Want to use your skills, insight and experience to support those moving on from homelessness in Edinburgh?
Join the Fresh Start Board of Trustees!
Over the past 25 years, we’ve been supporting those who have experienced homelessness to move on to the next chapter of their lives with the dignity and stability that everyone deserves. With rising demand for our services and a strong reputation built over years of delivery and community partnership, we’re recruiting new Trustees to help strengthen governance and support the sustainable, values-led expansion of Fresh Start
As a Trustee, you’ll be responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the organisation is administered effectively. You’ll work closely with the other Trustees and our CEO, Biddy Kelly, to ensure that Fresh Start is able to continue our essential work as successfully as possible.
Interested? Visit the link below to learn more and download the info pack for the position. Applications close on 20th of March, 2026 – we look forward to hearing from you!
Hourglass has welcomed a new inspection by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI), which finds that older victims of crime generally receive a good service from prosecutors, but warns that court delays and an overly complex policy framework risk leaving older people waiting too long for justice.
The inspection, published today, examined 168 cases and assessed how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) supports older victims throughout the prosecution process. Inspectors found that prosecutors often identify vulnerability well in practice and make appropriate use of special measures to support older victims to give their best evidence.
Hourglass worked closely with HMCPSI throughout the inspection, providing written evidence, sharing frontline insight from its work supporting older victim-survivors, and contributing to the development of the inspection framework.
The charity welcomed the inspectorate’s commitment to centring victim experience and engaging meaningfully with specialist third sector organisations.
The report highlights serious concerns about delays in the court system, noting the disproportionate impact these have on older victims, whose health and circumstances may deteriorate while cases are repeatedly adjourned.
Inspectors also found that the current approach to identifying and monitoring crimes against older people is overly complex and prone to error, with around a third of cases incorrectly flagged.
Significantly, the inspection reflects a number of issues consistently raised by Hourglass, including the need to lower the age threshold used to identify older victims, move away from a quasi-hate-crime model, and improve the quality and transparency of data.
HMCPSI recommends that the CPS simplify its approach by recognising all victims aged 60 and over, focusing on vulnerability rather than rigid definitions, and strengthening monitoring.
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Head of Policy at Hourglass, said: “We are grateful to HMCPSI for engaging closely with Hourglass throughout this inspection and for taking older victims’ lived experiences seriously.
“The report rightly recognises the commitment of prosecutors, while also being clear that the current framework is too complex and is producing inconsistent outcomes.
“We are particularly pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the inspectorate’s findings, including lowering the age threshold to 60 and simplifying the approach so that all older victims are consistently recognised and supported.
“We urge the CPS to adopt the recommendations in full and look forward to continuing to work constructively with them to support implementation.”
Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, has long called for greater consistency in how older victims are identified, better data to understand the scale and nature of abuse, and a justice system that responds with urgency to the realities of ageing and vulnerability.
The report makes three recommendations for the CPS to implement by September 2026:
simplifying the definition of crimes against older people to include all victims aged 60 and over
removing the requirement to treat these cases as ‘quasi-hate crimes’ and focusing instead on individual vulnerability
strengthening monitoring and data quality to ensure older victims are properly recognised.
Hourglass said the inspection provides a strong foundation for reform and an important opportunity to strengthen confidence among older victim-survivors that they will be seen, supported, and treated with urgency by the justice system.
Baroness Hughes of Stretford, England Patron for Hourglass, said: “Older victims of crime face particular barriers in being heard and supported, especially when cases are delayed or systems are overly complex.
“I welcome moves to create a clearer, more consistent approach that focuses on vulnerability and ensures older people are not overlooked. This is an important moment to strengthen confidence in the justice system for older victims.”
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrman are arriving at Vue Edinburgh this month.
The season kicks off from 14 March with The Great Gatsby, starring an ensemble case – including Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire – and led by Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio in this adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless tragedy.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Luhrmann’s dazzling and unconventional adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet will be returning from 27 March. Starring a young DiCaprio in his first collaboration with the director, he plays opposite Claire Danes as the infamous pair of star-crossed lovers.
This modern adaptation is a world away from its Elizabethan origins, taking place in the futuristic urban backdrop of Verona Beach, California.
Considered by many to be one of the greatest musical films of all time, the unforgettable Moulin Rouge!will be heading back to the big screen from 20 March. The jukebox musical stars Ewan McGregor as a crestfallen poet who falls for Sparkling Diamond of the cabaret, played by Nicole Kidman.
