story.
Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach said: “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.
“He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field. I still remember the Grand Slam game against England in 1990. There was his Lions team-mate from the previous year, Jerry Guscott, in the England team, but Scott gave nothing away to him whatsoever.
“Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.”
Current Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was an iconic figure for Scottish rugby.
“His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.
“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition.
“A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player.
“His influence on his team-mates was still very strong towards the end of his career as he helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield in 1996.
“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.
“His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”
Another of Scott’s former international team-mates, Kenny Logan, worked closely with Scott when the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established, following Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
Kenny said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.”
Scott was first capped against France in 1986 and his last was away to England in 1997. He toured with the Lions in the series-winning trip to Australia in 1989 and again to New Zealand in 1993, playing in two Tests against the Wallabies.
As Ian McGeechan noted, Scott was fiercely competitive and his attitude meant he was very much at home when the game became professional in 1995.
Yet Scott’s passion for the game and zest for life meant that fun was never far from the surface.
First meeting Scott as a young reporter on the Edinburgh Evening News, he was a joy to work with. Blessed with scalding acceleration and pulverising in the tackle – and that was evident from his days in school rugby at George Watson’s College, where he benefited from the tutelage of another Scotland cap, the late Donald Scott – Scott loved a bit of good-natured mischief.
Whether it was inadvertently launching a tomato which caught an SRU sponsor flush on the coupon at an international post-match dinner, or having to amend some 2,000 printed T-shirts with a marker pen to A S Haley, after a committee man took umbrage at the positioning of a “mystery buftie”, A S Hole, alongside his name. Scott could sail close to the wind, but, it was never malicious.
Born in Edinburgh on 4 December 1964, Scott progressed from school rugby via Watsonians and Newcastle Northern and made his debut for the Edinburgh District team against North & Midlands on November 1985.
A couple of months later, alongside brother Gavin, he had his Scotland debut in a win against France and followed it that February with a try in a record-breaking win against England.
In all, Scott scored ten tries for Scotland in those 65 caps – against England and Romania in 1986; France in 1987; Ireland in 1988 and 1991; Japan and Zimbabwe at the 1991 Rugby World Cup; Tonga and New Zealand in the 1995 RWC; and Wales in 1997.
Scott was inducted to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October and his unwavering love for the game in his acceptance speech left the audience utterly spellbound.
He loved the seven-a-side game, and he was incredibly proud of capturing a coveted Melrose Sevens winners medal with Watsonians in 1996.
After beginning work in marketing and PR in rugby’s amateur days, it was no surprise that Scott became a broadcaster – a stint that started alongside the legendary Bill McLaren during the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987. Scott was equally adept as expert summariser or main commentator.
The sheer undiluted joy in his voice as Scotland won their first title on the HSBC 7s circuit at Twickenham some ten years ago this weekend, will live long in the memory, as will his descriptions of subsequent Calcutta Cup triumphs in the XV-a-side game.
Scott was so generous in his support of multiple charities, many alongside his late wife, Jenny, who died in 2024.
The role they played together during the Covid pandemic of providing both a physical and mental well-being boost to their neighbours in the Warriston area of Edinburgh through daily gentle outdoor exercise was the perfect fillip in difficult times.
Scott had previously fought off non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, but it returned, though typical of the man, he always sought to maintain a positive outlook.
In a statement this afternoon, his son, Corey, and daughter, Kerry-Anne, said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected.
“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
Scottish Rugby extends its heartfelt sympathies to Corey, Kerry-Anne, and Scott’s wider family, led by brothers Graeme, Gavin and Ewan and all his many friends.
The flag will fly at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in tribute to one of Scotland’s finest sons.
We will share details of the funeral service once these are finalised.
A spokesperson for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings.
“Scott was our first chair at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”
World Rugby said: World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.
One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph.
A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field. Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.