Also starring Nicole Kidman, Australiawill be screening from 20 April. It follows an estranged wife as she joins forces with a rugged local, played by Hugh Jackman, on a cattle drive across hundreds of miles of harsh terrain to save her ranch.
But when the pair finally reach the town of Darwin, they must contend with the same Japanese bombers that just rained death upon Pearl Harbor.
In the biopic Elvis, Luhrmann explores the life and music of Elvis Presley through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The film boasts stellar performances from Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and is returning from 14 April.
General Manager at Vue in Edinburgh, said: “After over three decades in the industry, Baz Luhrmann has proven himself as a true showman of cinema.
“Here at Vue, we pride ourselves on bringing the ultimate seat, screen and sound experience – what better way to enjoy these high-octane, visually opulent films.”
To find out more or book tickets, visit www.myvue.com
Support for law change on assisted dying in every constituency in Scotland
New constituency-level polling showing consistent, high levels of support for assisted dying published as dying people call on MSPs to make history and give terminally ill Scots the compassion, choice and safety they need, as they form a monument to dignity and choice.
Behind every dying person is a nation believing in choice. Ahead of the upcoming vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, MRP analysis of new polling confirms that every constituency and region in the country supports assisted dying, with support soaring to 80% in Moray and Argyll and Bute, and 87% in Banffshire and Buchan Coast.
The polling also shows strong support for law change in all five party leaders’ constituencies, including 77% support in John Swinney’s constituency of Perthshire North, 72% in Glasgow, Anas Sarwar’s region, 70% in Green co-leader Ross Greer and Conservative leader Russell Findlay’s region of West Scotland and 69% in Green co-leader Gillian Mackay’s region of Central Scotland.
This news comes as three terminally ill Scottish women will today stand on plinths erected outside the Scottish Parliament to form living statues to honour the people the current blanket ban on assisted dying affects most, and show them standing together, demonstrating that while we wait for MSPs’ final Stage 3 vote for the law to be set in stone, the will of the people in Scotland is unwavering.
This installation follows the historic Stage 1 vote on the assisted dying Bill in Holyrood last May, in which MSPs overwhelmingly voted to support the Bill’s principles. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would make the choice of assisted dying legal for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, alongside excellent end-of-life care.
Lorna Weir, Tish McEwan, and Lisa Fleming will be forming the installation and are each living with a terminal diagnosis:
Lisa Fleming, 42, is living with secondary, incurable breast cancer, and founded Edinburgh’s beloved House of Hope, a community-based support and wellbeing centre for women with the same disease. She said: “I fight every day of my life to live for longer. And today I’m standing before Parliament asking MSPs to grant people like me the right to choose when and how we decide that enough is enough, right at the end of our lives.
“There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about dying, and it scares me. But it shouldn’t have to. My cancer has spread to every bone in my body. I know what pain is. If I knew I had the choice of an assisted death at the end, I could live the rest of my life without that fear.”
Tish McEwan, a 73-year old grandmother from Glenrothes was diagnosed with IPF, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, having spent much of her professional life as a traffic warden. She said: “I was diagnosed with IPF in 2021 and I became part of this whole new community of people going through terminal lung disease.
“Through them, I have seen what it can mean to die from this cruel condition, even with the best possible care, feeling like you’re suffocating, gasping for breath.
“The assisted dying bill is about dying well – but it’s also about living a full end of life; living well for as long as I can, knowing that at the end I’ll be able to make the choice that is right for me.
“That’s why I’m here today with other amazing campaigners to stand together for dignity and choice. I hope MSPs heed the calls from the terminally ill people they represent, and vote yes later this month.”
Lorna Weir, a 67-year-old grandmother from Dundee, is supporting the assisted dying Bill following her diagnosis with Pulmonary Fibrosis and lifelong commitment to tackling social injustice, especially in health. She said: “When you get a diagnosis like mine, there is a period of adjustment while you learn to live a new sort of life.
“My symptoms are currently manageable with oxygen and strong medications – ultimately, Pulmonary Fibrosis is a progressive disease. There will come a time, however, when my symptoms cannot be controlled and will likely be the cause of my death.
“I believe so strongly that what we leave behind when we die is memories. I want my family and friends to remember who I am now, and as I move forward in this new way of living, I do my best to make happy memories with them.
“I don’t want good memories tarnished with who I could become if I’m forced to suffer at the end without choice.”
Ally Thomson, Director of Dignity in Dying Scotland, said: “Today we are honouring the lived experience of those who are watching the progress of the assisted dying Bill in the hope that, if it becomes law, they might be spared agonising fear and suffering as they consider the end of their lives.
“MSPs have a choice before them – to provide a safe, compassionate choice to dying people in their final days and weeks, or to double down on a status quo that leaves dying people in an impossible position – choosing between suffering against their wishes, scraping the money together to travel abroad for an assisted death, or taking matters into their own hands at home.
“This Bill was first introduced in 2021, and since then it has received public consultation, expert advice and robust parliamentary scrutiny, throughout which it has enjoyed overwhelming public support. Dying Scots felt such hope when MSPs decisively supported it at its Stage 1 vote last May.
“They are now asking that MSPs act for them now and deliver this historic reform for dying people later this month.”
Opinium conducted MRP analysis of Scottish Parliament boundaries based on a sample of 5,000 adults aged 18 and over in Scotland. Fieldwork was conducted between 30 January and 19 February 2026.
The sample was designed to be politically and nationally representative of the adult population. Results were weighted to reflect the demographic profile of Scotland’s adult population. Multilevel Regression and Post-stratification (MRP) was used to estimate public opinion at the constituency level.
Dobbies Edinburgh store is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from Thursday 5 to Monday 9 March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings across plants, gardening tools and more.
As the first signs of spring begin to appear across Edinburgh, the Green Team at Dobbies is marking the change in season with five days of offers designed to help gardeners refresh their outdoor spaces.
Customers visiting the store will be able to explore more than 415 own-brand gardening products, alongside new-season plants and new outdoor living ranges as spring gets underway. From colourful primroses and pansies for instant colour, to houseplants that will liven up your interiors, there’s plenty to help you embrace spring vibrancy both indoors and out.
Special offers during the Spring Garden Savings Weekend include:
Buy an orchid and pick up a 13cm pot (cream, pink or green) for just £4
Spend £15 on bulbs and get a dahlia beds and borders jumbo pack half price (usually £10)
20% off all magnolias and hebes
Erysimum 2L – 2 for £15
Cottage garden plants (1L) – 3 for £12
Carry pack primrose (6x9cm) – 3 for £15
1L primrose – 4 for £10
Primrose hanging pot – 2 for £15
Half price 3L pansy and viola – now £3.99
Yardforce 1500W scarifier – save £30, now £89.99
Yardforce 1500W power washer – save £20, now £39.99
Miracle-Gro all purpose peat free compost 40L – 2 for £10
Nigel Lawton, Dobbies Plant Buyer, said: “Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year for gardeners, and our Spring Garden Savings Weekend is all about helping our local communities to make the most of the season ahead.
“We’ve got fantastic offers across plants, bulbs, gardening tools and essentials, plus plenty of new arrivals in-store to inspire customers.”
In addition to garden savings, Dobbies Edinburgh store will also be unveiling its new spring summer menu in the restaurant, offering customers the chance to enjoy seasonal dishes and sweet treats as part of their trip.
The Spring Garden Savings Weekend runs from Thursday 5 to Monday 9 March at Dobbies Edinburgh store. For more information, visit www.dobbies.com.
Children with vision impairment will be able to take part in this year’s World Book Day with books provided in audio and braille editions by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Lara Marshall, RNIB’s Library Services Manager, said: “For children with vision impairment reading opens up a world of imagination and information that’s vital in enriching their lives and developing their education.
“RNIB’s Library ensures children with vision impairment always have access to books in accessible formats such as braille and audio so they can delve into the stories they love and hear and feel them come to life.
“What better way to celebrate World Book Day than to recognise literature in all its forms – and the life-changing impact accessible formats can have for children – enabling them to access stories on a par with their sighted peers.”
The 2026 World Book Day books are available in braille and audio with help from RNIB. Call 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Children with vision impairment have also been invited to a very special event in partnership with the British Library, World Book Day, Penguin Random House, The Roald Dahl Foundation and VICTA – a charity which supports children with vision impairments – set to take place at the British Library on March 15.
Author Sibéal Pounder, one of this year’s World Book Day writers will be leading three sessions for children with vision impairment based on her Willy Wonka book, Chaos at the Chocolate Factory. Other events will follow later in the year.
To access books throughout the year, readers of every age with a vision impairment or sight loss will find more than 52,000 books in accessible formats including audio and braille from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
‘Our plan is delivering’ – Health Secretary welcomes new figures
New figures show the number of operations carried out in the 12 months to January 2026 increased by 6.1% compared to the same period the year before.
New statistics from Public Health Scotland show a total of 276,118 operations were performed during the last 12 months, while 756 operations were carried out per day; an increase from 713 for year ending January 2025.
This comes on the back of new waiting times statistics which show waits of over a year have decreased for 8 consecutive months – with new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks more than halving since July 2025 and waits of over a year reducing by almost 30% for inpatient/day-case procedures in the same period.
Labour is desperate to talk down Scotland’s NHS, but here are the facts.
Latest stats out today show we are delivering more operations, meeting our CAMHS target, and long waits are falling. Thanks to our incredible NHS staff and the Scottish Government’s investment👇 pic.twitter.com/KWQTCZL74l
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These new figures show that our plan is delivering for Scotland – I am pleased to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out, despite on-going pressures and the adverse weather seen over Winter which has impacted activity.
“I thank all NHS staff for their continued hard work – they are driving this progress and these figures are further evidence that our NHS is turning a corner.
“We are seeing waits of over a year come down month after month and we are delivering thousands more operations, procedures and appointments compared to last year – we are determined to build on this momentum.”
WHEN we talk health and social care in Scotland, the debate tends to orbit big numbers and long-term policy frameworks (writes Councillor PAUL KELLY, COSLA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care) .
But from where I sit, speaking to councils and communities every day, the reality is far more immediate. It’s about people waiting longer for help, care workers stretched too thin, and a system close to burnout.
The £750 million COSLA is calling for isn’t a throwaway figure. It’s what’s needed just to stabilise social care and start rebuilding confidence, and right now, integration authorities are staring down a half-billion-pound deficit. That’s not theoretical. It means fewer care packages, longer waits, and more families left in limbo.
We can’t keep papering over the cracks. Care isn’t a luxury – it’s the infrastructure that allows people to live with dignity in their homes and communities and if we fail to fund it properly, we’re choosing crisis over prevention every time.
I’ve seen what good looks like, councils across Scotland are proving that when local partners are trusted, empowered and resourced, they deliver. Hospital admissions go down, delayed discharges drop and people get to stay in their homes, with the right support around them.
But the truth is, those successes are happening despite the system, not because of it.
Short sighted one-year budgets force local authorities into short-term firefighting, providers can’t plan, good staff leave for more stable work elsewhere.
The same goes for prevention, everyone talks about it but few fund it. Yet we’ve known since the Christie Commission in 2011 that unless we shift spending upstream, public services will buckle under the weight of demand. Fourteen years later, the shift still hasn’t happened.
The result? Hospitals are under strain, community are services stretched, and the most vulnerable people keep falling through the cracks. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Across Scotland, local authorities are already delivering services that tackle inequality at the source. From mental health and suicide prevention work to alcohol and drug partnerships, councils are embedded in the places where support makes the most difference, but they’re doing it with one hand tied behind their backs.
The evidence is clear, outcomes improve when decisions are made locally and in partnership with communities, we need government to match that ambition, not with more centralisation, but with trust, flexibility and proper funding at local democracy level.
If we want to get serious about health inequalities, that starts with recognising that most of the determinants of health – housing, transport, education, employment – sit within the remit of local government and you can’t improve population health without improving people’s lives.
So, here’s the ask: fund social care properly. Commit to multi-year budgets, back prevention, and most importantly, hand decision-making power back to local communities.
If we keep waiting for someone in the centre to fix this, we’ll still be having this conversation in ten year’s time, and the system will be in a worse place.
Local government is ready to lead, it just needs the tools to do the job.
Tracy Gilbert, MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the Chancellor’s confirmation that the Scottish Government will receive an additional £921 million in funding through Barnett consequential in the Spring Statement.
Since the General Election in July 2024, the Scottish Government has received nearly £12 billion in extra funding.
Commenting, Tracy Gilbert MP said: “The Scottish Government has received £12 billion in additional funding since 2024. People in Edinburgh North and Leith will rightly ask what that money has delivered for them.
“With pressures on our NHS, housing and local services, this funding must be used to improve people’s day-to-day lives. It’s time to focus on getting the basics right and delivering for communities across Scotland.”
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